Here at last is another notebook[1]. I have been in Ireland, travelling, ill, all sorts of things. Having had, by the delay in my departure for France, several days of at least a comparative tranquillity, I have used it in part for this work. I hesitate a little: 1) because this will probably be too late for it to be used; 2) because I have had to do it with less care and attention than the gravity of the service required. However, being subject to others, I send it; one would perhaps still correct some things on the proofs, if it is found good, and as the translation requires it, it seems to me. I have not had even a few of the books which I could in general use, but at last here is the work such as it is. Valeat quantum[2] – May the Lord be with you.
Yours very affectionately
[1] previous letters relate these notebooks to notes for the Lausanne translation project
You must not be surprised if I have taken so long to answer your letter, not only because I have not a moment to myself, but sometimes my head can hold no more; but, thank God, our work advances, I hope. The majority of the Bible is translated, and I hope with a care which will leave only little to be desired: not that I am content – I am rarely content; there are passages which embarrass everybody, but the reader will hardly notice it.
We were all with you in your illness; I fear that you also lacked care. As for me, I can testify that our good friends in Nivernais[14] and the Dauphiné[15] that they all were, and still are, disposed to do all that they could, and all that the most brotherly hospitality could suggest; I will always remember it with much recognition and affection.
We have had a very good conference here; the brethren happy together, and I fully hope that, by grace, effects will be retained in the work which is done around us.
In la Charante[16], things go on well, with conversions among the Roman Catholics.
In la Haute-Loire also there has been blessing. In Italy it seems that the work is, although slowly, making progress.
There is in France quite a general movement in the spirits of the Catholics to hear the Word; it is a drop of water if one takes account of the number, but this has not been at all for some years.
I write these things to you because I think that you like to have some news of this country. God acts in the world. We have His Word – what grace! – We have His Spirit – what grace again! The earnest of a grace yet better, His eternal presence; holy and blameless before Him in love[17], like Christ and with Christ; what more could one desire! And it is revealed to us now; He sheds abroad His love in our hearts[18]. We have everything except the glory itself, but still in an earthen vessel; only the veil becomes thinner and thinner. Soon there will be no obstacle, but the exercises here below are the opportunity for much tender solicitude of love. He never fails.
Mr and Mrs S are very poor in health, but He makes everything work together for those who love Him[19].
Peace be to you, dear brother, and may God lead you and keep you.
In Europe, the winter has been harsh and everywhere there is distress as to temporal things. Here we have rain, storms and floods. I have suffered from lumbago and I hobble a bit, but I am always working.
Salute the brethren.
Yours ever affectionately in Jesus
______________
purchasing power.
[11] Rome, GA was founded in 1834 ; badly affected by the Civil War, the population would have been around 3,000 when this letter was written.
Letter originally written in French, translated by Sosthenes, 2013 Click here for original – If you have any comments on the translation, feel free to let me know.
My voyage to the West Indies, and the excess of work during my short visit in London, have interrupted our correspondence and have hindered my writing to you. You will be surprised to learn that it is only now that I only just read your letter. As it was addressed to Mr McA, I thought that it was news of New York, of which I already had enough, and it was only when I wanted to write to him on leaving London that the mistake has come to light.
For the moment, I am in Ireland, but in several days, I depart for Germany; then, God willing, for Switzerland, France, Italy, where the work extends and where several labourers have been raised up by God.
I hope to see a few of our friends in the South of France[7], but this will be a bit later, and I would very much like to recover a bit beforehand. The Lord has been with me, and the Word still has more clarity and power for my soul; not in knowing new truths, but what had been vague and beclouded has become distinct and clear; only I would like a little peace and to make acquaintance with a lot of new brethren, the number having greatly increased. There are now three hundred meetings more or less in England; more than thirty in London and in the working class outskirts, not to speak of Ireland and Scotland where the number of them has greatly increased. It is impossible to follow it in detail, this casts us more on the Lord who alone can keep them (which is always true), and this in the midst of more snares and errors than ever. What a consolation to know that He loves His own, feeds them, cherishes them, and that He takes care of them. There is my consolation. He alone can do it, and He does it with a love which greatly surpasses all our poor thoughts.
