JANUARY, 1874

JANUARY, 1874

[^{[pp. 427–428]} Hatten Turner] DEAR BROTHER, — I am always glad to get your letters with news of the work. Thank God it seems a moment of blessing in general, not that there is not conflict, that the enemy does not seek to embarrass our service by his manoeuvres; still the Lord works, and everything is made to work together for good. All I seek and desire is, that brethren should give a thoroughly faithful testimony, so that the Lord can be with them and put forth His grace with them ... . But oh, how much more there is to do! but the Lord will assuredly do His own work ... .

I hope you have learned to nurse your baby: we heard bad accounts of you in this respect. It is a charge the Lord has given you for higher purposes than this world; and thorough confidence in the parents, begotten by tender care and laying oneself out a little for them — is what creates it under God’s goodness, though of course your little one is too young to be much in your care now; but affection begins early. This world passes and ends, but what do, and are in it, never does — save the poor vessel.

May the Lord bless your babe and you in it.

January, 1874.