BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 5TH, 1942
BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 5TH, 1942
Mr. E. McCrea.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of October 17th was valued. I am thankful to have your remarks as to departure to be with the Lord of our beloved brothers, Budd and Thompson. It is quite cheering that the Spirit of Christ shone. The death of His saints is precious in the sight of the Lord, and we can thus understand the importance of knowing how to die. The dear widows have been much on our hearts. We know both and we know, too, something of the bereavement they have endured, and so we could sympathise with them all the more. We had a letter from Mrs. Budd — answering one I had written [p. 266] to her husband in July. We have also heard of Peggy Thompson’s marriage.
I am thankful you find liberty to get about serving the Lord and His people — a great privilege indeed. The circumstances at Tauranga were distressing, as you said. No doubt the Lord has given some relief. Meetings sometimes have such visitations — all disciplined and gaining together. As in Revelation 2 and 3, the Lord would say, “I know”.
We are thinking much of our dear brethren in Australasia — and we know you all are thinking of us. It looks as if Japan is looking more toward the West than the South — this is no doubt in answer to the exercises of you all and many elsewhere. We may be assured that the thought of our God is, “thus far and no further”. The last two years show unmistakably that whilst He allows, or causes, His people to experience in measure what others experience, this brings out the fragrance of His work in them, and promotes this work in forming them according to the pattern shown on the mount.
We are grieved and cast upon God as to the renewal of attacks on Great Britain. We heard a few days ago that none of our brethren had been hurt, although some property was lost. The weakness of those attacks, however, affords hope for it proves the dread machine is not what it has been — it is losing power.
Throughout this country and Canada we have much encouragement from God. The special meetings are increasing and there is good interest in the truth. In these parts the Saturdays are largely taken up for afternoon and evening meetings. The annual three-day meetings, are also increasing. There is to be one in Winnipeg and also one in Rochester this month. We hear very good reports from Great Britain, too — all this indicating that God is causing His people to grow through the great pressure He has been pleased to bring upon us. Thus we can say in some degree that our momentary and light affliction works for us in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and you and all yours, also to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.