But evil rises on all sides. Popery, heresies, unbelief, all the ripples which mark the power of the enemy, arise and roar around us, only the Lord is more powerful than all. The efforts of the enemy cause despair to gain momentum. The Lord’s silence demonstrated the calm of His power. But here He speaks. As He has said to Philadelphia[8], He has the key of David. He sets before His own an opened door which no-one can shut, and one sees it, for the gospel is preached as it never has been, and the testimony to the truth spreads itself. But everything is getting ready for the end. It seems to me that the Lord allows unbelief as a counterweight to Popery, for Protestantism is no longer that at all.
In the midst of these floods, I find a very sweet peace; we have received a kingdom not to be shaken[9]. Never has there been such sobriety, or desire to hear the Word. The time is short; let us seek to wait for the Lord, and to serve Him until He come.
… (See 116A)
Salute the brethren. God knows if at my age I will be able to see them again. In the end, I seek as I have sought their good before God, and He is One who never leaves them. May He keep them in His grace near to Him. Peace be to you.
Letter originally written in French, translated by Sosthenes, 2013 Click here for original – If you have any comments on the translation, feel free to let me know.
I know the need of a practical ministry in the South of France[4], especially in le Gard. In l’Isère, la Drôme, dear X has been encouraged in particular in Valdrôme. He is an excellent brother, and I rejoice much in his labours, for he replaces me a bit in these regions now that I have become old. Now he has gone to Italy for he also speaks Italian. It is precisely because I knew the needs of the South of France that I have mentioned your stay in France, and be sure of it the workmen would not lack if there was more devotion. I am sure that there is indeed un-developed gift.
In the Ardèche, less is lacking but several here are put aside! This is all a subject for prayer and humiliation. Devotion brings consideration for others, the feeling of responsibility, and by this exercises of heart by which one grows. There are those who are not growing because their devotion is lacking; I could name those who for want of some little labour lose the glory and the sweetness of working for the Lord… As for visiting the South of France, during my trip, I fear undertaking too much at the same time. I must be in Italy around Easter for a small conference, and visit Switzerland on the way; then I leave for London to go to Ireland. It is possible that, on my return of Italy, I can go in France, which I will do with great pleasure.
I am relieved indeed that you will be a while in Nîmes. The loss of dear G left them very weak, but God is full of goodness.
Here the brethren go on well; there is devotedness; the world is ever to be combated, but in general there is solidity, and hearts are united. There are now more than thirty meetings in London and, I reckon, more than 3000 brethren. Who can be sufficient for looking after this, if it is not One only? Thank God, they can count on him, and this is a big comfort.
We have good news of Switzerland, and quite good of Holland. The truth makes progress in America.
Pinkerton has gone to Egypt and Syria. I was struck by his solidity and how much he has matured in the consciousness of his position. They break bread in Syria and in Alexandria; God had prepared the way. There is only a small foothold in each locality. Already there have been some persecutions; a native brother of Syria had translated tracts and the missionaries returned them. The return of P also awakened the opposition of the Presbyterians, but doors are opened to him.
Yours affectionately in Jesus Letter originally written in French, translated by Sosthenes, 2013 Click here for original – If you have any comments on the translation, feel free to let me know.
It is really problematic for me to go to America again. It is surely not that the desire is lacking, for I will always like coming very much, above all to see one or two places; but entirely being able for a lot of work. I have passed the term assigned to human life and I am no longer as able to bear the tiredness and effort, as when I scurried on foot over the mountains of La Lozère and Gard . But in the end I am for God, a God of all grace, happy to belong to Him, infinitely happy, and desiring only to do his will up to the end, for it is the only good thing. What are we, unless servants, in this world? Soon the illusions will pass, there is only faith that is true and will abide.
I hold nine meetings a week, where I take part, and I work in my head; I still visit as always, but I do not know if a journey as far as California would be in God’s ways. I have already been asked, but at first sight, such a mission seems demanding, to supply it with the bodily strength which a man past 70 years old can hardly have, claimed as I am by other work. I am also asked for in Italy.
