To G.V.W.                                 Toronto  Oct. 16, 1866

I have not seen poor Dorman’s book, only its title (nor have I seen Mr. Guinand’s), nor have I at present any intention of reading it when I do. McAdam sent me the title. I know, I suppose fully, from their letters what they object to, so that I have nothing to gain on that side and the rest I gain nothing by. Quietness is often God’s way of dealing with such cases. I trust no brother will set himself about answering any of these papers. The objections are known, they have been discussed by those anxious. All the rest is attack; and no answer is the best answer. It does not then become a matter of useless controversy. It will probably tomber dans L’eau – its best issue; for the fruits of righteousness are sown in peace. At present I find I cannot occupy my mind with it before God. The adversary may use it as a hindrance when occasion is sought. It will, I am persuaded, be the loss of those who let themselves be so hindered. This may be a cause of sorrow, but it is one we must also respect. I look sometimes for antecedent causes on God’s part to see if there be anything to judge in oneself or even in brethren’s ways. We may profit by sorrow thus. It is very good for me, I am sure, as exercising me, and keeping all sound in its place, and so I seek to use it, or receive it at God’s hand; its immediate causes are not the error of what is attacked. Were there false doctrine I should not so look at it, but the more I weigh the whole teaching, the more I see profit for the Brethren; expressions to be made clearer, so as to take away any handle. Yet those to a willing fair mind would have afforded none. It is a mere attack of the enemy, and then I am not afraid. I have sometimes feared it might not have been in due season, minds not prepared for it; but there was a remedy, if it be sound, of leaving them