I should indeed have been glad to see you before I left; but our place as Christ's servants is to serve peacefully, where He calls, and to wait for all personal blessing till we get it with Himself, working while it is called to-day. Our sabbath will be with Him. This gives great rest and joy, too, now, but it is a joy which always looks forward.
At Montreal the Lord has been very gracious indeed. I had, too, a nice visit to Ottawa, where, though there were some fruits of isolation, I found subjection to the word, and sincere desire to serve Christ.... I got, too, amongst the French Canadians: missionaries are hopeful, but it is as such a sorrowful picture of systematized missions, yet some of them true devoted people, but then chiefly unhappy: their support by the so-called churches exercising the most unhappy influence on those engaged in this work. The work itself is of deep interest to me. All this ought to bring us low before the Lord, and lead us to intercede earnestly for His work and people. I must close.
I still cherish the hope that I may be in Canada next year, but the Lord knows.
Affectionately yours.
[1863.]