For the moment, the griefs of our dear French brethren appear to be coming to an end . We have done what we can to comfort them. Those in Paris have suffered a shortage of supplies, but not otherwise. Help amounting to about 40,000 francs has been sent to the area of Sedan where the distress was great, and more than 4,000 francs for the urgent needs of those who have been in the war theatre. Holland and Switzerland have taken their part in this liberality. The German brethren have done what they could to greet the prisoner brethren when they have been able to find them. Two of these last work quietly among them and earn their living: for a third, they arrived two hours too late, he had just been sent with 2,000 other prisoners to Holstein. They stood surety for these brothers to the government. Finally, there was a testimony rendered (however weak it may be), that grace and Christianity are above the miseries of this poor world. L F has visited them, and has received good letters from some among them who had been sent to Bavaria. In the Ardèche, where the brethren have little or no suffering, this has nevertheless made them sober, it has been the same with people of the world; and the meetings have been more frequent. In the Drôme, some were drawn away by their companions in the standing or mobile guard. In the country of Montbéliard, they are full of recognition towards God who has kept them. They suffered, their stock was taken, and workers, it seems, lacked work everywhere during the campaign. We send them assistance, either from here, or from Switzerland. I see this evening from the placards that the peace treaty is already signed. Things now move quickly, but the hand of God all the more is seen. I hope that under certain conditions, it will have been good for the brethren, because the massacre and ruin were frightful. Then supplies have been missed in the north of France, because what they had sown was frozen. They sow now. A tremendous amount of wheat and supplies are sent from England, but it is a nothing for a so big country. The South of France has not suffered; or in the west either, save from the inclemency of the season, and from the shortage of grain for the sowing season. But peace prevailing, things will get better in a short time. God ever good is above it all. I feared for the German brethren, that these events would go to their heads, but it appears that they were very sober and that they have turned more to the Lord.
On the other hand, I feared for the French brethren, that these things would embitter them and that they would think more of France than of the Lord. I hope however that they will turn to their good. We have prayed constantly for them. You know well what happens even at the confederation of the nations of the west? In my spirit, these events point to the return of the Lord rather than to the earth. I saw all that outright, as one might say; now that things begin to develop, events detach from one another, only it seems to me that it will require time. But who can say? It does not touch our waiting at all. There are no events between us and heaven. May our hearts be there! …
All in all, I do not think that this blight of war has done a lot of harm spiritually to the brethren. In la Drôme, there was not enough life already. I leave the question of carrying weapons on both sides; it flustered many brothers, and I understand it. What a terror! to say nothing about the principle, to see brethren killing each other. Besides, I do not think that a single brother has been killed on one side or the other. The son of a German brother has been; one hoped that he was sober. One has written too of France: X if I am not deceived has encouraged the brethren to bear arms. B must be, or has been judged for refusing to be there. God makes all things work together for good to those that love Him. What a compassionate God is our God!
Peace be to you, dear brother. Greet all brethren affectionately. Here, the brethren do well, and work extends persistently, but outwardly everything is breaking down. In Germany, the work also extends.
Yours ever affectionately
Letter originally written in French, translated by Sosthenes, 2013 Click here for original – If you have any comments on the translation, feel free to let me know.
CVI – 106
Londres, 1er mars 1871
A M. P.
Bien-aimé frère, John Nelson DarbyIl est bien problématique que je revienne encore en Amérique. Ce n’est sûrement pas que le désir me manque, car j’aimerais beaucoup m’y rendre, surtout en vue d’un ou de deux endroits ; mais, tout en étant encore capable de beaucoup de travail, j’ai dépassé le terme assigné à la vie humaine et ne suis plus aussi capable de supporter la fatigue et les peines, comme lorsque je trottais à pied sur les montagnes de la Lozère et du Gard. Mais enfin je suis à Dieu, à un Dieu de toute grâce, heureux de lui appartenir, infiniment heureux, et ne désirant que faire sa volonté jusqu’au bout, car c’est la seule chose bonne. Que sommes-nous, sinon ses serviteurs, dans ce monde ? Bientôt les illusions passeront, il n’y a que la foi qui soit vraie et qui demeure.
Je tiens neuf réunions par semaine, ou j’y prend part, et je travaille de la tête ; je visite encore comme toujours, mais je ne sais si un voyage jusqu’en Californie serait dans les voies de Dieu. On me l’a déjà demandé, mais de prime abord, une telle mission semble exiger, pour la remplir des forces corporelles dont un homme de 70 ans passés ne peut guère disposer, réclamé comme je le suis par d’autres travaux. On me demande aussi en Italie.
