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p343 [C Crain] DEAR BROTHER, - I thought probably baptism was on the mind of - ; with him it would be taking on the responsibility of a Christian, and till he fully knows grace this would be a difficulty when a man is conscientious, so one would wait, only putting the grace clearly before him. But in his case it should surely come first: it is the just order, and for the above reason not without its moral bearing. But at any rate it would be the just order. We must come into the house, naturally, before we sit down to the table in the house, though the Lord's supper is the expression of the unity of the body, and by one Spirit we are baptised into one body, and with that baptism has nothing directly to do. Only as I said, it is the natural order, and his own soul's state has to be considered in connection with it, not to slip in easy, though I do not think he is inclined to that.

I have been down to Vineland, where I thought all was broken up, but there are four steadily breaking bread, so that the testimony is there, and I suspect on more solid ground than ever. But it is only a testimony just born. - walks, as does his wife, in most patient grace in trying circumstances. Whether it is that my heart sees more what ought to be I know not, but I feel more deeply daily the utter ruin Christendom lies in all round. It is a narrow path to keep from the evil - unspotted from the world, and yet in the full grace of divine love towards all. Here the work is to do, some twenty souls walking blamelessly, but no action outside. But if God opens the door there is no difficulty with Him. We are poor instruments, but He is able to do anything.

Your affectionate brother in Him.

[52216E]

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