Dear Brother: ... Intelligence in the things of God is good if used for Him and in His fear, but of itself, it is no safeguard against the inroads of the enemy. “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.” The voice of wisdom is heard by those who watch and wait: “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors” (Prov. 8:34. One of the humbling things connected with the last departure from the truth, is just the fact, that many noted for their intelligence in the truth, have been carried away in the flood. How the very thought of this should lead us to cleave to the Lord, in lowly dependence and fear! But we are in the closing days, and the end draws very near. You speak of Romanism in England “sweeping in all classes,” so I believe it is on this side too. A mere casual observer, I think, must see that Romanism is making very rapid strides in this country. And at the present rate of progress, it cannot be very long before the power is in their hands. This great mistress of seducing power has not forgotten how to use her blandishments with the kings of the earth. No doubt she will soon ride the beast again, and incite to persecution, and martyrdom, as of old, though we look for the Lord to come, and to be above, with Him, ere that time of trial comes. But how near it all is! Infidelity preparing the way of the beast and of the antichrist, at the same time that the woman is getting ready to ride the beast. How serious it makes the hour in which we live! The “higher criticism” question is raising a storm in this country, too. It is just infidelity, inside the ranks of those who bear the name of Christ. These clever “lawyers” in the churches, are taking away the “key of knowledge,” and leaving the masses in hopeless confusion and darkness. Thus the way is being rapidly prepared for the apostasy, which will carry away all Christendom, and give the antichrist the place of supreme spiritual power on earth. But God is over all, and no changes can take place, nor assaults of Satan upon His people, without His permission. And while we see the forces of evil in motion, and preparing for the final conflict, we wait for our coming Lord.