Letter from Daniel Muir to John Muir, 1861 Jan 25

Town of Buffalo, Juany. 25th, 1861.Dear John: I am glad to hear of your health Improving So well and that you are succeeding so well otherwise. I hope you are doing all to the glory of God who gives you the power. If you do, you may be satisfied. If not, you cannot. But in order to know, see that you have God\u27s word & Spirit in your favour. Give much of your time to the study of Gods word - for want of his diligent study many err & lose much by it & are in danger of perishing, and in some cases do perish. The love of the applause of man has been the ruin of many, if not coupled with that which cometh of God. Let us please all men for their good. Whatever way you can advance God\u27s glory the most should be your study. This is what will give you eternal satisfaction, & this is what the wise do, though it be opposed to there natural inclination, & though they have to act contrary to there thoughts, words, & deeds of the people of the world, and although they have to resist the Devil in all the way in order to accomplish it. May god give you grace to do it through Jesus Christ & to his name be the praise. As regards what you have done since you left us, I do not know but that it is wisely done, and as long as you fear God he will make all things work together for your good & his own glory. See that all you do in the world is for the good of the church of God throughout the world, split up though it be into so many sects. Try to be a peace-maker to bring them together in the spirit of Charity, for our interest is in the unity of the church of God also think of the souls of the poor destitute heathen. Pray for them. They are dependent upon the grace of God. Through his instrumentality their state is constantly crying to us as the ministers of God for help. Let us think that if we were in their state & knew our destitution how much we would like such help as we may from time to time be able to afford them. O, look to Eternity & prepare for it. Another moment & we may be out of time. I think there is more interest taken in our meetings this winter then last. I am invited to go & administer the sacrament next Sunday to Baptists, Presbyterians, Episopalians, & Methodists, at that schoolhouse east of Bellfountain on the Kingston road. We are going up to partake of the symbols of our blessed Saviour\u27s dying love, except your mother, as we cannot get all away. I am glad to know you are attending upon the means of grace regularly. Keep your mind upon God\u27s business, & never cease to walk in all his ways, & he will bless you in time & eternity. I am glad to hear from you always. A wise son maketh a glad father. I remain, Your affectionate father, Daniel Muir 0025