Letter 323 Letter 324

circumlocution. Our time is in God’s hands: Let us stand ready for all things!

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

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CCCXXIII. — To Mr. James Dempster.

DEAR JEMMY, BALLINROBE, May 19, 1775.

THAT one point I earnestly recommend, both to brother Rankin, and you, and all our Preachers, — by prayer, by exhortation, and by every possible means, to oppose a party spirit. This has always, so far as it prevailed, been the bane of all true religion; more especially when a country was in such a situation as America is now. None but the God of almighty love can extricate the poor people out of the snare. O what need have you to besiege His throne with all the power of prayer!

I am, dear Jemmy,

Yours affectionately.

CCCXXIV. — To the Same.

DEAR JEMMY, Near LEEDS, July 28, 1775.

LAST month I was at the gates of death. But it pleased God just then to rebuke the fever, so that my pulse began to beat again, after it had totally ceased. Since that time I have been gradually recovering strength, and am now nearly as well as ever. Let us use the short residue of life to the glory of Him that gave it!

I am

Yours affectionately.