by T. Austin-Sparks
BELOVED OF GOD,
It is not possible for me to write personally to all the friends who
write to me, but I do want to thank them. My two former letters
dealing with our position seem to have been a help to many, both for
themselves and in their meeting of others. Those letters have,
however, been themselves misunderstood in some few directions, but
not seriously. A few friends have interpreted them as a moan or
lament for ourselves, and have felt that we needed helping over a
last ditch. Well, thank you, dear friends, for all your kind
encouragement, and we value it much; but our grief is not for
ourselves, but solely for the Lord and His interests. We were only
trying to clear the field of misunderstanding in order that the Lord
might come into His own more fully. Then my remark about "Tongues"
has been regarded as an indication of another form or aspect of
prejudice in my own case. Let me say at once that prejudice does not
come into this matter where I am concerned. If I have any
reservations or questions in that connection, they are just the
opposite of prejudice. Prejudice is a blind and ignorant thing,
which closes the door and bolts it before what is there has been
identified or considered. I trust that mine is a fully enlightened
and considered position in this matter. "Tongues" or spiritual gifts
in abundance have never been the proof of spiritual maturity, as see
First Corinthians, i.e. the church in Corinth, and what we are
seeking is to lead the Lord's people on to "full growth".
Now, there is more to be said as to what we are seeking to fulfil as
our God-given ministry, but I think that it would be set out more
usefully than in personal letters if I wrote either a booklet or a
series of short, precise, articles. This I am seeking to do. Please
pray that it may be given of the Lord. I do want our readers to pray
very much with us along one particular line. You know that, with the
war, this little paper had to be trimmed to a mere shadow of its
former size and quality. So far we have not been granted any paper
supplies to increase size, quality or circulation. While there seems
to be paper for all sorts of pernicious stuff, the Prince of this
world is preventing it from going where the interests of Christ
could be furthered. This can be overcome by prayer. We have so very
much ministry ready for printing, and there is such a call for it,
but this "door of utterance" needs opening. Not only is our own
press limited, but printers everywhere are unable to accept the
work.
Then, finally, may I ask your prayer concerning personal ministry in
coming months. Needs and calls come from many parts of the world,
but with many obligations and difficulties it will be necessary for
the Lord to give a very clear indication by His witness and His acts
if this wider ministry is to be fulfilled. It is a burden upon one's
heart. I count on your prayers.
"Now may the God of peace... make you perfect in every good thing...
to him be the glory".
Yours in the Bonds of His Son,
T. Austin-Sparks
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