A Letter To A Friend – October 30th, 1865
Dear Friend,
I am sorry I cannot accept the invitation contained in your kind and affectionate letter. My will is to labour in the vineyard; but I do not possess the health and strength needful to carry out my will. My chest being weak and tender I can only just manage, with the Lord’s help, to go in and out before my own people. Besides which, the winter season is fast advancing, during which I rarely go from home, except backwards and forwards here, which, indeed, is my second home, naturally and spiritually.
Apart from my own bodily comfort I have often much desired better health, that I might labour more in the Lord’s cause. But He knows best what to do with, and what to do by us, and what we cannot alter, it is our wisdom and mercy to submit to.
I have no doubt that you find it hard work to carry on the cause of truth at L___. But if this make you feel more deeply your need of help from the Sanctuary, it will work together for your spiritual good. Those causes, or rather those people, usually flourish best where there is much opposition and many painful trials. These show how far we are sincere in our love to the truth, and give an errand to the throne. We soon sink down into a cold, careless state, when there are no trials; and, therefore, we may say of them that they are blessings in disguise.
Yours affectionately,
J. C. P.
Jesus is LORD! 
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