The following letters were written by Mr. Sinclair during his last illness. A few more will appear in next issue.
3rd January, 1884.
DEAR MRS. S.—I am sitting here alone, repeating “Fools for their sin and their offence do sore affliction bear,” &c. I’m now better than for the last two weeks. My feet and ankles are still swollen, and I am ordered by the doctors to take perfect rest, but that I cannot do. But I have no pain.
Pray that drops may fall to turn our prayers into praises.
WICK, 7th January, 1884.
MY DEAR FRIEND,—I have been confined to the house for the last two weeks, having wearisome nights, full of tossings, and scared with dreams and night visions, yet no pain, except the feeling of weakness and coughing. “Fools for their sins and their offence do sore affliction bear, all kinds of meat their soul abhors,” &c. Well, in the day of adversity we are called to consider, and among many other things I have to think of is, what sort of example I have been to the flock. I am much afraid I have been a stumbling-block in several respects. The standard of the Christian life seems very low, even if we judge by those who assume to be leaders. We rather compare ourselves among ourselves than examine how we stand the test of the Holy Scriptures, such as, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” and what is set before us in such chapters as the 3rd of Colossians, and the 5th of Matthew, not overlooking the last verse, as it is enjoined by Him who came to reveal the will of the Father. Truly we may be ashamed to confess that ever we have read or heard what is contained in the Holy Bible, and yet we are bold enough to profess to be followers of Him who delights in doing the things that please the Father. “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” Is He manifesting Himself to us?
I was not a little comforted last night by the calls given to the seven churches. Who can tell but He may yet call backsliding children back to His favour and love, and cause them to loathe themselves, when he is pacified for all that they have done? There is joy in heaven over a sinner brought to repentance, including old eleven o’clock professors, more than over ninety-nine just men that need no repentance. It is high time to awake out of sleep. I will be glad to get a line from you saying how you are, and also dear Mrs. Paterson.
With best regards, I remain your companion in tribulation.
WICK, 16th January, 1884.
DEAR MRS. P.—Being confined to the house for several weeks, I often think of my companions in light affliction.
The First and the Last, giving counsel to those who were neither cold nor hot, said, “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent.” Are our tribulations leading us to repent, and to abhor ourselves in dust and ashes? If so, there would be joy in heaven. Though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. If we read the Lamentations or the 11th chapter of Hebrews, we may indeed be silent, and say, “He hath not dealt us according to our ways or our doings.” Therefore we ought to serve Him with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things, taking the 103rd Psalm to lead and guide us in the right way. Hold fast the beginning of your confidence, and repent, adoring that there is holy provision for the remission of sins that are past. After you have suffered a while, may He send His word, and heal, strengthen, establish, and settle you.
Many are so full of what they ignorantly think is the very best sort of religion, that they have need of nothing. Oh, to obey the instruction of divine wisdom and love, even such as these. “If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin, but now they have no cloak for their sin.” Truth, Lord! Therefore would I need your own robe to cover me all over, that there be not spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.
I am getting rather better than I was two weeks ago, but am still delicate. With best regards.
WICK, 21st January, 1884.
DEAR MRS. H.—While sitting here alone I often think of you as one of my companions in light affliction. If you think they are not light, read the Lamentations or the latter part of the 11th chapter of Hebrews.
If thy Maker is thy husband, He will heal thy incurable wound. You need skill to profit by your new relationship. Don’t hide your poverty if you feel it, and He will give you good counsel how to get unspeakably rich, and that for ever. If your sight is failing, He can give new eyes that will see what is unseen—things hoped for. Then there will be melting joy, self-loathing, and unworthiness, while wondering and adoring the Incomprehensible. What we know not now we will know hereafter.
The Apostle, writing to the Corinthians, made them sorry even with godly sorrow, but he rejoiced that they sorrowed to repentance unto salvation. It wrought in them clearing, carefulness, indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal, revenge, “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” “I beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain.” May you be found watching as they that wait for the morning!
I think my health is improving slowly. With kind regards to yourself and family.