I might here mention, were it prudent, some particular persons, whom the Lord has raised up to seek the welfare of this oppressed Church—persons whom I scarcely knew before, but who have been the instruments of much good to us. I beg them to accept this my warmest gratitude and acknowledgement.
In the next place, I take this opportunity of returning my grateful thanks to that large body of persons, who, though many were strangers to me, did, so willingly, and in so kind a manner, readily subscribe their names to the petition, which was presented to the Secretary of State for my enlargement, and which was refused, for very judicious reasons; the good effects of which we hope shortly to see.
While I am daily praying for grace, to walk worthy the honour done me, as it respects my long afflictions and deep distresses of mind, I shall not work upon your feelings in the detail of them, suffice it to say, that I shall ever maintain that it was the most weak, cruel, and scandalous prosecution, which ever took place in this highly favored land—had it been justly merited, these were, besides the prosecution, such unparalleled cruelties exercised towards me, as perhaps were never known in the memory of man; but I forgive the prosecutor, and consider him only as the tool of a party, and may God pardon his falsehoods. But I cannot easily forget the cruelty and joyful malice of little Doeg the Edomite, Saul and Nabal, Rabshakeh, Rab Mag, Rab Saris, Samgar Nebo, and Nergal Sharezer.
That the honorable and learned Judge, who tried the cause, should act as he did, was not to be wondered at, when we reflect upon the misrepresentations which were made to him; nor could any other verdict be expected from a jury, however candid and impartial, when we call to mind the circulation of the many thousand scandalous pamphlets, filled with the most abominable falsehood—it is computed that above ten thousands were circulated in a very few days, and some thousands which contained a hundred palpable lies—What other verdict could naturally be expected? I beg leave, however to state, that I am not the less affected to the Law of the Land, because I have been so severely and cruelly handled; the situation I have just left has given me all opportunity to appreciate their value. I shall ever reverence and esteem them, and endeavour to obey them, with the Laws of Christ; and in reference to myself, in my own individual circumstances, I have paid the debt for the supposed violation of them. Whether guilty or not, is not now the point, the debt of long affliction is paid, not do I wish my most inveterate foes to pass through three such painful years as I have. I trust, however, they are satisfied. I only aimed at giving satisfaction, by enduring the heavy penalty; I might have avoided it, by quitting the country, after paying the bail, which was but twenty pounds each; but I was conscious I had done nothing of a criminal nature, that I was quite innocent of the intent imputed to me—Why then should I gratify the wishes of certain parties, by flying from my country and friends? The Laws of the land are satisfied; the Prosecutor is satisfied, although he had declared to many that I was guilty of no assault whatever. Little Doeg the Edomite, is satisfied, although I never injured him, or spake disrespectfully of his family; he is, no doubt, well pleased with the long train of my inconceivable sorrows, the tears and distresses of my children, and the grief of thousands. Many connected with the business are satisfied, being well paid for their trouble. Envious Preachers are satisfied, that my popularity and public usefulness is for ever at an end—that part of the public, who were prejudiced, and who never took the trouble to search into the business, but guided by bare hear-say, these have been satisfied, that I have, in their opinion, met with my deserts; but those, who best know about the affair, will never be satisfied with the cruelty I have experienced.
I am satisfied that it was all divinely appointed, that it has taught me many important lessons, and has produced the fruits of righteousness to the glory of God. The Congregation is satisfied with my return to them, in hopes of being more blest than they were before, by subjects of truth, learnt in the school of deep affliction. Neighbours around, who esteem me as a neighbour, are satisfied with my return, and my Family particularly share in the satisfaction. Thus, I hope, as all have satisfaction, the matter of eleven years contention is at an end.
While I pray daily for grace to walk as becometh the gospel of Christ, in holiness and righteousness, as an evidence of being delivered from my enemies, and from the hand of those who unjustly hate me, that while they intended me evil, God meant it unto good.
FINIS.