HOW THE FLESH HINDERS IN MEETINGS

^[p. 25] HOW THE FLESH HINDERS IN MEETINGS

I quite agree with you that we suffered much at the ———— meetings, because, as you say, there was not simple dependence on the Lord; but, as you know, liberty of speech and freedom of utterance can be in the flesh as much as dogged silence, and it is certainly much more mischievous. The one who, in the flesh, will be doggedly silent because cowed or repressed by fear or self-occupation, will be audacious and forward when that which overawes his flesh is removed. One may be in fear, and in weakness, and in much trembling because of man, and at the same time one may be at one’s ease before the Lord, and acting for Him.

The prospect of your prosperity through the Lord’s favour is a joy to me; and I do trust that the time may be used, under His guidance, to supply to souls the truth suited to their state. It is not always that the happiest and most buoyant meetings are the most profitable. The word from the Lord reaching the conscience, and sending each back to his place, to turn over a new leaf, is the time of real blessing. I dread the ‘making merry with my friends’; that is socialism, and man can never go higher than that; but what a contrast is making merry with God — “they began to be merry”.

I trust the Lord will enable me to remember you during the meetings.