BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 3RD, 1942
BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 3RD, 1942
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of April 9th was received and I regret I could not reply as I wished but I was about to set out for Winnipeg to attend special meetings there and later at Rochester and did not return until last Monday.
As regards Ephesians 1: 22, 23, I did not in the quotations you give, intend to convey anything different from the text in the New Translation. At the bottom of page 9 in January number it is said, ‘Christ, as Man, is Head over all things to the assembly’, which does not convey the idea that He was given to the assembly.
Why the second page changes the punctuation and omits ‘to be’ I cannot explain, nor can I understand why the sister who took the notes did it. The reference to Ephesians 1: 22, 23, in page 37 of February number is not correct and I cannot explain why I allowed it to stand. Of course, I do not thoroughly revise the Notes, and as I had no special thoughts on the passage in question, I may not have been careful enough. At any rate, I am sorry for the discrepancies — which they are.
But, at the same time I am glad you wrote on the whole matter, and I have been looking into it somewhat carefully especially what Mr. ——— says, quoting Mr. ——— . Some ‘authorities’ confirm what they say — saying ‘the Greek means nothing else but that Christ was given to the assembly’. This, however, is not what the New Translation means. “Gave him to be head over all things” clearly connects “gave” immediately with “head over all things”. This would correspond with Genesis 1: 26 — a verse quoted in connection with Ephesians 1: 22, 23, in January magazine, page 9, already referred to. Thus “to the assembly which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all”, expresses her relation with Christ in His universal headship. It is not head of the assembly, but to her. As His body the assembly has part in the Headship. In this sense she is Himself — His fulness.
I cabled yesterday to Mr. Gardiner of the special meetings at Winnipeg and Rochester. The Lord helped His people at both places — Winnipeg, May 22nd — 25th; Rochester, May 29th — 31st. Rationing of gasoline and tyres both in the United States and Canada scarcely hindered attendance. A.E.M. helped much, also J.D. and many others.
In Winnipeg the thought was to bring out how the believer is brought to God, and then to Him in His habitation. We dwelt on Exodus 19 to 40. The principle of ascent in this section helped us to enlarge on the heavenly side of the truth.
In Rochester we had leadership as set out in Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Eleazar and Joshua. You can understand how the subject can be divided into sections. A good few brethren from the west came on here and we are enjoying their fellowship. L. E. Samuels is here and wishes me to send his love to you. A.E.M. was very free and helpful in the special meetings. He [p. 269] is now in Montreal and hopes to attend meetings in Regina during the first week of July. Colonel Hoare was at Winnipeg and joined in very happily. I hope to leave for Berkeley on the 25th for meetings there in early July. There will also be, God willing, meetings in Montreal; J.T. Jr. , is to be there, and at the same time S. McCallum purposes being in Minneapolis.
We are much cheered by news from Great Britain from time to time, but grieved by the raids on the cathedral towns and the losses sustained by the brethren. We rejoice that their bodies are so far safe and thank God for His mercy to them and to us. In spite of the sorrows God’s hand is manifest, working deliverance.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. ——— , yourself and your family, also the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.