LETTER CCCLXI.
To Mrs. Ann D, at great Gransden.
My dear Sister, Aberdeen, October 9, 1741.
THIS evening your letter came to hand. Though it is past eleven at night, and I have rode many miles this day, yet I cannot go to-bed without sending you a line. I fear, by your manner of writing, you are offended with me for my last letter. I knew very well, it would be a trial to you; but I wrote out of pure love, and am glad it is now in your power to clear your husband, which I much desired to do. I have too many aspersions of the same nature cast upon me, not to sympathize with you both. But Jesus is our advocate, and ere long we shall see all the accusers of the brethren cast down. In spite of all, Jesus has been, and is getting himself the victory in many sinners hearts. I am yet carried on day by day, strengthened in body, and much refreshed and comforted in soul. Your letter gives me a little present pain, lest my last should have pained you. But God permits these things to happen among ourselves, to teach us to look off from all creatures, and to centre all our happiness in himself. Glory be to God for his almighty love! At my first coming here, things looked a little gloomy; for the magistrates had been so prejudiced by one Mr. B,that when applied to, they refused me the use of the kirk-yard to preach in. This Mr. B is collegue with one Mr. O, at whose repeated invitation I came hither. Though collegues of the same congregation, they are very different in their natural tempers. The one is what they call in Scotland, of a sweet blooded, the other, of a choleric disposition. Mr. B is neither a Seceder, nor quite a Kirk-man, having great fault to find with both. Soon after my arrival, dear Mr. O took me to pay my respects to him; he was prepared for it, and immediately pulled out a paper, containing a great number of insignificant queries, which I had neither time near inclination to answer. The next morning, it being Mr. O's turn, I lectured and preached; the magistrates were present. The congregation very large, and light and life fled all around. In the afternoon Mr. B officiated; I attended. He began his pray-
