p256 [D [T?] Roberts] MY DEAR BROTHER, — I am very glad that your dear boy is getting on so well, and still more that he is simple under it and thank you for letting me know. I do trust the Lord may keep him, but you may (and they) be assured of my unfeigned interest in them. It is said the child is father to the man: this is true as to certain faculties, but in many reflective and working qualities it is not the case; they are hidden, and come out by being called on, so that a clever boy is not always a distinguished man. Acquiring may come early, but the reflective use of what is acquired comes later. … you must not count even humanly that matured age will eclipse his competitors as a younger one does. If he work steadily, that is the point for him now and then, and I am sure that you cast yourself on the Lord for that, and for better things for them, for "one thing is needful."

Here I think there is much to encourage. It is quite the day of small things, and more a testimony to Christ and the walk that becomes His than any large winning of souls. Still there have been conversions, and decided progress among the Christians; two new meetings, and another where those labouring wait as unwilling to hurry till the materials are in a christian sense fit. The general state of things is miserable enough. For instance, at Rome, the Baptists, who made such a noise about -, an interesting case, and who are in the front there, have forty inscribed on their list, it is well if they have ten at their meeting. But the worst is the little regard to morality. It is a people thoroughly demoralised, and money everything, and when evangelists are paid they are often what they ought not to be. The stricter discipline of brethren is here a resource for the heart and conscience.

As to my Italian, I was plunged into a conference the day of my arrival, but though I do not undertake to preach, I am pretty much at my ease in explaining a chapter, now that a few days have rubbed up little previous knowledge of it. There are several very nice brethren, and there is a great deal, as I have said, to encourage, though the work be very small in appearance. I am most thankful to hear — is at peace. I trust he may rest wholly in Christ.

Your affectionate brother in Him.

Milan, February 23rd, 1874.