p447 [R T Grant] BELOVED BROTHER, - … I am over here for a conference and to see the brethren. The Lord has been, I believe, with us, and they have enjoyed, and I trust profited by the studies. We had readings before and after with the principal workmen, and it was practical. Conversions have been very numerous, through free workmen as well as through brethren. Indeed, the Lord is working, and in many places. But infidelity is rampant and undisguised. My writing is now chiefly in connection with that, though some has been printed I never meant to be. I hope they may be used, that is all. I think of going into Switzerland by Frankfort and Stuttgart. My German, which I thought had pretty much withered down, when in the association of ideas in the country, left me though imperfect and rusty able to get on; and I have lectured to large congregations not as freely as six years ago, but practically to the same purpose, and I hope with fuller and more positive truth, and my intercourse with brethren was without difficulty.

The Lord is very gracious; but I am only on a journey, ever more so, to the rest I wait for, and (though desirous to labour to the end of what the Lord may have prepared for me) long for. My soul is at peace, and though I desire for others to see them and feel I am doing God's will (they needed it), yet my heart tends to quiet and work I can do in quiet; I believe I am called to it even down here, and I shall feel happy when I turn my face towards London again. Not that I like the smoky city in itself, but it is my place of solitary labour, and, when my heart is able, of looking to the Lord. His grace, and the truth that makes it known to us, is ever more astonishing. I at least pity the poor infidels. And it so connects itself with every fibre and want too of our hearts in Christ's becoming man, that it brings us into a place which none can know who are not in it. And yet one is nothing in it, though united to Him who is everything - and nothing is a blessed place.

The infidelity in Germany and Prussia goes to the giving up God and everything, and unbelief among them (even converted Christians) is terrible. It is partly scientific, partly impudent, partly attacks on scripture - the last by professors and clergy chiefly, though of course going wider. For us who have the things, if kept by grace on the road, it only makes us see the more how all is grace, and live them. But I must close. The Lord be with you. My love to the brethren.

Ever affectionately yours in the Lord.

Elberfeld, May, 1878.

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