Brooklyn, N. Y., Oct. 30, 1876
BELOVED BROTHER-Your letter, received after your card on Saturday, has given us all great joy, as we discern in it the mark of the Holy Spirit's action, and rejoice in the way He is leading you. The question I so often ask those who desire fellowship, and to take their place at the Lord's table, whether they are coming to a sect or a nice religious meeting for their own comfort or anything of man's making up, you have answered clearly. It is blessed to be clear in the matter of our testimony. The Lord has judged the condition of the whole professing church-Christendom-and we have been judged with it. We have been led out from the evil to Him simply to be according to His mind, and thus to bear a remnant testimony in a day of evil. And that is our work. By taking a position against all that dishonors Him in this day, you have already done more than all the activities of so-called service, efforts, work, etc., combined. What are God's children busy at? Building up that which is contrary to Him. Jeremiah (Chapter 15,) it was said, "If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth."
We are to be more thoroughly judged and sifted by the World and to take the place of confession before Him who is so greviously dishonored, in behalf of all. If they do not confess, we must for them. Surely here is a work. Your " avenues" will open soon. Meanwhile quietness and brokenness before the Lord are of great price.
I am glad you have been led to see your separation from all associations of men-political, social, and religious. Those meeting to Him have long ago ceased to be of any nation here and of any citizenship, because our citizenship is in heaven alone. We are simply to pass along as strangers and pilgrims, not of the world at all, though subject to the authorities. We have not been able to go on with the Y. M. C. A., finding it is not on the ground of the body of which Christ is the head.
I saw brother R. S. S. lately in New York. He is now at home in Indianapolis, and I hope be may be able to be with you next Lord's day to break bread with you and your wife. I have written to him suggesting it. tie will teat you other things that the Word gives us concerning the conduct of the assembly, but it will be what is already in the Word; see if you can find out the Lord's way there. The Holy Spirit is present, and that becomes the characteristic thing. Reliance is alone on Him to lead. Two or three gathered in the Lord's name are gathered by Him alone, and He must guide when to speak, read, praise, or give thanks. It is simplicity in itself, because is of Him.
We reciprocate most heartily your greeting and fellowship. I am glad your wife is with you; this is sweet indeed. She and you will find many a cold word, possibly a bitter one, from without, those who are nearest sometimes saying the sharpest. But the joy of the Lord is your strength. You fall into company with the despised and outcast, for such was He, and you fall heirs of the sorrows as well as the joys. It is enough that you are with Him, and He is coming soon!
Love from all. I hope to hear from you very soon again. When it is the Lord's will I shall see you. Yours ever in Him, M. T.