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p473 [J G Deck] BELOVED BROTHER, - . . . I have no wish to enter into any controversy with you on baptism. What I dread in it is a sectarian tendency. Another truth that it always hinders or wholly blots out is the house of God; that is, a place where Gods blessings and presence are found - for Israel, Jehovah and the oracles of God, without the question whether all profited by them - for us, the Spirit and the word. "What advantage then hath the Jew?. . . much every way." Till God judges it, it retains its character, as the temple was the Father's house though a den of thieves. I only notice, on your remark, that Leviticus 12 was the purifying of the woman, not of the child; the child, at least if a male, was purified by circumcision before the woman, and that was the sign that she had a husband of blood. The children, being clean, have a title to be presented; but the assembly cannot receive flesh but through the sign of the death and so the resurrection of Christ. So that, glad as I am that Baptists present their children to God with a true heart, I could not assist at it, as ignoring the necessity of Christ's death - the only way, now man's sin and God's glory are known, of presenting man to God. Faith, you well know, goes that way, but faith has no other way of presenting the children to be received; flesh cannot go. The law is the same, but till Christ was rejected, man did not stand on the ground of being lost; he was tested, and then it was "Having yet therefore one son," and "now they have both seen and hated." The corn of wheat we know must fall into the ground and die, or it abides alone. Always true, it became the basis of divine dealings in revelation, when Christ the Son of God was rejected. But I have no wish even to persuade any one on these points. The church is in ruins; and while this is a striking proof of the state of things, yet it is to life, to Christ, and departing from iniquity, that those who are in the truth have to direct their labours. Nobody will find me contending for it. I should have been a Baptist if scripture had not been there, but probably a close one, and then utterly dissatisfied. I see the twelve sent to baptise, but not Paul. It is an external but beautiful ceremony which all received evidently underwent, though there was no commandment to baptise Jews. But enough of this. If the King's peace be not broken I leave all liberty as to views as to it.

I am not much troubled at - 's losing her pupils, though it is very well she should be occupied and occupy others; but she will rest, and God give her pupils if it be good He makes all things work together for those who love Him. I read "Rejoice in the Lord always." "Be careful for nothing:" "in everything give thanks." That brings us to heaven where He is, and keeps our hearts on earth where He is not - but cares in [everything] for, and enters into in condescending grace, making everything work together for good to those who love Him. She must use her leisure to be more with Him, learn herself better, besides all the positive good He will graciously do her. A little leisure enables us often to see all things quietly with Christ's eye. I can sympathise with her, but I had rather have Christ's care than my own wishes a thousand times, though of course we may be tried by it. Dear Wigram is not at present getting on, save towards the end and the rest. It is a solemn time and has been to me lately especially so, but Christ is the same and never loses a bit of His power, nor of His care for us. I have enjoyed nearness of communion with Him, poor thing that I am, far more than ever, with a deep sense of His immutable faithfulness, and that we can count upon Him. Soon we shall have rest. The Lord is working wonderfully everywhere in converting grace, but He allows the power of the enemy to come out. Peace be with you. We shall see each other elsewhere.

Ever affectionately yours in the blessed One.

Pau, January 19th.

[52326E]

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