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p410 E L Bevir, Thank you, dear brother, for the account of what you found in the A. . . . We must pray for the saints, otherwise, if there be no bellows to blow the fire, it will die out. I am not surprised at your reception by the French brethren; I always found them cordial and affectionate, and full of thankfulness for visiting them, although I was just as glad to see them, and my heart is bound up with them as ever. These affections are like the honey on the top of Jonathan's rod, which enlightens the eyes in the fatigues of the conflict. I believe, too, it is often useful that some one should come in not mixed up with the difficulties and trials of the locality, but who can bring in Christ with a freshness which lifts the saints above them. We have to go through the difficulties and trials of the way, and wait on the Lord as to them. We must face them, but wait upon Him for a solution when the path is not clear, patience having its perfect work. It makes us feel our dependence, and teaches us to wait on Him, and He brings out the result of His power and wisdom through (à travers) men's perverseness, conscience being exercised, man manifested, then His grace. We must not, cannot, hurry these things, for He must deal with reality and conscience. It is a great thing to trust His love, and to walk with His secret in our hearts. We go through these things, seeing the difficulties, and perhaps in trembling, but obedient, and led of the Lord in duty. The result He brings out in due time, and more than we looked for or expected. The Lord said, "Now I go my way, and none of you asketh, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless," etc. All this requires confidence; patience must have its perfect work, and diligence too is needed, in crying to the Lord. See even the Lord Himself all night before choosing the apostles, and with strong crying and tears in Gethsemane: perfect obedience and entire dependence. I must close. Give my kindest love to the dear brethren. I should be glad to see them; I may, if God spares my strength, but at my age it must be a little uncertain.

Yours affectionately in Christ.

London, October 24th.

[52276E]

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