1890-1891
South Africa, Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand
February 29th, 1891
Melbourne
My Beloved Henry,
Since posting my letter to you yesterday I have received yours of January with several enclosures I am glad to have as likely to be helpful – the parcel of papers also to hand – I was hoping there might have been the explanation by Mr Ord. We had a room full again last night at a brother's house at Praram and D.V. purpose coming together again this evening.
In case you have not seen it I enclose a letter of Dr Woolstan's written to a relative of his a Mr Ellis at Sydney and now largely circulated in these parts – it seems a very poor production and the virus in his mind against dear Mr Lowe is very sad – he says nothing about the months of patient discussion he had with Raven prior to his refusal to meet him.
A report reaches me from home that Harry Shaplands says he thinks his father will go with Capt. Moxon, have you heard of this – I hear also that Arthur is out of health also Lizzie. Well it is a relief for one's heart to look beyond the long dark night and hail the supreme moment when we shall be gathered together unto Him – it must be near – very near.
Trust you are better in health than when you wrote – I often wish I was at home, but the Lord sustains my confidence in Himself and through His mercy I have not wanted a little company with whom I could unite in praise and thanksgiving since having to withdraw – there is as you say a terrible spirit of persecution among those we have had to separate from – it has always seemed to me that the spirit manifested at Greenwich in the Corbett was dealt with and at Ealing too has now taken possession of all who had sided with them. The Lord preserve us so that we might not be overcome with evil. Again with much love to you all.
Your very affectionate Bro. Edward