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in this, I observe not only the great goodness of
my Lord and Master to my soul, in the way of edification or upbuilding in the divine life; but that
this fills and prepares me for storms, and supports
me under the reproach and calumny thrown out
against me on every side. The great disappointment the Dutch party have met with, instead of
reclaiming them, has added fury to their rage; —
they think to revenge themselves upon me, though,
by their own confession, I am not the cause; yet
they find to reproach me is the surest way to vex
my friends, who are so kind as never to mention
these things to me, though all with whom I am
obliged to converse have not that prudence, so that
I must hear many a spiteful lie. But, blessed be
God, He not only keeps me from laying things to
heart, but gives a meek, humble, forgiving temper
of mind, so that I can pray for, and freely forgive
the worst of my enemies among men. Though
the Dutch party have now entirely given over
coming to Church when I preach, and hear only
Mr. De Ronde, whom they call their wettige predikanty [Lawful minister.] and whom I have reason to suspect to be at
the bottom of their obstinate opposition; — though
he has begun of late to speak uncommonly favourable of me and my sermons; — though said party
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use every method to make me uneasy, yet Jesus
makes me triumph, and enables me to rest in Him,
only desiring to be found faithful — and in all things
to approve myself to him in well-doing. I have
enlarged too much on this."
In spite of all they could say or do, Dr. Laidlie
was beloved and useful, and the Church was in a
prosperous state; — nay, so much had the congregation increased under English preaching, that it
was found necessary to erect another, or a third
place* for public worship.
[By a letter of Mr. Lott, dated Oct. 22, 1767, this building,
(now called the North Church,) it appears, was then considerably
advanced. The foundation was laid probably in the spring of the
same year.]
The indications evident to every one, and daily multiplying, of the
popularity and utility, under the Divine blessing, of
the change which had been effected, served only
to heighten their unfriendly feelings; and another
expedient, which they tried to regain their lost influence or to make fresh trouble, was the presentation before the Governor and Council of a formal
complaint against the Consistory, This was their
dernier resort: but here their expectations were
sadly disappointed. The Governor and Council
ordered a copy of the complaint to be given to the
Consistory, and recommended that the same be
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