JAMES TAYLOR

My dear Brother,

Pardon my delay in answering your letter, but...... would have told you that I found it difficult to answer profitably and this remains, especially because of want of time.

I kept no copy of what I wrote......, but I believe I stressed the importance of a room in the city having a central position. I think I also stressed the importance of sacrificing for the good and unity of all. Thus in general all who reside in Chicago should attend the Chicago meeting.

The numbers involved in the whole matter are relatively small and the testimony might be damaged if for the sake of comfort or convenience one meeting is left weak.

Thus love must be active and it never fails. I believe you have sufficient light as to the principles entering into the position in Chicago to guide you if you use it. This will require time, prayer governing it. I say this because it applies to the brethren in the area as a whole.

Your letter shows that you have thought of the principles but perhaps you have not made them practical and this means that you have not prayed for the brethren individually – so that they may bend to the principles, not that the principles should bend to them.

Suffer the word of exhortation!

My wife unites in love to you and your family and to all the brethren.

Affectionately in Christ,

15 March 1949