SUCH a stroke as this twenty-seven years ago, would have caused our hope to give up the ghost-but being a little stronger in the Lord, faith has heavier burthens laid on. The temple built by Solomon, and that built by Cyrus were both burnt. The first book of Samuel, and the thirtieth chapter came to my mind also, together with this promise, "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord.
It will cause a little rejoicing among the Philistines, as has been the case often; they once triumphed gloriously when the ark of God was taken, supposing that Dagon had overcome the God of Israel, but their joy was but short-the fall of Dagon, the Emrods and the mice, made them glad to send it back again, and a trespass-offering with it, for they cried, We are all destroyed, for his hand is heavy upon us, and upon Dagon our God. This I know, that it shall work for our good, but how I know not; if I did, I must walk by sight and not by faith. Bless God, we are trot in beggary yet, nor ever shall. I herein enclose you a trifle, as I am going out, into the country.
God bless thee.
THE COALHEAVER.
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