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p500 [J S Oliphant] DEAREST BROTHER, - This is all part of the Lord's will and ways with us. I have long felt the state of things and, I think, seen - not to the bottom of them, but at least - what was at work; and God is working I have no doubt. I did nothing till something positive was done, and as wrote to me, went fully into it with him. I wrote little, because I object on principle to much meddling of those not directly engaged by being present, and because things are in such a state (though it is ever true) that we have to take heed that every word and every act be of God, and we must be near Him, and lowly to know it.

What makes me write now is to recall to you, though you know it, that you must be careful to keep in charity. The heart may revolt at what is dishonest, but "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God"; but those who are God's children we ought to think of as such, and we shall yearn over them for their good. This does not give indecision, but makes us see more clearly what we have to deal with as from God. I feel I have to watch myself in these conflicts. I have more than once asked myself - not in this case - how should I feel in meeting such or such an one at the door of heaven. All I know will be perfect then, but it tests us now. We ought to be able to pray for each one, though in new of the whole state of things - not falsifying the state of things; but what characterises good in God as towards us, is that His good is above evil. We have to keep near Him that it may be so, but then it (His presence) sustains us through all. . . . Walk in patience, doing only what God gives you to do. He is, I doubt not, working, and He does things much better than we can. But in patience, and letting God act, be as decided in conscience as possible, for I doubt not Satan is doing his best - nor can I say any one has deceived me in the part they have taken (many I did not know) - to destroy, by morally undermining, the testimony of God. Walk in peace; but one must be before God to do it.

I am somewhat overcharged with work - not of the Lord, what He gives we can do - but well again, for I have been very unwell. But it is an additional reason for not much communication. But I believe quietness is a great point now.

Pau, 1879.

[52345E]

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