TO MRS. THAIN, HEATHPARK - Robert Murray Mcchene

During the continuance of the same illness

EDINBURGH, February 9, 1839.

MY DEAR MRS. THAIN, —I was happy to receive your and Mr. Thain’s kind letter. It is very cheering to me, in my exile from my flock, to hear of them. I send you a short line, as I am not good at writing. I am glad you are keeping pretty well, and still more that your spiritual health seems to prosper. The spring is advancing, —I feel already the softness of the wind, —so that we may hope the winter is past, the rain over and gone. I know the summer revives you, and the doctor gives me good hope that it will revive me. In spiritual things, this world is all wintertime so long as the Saviour is away. To them that are in Christ there are some sweet glistening’s of his countenance, there are melting’s of his love, and the sweet song of the turtledove when his Holy Spirit dwells in the bosom; still it is but wintertime till our Lord shall come. But then, “to you that fear his name, shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings.” And if before He comes, we should go away to be where He is, still we shall enter into a world of perpetual summer, —we shall behold his glory which the Father gave Him.

I feel much better than usual to-day; but I have returns of my beating heart occasionally. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, and sometimes I think the door will give way before his gentle hand. I am bid to try the seawater hot bath, which I hope will do me good. I have good hope of being restored to my people again, and only hope that I may come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ, that this time of silent musing may not be lost.

I am thankful indeed at the appointment of Mr. Lewis. I hope he has been given in answer to prayer, and then he will be a blessing. We must pray that he may be furnished from on high for his arduous work. I have 172 great hopes that he will be the means of raising many more churches and schools in our poor town—I mean poor in spiritual things.

I hope Mr. Macdonald was happy, and made others so. “Apollos watered.” May great grace be upon you all. —Your affectionate friend, etc.