Publication
[place of publication not shown]: [publisher not shown], 1847.
Physical description
16 p.; 17 cm
Notes
Closing words:
You will expect me, my brethren, to apprize you of the state of my health. With unfeigned gratitude to God I am able to state, that my general health is very much improved, and that the local affection which has laid me aside from my work, has been, especially within the last few weeks, decidedly ameliorated. I think I may venture, in humble dependence upon the Divine blessing, to hope for entire relief from this protracted malady, and to anticipate the privilege of resuming my ministrations among you. The happiness which this prospect affords me, is commensurate with the severity of the trial to which I have been called--a trial which you have done so much to mitigate, that I cannot sufficiently thank you for your kind and generous sympathy.
This is not the place to narrate the incidents of a foreign tour, but I may say here that my visit to Europe has impressed me with a very deep sense of the goodness of God to our own country, and the peculiar obligations which rest upon the Christians of America to promote the universal diffusion of the gospel. Those who have traversed this continent will not deem it an extravagant opinion, that there are whole provinces and nations here which belong almost as appropriately to the field of Foreign Missions as the benighted tribes of Asia and Africa. It will be well for us, if, admonished by their example, we cleave to that pure faith which constitutes the brightest part of our rich inheritance, and, by an enlightened zeal in spreading it abroad, show that we have felt its power, and know its value.
This letter is written on the eve of one of our communion seasons. Precluded form joining with you in this sacred solemnity in person, I shall still be with you in spirit. Assured that on this occasion, as on the last, your pastor will not be forgotten by you, I need not say to you that my own supplications will be mingled with yours at the throne of grace, for a plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit upon our beloved church, and all connected with it. . . .
And "now," brethren, "the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen."
Commending you all to the blessing of God, and soliciting a continued interest in your prayers, I remain, sincerely and affectionately,
Your friend and pastor,
Henry A. Boardman.
Venice, December 15th, 1847.
You will expect me, my brethren, to apprize you of the state of my health. With unfeigned gratitude to God I am able to state, that my general health is very much improved, and that the local affection which has laid me aside from my work, has been, especially within the last few weeks, decidedly ameliorated. I think I may venture, in humble dependence upon the Divine blessing, to hope for entire relief from this protracted malady, and to anticipate the privilege of resuming my ministrations among you. The happiness which this prospect affords me, is commensurate with the severity of the trial to which I have been called--a trial which you have done so much to mitigate, that I cannot sufficiently thank you for your kind and generous sympathy.
This is not the place to narrate the incidents of a foreign tour, but I may say here that my visit to Europe has impressed me with a very deep sense of the goodness of God to our own country, and the peculiar obligations which rest upon the Christians of America to promote the universal diffusion of the gospel. Those who have traversed this continent will not deem it an extravagant opinion, that there are whole provinces and nations here which belong almost as appropriately to the field of Foreign Missions as the benighted tribes of Asia and Africa. It will be well for us, if, admonished by their example, we cleave to that pure faith which constitutes the brightest part of our rich inheritance, and, by an enlightened zeal in spreading it abroad, show that we have felt its power, and know its value.
This letter is written on the eve of one of our communion seasons. Precluded form joining with you in this sacred solemnity in person, I shall still be with you in spirit. Assured that on this occasion, as on the last, your pastor will not be forgotten by you, I need not say to you that my own supplications will be mingled with yours at the throne of grace, for a plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit upon our beloved church, and all connected with it. . . .
And "now," brethren, "the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen."
Commending you all to the blessing of God, and soliciting a continued interest in your prayers, I remain, sincerely and affectionately,
Your friend and pastor,
Henry A. Boardman.
Venice, December 15th, 1847.