BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 10TH, 1942
BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 10TH, 1942
Dr. Arthur Morford.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter came yesterday, taking 25 days en route. One from Mr. H. P. Wells written on January 20th came at the same time. Water mail is much slower, although sometimes less than a month. My wife and I are glad to hear from May and you and we are very glad indeed that you are in liberty in London in the Lord’s work — a great matter in such times of need and stress.
The heavy storm which lies upon ‘all the world’ is not void of good results. Manhood is being developed and the service of God is generally carried on in a more intelligent or priestly way. There is also development in the world, the great pressure bringing out ‘super’ results. We have to watch this trend. We read in the prophetic word of 7,000 names of men slain. This links with Genesis 6.
I am very interested in all you write about the Tract Depot. It is a time requiring great caution, especially in transitory matters. As a storm is raging ‘sitting tight’ should be the order of the day. Whatever advantages or disadvantages ‘stay put’ conveys a wise suggestion. The brethren cannot suffer much — the storm being on — from the present Depot accommodation being minus a retail window and counter. Although the counter sales were not large, I am in favour of spiritual ministry being available where persons in search of it could find it — that is, where so-called religious depots are situated. But I doubt that there is such an area in London now. Even if there is, we must not overlook the possibility of further [p. 256] destruction. Therefore it seems to me brethren will be wise in waiting, that is, to see whether God will mercifully grant a cessation of the conflict and whether Paternoster district will be restored or whether booksellers will set up another district. From what I gather, any improvised district pending the end of the war would not draw enquirers for spiritual ministry in anything like equal numbers which daily visited Paternoster area.
The fact, anyway, which will govern brethren is that the administration of the service was placed confidently in the hands of three brothers and if it is not manifest that they are incompetent or neglectful it is neither wise or fair to urge a major change contrary to their known mind. I certainly should not have part in it. Mr. Beattie’s mind is somewhat according to yours, but he came in late to fill the vacancy made by Mr. Myles’ resignation and Mr. Elliott and Mr. Ide were the brothers thought of primarily as specially qualified by experience and otherwise for administrative services. There is no change in this respect so far as I know, and therefore I should much regret to see an overriding of their judgment.
I am very grieved that ——— is in such ill health as you mention, and of course your judgment is fully accepted by me. I did not know our brother was so poorly. I had a very interesting letter from him lately, but he did not enlarge on his bodily condition; ——— stressed it in a letter received more recently.
——— , I have regarded as a provision of the Lord for the position he has filled in the Depot and I earnestly trust He will have mercy on him so that his services may continue. It seems to me his part in administrating the funds sent to meet need caused by air attacks could well be relinquished. I have had this in mind to suggest for some time; also other duties which others could assume — so that our brother could devote himself to the more spiritual care of the Depot, especially oversight of manuscripts to be published. ———’s direct levitical service is a matter between himself and the Lord as he has time and strength for it.
I have not heard from Mr. Ide or any of his family for months and I am glad of your reference to his work in the Depot, for it indicates that his health is fair. I heard from Mr. Elliott in a letter written November 18th and I am writing him. He wrote of general results for the year in the Depot.
The work of God in America is quite cheering. There are many special meetings and the interest in them increases.
——— [p. 257] is causing us concern. He has been under much strain in his business, causing disturbance of mind. We are much cast on our God as to this added sorrow. There have been no raids or the like here so far, for which we thank God. There has, however, been submarine activity off the coast.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.