Thank you for——-'s letter. I like it much, but all this shows a sad state of feebleness and incapacity in brethren to act in the purification of the body. I have not doubted it, and this it is which makes me regret the offensive character of attack adopted, as I have already said. I have no doubt at all of the evil principles at Bethesda. I judge its position worse than when the letter of the ten was published; hesitation on the subject is only a proof to me of moral blindness, resulting from having some other object than Christ. But I do not see capacity of deliverance, nor do I see sufficiently the need that love has to deliver. I think you will find this feeling on the increase, though I have not meddled in what is passing, nor intend to do so...
Here, in general, the Lord has graciously showed His mercy to us in one or two cases which gave uneasiness; one of division, which has yielded to love and grace, and one of exaltation showing itself in condemning marriage, which has disappeared, at once I may say, before the light. We have great need of workmen in Switzerland, and I have been overcharged with work, going from place to place, but in general, reason to bless God for His goodness in encouraging; and in France, very sensible blessing continues.... The doors are open wide, and in many places the press of summer work does not hinder the awakening and blessing.
Ever very affectionately yours.
Lausanne,
July 26th, 1850.