p10 [Dr Walter] My dear Brother, - … A word on the Park Street circular: I did not like it being sent round the country, but dare say it may do good. … I was not at the meeting nor did I go to any of them, the rather as I was in France. The paper, however, was a notification of the conclusion they had arrived at, nor were they the first. … The various gatherings had to act, because the remains at Kennington (a large number had gone out) positively refused to act, so that each gathering that felt the evil had to clear itself. This was an abnormal state of things, but was merely provisional, and could not be helped. The effect of this action was that what remained at K. put - out; but a very large number of brethren there had gone out already, and this had to be regulated. The assembly in London being silent is not exactly the point. All are agreed that - is out, but formal exclusion has been declared - as to themselves, has been pronounced - by a great many to clear themselves, and in the country a vast mass of gatherings are clear, and clearer than London. What course the Lord will make it take, I know not at present. We wait to learn what K. has done. But there is a work going on in the conscience of those who hitherto have supported -. But such a demoralising of conscience and insensibility to right and wrong I never saw. It was high time to do something. And the Lord has worked, and is working, and He alone can do it. Some would often go too fast, and others too slow. If brethren had not been demoralised, there would have been deep sorrow of heart for poor -, but five minutes would have settled the case, when a few facts were known, and did with upright minds.

I am off to France, but shall return as soon as I can.

London August 26th.

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