I have read R.'s account of what is going on in Edinburgh. I rejoice, am bound to rejoice, in every soul converted—must do so—and saved forever. Nor do I doubt Moody's earnestness, for I know the man well. I see too that God is using extraordinary means to awaken His sleeping saints, and the different systems are so steeped in darkness, that it is only by such means they can be roused up a little. But I am not carried away by it: as to the result of it as a whole, it will not last. If a soul is converted, it is converted, and that is a great thing, and will last, but no work it produces will last. I fully judge it will foster worldliness in saints; it will foster heresy and false doctrine. This may surprise you, but I am satisfied it is so. And beside this, the work will be superficial. I do not trust myself in my natural dislike to what is excited and dramatic in religion, but I cannot conceal from myself what I have just said. Already I notice in R.'s paper what I believe to be mischievous false doctrine, stated as if it were very good, without any comment.
My thought amounts to this: individuals may be converted; we must rejoice at it; the effect on the church of God. will be mischievous. I do not say that the disappearance of the work in the majority of souls moved should surprise us. One of four only lasted when the sower went forth to sow; but there was no false effect of a false way of doing things then. "These men are not drunken with wine as ye suppose." "Be not drunk with wine." I have always to check what my nature would like of quietness, but this does not affect my judgment of the whole scene and form of work. At Newcastle Christians (not "brethren"—they might be thought prejudiced) thought that perhaps one in twenty might stand, that is seventy-five out of fifteen hundred alleged conversions. But seventy-five souls are infinitely precious. But the effects are what I think of, and what I have also seen. I am told that Mr. M. is clearer as to grace through 's tract. It is a great mercy for him if it is so, and I thank God.
I write to you because your report of the wonderful awakening reached me, on reaching Dublin after a tour a little round. I trust many souls may be really converted and stand fast in the Lord.
[1874.]