Beirut, November 22nd, 1887
Dear Brother -,You will be glad to hear that our beloved brother Schlotthauer arrived safely last week, greatly improved in health from what he was when we parted with him nearly two years ago. His restoration to health and return to the East afford us all much joy, and greatly encourage our faith, for there had been much looking to the Lord to preserve him longer for the work in the East, in which he has been engaged nearly a quarter of a century. Such a period of time gives one links with hundreds, I may say, thousands of souls; hence such a laborer, if taken away, would be greatly missed. After a week's visit with us here, he went on his way yesterday to Palestine.
I myself have only returned home a few days since, as I had been away for a fortnight's visit to an assembly near Hamath, which you know is a few days' journey North of this. The fatigues of an inland journey affected my health somewhat, but I trust that I may be better in a few days, and, if the Lord will, I shall go again to Egypt, to visit the saints and see how they do. From letters received from them they seem to be walking in peace, while there is much activity in carrying the truth to new fields, several of which have been recently opened. All feel how much better it is to be occupied with Christ and His grace than with questions of human arrangements. When all became occupied last year about the question of appointing elders their wings drooped, open doors were not looked for, and, perhaps, not discerned if existing. But the moment their hearts and thoughts got occupied again with the Lord in simplicity, there was peace and love at home, and grace again led out in activity towards needy souls without. Ο that saints everywhere could learn once for all, and never forget, how simple and blessed is the sheep's path, as following the great Shepherd in resurrection, hearing His voice, and going on to be with Him and like Him forever. How simple it is to trust in His care, and how blessed to enjoy His protection and love. He never forgets the feeblest, and strong and weak alike need His guidance and the rich pastures His provident love secures.
A dear Egyptian brother recently wrote me, from Upper Egypt, a letter full of encouragement as to progress of the work. I give you the translation from Arabic. He says, " I begin with spiritual salutations from a heart longing to see you. For the love that is in us is of the fruits of God's Spirit, who ceases not to produce in us longings for the heavenly Bridegroom, and also towards one another as members of His body and His bride; for the Spirit has united us to one another, and to the Head in glory, in whom we are one.
" I have not forgotten our meeting together last winter, and all that then passed at the time of your visit. Truly the Lord ordered it in His wisdom and goodness, thanks to Himself who causes all things to work together for good to them who love God. Our circumstances then were in appearance sorrowful, but our God can turn that which is sorrowful into joy, and bring sweetness from that which is bitter. We now see that formerly we had been over-anxious about the Lord's work, and did not sufficiently trust in His care and guidance for His saints. But it pleased Him in this way to teach us more of what it is to look to Him alone, apart from human wisdom and arrangement. And now our hearts can rest in His promises, being assured that having begun to raise a testimony and gather His witnesses, He will establish and sustain them.
" His own hand will lead, and we can say with confidence, that He who hath begun a good work will carry it on until the day of Christ Jesus. We can now more easily commit all our affairs into His hand. Formerly we knew this as doctrine; but it pleased Him to allow us to pass through circumstances bitter and trying, and then deliver us with a new experience of His faithfulness and love, and taught us to wait on Him for everything, and cast all our cares on Him in prayer and supplication. Then He will accomplish the good pleasure of His will for us, and give our feeble hearts rest and comfort. He is full of pity, and will not allow us to be burdened beyond our strength. He would exercise our hearts that they may be watchful and diligent: and ever draw our thoughts to Himself on high, as He leads us forward to meet Him, and be with Him, and like Him forever.
" As for the state of the assemblies, there is now greater quiet, and much conferring together over the word of God, and all the brethren edify one another. There is also much comfort in praise and prayer in our nightly meetings, and on Lord's day, and brethren are learning more and more to be quiet and to avoid haste in these exercises. It may be that in outward appearance the state seems to be weaker than formerly; but we are assured that there is an advance in true edification; and the assemblies feel more and more their weakness, and are cast on the Holy Spirit to strengthen our weakness, comfort our hearts, and fill them with increasing desire towards Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom."
It would seem that the Lord Himself is teaching the same lessons to His gathered saints everywhere. The process may be bitter, but the lessons taught are invaluable.
Your brother in Christ, B. F. Pinkerton".