July 29, 1899.
Dear Brother:
... The question of going to the Coast was before us in the Spring, but it seemed the Lord ordered otherwise; and I trust I have had His mind in coming here instead. I may consider the Coast in the winter, but I cannot speak with any certainty yet. I trust the Lord will guide. Mrs. Rule hardly thinks she can go, though she and I both would much like it were we free. We will have to wait and see what the Lord orders!
Here there has been a very critical state — a condition of strained relationships between gatherings, growing out of the conduct of a brother living about half way between. Fellowship has been badly broken up, and four gatherings — all near together — are more or less involved. Satan has succeeded in getting saints to pull apart instead of together and it has threatened serious results. I trust, however, God is at work to remove the tension, and clear away the cause, too. It will be a very great mercy if He does, and I think I can say I have confidence that He is going to do so; and others too are getting this confidence, and seeking His face. I believe it will be followed with very real blessing. Indeed the removal of the trouble will be very great grace from Him to begin with. There are real signs of blessing, and even now, in spite of the tension, there are two or three persons applying to be received at the Lord’s table.
I don’t know that I will be able to visit other places in Canada, save, perhaps, to make a call or two on my return journey. It seems as if all my spare time would be taken up here. Possibly I may be able to run down as far as Ottawa and Montreal for a few days, but I do not know yet.
I was glad to hear you had Mr. P— with you a few days. I understand he is a very helpful brother, and that his ministry is much appreciated.
Well, I should greatly enjoy seeing you all again, dear brother. Mrs. Rule and I have very affectionate remembrance of you all. If the Lord tarry that long, and so direct, I may have the pleasure of seeing the dear saints at O— and other places on the Coast sometime next winter.
What a meeting it will be when we are all gathered above! What greetings! What joys! No friction then, no flesh, no sin, no bitterness — naught to mar our perfect fellowship in His presence! The Father and His glorified children! Christ and His beloved bride, arrayed in fine linen, white and clean! All the fruit of grace!
With hope and courage we may press on.
Yours affectionately in the Lord,