BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 14TH, 1941
BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 14TH, 1941
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
Beloved Brother, — I received your letter of January 30th and as one from me to you should have crossed it, I postponed writing, especially as others were writing you. All the news you sent was welcome indeed and caused much cheer to us all here.
Since then much has happened in Great Britain, but on the whole, it seems to me, there is a slacking of the bombing — although there have been some bad attacks — and we thank God steadily for this, seeing His hand in it. The attack in the Balkans is also, it seems to me, to be taken as a diversion from God, as it will modify the sufferings of His people. What is but the size of a man’s hand as relief now will become abundant later. “The God of measure” is over all the happenings and knows what can be endured — for profit.
We were grieved by news — through Mr. Penson — of the Plymouth sorrow. I think, however, the saints are coming to take account of the falling asleep of the saints in such circumstances in a more balanced way and there is more restfulness. Of course we cannot but feel peculiarly as saints fall asleep through violence. The Lord feels it too, but the natural element, as in Jairus’ house and Joppa, is utterly valueless.
The saints in Toronto are enduring a great sorrow, as you will be hearing. Ten days ago a car-load of saints were returning from Rochester after weekend meetings and the machine turned into a depression and three were killed — two of the most valued brothers in Ontario and one sister — Ernest Pittman and John Thomson and the sister-in-law of the latter. And Mrs. John Thomson is very ill indeed in the hospital at Niagara. The saints at Toronto with us all are greatly distressed,
[p. 221] as you can understand, and we are searching ourselves as to this great sorrow. It came just on the eve of the special meetings in London, Ontario At London it was a cheer to us all to receive the cable signed by you and ——— , especially your reference to encouragement in Portsmouth. No doubt we shall hear more of this encouragement later.
You would receive a cable from London as to the meetings. The Lord helped much. We looked at the Confessors of Christ as Son of God. The subject served us well, the Lord’s hand being over His people. The readings, except Lord’s Day, were attended by invited brothers only. This was said to be occasioned by several unavoidable reasons, but it did not obtain general approval and I doubt that the change from the ordinary method will be repeated. The meeting in London is small and as the usual numbers attending this annual occasion run up to 500 - 600 the work involved is too much for them. But the Lord was definitely with us and so all is well.
At Knoxville a fortnight ago we also had a very good season, looking at the persons said in Scripture to have been raised from the dead. Under date of May 24th — 26th, God willing, there will be meetings in Winnipeg, and at the end of that month similar meetings at Rochester, both of which I hope to attend. Then in August my wife and I expect to start for New Zealand, attending meetings in the West en route to the steamer.
We rejoiced to know of the many meetings held in Great Britain during the recent holidays and we are assured the windows of heaven were opened to you all.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and you, your daughters and to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.