LETTER TO M. B. - Robert Murray Mcchene
One of his flocks who had felt deserted in soul.
PETERHEAD, February 7, 1843.
DEAR FRIEND, —I was very happy to hear from you. I grieve to hear of your sorrow; but Job’s sorrow was deeper, and David’s also, in Ps. 42. If you cannot say, “I found Him whom my soul loveth,” is it not sweet that you can say, “I am sick of love”—He is my beloved still, though He has withdrawn himself and is gone for a time? Seek into the cause of your declension. See that it be not some Achan in your bosom, —some idols set up in the corner of your heart. See that it be not some allowed sin, —an unlawful attachment that is drawing you away from the bleeding side of Jesus and bringing a cloud between you and that bright Sun of Righteousness. When you find out the cause, confess it and bewail it in the ear of a listening God. Tell Him all; keep nothing back. If you cannot find out the cause, ask Him to tell it you. Get it washed in the blood of Jesus. Then get it subdued. —Micah 7:19. None but the Lord Jesus can either pardon or subdue. Remember not to rest in a state of desertion. “I will rise now and go about the city.” And yet do not think that you have some great thing to do before regaining peace with God. The work on which peace is given has all been done by Jesus for us. “The word is nigh thee.” Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.
The sunshine is always sweeter after we have been in the shade; so, will you find Jesus in returning to Him. True, it is better never to wander; but when you have wandered, the sooner you return the happier you will be. “I will go and return to my first husband, for then it was better with me than now.” Hos. 2:7.
Do not delay, but humble yourself under his mighty hand, and He will exalt you in due season. I have been speaking to-night in this place to a large and attentive audience on Zech. 9:9. May you be enabled to apply it. Remember me to Mrs. K——, and also to all your fellow-servants whom I know and love in the truth. Tell N—C—to make sure that she is in Christ, and not to take man’s word for it. Tell E—L—to abide in Jesus; and tell her brother to take care lest he be a rotten branch of the true vine. Tell W—J—to be faithful unto death.
I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in the truth. —I am, your loving pastor, etc.