1855 HORATIUS BONAR. Superb Letter re: A Forced Sabbatical for Pastoral Burnout.

Wonderful 4pp ALS regarding an enforced Sabbatical and burn-out from Horatius Bonar, likely to Robert Storey. Bonar, of course, friend of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, devotional author, and perhaps the most influential devotional and hymn-writer from Scotland during the 19th century. 

"Kelso, September 29, 1855

My Dear Robert,

Your note has just arrived. I am exceedingly reluctant to refuse & yet I don't see how I can come to you without breaking up my whole plan for a fortnight's entire rest. I have made arrangements for spending the ten days of the week the second Sabbath of October in the entire, at Callace. . . doing nothing but climbing Dansinane Hill & the like. THis i smy only reason for declining. I am not liberated from the Edinburgh Committee, but that would not have hindered me from coming to you, as I have, very unexpectedly, been at home every Sabbath for nearly two months & that I am entitled to absense.

I feel almost ashamed making my need of rest a plea for not coming to you; but I had a long talk with Dr. Coldstream yesterday about my bodily frame, & he made me promise that I would take a fortnight's rest; - threatening me if I did not , he would order me away for a month or two entirely. 

I trust Elizabeth is better. I spent a most pleasant Wednesday at Valleyfield this week. Jane is writing to tell you how matters stand here. 

My love to your dear wife & wonderful boy. 

Hope for your fraternal acceptance of the above excuse for my unfraternal declinature to help you in time of need.

I am your aff. brother.
Horatius Bonar"