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  LETTER: 11E 31 G V WIGRAM, EDMONDSBURY, AUGUST 2ND 1839
  by John Nelson Darby
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of private work and the
sufficiency of God in all things, warning against the dangers of public
testimony without a strong foundation in private work.

Topics: "The Role of the Holy Spirit", "Personal Ministry"
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:26, Acts 20:20, Ephesians 4:12, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Peter 4:10

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DESCRIPTION
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John Nelson Darby emphasizes the sufficiency of the Lord in all aspects
of life, highlighting the importance of personal ministry and visiting
others as a vital part of Christian work. He argues that while public
testimony is valuable, the private work of understanding and applying
doctrine is essential for true ministry. Darby believes that the Holy
Spirit guides individuals in applying truth to their personal needs, and
warns against relying solely on public testimony without the foundation
of private engagement. He encourages a focus on nurturing love and
understanding within the community, as this is crucial for effective
ministry.

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CONTENT
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p31 [To the same.] Dear Wigram, - The Lord is sufficient for all things,
and not only so, but, blessed be His faithful name, provides for and
orders all things to the glory of Him whose interests are made the same
as ours. . . . As to your own work . . . I think the visiting part
myself, quite as important, if not the most important part of the work:
it is said, "publicly, and from house to house." In these days, when
there is a good deal of general testimony, though feeble and mixed
perhaps, the latter assumes more than its primary relative importance.
The clock, of course, strikes the hours, and avails to the passers by,
but the works inside make the good clock, and make the striking and the
hands right. I think it should be your substantive work, and take all
else as it comes; indeed, I do not believe any can minister well without
it. The springs of love, and the use and application of doctrine are fed
there, minds are understood, the Spirit is led to apply truth to need
spiritually understood and entered into; we are apt to get essays else,
theories or thoughts. The Holy Ghost, I believe, teaches people while it
teaches truth, and suits the truth to conscience and its known state;
and it is good for our own souls besides. I dread much public testimony,
and altogether so, if there be not private work.

Grace be with you, and kind love to all.

Ever affectionately yours in the Lord.

Edmondsbury, August 2nd. 1839.

[51011E]

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-nelson-darby/letter-11e-31-g-v-wigram-edmondsbury-august-2nd-1839/
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