we have been drawn into, those among whom we live will see the difference between us and such as do wrong, persist in it, and excuse it. It is so natural to us all to err, and so contrary to nature to own our faults, that I have known instances in which I have gained upon even those without, or at least, upon very doubtful characters, by acknowledging that I had been to blame in my conduct towards them. "As self-knowledge, arising from an increasing knowledge of God, his spiritual law, and our obligations, and from diligent self-examination, must produce increasing humility; and as Satan will aim to graft a temptation to discouragement, in our attempts to do good, upon our humbling discoveries of our own sinfulness, the deceitfulness of our hearts, and the corrupt mixtures in our duties: these considerations seemed suited to counterbalance that effect. I have seen many, through a deep sense of their own sinfulness, discouraged even from speaking, writing, or attempting any thing for the good of their nearest relations: nay, they have even thought it would be presumption in such unworthy creatures to pray for others: and I have, at times, felt somewhat of the same kind myself, and do still on some occasions. I have known very good men afraid to exert themselves, not lest they should seem vain-glorious, but because they felt so strong a propensity to this and other evils, mixing with their exertions. But, if we must not move till we can do it with perfect decorum, we may sit still till we die. We should therefore remember that we are under a covenant of grace. A merciful father will accept, and even recompense, such services as a severe master would punish. But he that buries his talent is a wicked and slothful servant. We should study the duties of our several relations, the talents committed to our stewardship, and the dangers to which we are peculiarly exposed: and, in the spirit of faith and prayer, should be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.May we spend this year more profitably than any heretofore! "Your affectionate friend and servant, In this letter the writer, in answer to inquiries made of him concerning his situation and circumstances, sketches his own history to the completion of his Commentary, and the occurrences which followed with respect to that work, in perfect accordance with what has been since published in his Life; and then proceeds: "Had it not been that I could not raise money to print my volume of sermons (1796,) without borrowing, and had no right to risk the property of others, I should not, I think, have submitted to solicit subscriptions for the work even by general proposals and, when it was published, I found the printers and publishers much more punctual in their demands, than the subscribers and booksellers in their payments, which reduced me to serious difficulties; though I have got my money uncommonly well since.-I believe I may claim the honour of having done, and doing, as much work for nothing as any man in my line; and I can assure you that I should, humanly speaking, have been several hundred pounds richer than I am, had I never published a book in my life. I do not, however, repent: for I trust I have been more useful that way than by preaching.—I have almost always found those with whom I have dealt too deep for me in making bargains; and the desire of publishing cheap has led me sometimes to publish too cheap; though, upon the whole, I have not lost materially by any publication except the Bible; and am in general rather a gainer: but, if I have gained 2007. by other books, I lost above 7001. at once by that. I only wonder that a man who was just before without any property could lose so much, and not lose his credit, or even his liberty.... But I can say with Jacob, The Lord hath fed me all my life long; and, having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. I have maintained my family decently, and kept up my credit fully, during above twenty years, since I first cast myself on God's providence, by following the dictates of my conscience, and the path of duty, and have been enabled to help many others likewise. My losses never troubled me, except when I could hardly answer the demands made on me, and the sense of being in debt disquieted me. I have all sins in my heart; and, among the rest, have often to conflict with covetousness: but it is not my easily besetting sin; and my trials in that respect have scarcely been felt, compared with 1 2 It may be due to the present proprietors of his Bible, and publishers of his Works, to say that this was written before my father had any dealings with them. 2 See Life, p. 101, 102. (103.) others that respect my ministry and domestic concerns; especially the death of relations, frequent sicknesses in my family, and the pain I feel on account of unconverted friends. I do not feel the least anxiety to be rich, or to see my children rich: nor do I fear but they will be provided for, if they act properly.....I am surrounded on all sides with mercies; if I had but a patient, contented, and thankful heart. Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life: and I trust I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. And I own, if I may but be helped to pay my way, and live according to my present plan, I had rather it should be said after my death, 'He worked hard, and died poor,' than that 'He left some thousands behind him:' for, though it will then nowise affect me, yet it may more favourably impress those that take up any of my publications.-I would therefore set up my Ebenezer: hitherto the Lord hath helped me. I verily believe that I have not had one loss, disappointment, or mortification, more than my stout spirit required: and I sometimes think that, in heaven, I shall thank God more for my medicines, than for my meals or cordials: because I should have chosen the latter, and I prayed for them; but he forced the other on me, as absolutely necessary, though I would fain have been without them. "Having dwelt so long on these subjects, I have no room, though I took a larger sheet than usual, 'He thinks it needful to explain this in a postscript; that "in domestic life he had been peculiarly comfortable, except as death or sickness had intervened.” to descant on others. The case you mention 1is lamentable. Alas, how many such do we hear of! and how loudly do they call on us to watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation; and, while we think we stand, to take heed lest we fall.-You know the scriptural rules; From such withdraw thyself that they may be ashamed. This, in the first instance, is necessary to stop the mouths of enemies that the blame may rest on the man, not on the gospel; and to humble and abase him, in order to his recovery, if there be life in his soul. But the rules also of restoring, in the spirit of meekness, such as are overtaken in a fault; and of saving with fear, plucking them out of the fire, hating the garment spotted with the flesh; will occur to you. Hatred of the sin; fear of being polluted, or of disgracing the cause; trembling over the sinner, yet longing, praying, and trying for his recovery; are peculiarly important.-I hope the Lord will overrule it for good; especially in teaching ministers to insist more on practical subjects in connexion with evangelical truth. "Any thing in my way that I can do for you in town you may command.-With Christian respects to my unknown friends, "I remain, dear sir, "Your's affectionately, "THOMAS SCOTT." This renewed notice of my father's difficulties and losses, incurred in giving his publications, particularly his Commentary, to the world, fur 'The fall of a popular preacher. |