GREENWICH, JANUARY 31ST, 1898
GREENWICH, JANUARY 31ST, 1898
Dr. van Someren.
My Dear Brother, — I had your letter of November 6th, and am sorry that it has remained so long unanswered, but as you know my time is limited.
[p. 142] The days pass very quickly and I do not find that one’s energy increases. I was reminded of you yesterday by seeing Wells, who read me an extract from a letter which he had from you. This brought home to me the sense of being your debtor. One seems to hear less of Australia now so I hope things may be quieting down there. From what I hear both Bagshaw and Glenny have gone pretty much on the line of avoiding particular questions that have been in agitation there. If they could do this without detriment to the truth it is well, but they must not be very much astonished some day to find it used against them. My impression is that it is on the whole better that saints should know where one really is about things, though they may judge that he that is not against us is on our part. Reports are sure to be not wanting in regard of those who seek in any way to stand for the truth, but I think I would, in spite of them, identify myself with such, though the truth never stands in need of a party. We are going on quietly in this country at the present time. I think that the meeting at Birkenhead greatly confirmed the effect of the Weston meeting, and tended much to re-establish confidence — and I suppose many points came much more clearly before the minds of the brethren, among others that of the body. Oliphant, Trench and Dennett were all there, and there was really nothing in the way of friction or opposition. This was a great mercy; and all went away with the sense that there was a platform on which we could come together and quietly speak of the truth without jumping down each others’ throats. Klein was at Birkenhead with his father-in-law, Oliver. He was evidently very restive. He has now gone to India and is carrying on at Calcutta pretty much as he has been accustomed to do in the past. He has taken an opera-house and a theatre and is making appeals by printed papers to all christians for sympathy and prayer. I do not believe that this can go on very long in connection with [p. 143] brethren, and he will have to follow Edwards outside. The latter is now unfettered and goes anywhere and everywhere. I cannot myself think that men of such unsubdued wills can really be under the influence of grace. I fancy their wills are at work in a determination to affect and influence others. It appears to me that the object of the discipline and admonition of the Lord is to subdue our wills, and such only are fit vessels for the work of the Lord. Our fortnightly readings in London go on well enough. We have been on the latter part of 1 Corinthians, and are now going on to the beginning of 2 Corinthians, first the assembly and then the ministry. The meetings are very largely attended. I only hope that the truth may be effective. The present state of christendom is a great hindrance to our getting a true sense of either one or the other. It is no easy matter to go back to what was from the beginning. I hope that, in spite of weakness around you, and of many things disappointing, you are still encouraged. It is a great matter to be in our minds on the divine side of things, for there nothing can fail — and I think that one gets the support of the Spirit. There is not much stirring here in Greenwich, but we go on in peace, and I hope and think, to profit. My second boy seems to be getting on well enough at Portsmouth. He likes his work but does not much like being in lodgings. I think he will make a change and board with some sisters. So far I feel that we have had experience of much mercy in regard of our children and I hope that we shall continue to desire for them that which we have desired. I hope that Mrs. van Someren and your boy and self are well, and with kind love in the Lord, remain,
Your affectionate brother,
F. E. Raven.