p369 E L Bevir, As to the work, dear brother, our path is through conflict. If brethren do not walk consistently, and apart from the world, they will and ought to be chastened more than others; and the worst thing for those whose hearts are in the Lord's work, is to see the saints going on badly. I am thankful, in the main, for the news from Italy. I am not surprised at the gathering at - going to pieces, for the foundation was a poor one. … I see many bad elements at work: may the Lord keep us feeling that the Head can never fail.

June, 1876.

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