p392 [To the same.] G J Stewart, I was very glad to hear of you all, and of the work in Australia. I am also very thankful that our dear brother - not only has laboured, but been blessed. … Not that labourers are not wanting in England, and indeed everywhere, as the Lord has told us. It must be in combat we get on. It was so with the blessed Lord Himself, perfect in all His ways, so that He gave assuredly no occasion, as we sometimes may, to the enemy - none; yet they would easily find occasions of reproach. But we have actually difficulties such as you speak of, those who preach Christ, but do not really take His yoke. I do not ask any one to join or own brethren, as they speak, but I do look to their full submission to the yoke of Christ. I have been struck lately how much the Epistle of James looks to self-will to be done with and broken, that we may be perfect and complete in all the will of God. … You will be glad to hear that here the work proceeds cheeringly. There is great inquiry into the word. … God is evidently working all around, and indeed in other places; the brethren are happy, and labour according to their gift: it is a happy feature of the work here. The coming of the Lord is evidently spreading, and taking effect in souls. Infidelity meanwhile raises its head. … But we wait for the rest that remains. I am content to labour, most thankful to be permitted to do so, but my heart longs for it too. Here, but from the happiest cause, as at Boston, the labour is very severe, and from distances, the hours late; but it is all well. …

Ever, dear brother,

Affectionately yours in the Lord.

1877.

[52259E]