Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/1314061
22 GIFT OF GUARDIAN AND GUIDE John 1:19-28 There's no reason why those of us who live in this third millennium should have heard of John Foster, an outstanding British essayist/preacher in the 19th century. Well-known in his day for his insightful writings, he married when he was quite old. He enjoyed a very happy relationship with his wife. When I read his last letter to his mother, my hear t resonated with the gratitude he expressed for all the blessings which God had granted to him, especially that of, as in my own case, a beloved wife. What a life of providential indulgence mine has been! A life of health, a life of much favour from fellow-mor tals, of never-failing temporal supplies, of innumerable intellectual and religious means and advantages, and nearly nine years of it passed in a happy domestic connection. I think I do not forget any day to be grateful to heaven for this last circumstance. My dear wife is one of the most estimable, and one of the most affectionate of her sex. I constantly feel how much she deserves to be loved, and I love her as much now as in the commencement of our happy union. I often tell her fondly how grateful I am to the Almighty that she is mine, and that she has been mine so long; only regretting, as I told her this morning, that she had not been mine earlier in life. But that was as Providence ordered it. . . . From all the merciful care of that Providence during the past, I have very good cause to commit my way to the Lord for all the time that may yet be to come. In advancing into the darkness of futurity, I will humbly and gratefully trust that the Guardian and Guide of my life hither to will "never leave me nor forsake me." And, the while, I hope to be found more faithful and diligent in His service. As I move on towards 87, I am endeavoring, however stumblingly I may do so, to follow Foster's example. I invite you to join me in that endeavor. -VCG, 2000 DECEMBER 16