BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 10TH, 1942
[p. 259] BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 10TH, 1942
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
Beloved Brother, — Your recent letter is of the deepest interest and we are circulating it among the gatherings so that they may share in the cheer occasioned by tidings of the work of God.
I regret your letter of November 25th remains unanswered. As usual, want of time hindered, and I had hoped information sent to others would reach you.
My wife and I are very interested indeed in what you wrote as to your family affairs and we are most sympathetic with Mrs. Gardiner and you all in the happy links formed by your daughters. These are important matters, not only for yourselves, but also as entering into the great service in which we all, through grace, have part. Your family has a great place in our thoughts and prayers.
The information in your letter of November as to sorrows in different parts caused us concern. Evidently the brethren are sharing the grief before God and He is, I am sure, taking note of this, and there will be fruit in time. What occurred in Birmingham is especially distressing. That our God should have caused to come down to us so many instances of such conduct in His people of earlier times is a touching evidence of His consideration for us — that we should not be distressed in an unbalanced way by epidemics of evil in our own times.
We have been hearing of many whom the Lord has taken to Himself during recent months, the latest being Mr. Geo. Greeves. Generally they were advanced in years, such as Messrs. Rubie, Loughnan, Shedden, Elliott, and others, so that while feeling the absence of well-known names we may well be restful that they had filled their day in the testimony and are now safely housed with their Master. The younger ones cause, of course, peculiar sorrow, but we must say “The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord”. The case of James Pugh, of which we had a full report, touched us much.
A notable number of comparatively young men are in active and useful service now, both in Great Britain and Australasia, also in America. This is indeed the occasion of much thought and thanksgiving. In this country there are several whom the Lord supports in taking the lead in meetings even of three days’ duration. These facts seem to support the suggestion [p. 260] that the Lord intends to continue the work of grace a little longer.
Special meetings were held in London, Ontario, this year. There was a good season, also a good attendance — in spite of gasoline restrictions, etc. At the readings we had ‘Prayer in the Acts’. On the way to these meetings we called at Montreal, Perth, Toronto, and Hamilton and enjoyed good seasons in these places.
There were also meetings at Knoxville and Calgary at Easter. A.E.M. was at the latter place and J.D. at the former. We have not heard how they got on yet.
HH is in Jamaica, for which we are thankful. I am sure he will be a help and comfort among the brethren. There is much new there and elsewhere in the West Indies. He may go to the Argentine.
The brethren are very interested in the ‘fund’ you and others are administering. This is a good work. Mr. Pfingst is sending a notice to the gatherings of the present status and I believe there will be a response.
Here we are thinking much of the young brothers in Great Britain taking part in the services. H.P.W. wrote of the 60 at Shrewsbury. Our prayers go up, also for those in Australasia, and those in Canada and the United States. The need for this is great.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner, yourself, your daughters and the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.