The Ryde Trouble

My trust has been in the Lord, and I think, though it be but the dawn, He has come in, in mercy. It seems to me the brethren did not see what was really in question, not at Ryde only, but in the whole question of their testimony. I should not even say this, but that I believe, as I said, God has stepped in. I see His hand, and all I have done has been to leave it to Him, only looking where there has been much too much human activity.
Our work, thank God, goes on well. I feel anxious as to the details of perfectness, at least they require much attention. But I feel the Lord with me, and am well (a couple of days quite otherwise). My difficulty is, being here, the brethren desire to see me, as I should them, and how to do both is not so easy. "Rejoice in the Lord always," and "Be careful for nothing"; that is our path.
January 23rd.
The Ryde Trouble
On the whole one can trust in the goodness of God, but the matter will call for long patience, and the leaders of brethren seem above all, to go astray. Still I think God is working.... Waiting on Him, courage, and patience are what are called for. There is a loss of moral sense among brethren, which tends to destroy confidence, and then an action which refers to the whole body, by an individual of his own authority. I love independence, but then an individual should not act in what affects all, unless they can pretend to a commission from Christ, that is, apostolic authority: and it does not succeed, but raises distrust, and what is called radicalism....
Humiliation is the place of all, for dishonor has been done to Christ. But there is a moral loosening which is the alarming part of the case. Still trusting the Lord and seeking the blessing of all is our path.
Pau,
February 26.