p464 [E L Bevir] MY DEAR BROTHER, - I was very glad to hear from you, and thankful that you and our old brother were mercifully preserved. The Lord is evidently carrying on the work in -. May His name be praised! I trust He is gathering His people for the last days, indeed all seems hastening. May the Lord keep our hearts fixed on Him, and may our thought of circumstances and of all circumstances centre in Himself: He lasts through the scene, and beyond it.

I have read -'s letter … he is a little on the independent path as to his work, but so are many, and rightly, so as they walk in fellowship of heart: I mean as serving the Lord directly. But we have to go through all these things with the Lord, and He is sufficient, only patience must have its perfect work. What I dread for brethren is the world; it is for me a serious question in England now. As numbers multiply, the tendency is always that way: but we are told to "be careful for nothing," and to "rejoice in the Lord alway"; and if we are near Him, we can. Nothing separates us from His love. I am, I need not say, most thankful that the Lord is working. … In many cases patience, specially with the imperfect working and wisdom and power in work, is the true remedy. God makes all things work together for good to those that love Him, and it is often wonderful how, when those who are forward in activity are jostling each other, God builds up and strengthens the simple-hearted by His own grace, that nothing hinders. The Lord be with you, dear brother, and keep you happy in Him, lowly, and looking to Him who is our joy and peace, and that for ever. …

November, 1878.

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