BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 21ST, 1940
BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 21ST, 1940
Beloved Brother, — I am very interested in the enquiry in your letter of the 13th inst.
As regards breaking bread with an invalid or isolated saint, the question arises as to the scriptural warrant for such action. It is clear from 1 Corinthians 11 that the breaking of bread belongs to the assembly: “when ye come together in assembly”. A single saint cannot afford assembly conditions in a locality. I mean that if the breaking of bread is to take place in a place there must be assembly conditions in some sense. For instance, if a meeting had been there and all the brothers had been removed, leaving some godly sisters who cared for the Lord’s interests, I should be free to break bread with them — the nearest meetings being agreeable. This was done in Montreal for a considerable time after the Bexhill division. It is also done — or was done last year — at the Isle of Man. In the latter place the brother was ill, but there were several godly sisters.
The position at Riverside is different. I have seen a letter from Nora Adair, but it cannot be said that assembly conditions exist in the town — although our sister is godly.
I have no recollection of holding or saying anything different to above on this point. In bygone years some would do what is suggested to be done at Riverside; the breaking of bread used to take place on ships at sea; but a ship is not properly a “place” or locality, and as the truth of 1 Corinthians 11 was made clear, all such practices were abandoned.
I am assured that God is hearing and answering the prayers of His people as to England and Great Britain generally. Copies of other letters more recently received have gone out to the gatherings this week. The manner in which our dear brethren are going through the ordeal, showing that God is with them as passing through the waters, is most stimulating.
We were glad to see your daughter and her husband. We [p. 193] also enjoyed the company of dear Mr. Barr and his wife. We were grieved to hear that our brother has fallen asleep.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your dear wife and all your circle and to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.