BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 9TH, 1941

BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 9TH, 1941

Mr. E. Blampied.

Beloved Brother, — Your letter of May 7th came when I was at Winnipeg and as the Rochester special meetings took place immediately after, I did not return to New York until last week — hence delay in replying. I now see there will be no air mail until the 14th inst. occasioning further delay.

^[p. 226] As to the special matter you mention, I have long considered that Matthew 19: 3 - 12 is intended to govern such sorrowful histories. They cease to be sorrowful, however — to some extent — as God works in them. Evidently He has done so in the present case. The many such recorded in Scripture are remarkable. It is quite clear that legal fixities cannot prevent the work of God, nor can the worst crimes, arising from human lust, prevent it; “Where sin abounded grace has overabounded”.

Thus if the man in question is manifestly repentant — evidencing the work of God — I would say he should be free to resume his place in the fellowship of Christ’s death. I am encouraged to say so much because of divine compassion. “All cannot receive this word”. Certain governmental restrictions will attend a brother in such a case. Such restrictions indeed always attach to persons whose conduct results in incongruous conditions — occasioned by the law, usually bankrupts and divorced persons. The Lord’s remarks are the more significant as they are reported by Matthew in whose gospel alone the truth of the assembly is given. But the instructions in Matthew 19 are stated in such a form as to condemn licence; it is compassionate as a provision meeting human weakness.

I have to thank you for your letter of February 13th which Mr. Collie-Smith had supplemented. I appreciate the generous offer of the dear brethren to provide a return passage for my wife and me.

We are still uncertain as to the visit to New Zealand and steadily cast on God as to it. The brethren in America who are concerned as to it are doubtful as to the undertaking. The Lord, I am sure, will help in clarifying the position. If present clouds do not lift we shall hesitate. I do not think any from America will attend the meetings save ourselves. I am comforted in the thought that P.L., A.M.H. and many others able to help will be in New Zealand, God willing, so that my absence will not be greatly felt.

We have had much cheer in meetings recently held in the United States and Canada.

My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Blampied and you all.

Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.

PS — At the meetings in Winnipeg we considered ^[p. 227] the assembly as seen in the book of Revelation — with much profit. At Rochester we looked at the assembly in connection with the Spirit, as seen in the types. The subject yielded well indeed. A.E.M. and many others able to help were present.

There is a striking interest in special meetings — large and small. At the beginning of next month, God willing, there will be extended meetings at Montreal, Minneapolis, Regina and Berkeley. We are sympathetic with Mrs. Blampied and you as to your dear boys. — J.T.