BROOKLYN, N.Y., OCTOBER 14TH, 1941
[p. 246] BROOKLYN, N.Y., OCTOBER 14TH, 1941
Mr. Charles Hammond.
My Dear Brother, — Your letter of July 30th came several weeks later — when I was visiting in the west. I am sorry my reply is so late, but it is very difficult to keep up with correspondence when travelling. As regards your letter of over a year ago, I received it but am uncertain as to replying to it. If I did evidently it was lost, as sinkings were heavy then.
I thank you for writing again and I value the information of the dear brethren in London and elsewhere, also of your own movements and services. I had heard of the damage to your house and you and Mrs. Hammond may be assured of our sympathy. My wife and I can visualise what happened, having shared hospitality under your roof. We are thankful repairs have been made so that the house is again habitable. The respite that God has mercifully granted is the occasion of steady thanksgiving by the brethren in America. Such pressure is often weakened only gradually and the resultant spiritual gain is thus more definitely secured. The diversion to Russia is surely of God and is resulting in a definite weakening of the dreadful machine of destruction that has been built up. We shall prove as we wait in faith that the Egyptians are men and not God and their horses flesh and not spirit.
Our prayers go up incessantly for our dear brethren in Great Britain and others who are suffering and we watch for answers. The young men in the N.C. services are especially on our hearts. The enemy is especially against them — to damage them through their circumstances and thus disqualify them for heavenly warfare and testimony. But the reports of them we receive are good, for which we thank God.
Recent reports from Australasia are quite cheering. Special gospel meetings in Sydney and Melbourne are of particular note. It is remarkable that so many of those of Great Britain able to help the saints are detained there. It indicates how the Lord disposes of His disciples — those qualified for the good of all. We have had H.H. and A.E.M. The latter has been helped in special meetings — lately at Toronto. H.H. is much valued and loved by the brethren, both in United States and Canada also in the West Indies, Panama, Georgetown and Argentina. He excels as a traveller! He is now on the Pacific Coast.
My wife and I had an excellent time during about seven weeks in the West — covering some 8,000 miles. We started [p. 247] with meetings in the Chicago area and moved on to N.W. Canada, attending the yearly meetings at Vancouver, then down the Pacific to Los Angeles and back to New York, visiting several meetings on the way.
We are thankful indeed that dear H. Mutton’s arm was gradually improving and we trust he has gained steadily through the mercy of God since you wrote. Convey to him and his dear wife our love in the Lord. We well remember the season in their home.
With our united love in Christ to Mrs. Hammond and you and the children, also to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.