July 1st 1846
My dear Mrs Platt,
By the visit of Mrs Cross I have been reminded
of past times and old friends, and although I have not
the opportunity of connecting with you personally yet I avail myself
of a few moments for the purpose of having a few words with you
through the medium of a letter. I long to be considered time
has passed since I wrote to you, yet you have not been forgotten
by one. I have often wondered how you are getting on and
especially have I been anxious to know whether my late
ministry among you has produced fruit. I hope it
has not altered the heart in vain in reference to you and
some branches of your family. And if I be not
present to see the fruits of my labours, if you have the benefit
and God the glory that is may be. It certainly is more pleasant
and rewarding to reap that you continue to sow, but if one
are faithful in the discharge of our duty, we are accountable for
no sorrow. And whose imperfections tonight be chargeable with,
you know how I have longed for the salvation of souls, and
if there was one family to whom my anxiety was directed more
than another, it was yours. I hope that anxiety has not been
lost on those who are now no more. Often did I _
amusements with the deepest solicitude, and had they been
respect and I continued at hope. I flatter myself they
would have seen my joy. I hope that through words are left
behind will be enabled to show that my labour has not altogether
been lost on thorns. I was sorry to hear from Mrs Cross
that your health has not been so good as it was used to be.
I hope however that amidst all your trials and disappointments,
you have your consolations and special
support, that as your day is so is your strength also. Many
a painful change have taken place since I left you. Yet
what may to know that we lie in a world that is superintended
and controlled by an all seeing and merciful God. So that in
our most distressing trials, and successive afflictions, these dealing
by the permission and appointment of a father that cares
for us. And if they are _ as coming from him over
heaviest states of affliction cannot be arrived as ill timed
for they are guided by infinite wisdom, they cannot be too
scarce because they are adjusted by unbounded law, they
cannot fail of accomplishing this design because they are
controlled by infinite power. And we know that the
design of all our trials is to make us better. In knowing
Father always chasteneth us for our profit. The profit of
holiness. It be impoverished, it is to enrich us, if be afflicted,
it is to heal and sanitise us, if he censors our friend and
acquaintance it is to us closer to himself, the glorious
creator, if be out of the stream, it is to bring us to the founding.
I hope dear Mrs Platt you have experienced this, and
that you have been enobled to say.
"Trials make the promise scant
Trials give new life to progress."
And if _ on this sacrifice, they are blessings
in disguise. It will afford me great pleasure to
hear from you, and especially to hear that you are living in
the enjoyment of the precious promises which _
may better. Mr Jessop and Richard unite in
kindest to you to yourself and all your family
and accept the same from
Dear Mrs Platt
Yours very sincerely
Richard Jessop
Please do remember us to Mrs Cross and all friends.