Pour le moment, les peines de nos chers frères français paraissent toucher à leur fin. Nous avons fait ce que nous pouvions pour les soulager. Ceux de Paris ont souffert de la disette de vivres, mais pas autrement. Des secours se montant à 40’000 francs environ ont été envoyés du côté de Sedan où la détresse était grande, et de plus 4’000 fr. pour les besoins urgents de ceux qui ont été sur le théâtre de la guerre. La Hollande et la Suisse ont pris part de leur côté à cette libéralité. Les frères allemands ont fait ce qu’ils ont pu pour accueillir les frères prisonniers, quand ils ont pu les trouver. Deux de ces derniers travaillent paisiblement au milieu d’eux et gagnent leur vie : pour un troisième, ils sont arrivés deux heures trop tard, il venait d’être envoyé avec 2’000 autres prisonniers dans le Holstein. Ils se sont portés caution pour ces frères, auprès du gouvernement. Enfin, il y a eu un témoignage rendu (quelque faible qu’il ait pu être), que la grâce et le christianisme sont en dehors, et au-dessus des misères de ce pauvre monde. L. F. les a visités, et a reçu de bonnes lettres de quelques-uns d’entre eux qui avaient été envoyé en Bavière. Dans l’Ardèche, où les frères ont peu ou point souffert, cela les a néanmoins rendus sérieux, il en a été de même des gens du monde ; aussi les réunions ont-elles été plus fréquentées. Dans la Drôme, quelques-uns ont été entraînés par leurs compagnons de la garde sédentaire ou mobile. Dans la contrée de Montbéliard, ils sont pleins de reconnaissance envers Dieu qui les a gardés. Ils ont souffert, leur bétail a été pris, et les ouvriers ont, paraît-il, manqué d’ouvrage partout à la campagne. Nous leur envoyons des secours, soit d’ici, soit de Suisse. Je vois ce soir par les affiches que le traité de paix est déjà signé. Les choses vont vite à présent, mais on y voit d’autant plus la main de Dieu. J’espère que sous certains rapports, cela aura fait du bien aux frères, car le carnage et la ruine ont été affreux. Puis les vivres manquaient au nord de la France ; car ce qu’on avait semé a été gelé. On sème maintenant. On envoie énormément de blé et de vivres de l’Angleterre, mais c’est un rien pour un si grand pays. Le Midi n’a guère souffert, l’Ouest non plus, sauf de l’inclémence de la saison, et du manque de grain pour les semailles. Mais la paix survenant, les choses se remettront en peu de temps. Dieu toujours bon est au-dessus de tout. Je craignais pour les frères allemands, que ces événements ne leur montassent la tête, mais il paraît qu’ils étaient trop sérieux et qu’ils les ont plutôt tournés vers le Seigneur.
Je craignais d’autre part pour nos frères français, que ces choses ne les aigrissent et qu’ils pensassent plus à la France qu’au Seigneur. J’espère toutefois qu’elles tourneront à leur bien. Nous avons constamment prié pour eux. Savez-vous bien que ce qui arrive même à la confédération des nations de l’Occident ? Dans mon esprit, ces événements renvoient plutôt la venue du Seigneur quant à la terre. Je voyais tout cela en bloc, pour ainsi dire ; maintenant que les choses commencent à se développer, les événements se détachent l’un de l’autre, seulement il me semble que cela demandera du temps. Mais qui peut le dire ? Cela ne touche nullement notre attente. Il n’y a pas d’événements entre nous et le ciel. Que nos cœurs y soient ! …
En somme, je ne crois pas que ce fléau de la guerre ait fait spirituellement beaucoup de mal aux frères. Dans la Drôme, il y avait déjà peu de vie. Je laisse la question de porter les armes des deux côtés ; cela a troublé bien des frères, et je le comprends. Quelle horreur ! pour ne rien dire du principe, de voir des frères s’entre-tuer. Au reste, je ne crois pas qu’un seul frère ait été tué d’un côté ou de l’autre. Le fils d’un frère allemand l’a été ; on espérait qu’il était sérieux. On m’a écrit de France : X., si je ne me trompe, a encouragé les frères à porter les armes. B. doit être, ou a été jugé pour s’y être refusé. Dieu fait contribuer toutes choses au bien de ceux qui l’aiment. Quel Dieu miséricordieux que notre Dieu !
Paix vous soit, cher frère. Saluez affectueusement tous les frères. Ici, les frères vont bien, et l’œuvre s’étend continuellement, mais au dehors tout dégringole. En Allemagne, l’œuvre s’étend aussi.
Votre toujours affectionné.
