BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 4TH, 1940
BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 4TH, 1940
Mr. E. B. McCrea.
Beloved Brother, — I wish to thank you for your air letter of the 9th ultimo, also for your kind invitation to stay with you all during my visit to New Zealand, God willing, in 1941.
The brethren in Sydney kindly urged me to attend the coming Easter meetings there. I greatly value their wish, but after weighing the matter before the Lord, mentioning it also to my brethren here, I definitely decided that I could not commit myself for so long an absence from this country — I have written Dr. Wallace and Mr. Deayton — who jointly wrote me — to this effect.
In answer to a request by Mr. A. Heath of Auckland I cabled him that, God willing, I and my wife also shall sail for Auckland on September 16th, 1941. This is based on sailings which he furnished, but, of course, in present general conditions these cannot be relied on. Lately I hear the Matson steamers in the New Zealand service are being used in another service — but the latter, I gather, is temporary.
Thus I should have about three weeks in New Zealand before the special meetings in Auckland. Whether I can go on to Australia after Auckland or remain in New Zealand for any [p. 208] time after Auckland, I am leaving, assured that God will help and guide. Any opening which seems of God to visit Great Britain, as you can understand would be immediately considered. It is a time in which one finds it difficult to make commitments far ahead, the idea of what a day may bring forth especially entering into it. But New Zealand and Australia have a great place with me and I shall hold myself free to do what I can to further the work there.
From all accounts I gather the work of God is progressing steadily in Australia as well as New Zealand although ———’s case is distressing, I trust and pray for our brother’s thorough recovery. I understand his dear wife and all their families are with God and the brethren in the sorrow.
In America there is much to cheer. The special meetings are largely attended and the Lord helps always, causing thanksgiving to Him. At Toronto last month a large number came together for three days, and we had a very good season. Generally there is unity and blessing in this district.
Letters from our dear brethren in Great Britain stimulate us. God is helping them in their great affliction. Being the God of measure, God has surely measured His work in our brethren and allowed the pressure accordingly. He is glorified in them, I am sure, and will limit their sorrow. They, with us all, I trust, are being fitted for heavenly glory.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs McCrea and you, your nephew and niece and to all the dear brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.
Notes of meetings in New Zealand last year are now in process of publication in London.