Dear Mr. Editor :

More than two years ago I wrote you a letter which you published in Help and Food (May 1914) under the heading, " The Lord's Speedy Return and the Gospel." I was impressed at that time that the closing days of this dispensation are no time for Elijah-like discouragement, but that we should count on God's grace to work in souls to the very end, and that we should encourage one another to labor expectantly for the blessing of souls, no matter how limited our sphere might be.

At that time, however, I was transferred from the place where I had the privileges of a growing assembly with opportunities for service in the Lord's work, to this city in which was no assembly gathered according to the principles laid down in the word of God, and the people were unusually conservative and hard to get acquainted with. This period was a time of soul exercise and waiting upon God.

After nearly two years, the doors began to open without any of my efforts – in cottage-meetings, Bible-readings, Bible-classes, and calls to speak in many places. It has been a great joy to see many souls finding peace and blessing. To some the Bible has become a new book, and its authority is established in their hearts. Now, from among those who have been blessed a gathering is forming on the principles of our common membership in the body of Christ. What cause to rejoice in the Lord, and to praise Him for His mercy! May we all thank God and take courage, sowing heartily till He come.

The outbreak of this terrible European war seems to have let loose the hatred of men's hearts, and shown the impotency of civilization's thin veneer, foreshadowing the soon coming end of man's day. Yet in spite of all God is making new occasion for turning men's hearts to Himself and bringing spiritual blessing to very many out of their trials and affliction. If the Lord leaves His people here a little longer may we not expect a considerable measure of exodus of God's true saints from the apostatizing religious systems about us? There are overcomers in Laodicea; may we come in touch with them in God's holy way. To-day, it is not merely sectarianism or human organization, but a question of the very fundamentals of Christianity, and should not our endeavor and hope be to see true Christians delivered from the wreck? May we be prepared for such a service.

Fajardo, Porto Rico, July, 1916.

To Loizeaux Bros.

Dear brethren in Christ:- Since my coming here I was anxious, perhaps too much so, to take up again an active part in spreading the message of salvation by faith in Christ; hut such did not seem to be the Lord's mind for me just now, for He has kept me on a sick bed. Why? Because His ways are not as our ways (Isa. 55 :8).

Under His ways, though the body suffer, how the soul enjoys being at the Saviour's feet, listening to His blessed voice. I write to tell you some of the things learned, and the precious teachings received. My desire is that others might share in them also.
The precious truths of the Holy Scriptures cannot be understood nor explained by mere human intelligence, nor retained by mere efforts of memory. Why? Because God has hidden them from the wise and prudent (Matt. 11; 25). They belong to the domain of faith. Only faith can appropriate them and convey their beauty and sweetness to the human heart. And we can appreciate them only as we desire Christ. Faith feeds upon Him alone.

Truths only apprehended by the mind do not give life; and faith does not feed upon mere truths, but upon Christ; it makes us look to Christ who reveals the truths to .the heart in which He dwells. It is therefore a necessity that Christ dwell in us by faith to be able to understand (Eph. 3 :17, 18). Efforts of the will are of little use; they who seek thus the hidden treasures of the Word learn only external things, instead of Christ filling the heart. Oh for a humble, obedient heart, learning in the sanctuary of God, guided by the Holy Spirit who abides in us to teach us all things (1 Jno. 2 :27). If Christ does not dwell in the heart, they who study the Scriptures without such dispositions, have yet need to learn the simplest truths, even after having read and studied much (Heb. 5 :12), for it is spiritually that they are discerned (1 Cor. 2 :14).

The apostle's desire was:"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him :the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints … in Christ" (Eph. 1:17-19). Happy experiences, blessed lessons received in the sweet intimacy of the divine Master, our adorable Saviour!

With the joy of passing through experiences which, by the Lord's grace, teach such precious and sweet lessons, what matters it if the body be in suffering? Truly, His ways are not as our ways, but that they are all for our good, Scripture itself declares (Rom. 8 :28). Furnished through such means, how much more availing our ministry to others may become. May He prepare hearts for the reception of the truth even as He prepares the servants to minister it.

Having yourselves traveled the same road, you will, I am sure, rejoice that younger brethren are being trained in the same way and to the same ends. In that perfect and eternal love of His, I remain your affectionate brother, Henry Ruga.