A Letter from the Late Henry Fowler - 1836
"The same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." I have nearly done with letter writing, but as I sat alone musing I felt a sudden thought, and said, "How does my dear friend, Mrs. S., move on?" There also rushed into my mind an observation which you made as we walked towards the coach; it was something to this effect, "I fear after all that I shall be deceived." I have, my dear friend, often been in the same painful situation, but, blessed be God, his thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his ways as our ways. The foundation on which we stand is immovable; "The Rock of ages never moves." We are ever varying, fluctuating, changing ; tossed about like a feather in the air; creatures of circumstances. Alas! "what is man?" even believing man? I am now within a few days of completing the fifty- seventh year of my age, and mercy, mercy, abundant mercy has indeed followed me up to the present moment. It is now about thirty-nine years since I first tasted of the precious love of Christ, but the fountain of the great deep was not broken up for many years after that period. Nearly thirty-six years have I preached the gospel of Christ, and what am I now? Why, much more helpless than I was thirty-six years ago. Thus, you see, I have made but little progress, and am obliged to cry, with the poor publican, "God, be merciful to me a sinner !" My object is not to discourage you by this sable picture, for I pray that the gracious Lord may make you more spiritual and more fruitful than your poor worn-out, and worthless correspondent. I would bring you better tidings. Why should the great and blessed object of our faith be left out, seeing that from his fullness we receive grace for grace? My kind regards to Mr. S. and family. A line at your convenience will be thankfully received. Mercy and peace be your choice companions. Ever yours in Jesus, and for his sake, H. FOWLER. London, Dec. 7, 1836. |