LETTER REV. W. C. BURNS - Robert Murray Mcchene

A minister’s afflictions to be improved.

June 10, 1840.

MY DEAR BROTHER, —I am truly thankful that you have been raised up again—renewed, I trust, both in the inner and outer man. “I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.” Sweet rod that drives the soul into such a precious resting-place! “I will visit their iniquity with stripes; nevertheless, my loving-kindness I will not take from him.” This has been the experience of the greater part of my life, at least of my spiritual life. Remember Edwards’ magnificent resolution: “Resolved to improve afflictions to the uttermost.” Spread the sail when the breeze of adversity blows, and let it drive your vessel onwards on its course.

When I was laid aside from the ministry, I felt it was to teach me the need of prayer for my people. I used often to say, Now God is teaching me the use of prayer. I thought I would never forget the lesson, yet I fear I am grown slack again when in the midst of my work.

All these remarks I have transferred to myself, that you may learn in me the same things. Exhort one another daily. My object in writing now is to say that I have engaged to be at Collessie next Wednesday, at Alloa on Thursday, and at Errol on Sabbath week. Now the people here were disappointed by your not appearing lately; and it would be very gratifying, if you are not better engaged, if the Lord would direct your steps towards us. If you would take both Thursday and the Sabbath, it would be pleasant to me. I have been weakened a little by the hard labors of the Assembly, but I trust to recruit shortly for our glorious warfare. I feel there are two things it is impossible to desire with sufficient ardor, —personal holiness, and the honor of Christ in the salvation of souls.

The Lord gives you both more than He has given me, and may He send you to us, if it be his will. Send me a line quickly, and believe me, ever yours in sweet bonds, etc.