p381 [From the French.] VERY DEAR BROTHER, - I have followed all that is going on in - with unfailing interest; but my part in this painful story has been rather to be with God than to busy myself with men. … Unless called by God, I would not directly enter into the difficulties of assemblies; I think this is done rather too much, while it is a question of arousing the conscience of the assembly which is disturbed. I grant that an assembly may avail itself with advantage of the advice of a brother more experienced in divine things, and I fully recognise that we are all one, and that if one suffers, all suffer with him. What I fear is lest individual influence should take the place of the awakening of the conscience of the assembly. I have full confidence that this painful commotion will turn to the profit of the brethren. God's hand will be recognised, and there will be more seriousness. Truths which have been a little neglected will come to mind, worldliness will be judged - everything by which the Holy Spirit has been grieved - dependence on the grace in which we stand will be more felt. What one has to look to is that souls do not lose their way in the conflict, and leave the Lord's path.

I have heard that there has been a separation at -. Grace, patience, and firmness will be needed to meet it; firmness, especially in the walk of those who, I believe, left the meeting room, and are not under the influence of -, firmness too with regard to those who have retained the room; but expression of sorrow towards those who are led, and meekness and patience with all. It is plain that the separation is an evil, and this offence has been committed under the influence of those who were not of the assembly. Romans 16:17 clearly shews us our path in this case, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10[-15] shews the spirit in which we should act, in order that all may be brought back, and that not one may be misled altogether, and in a permanent way. But all this, in whomsoever it may be, is not of yesterday; and there has been too much weakness, too little spirituality in general, for it to be a matter of astonishment if God should chasten. This is why those who suffer from it ought to be before Him, owning His hand; and He who has wounded will heal. The Lord did not take the cup which He had to drink for us from man, nor from Satan, but from His Father's hand. This, in what concerns us, sweetens the bitterness and sorrow, and also makes us more humble and more serious; then we can pray for others. I have confidence in the Lord that He will restore order and peace: for some, this may not be just yet; but in order to this, those who are right must carry themselves graciously, considering that it is the hand of God, but with firmness in rejecting the schism, and making those who caused it feel that it is no light thing to have done. I have already said that this should be done with sorrow of heart, a thing far removed from haughtiness and hatred. May God Himself work by His grace in your midst. …

October, 1876.

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