TO MR. WILLIAM OLNEY MENTONE,

Nov. 6, ‘91.

MY DEAR FRIEND, —

You have given me more particulars than anyone else. I do not complain of lack of correspondents, but no one has gone into detail so fully as yourself.

Hearty thanks.

I see no reason why Dr. Pierson should not preside at Communion when Stott is not there. I think when Mr. Stott is there, he is in permanent office, and the Doctor is a friend supplying the pulpit, and so Mr. Stott should preside. It is a mere point of formality. No one else will raise a question at Dr. Pierson’s presiding; if they do, please let me know. There is nothing to hinder his doing so.

I get up in the morning forcible and go to bed feeble. The albumen was increased to one-third instead of one-sixth, when I reached here and it discouraged me; it has gradually decreased to one-fifth, one-sixth. This, so long as it lasts, is a great drain upon the nourishment received, and requires a lot of milk to be taken to keep me going. I have not got on with the other help —

beef tea. I do not like any of the manufactured articles, and our meat here is tough. Yesterday, I had a beefsteak minced, and it did me real service. The doctor says, “the kitchen can do a hundred times more for you than the chemist’s shop.” I do not find it easy at times to realize my true condition. I imagine that I can walk, etc., and when I get a little way I wonder that I made the attempt.

I am now to wait my Lord’s pleasure, and I know that it will be well. I sent the telegram that friends might not be misled by former sanguine expressions of mine.

It is a great rest to me that a W. O. is to the :front at home. How are you and how is your esteemed mother? Mrs. S. is moderately well. Brother and his wife leave on Monday. Harrald is all right.

I must not write more, or I shall come under the Doctor’s lash; besides a measure of headache comes when I have been for a short time with the pen.

My hearty love to you and our good friend Mr. Pierson, and all the brotherhood. Mr. Acland has agreed to be superintendent of Surrey Memorial School, and I hope he will be the right man. May the Revival soon break out.

Yours most lovingly, C. H. SPURGEON.

MENTONE,

New Year Day.

DEAR FRIEND,—

It does me good to see W. Olney at the foot of a letter. I wish you were here, and could get well as solidly as I hope I have done. I could not say till just now I am well, but now I enjoy life, though weak. Thank God for this New Year’s experience.

I wish you were well, thoroughly so. I am greatly interested by all your news. When £10 is wanted for poor at Haddon Hall give me a wink or a word, and I have it at your disposal, now, or at the best time.

Please remember me to your much-esteemed mother, and to all the Prayermeeting people. I have 24 in my room in the morning at 9.30, and we do not forget home folks and Tabernacle.

It is fine and sunny to-day, but we have had grey weather below, and we see snow on the hills above.

May this year bring health to you. I could not do better than copy John, and wish that your body may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. I dare not say this of very many. Accept my hearty love.

Yours in Christ, C. H. SPURGEON.

To [Mr. William Olney]. MENTONE, Jan. 31, ‘91.

DEAR FRIEND, —

That Hastings incident raises my desire that we may see the like. God be praised. The old gospel is the real wonder-worker; the new stuff would not save a robin.

I am so glad you like the North African Mission. It is a live work spiritually —

financially it needs go; but the spiritual element of faith in God delights me.

I have been in much bodily trial this week, but a dogged determination not to succumb has, by God’s blessing, borne me onward, and I am getting on now.

Here I have souls won for Christ, but it is good mowing where there is much grass. Still 40 every morning is a pretty little congregation, and they are by no means ordinary folks, but people of education and thoughtfulness and influence. God bless you with sound health, and your dear mother also.