John Nelson DarbyYou will be happy to have news of the South of France where I have spent several weeks, but where I have worked a little beyond my strength. I had thought of coming here first, where I am occupied with translation, or more exactly corrections, for I have refused to translate, the thing being beyond my powers. The brothers who have to help me not being ready, I left London for Geneva, Aigle, Lausanne, St-Aubin, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Ste-Croix, Gilly, Le Brassus; Geneva for the conference, then Morges and Lausanne; afterwards France, Lyon, St-Etienne, Annonay, with a short but good conference in Valence for two days; to Montpéllier, a rest day; then the conference in Vigan, St-André, St-Hippolyte (where those from Lassalle and others came on Sunday), next St-Jean, Nîmes, Montpéllier, Geneva, German Switzerland, Berne, Zofingue, Zurich, with a German conference: then Andelfingen, Schaffhousen, Stuttgart, where we have had a German conference for Würtemberg; and finally Elberfeld.
I have suffered a bit from fatigue, and from the journey, but at last I have seen the brethren in the places which I had not seen for a long time, and whether at Valence or Vigan, they came from all parts of France, the Doubs, etc. At Geneva, the conferences have been very good, full of good harmony and serious. Through all, one is occupied with what it is to be dead to sin; one has desired to have more time on this subject, even at Vigan; we have spoken of it in Valence.
I went for one day to Vergèze ; the brethren in these quarters were occupied with the grape harvest during the conference. There are quite a lot of interested young brothers, and in certain places the work progresses. In the mountains, they go on well, but they need shepherding and teaching; for in general they are a bit elementary. In the plain, there is a bit of progress; the wine trade does poorly, but they keep going.
The meeting in Montpéllier has gained, in my view, but on all sides the need is felt of workers dedicated to the work.
In Switzerland, the work renews itself; the old brothers were a bit down, but there is a younger generation which brings life and spiritual spring in the meeting. In the Vallée de Joux , things are good, and in German Switzerland, the work is greatly extended. But in general, a new fire is needed, a new devotion, on the part of some places. In summary, I have been encouraged.
There are other places in France where the work expands a bit.
In Italy, doors open; B has gone there. He asks as other workers that I go there.
In Germany, the work is extended and enlarged.
There, dear brother, is a summary that will give you some idea of what is going on, and of what is being done; I can only be short in a letter but I know that this will interest you. I do not have a lot of time to write, you can believe. At this time, we have a conference in Elberfeld, which I am enjoying.
Our correcting work may be useful, but here the Word enters directly in contact with the brethren’s souls, and more particularly with those of the workers. It is there that we have to look. Our work on the Old Testament has the same object, but it is not properly concerned with souls. However, I believe that it is His will that I do this work, and His will is always good. I am happy to be the brethren’s servant for the love of the Lord and for His glory.
I have very good news of New York; M and an English brother are there; they have a tract depot. They meet there as usual, and the Spirit acts in souls; their state has changed for the good. We will always find conflict here, but faith lifts us above all. I have confidence that this work of the enemy will turn to good by the Lord’s grace; and one is happy when one has confidence in the Lord, when the flesh, the human heart even, would not find its trust, but one counts on Him, happy to be nothing for His service. One is nothing, we know it well, but to be content to be nothing is another thing, and this, when the work to which one holds is what is according to God, is grace. But God is always good, always faithful.
I do not know if your work is finished in the West. It would be damaging if you should have gone so far without finishing what God brought you there for, but when I see all the needs of France, I think of course of the French workers who are not there. Ah! if there was more devotion, the workers would not be lacking, at least as it is currently. I hope that someone will have felt it in our conferences. But One alone can give both workers and devotion. May He do it in His goodness!
I have thought a little of going to America next summer, but I leave the thing to God, not knowing if I should be able to find enough time, or if should have enough strength. In the end, the thing is in His hands. Keep near to Him, dear brother, it is our strength and our happiness, and the Lord’s grace suffices us; only, by grace, let us keep near to Him, seeking His power.
Cordially greet the brethren. I am very glad to hear that things go better in Sugar Creek : may God bless them. I remember all the brethren in Illinois with much affection.
May God be richly with you
Your very affectionate brother
The Lord is our all now by faith, soon He will be in perfection, and will be fully revealed. May He be your all, and ever more so to all His own – yea, their all!
Letter originally written in French, translated by Sosthenes, 2013 Click here for original – If you have any comments on the translation, feel free to let me know.
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