Thank you for your very kind letter. We both believe that the blessed Lord is at all times sufficient for His church both in love and faithfulness and power. Nor does the state of the saints expose them by the departure of any one to what it was at the first. The church is not a concentrated whole as it was then. Still I believe my going would make a change; not that I have an idea that anything depends on me. God forbid it should. How could it? Depend on what? A man can receive nothing except it be given him from above, but the last link with the first start of this truth would be gone. If it does come, may it only link them more together.
But I am much better. I was as low as I could well be and the bad fall I had at Dundee shook me I do not doubt more than I thought. My heart and lungs were a feeble spring to my body, but this like all the rest is in the Lord's hand. Last night, I did not even sleep any part of the night. At first I had to sit up all through propped up and sleeping. I take a little food, too, at night.
I had long felt my place was to be quiet here, so the Lord in His wisdom kept me here. Thank God my mind is as clear as ever and I enjoy the word and the Lord's goodness, I suppose more than ever. At first I could not long fix to work. Now I do as much as usual, only I do not hold meetings, save one reading of laborers at the house. I went last Lord's day morning. My lungs are the most sensibly weak. I have not been ill but knocked up and overworked.
There is a great desire for the Word I may say everywhere, and blessing, too, in the way of conversion in a good many places. The shake has done the brethren a great deal of good, though we are far from what we ought to be, but there is more health perhaps of tone, and regard towards God.
A great effort in S. L.—-to make a party, but some active in it I think that any body who knows them respects, and they labor under God's hand to bring about His judgment concerning themselves. And the rest go on quietly and leave it all to Him, and so I trust they will. I am sure He is faithful and true. What a comfort it is to think He watches over us and condescends to take notice of all we need and to order our ways.
I work morning and afternoon as far as I can and in the evening let the strain go and indulge in the Word and feed on His own love. One of my present studies is Adonai.
Please tell R—-that I will write when I can; though I answer some daily, I have still an arrear of close on 30 letters which are a pull upon me.
The Lord be with you and guide you in your work. Love to the brethren.
Affectionately yours in the Lord.
February, 1881.