BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 29TH, 1938
BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 29TH, 1938
Mr. P. Lyon.
Beloved Brother, — Many thanks for your letter of the 16th inst. and cable of the 24th inst. We were grieved to hear of Arthur Steven. I have written his parents.
The news of Mr. G——— is distressing indeed. His brother wrote, me details. We are very grieved for Mrs. G., who is herself far from well, and for Southport — two valued brothers lately taken.
Before this reaches you you will have heard that Mr. H. Gill fell asleep — on the 27th inst. Burial tomorrow. I have no details save that Geoffrey telegraphed that his father had ‘passed away peacefully’, with particulars as to burial, etc., also that his mother was ‘well sustained’. Our brother had remarkable ability in preaching and in his earlier days worked hard, being blessed of God; but always marked by personal friendships and singularly wanting in crises. His special links with ——— , ——— , etc., menaced for years the peace of the saints.
I received from Mr. Chesterfield, A.J.G.’s statement as to the ‘London brothers’ readings’, which commends itself. I am thankful the matter is thus settled .
——— [p. 128] wrote saying he had been exercised to ‘take away the reproach’ — want of leadership in these meetings. I said in reply that he evidently did not enquire as to the constitutionality of the meetings, which he surely should have done, and that hence his concern as to leadership was misguided. I pointed out that no reproach attached to London, as compared with other cities, as to leadership; and that the special leadership he had in mind for the brothers’ readings necessitated the gift of teaching and that Scripture treats this as general and not fixedly local.
You will be aware that dear Mrs. Fawcett is with the Lord. She had been honourably identified with the testimony for nearly half a century. Through her illness she became weakened in body and mind and hence did not end here as brightly as might have been expected; but the divine root was there: in her well days she usually had a true judgment in times of uncertainty.
As regards ———’s funeral, Mrs. ——— , Mrs. ——— , ——— and wife have cleared themselves, for which we are thankful.
I am grieved that Gardenstown is not more hopeful. The peculiar character of the evil, of a piece with Westfield, Bath, Novi, etc., is very noteworthy. The Lord will surely move against it.
We are thinking of you in all your journeyings and services.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your sister,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.