BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 12TH, 1941
BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 12TH, 1941
Mr. Hugh Ross.
My Dear Hugh, — Aunt Gena and I and all of our family were very glad to have your good and informative letter. In part it was read at the prayer meeting on Monday so that the brethren might share in the benefit.
We follow the reports daily and we could readily see by them at the time of the raids on Belfast that much damage was done. But we rejoiced that the dear brethren were all safe. This is in keeping with the mercies that have covered the saints in Great Britain which have caused so much thanksgiving among us everywhere. But we grieved to learn of so much damage to property, especially that of the brethren. Perhaps you will kindly convey our sympathy to those who have suffered as you have opportunity. I would especially mention Miss Simms as long valuing her service in the Tract Depot.
The brethren in America are very sympathetic with our suffering brethren in Great Britain and now also those in Ireland, and there has been a remarkable evidence of this in sums sent, and being sent, to London to relieve need where it exists. We are wondering whether those suffering in Belfast are included in the ministrations by our dear brethren entrusted with this service. It is an onerous service they are rendering and the Lord is helping them in it. Mr. A. J. Gardiner is one of the three who have taken on this work. Australia and New Zealand have contributed largely. It is much wiser to have the service centralised, as it can thus be based on accurate information. On May 1st they had a balance of £4,800, but I have no late information as to whether this has been increased or reduced. As need is reported there will, I am sure, be [p. 228] steady contributions from this country and Canada, also from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as from the other British possessions.
We are wondering too whether the government is assisting in Ireland, as they do in Great Britain. Mr. Ide wrote lately of an enforced insurance on all in business whose capital is over a certain amount. Perhaps Northern Ireland is included. I shall be thankful if you will write me as to this.
The case of our young brother Malcolm touches our hearts. Evidently he is one of those whom the Lord could trust with severe discipline like several we have heard of in England. It is a making time and God is effecting much for Himself and for His people. The ‘day’ will make all plain and our part is patience. It is to have its perfect work and our wisdom is to maintain an extended outlook. Thus we shall see that our momentary and light affliction works for us in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory. There are those who cannot see afar off, but true believers look ahead and deal in ‘futures’, as early ones who saw the promises afar off and embraced them. We can the more readily do this, for we have the earnest, the Spirit who aids us in faith and hope.
Lately the Lord has been blessing His people in these countries, particularly in special seasons — Winnipeg and Rochester. At the former we looked at the assembly in the book of Revelation, and at the latter we had the assembly in the types as connected with the Spirit.
As to trade unionism, I can quite follow your remarks and the exercises they convey. The enemy works through minds, darkened by the evil of this development, to secure compromise in the fellowship and thus rob it of the heavenly colour. The natural mind assumes a field of compromise in which pros and cons may be aired, whereas as we look at it abstractly the principle is wicked. It disregards God’s rights, as having given men the right or liberty to work so as to eat. It disregards also the manifestly God-given liberty to men to hire workers, as Matthew 20, for instance, shows.
As the abstract position is clear then the practical working of the truth is affected by the state of the meeting in which the matter has to be considered. God is helping the brethren, knowing their weakness, but also that they seek to keep His commandments. Trade unions, mixed marriages and radios occasion constant war among the gatherings and God is with [p. 229] His people according to their integrity. Like that of Amalek, this war is “from generation to generation”. I am certain that the abstract standard should not be abandoned and this is that trade unionism is incompatible with the fellowship of God’s Son.
Aunt Gena unites in love to Sadie and you and the dear children, also to all the family and the brethren. I trust your dear father and mother keep well. We are glad to have your good report of them. Send them our love in the Lord.
Affectionately,
Uncle James.