BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 9TH, 1940
BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 9TH, 1940
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of July 18th was a great cheer to us and to the saints in these parts. Copies were made so that it should be read in the gatherings. It was of the deepest interest to all and increased our prayers for our dear brethren in Great Britain, and occasioned thanksgivings for the grace of God evidently experienced by you all in the great pressure you are enduring.
Intensified attacks more recently have deepened our sympathy and prayers for our suffering brethren. Those of the last few days seem worst of all, but all are encouraged by letters from different parts of England received this morning that our God will bring the saints through as He has done hitherto.
For a good while it has appeared to me that God was taking a definite hand in the struggle and I am confirmed in this, and I believe that as the saints “have suffered for a little while” He will give relief and ultimate deliverance. That the scourging allowed should be so severe causes heart-searching, for we are all involved. Although the saints in America and Australasia are far from the actual scene of strife we are, I am sure, keenly suffering with you, as bound up with our brethren. This is true of none, perhaps, more than my wife and myself. Knowing you all so well, personally and circumstantially, we feel peculiarly that your sufferings are ours, and we truly suffer with you.
There can be no doubt that God is causing the truth that we have been enjoying together to become more real and formative in us. This is immense gain and only speaks of the love that is untiring so that there should be fitness for that day, the anticipation of which is ever deepening. The present is a [p. 194] wonderful time in this sense. We are all sharing in it, only the brunt of the trial is borne by our brethren in Great Britain. In result it shall be seen that the advantage lies with you all.
Tidings from all parts indicate that the saints are gaining in the pressure. In this country it is so, as far as I can observe, and I believe the same can be said of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In these parts the saints are much together and special meetings are in much favour. Some recoveries are still needed from our great sorrow of last year, and I am sorry to say the enemy has damaged some young ones in the district lately; but generally there is relatively remarkable interest and energy. Lately there were special meetings at Manchester (Connecticut), Detroit and Vancouver. We have not heard from the last yet, but the Lord definitely helped in the other two. J.T. Jr. , I hear, was valued in Manchester. At Detroit we looked at the great truth of ‘God in Creation, God in Christ as here in flesh, God in the economy into which He has come, God in the Assembly, God in Millennial and Eternal Relations’. Certain financial restrictions in Canada hindered many of the brethren there from attending and hence numbers were somewhat smaller than usual. Mr. Hardwick was with us and helped, giving a good address. Our brother “labours much” and is greatly appreciated. I think he has the West Indies in mind for further work. Tidings from brethren in those meetings are cheering. Our brother Archie Robertson visited Barbados in July and found increase. He says there are 17 meetings there now — about the same number Jamaica has. A.E.M. has been in Montreal, but is now in the west. He attended meetings in Winnipeg lately. Next month special meetings will, God willing, be held in Toronto, which I hope to attend.
The brethren here took note of your remarks as to possible need among saints who resided on the east coast, and some money is being sent to you for this purpose. I am sure the brethren here will gladly do what they can to meet any current need.
The efforts made by the British government in meeting the present crisis — both at home and in the Mediterranean — strike me, and confirm my belief that God is helping them — no doubt in view of His people. Lately I was, noticing that while Absalom’s rebellion was a governmental scourge on David, God ultimately brought “evil upon Absalom”. There are many similar items of comfort in the Scriptures and these [p. 195] should be a basis for prayer. We were grieved to hear that Dr. Ross’ house was damaged.
I earnestly hope no physical damage has been caused to any of you in London. We have had no confirmation of any to the saints so far, save as to property.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and your daughters, also to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.