Dear——,—As to Plymouth affairs, I am in no hurry to leave this, that matters, or brethren rather, may quietly take their form and path in the midst of the new order of things.
It is very likely that there will be more liberty for meetings now, for the present than ever before, though all was pretty free here, for God's thoughts are not as our thoughts. This makes more sensibly our place to be and to act for God in this world: the candlestick is only to carry the candle, and if we are thus identified with the Lord, we are in the same barque with Him. But it is a blessed thought to have only His will to do, and to be under His sure and infallible protection. We are quiet, and I trust the Lord. If difficulties arise, nothing is difficult to Him, but I have no fearful anticipations....
The great affair for brethren is to be content to be nothing but a Christian. And it is a comfort to see every one of one's previsions confirmed, and one's principles of conduct established. Were I to set to work with my hands, a thing I am much disposed to do, it is only what I desired a dozen years ago to do as an example; but all this is immaterial but in one respect -doing the will of God.
Your ever affectionate.
Montpellier,
March 3rd, 1848.