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p377 Dearest G V Wigram, - We have had our conference, and though some points exercised me, yet, I think, with more blessing in result than in others where there was none such; the brethren serious, disposed to own declension of life where there had been such and to accept the humiliation, sound in faith, and some important points as to setting free from sin, and the sinner's state, very distinctly wrought out into their faith. This was very useful.

France is in a peculiar state. The struggle of infidelity and orthodoxy in the national body is come to a head. In a general conference in Paris the infidels had but some half-dozen votes. But they threatened new elections for the presbytery. They had a counter-work at Nismes, but the infidel clergy - a large majority - found if the laity voted, elders, &c., they would be in a minority, and allowed them no vote, only a consultative voice, but the laity, after discussing, rose in a body and left, a protest perhaps more significant than at Paris. They talk openly of how to form a new church, but the effrontery of the infidels has acted upon many sluggish and indifferent souls, producing the feeling - if we are Christians, after all we must have something real. It is a time of importance. Were I not in America, I should think of being in winter somewhat in France. . . .

I leave the South en route for Switzerland in a few days, but have a conference at Valence on the way. I have been too much taken up with large meetings lately: I like work. Kind love to all.

Affectionately yours.

June, 1864.

[51229E]

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