p389 [J S Oliphant] MY DEAR BROTHER, - I got your letter and enclosures with some thirty others, besides MSS. and books to answer. I see the Lord working through wisdom and unwisdom, to accomplish His own gracious purposes, where He is in the main honestly sought. While quite admitting that a brother may give counsel, and most usefully, I dread brethren coming to settle things, because the conscience of the assembly is not set in exercise. Paul did not go, but roused the conscience of the assembly. I have seen it in France, and not with blessing always. … I look to the Lord through it all - there are other places too - and feel peaceful as to them all as trusting Him.

Do you trust the Lord as to your service as to the money? Do not seek to get money to give, but let it flow naturally, and give it under God's guidance, in seeking His face as a responsible service. To stir up others to give is quite a distinct service. Merely referring to a particular want privately is another thing again. All right that assemblies should send to whomsoever they see in need or interested in the work. If I or any one feel disposed to give my money to you to give away for a good reason before the Lord, I am perfectly free to do it; perfect liberty as to both if done under divine guidance. Individuals are free, and so presented in scripture, and assemblies are free. There may be right motives or wrong ones for entrusting it to another to distribute. Do not seek it, though free of course to mention individual cases of need to any: but let the wisdom of love guide you in what you do receive. I have given all three ways - directly, through a brother, and as in an assembly, and I have not seen anything to shake me in any of them as yet, having scriptural reasons I think for all.

Halifax, N.S., March 21st, 1877.

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