BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 5TH, 1935
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 5TH, 1935
Mr. G. R. Cowell.
Beloved Brother, — I duly received your letter of the 22nd ultimo, and I am interested in your inquiries and remarks.
As regards Hebrews 12, I have looked up the passage you refer to in the address entitled ‘Leadership’, and generally it conveys what I understand as to this great matter. I have not been able to find a copy of Notes on Hebrews, but I have no doubt that what is said of it corresponds with the remarks in the address on leadership.
No doubt you have examined the meaning of the word for author or leader in Hebrews 12: 2 (see Mr. Darby’s note as to the Greek word on Acts 3: 15). The meaning is not only that the Lord originated faith, but He exemplified it in His life. There is much food for the soul in following up that blessed life in the details furnished in Scripture. To deny that the Lord exercised faith as a Man here would be to deprive us of Him as a model to look steadfastly upon. The passage in Hebrews is plainly that we should regard Him in this respect as the Leader and Completer of the life of faith. In this path He lived by every word that came out of the mouth of God, setting, as He says, Jehovah always before him; Psalm 16.
As regards the deletion of the reference in old hymn 88 to the Lord’s faith, I am sorry I can give you no information. I certainly have no recollection of this particular matter being discussed at Teignmouth, although the hymn came before us in the regular way and certain changes were made in it. Had it been said that the verse was omitted because of the reference to the Lord exercising faith, I am sure I should have objected.
I thank you for your sympathetic remarks as to the visit of my wife and myself to Hornchurch, which are fully reciprocated by us. We enjoyed our time much with you all, especially the seasons at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Fentiman. I wish to thank you again for the service you rendered in the revision [p. 17] of the German notes. I have no doubt the Lord will bless these notes as circulated amongst His people.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your wife, and to Mr. and Mrs. Fentiman and to all the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.