BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 18TH, 1941
BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 18TH, 1941
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of May 1st was most interesting and cheering. The saints are generally enquiring for such letters. The sympathetic feeling expressed to God and to each other by the saints for their brethren in Great Britain is most touching. Through the current exercises there is steady growth, I am sure, in the brethren in America. The frequency of special meetings and the sacrifices made in attending them evidence this. Still we move slowly and it is a challenge as to whether the pressure continues because of this.
The reports indicate that there has been a slackening of the raids over Great Britain and we take this from God, counting on Him for further restraint. Even if there is resumed severity God can check it again. That He is acting for His people, including answers to their prayers, is the prime thought. Such intervention, even if but the size of a man’s hand, is the precursor of certain deliverance. Besides the precious fact that our Father knoweth, the volume of prayer ascending constantly is manifestly resultful.
Our dear brethren in Plymouth have been especially on our hearts. I heard both from our elder and younger brothers Bird. The former has lost his house and the latter a large quantity of printed matter. The brethren in this country think it wise to leave the care of those in need in the hands of those administrating the funds provided for the purpose.
No doubt we shall hear from you and those working with you in this service whether the balance is running low. If necessary no doubt you will cable.
[p. 230] My purposed visit to New Zealand is quite uncertain. My thought has been for some time that, even if public conditions hindered my presence, the meetings could still go on, P.L., A.M.H. and others (perhaps W.J.H.) could well carry on — the Lord helping. I understood comparatively few were to attend from Australia, none from America or Great Britain, save those already in Australasia, and none from South Africa. Thus the meetings would not be very different to those often held in those countries and America. But a cable received a few days ago intimates the meetings will not be held if I am not there and this causes me concern. Of course, my promise to attend was subject to the will of God, including possible war hindrances. Although I should sail on an American ship, it is clear that these are now liable to be attacked; besides Australasian waters have been mined from time to time. Thus I thought it wise to cable that sailing was doubtful.
Since your letter came I attended the special meetings at Winnipeg and Rochester. As I found no cables were sent to England as to these meetings I sent one to you as to both. The seasons were remarkable, indicating God’s provision for His people. There can be no doubt that the Lord’s forethought is seen in the distribution made in the present stress of those who can help — those from Great Britain in Australia and New Zealand and A.E.M. and H.H., besides many who are local, in America, and a good number in the British Isles. The West Indies, too, are provided for and South Africa. Jehovah-jireh!
The July holidays — in both United States and Canada — offer further opportunities for meetings, so four extended ones are arranged for — Montreal, A.E.M. ; Minneapolis, J.T. Jr. ; Regina, J.D. ; and Berkeley, S.McC. We shall, God willing, have a day’s meetings here.
My wife and I are very interested in tidings of your family, also of your own movements, having much sympathy with you in the very onerous services lying at your hand. Count on our steady prayers.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and you all, also to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.
PS — The falling asleep of our brother P. Cole touched us, but all is well with him. Convey our sympathy to his dear wife.