BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 20TH, 1941
BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 20TH, 1941
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of November 20th has been of great interest to the brethren in Canada and the United States, and has stimulated sympathy for our suffering brethren in Great Britain. Our prayers, public and private, are incessant. It is rare that a brother taking part in prayer in our meetings fails to mention you all.
The letters, like your own, which we receive indicate plainly that our God is answering, especially in the steady courage and endurance granted to His people. That His service should proceed in spite of such conditions is surely peculiarly pleasing to Him. The cries from beneath the altar (Revelation 6) are answered by a white robe to each and a word that they should rest yet a little while — until others, their fellow-bondmen and their brethren should share — not their ‘fate’ — but their moral glory.
General information shows that God is regarding the prayers, ascending from so many countries, cities, towns and villages, for the saints in Great Britain and elsewhere, even in the modification of the attacks — whether through the weather or the much else that God can use. It is likely that there are shortages of certain basic elements. The prayers of the saints include all such possibilities, and conditions in Romania are [p. 212] among the answers. The necessity for diversion to the Mediterranean is another. The tide in that region turning against the evil is undoubtedly God’s hand and it has made a widespread impression on this side of the Atlantic. The general trend in this country too, shows God’s hand especially to those who know what has to be contended with. The President’s influence is prevailing everywhere.
All indications point to prayer and endurance. The moment is really wonderful, recalling the early days when suffering was generally the order of the day and when teaching as to it was interwoven in all that came before the saints. This is striking in the epistle to the Romans. It is easy for us, who are, for the moment, immune from the direct effects of the war, to speak in this way, but I do see that deliverance of spirit lies in accepting suffering or death. The Lord is thoroughly with us in this — a fourth with three who were once bound, but now walking in liberty in the furnace. This is surely deliverance in the realm of suffering. The Lord was heard from the horns of the buffaloes and would praise God in the midst of the congregation. It was purpose or determination. In this attitude, in our measure, we shall be carried through to the greatest ordained levels, I am sure. The Lord will be thoroughly with us, and, whether for heavenly glory with Himself or further testimony here, the result will be the same — increased fitness.
I was thankful for your cable acknowledging receipt of the £250 cabled, which I am sure can be well used. Another £250 was cabled last week by Mr. Pfingst. More will follow, please God, and I hope a continued liberal attitude will be maintained in this country and Canada, and also, I am sure, by Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It will be Christ’s glory. I well understand how the liberality of the gatherings in Great Britain will shine in meeting the need. The Canadian brethren will be sending direct, as funds cannot be sent through the United States. It was specially cheering to hear that the brethren in Vancouver purposed to send £100.
Interest in the truth in America is remarkable and I believe there is growth, although there is not much fresh material. Fellowship meetings are in great demand and I am thankful to say that a good number of brothers in the United States and Canada are helped of God in taking the lead in these meetings. As for myself, I hope to attend four extended meetings, three days each — in Knoxville at the end of March; in London,
[p. 213] Ontario, at Easter; in Winnipeg, May 24th, 25th, 26th; at Rochester, the end of May. My wife and I purpose sailing for Auckland on September 16th, returning here, God willing, in December.
From outward appearances the present pressure is likely to continue for a considerable time, for this country as well as Great Britain is determined to go through with the matter, but we know not what a day may bring forth and we know too that our God enters into all the days.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and you and all yours, also to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.