I O LIFE-WORK
evening, and the next morning just after one of the most heavenly seasons of communion with God that was ever granted me, good brother Nutting called, deputed, I presume by (——), advising me that it would be much better for me to go up into the country, and giving me to understand that I was excited. So when I addressed the people at the Association at Wilmot that summer on the reality of the Gospel and the importance of giving it full credence, and be- came very earnest in my appeals, I was immediately put under medical treatment. Dr. Sawyers was advised to speak to me and advise me to abstain from every exciting scene and subject, as I was over-excited, that is, I was bordering on insanity. ” So they wrap it up.” In all ages, those who follow the Lord fully are denounced as madmen. But shall I be cheated out of heavenly—mindedness and
heaven by such puerilities?
I am determined to embrace the Gospel with all my heart, and act upon it. I feel my strength renewed in so doing. I have de— voted my time during the past year, as I never did before since I commenced the work of this Mission, in seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This last month in the year, which I might have devoted to the collecting of subscriptions, I have de— voted to the work of the Mission. I have done it deliberately, and in order to glorify God. I have prayed, and laboured, and looked up to Him for help. He has already interposed in a most striking manner to supply present necessities. . . . I now feel satisfied that the course I am pursuing is right. I can look confidently up to my Father, and to the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him alone I make known my wants,—to Him alone I tell my plans. My creditors know nothing of it; my friends know nothing of my necessities. I purposely refrain from publishing them, because this would be an appeal to man after all, and not to God alone. I will let the people know when the time comes. I now feel, not willing to be deceived, not willing to find out that all my hopes, my peace, my confidence, has been delusion; no! I am not willing to find out that; that would be a most fearful calamity; but I am willing to find out that I have not learned the whole will of God. I am willing to be made wiser and better. I am perfectly willing to have my faith and patience