OCTOBER 25TH, 1940
[p. 202] OCTOBER 25TH, 1940
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of the 4th inst. is just to hand, and yesterday I received from Mr. Samuels a copy of your letter to him. These are most cheering to us all here, added to one from Mr. Gardiner and one from Mr. Chesterfield, also from Miss Risbee and from Mr. K. Price.
God is the God of measure and this surely is seen in His gauging His work in His people in London and district and elsewhere in Great Britain, in allowing the fiery trial which they are enduring, to come upon them. The evidence from all quarters is that they are glorifying Him in the intelligent and patient way they are taking it. The whole assembly is gaining through their sufferings. At our usual city readings where a representative number come together, letters are read and the sympathies of the saints are stirred and we are stimulated by the spirit and outlook of the writers. Extracts are made and circulated among the gatherings. Actually we are far away — and, of course, we thank God for this — from the scene of conflict, but my wife and I and others, knowing you all, and even the scenes bombed, can the more enter into your sufferings and sometimes we can feel with you — always indeed with you in spirit.
For a good while, I have been assured that God was helping the British government and His people; the testimony being in view, and I am confirmed in this. The trial is likely to go on, but I am assured there will be special mercies as there have been, and the sufferers will increasingly realise the Lord with them in the fiery furnace, and the light affliction will be known as working in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory; that it is given, to us, as regards Christ, not only the believing on Him, but the suffering for Him also, Philippians 1: 29. My impression is that the Germans are weakening; although they will struggle to keep up the strong front, making much of diplomatic effort. This latter marks recent weeks. I try to look at everything through God’s eyes, as it were, asking Him to save me from being governed by any information or appearances, except as seen by Him. Had I the opportunity I could not take the sword, nor can I gauge the opposing forces, but the Army, Navy and Air Force of Great Britain, belong to a department of God, and I trust in Him as to the use of them, praying for the government and all in detail. I could not do so if they were engaged in what is wrong, as seen in other{203} [p. 203] governments. He has other forces that He can use, angels, the elements, and the influences unknown, and I find liberty in praying for these also. The Americans generally thought early in the summer that the British could not hold out long, but now they have changed their minds and marvel. Christians are in the secret, while recognising that God’s ways are past finding out.
There is very much cheer among the saints — remarkable interest and much sympathy and affection. There have been, alas! some casualties in this district causing sorrow. Be sure of our prayers, dear brother, for you and your family and for all our suffering brethren.
My wife joins in love to you all.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.