LETTER 230.

[To Mr. Burrell.] London, 5 May 1842.

My dear Sir,

I have had some very sore mourning on account of the illness of my daughter H. But the Lord will humble us, and I have reason to hope that it is for good; for I already see the effect of the affliction upon more than one in my family. The circumstances of it leave an awe upon their spirits, and a very sober attention to the ministry. As for myself, though I am greatly bowed down with fear, yet the word of God looks very sweetly at me, and by the power I feel in it I am enabled to put my mouth in the dust. There the Lord spoke these words softly upon my heart to-day - "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." This led me further to examine what the Lord said to the children of Israel in their hard bondage; how he heard their groaning, and remembered his covenant; and these words - "I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgment," left upon my spirit much trembling, but not without hope; and the next words comforted my heart - "I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, that bringeth you out from under the burdens of' the Egyptians. I AM THE LORD." [Ex. vi. 6-8.]

I hope you will forgive my sending this, and that you will pray for me and my family, as I have many times for you and your family. May the Lord bless you and still spare you for the comfort and instruction of his afflicted people.

Yours &c. J. B.

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