p302 [G Gausby] DEAREST BROTHER, - I am sure it is of the utmost importance that you or any of us should systematically study the word. You could not do better than give regularly, and, assuming the first of all things direct communion with God, the first fruits of your time to the regular study of the word. A taking the Spirit without the word is a false pretension to power, out of the place of obedience and heart subjection. As regards the guidance of the Spirit and method, only in the highest form I find both in the apostle. If we are "beside ourselves it is to God," if we are "sober it is for your cause." There is a power which takes us, as it were, out of ourselves, where God is in divine energy, but there is a calculation of love which is divine too. He was in God's presence in power through the Holy Ghost, but the love of God working in him made him think of others - two blessed ways of being delivered from self. Sober for your sakes is the method, the calculation of love for others.

As to reading itself, the scripture is plain; "Meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all." I find two ways of reading scripture: putting through grace my heart and conscience before it, so that it should act on me as subject to it; and studying it to seize it with its bearing, connection, and depth. It should be a first thing to be filled; then draw from the stores of communion, and then when real the free action of the Holy Ghost. The scripture distinctly speaks of order and method, as it does of the free action of the Holy Ghost. 1 Timothy is, nearly all of it, methodical direction; only now, when outward order is become the power of evil, and Christians are individualised in it, power is become the main thing - God being thus manifested - and all saints not being gathered, the general order cannot be there. And this is the trial of brethren's faith. But this does not hinder the general principle of order, still less individual order and method. I never thought of such a thing. Unless special claims come, I always work till dinner-time in the house from the time I am up, then visit, &c.

Next as to the Sunday school: it is not for me a question of neglecting the Lord's Supper and remaining to keep the children, but of devotedness to the service of Christ, for which one deprives oneself of a wonted enjoyment, and thus in no way of the delight in and desire of it. It is not as if a servant is obliged to stay, but as if a mother stayed with a sick child - she would feel the deprivation, but do her duty; as if an opportunity offered to preach to sinners and a person went once and left the breaking of bread. It would be a question of his being called of God and devoted to it. The question then is of one devoted to the children as a work for the Lord, and then giving up a Sunday in three for the work of the Lord, and as devotedness to Him. This must be a question of the individual's feeling that he is called to it as devotedness to the Lord. There is an accessory question; that is, whether the taking care of the children is necessary to the prosperity of the school and their good. If so, I should feel no scruple or difficulty in remaining so to keep them. Habitual giving up the Lord's supper for the school I should object to.

As to the meeting: they have already had such in -, I suppose. It may be simple, I should suppose, to write to a known labourer in a given place, and say that it was the desire of those actually labouring in the word to study somewhat together, and invite such. I should rather think, unless there were a very great desire in labouring brethren to come together, the easier way for you would be to invite those around in actual England, or nearly accessible places, and have the meeting in a private house. It should have thus more a confidential character, not of the meeting in a public assembly. If the desire is great among the brethren who are actually labouring, it may give occasion to a wider circle of country. Nothing would hinder your asking any individual brethren who are accustomed to go everywhere if so inclined.

I am writing, discussing translation of Romans into German, … but I believe, or hope, I have kept myself pretty clear.

Be of good courage, dear brother, be strong, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Read Psalm 27, I mean for the way the heart looks to the Lord.

It is important to know grace and free power; it is also important to see the government of God, and so moral subjection and order. I should also be exceedingly sorry to see that the peculiar principles of brethren, and their just and never to be loosened attachment to the assembling of the saints, led to the giving up of work among souls. It was quite the contrary at the first. And if love is at work - if the meetings are to be blest it must be so - what works in the world blesses the meeting; only we must have the thought of the Holy Ghost really being in both. …

Peace be with you, dear brother. Kindest love to the brethren. I shall be glad to see them all.

Ever affectionately yours.

[1860.]

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