GREENWICH, MARCH 4TH, 1895

^[p. 106] GREENWICH, MARCH 4TH, 1895

Mr. J. Edmondson.

My Dear Brother, — I was glad to have a line from you and thank you for the object with which you write. I do not think that I shall get to Ireland in the Spring, in fact, I have declined an invitation to go to Belfast, being under promise to go at Easter to Portsmouth. It may be that opportunity may offer for crossing over later on in the year, and if so, I would try and pay you a visit. If I could I should like to spend a little time in Ireland. My visits hitherto have been but flying ones. I have had a copy sent me of the pamphlet to which you refer — but have not had an opportunity of reading it — so many things crowd in that it is difficult to find time to read much of what is written. As regards the three days in John 1 and 2 they seem to me to be pretty clearly marked. The third day is evident enough in chapter 2 and bears upon it the power of resurrection in which Christ turns the water of purification into the wine of joy. The previous day from verse 43 of chapter 1 witnesses the establishment of relations between Christ and the godly remnant of Israel (as seen in Nathanael) — and the preceding one sees the close of John the baptist’s testimony, in Christ becoming a gathering point, and Simon Peter a sample stone of the assembly. It is in this way that the three days present themselves to me. I am sorry that you are so pressed in business it becomes so absorbing and in that way injurious to the soul. I trust that God is permitting you to find happiness in domestic life. We are all well through mercy.

With love in the Lord,
Believe me,
Your affectionate brother,
F. E. Raven.