BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 17TH, 1942
BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 17TH, 1942
Beloved Brother, — I have to thank you for your letter of August 26th which was duly received by air mail. I thank you for all information, particularly the account of the meeting at Park Street.
I can well understand that the statement attributed to you to the effect that the trustees of the Stow Hill Depot were responsible to the brethren, might well be misunderstood by those who took the Notes. The statement attributed to you in the larger Notes is as follows: ‘The trustees serve the brethren and stand or fall to them’. In view of the fact that you intimated that the work was levitical, I cannot understand how you could have said that they stand or fall to the brethren, because their service implies that they stand or fall to the Lord, and I am sure that you recognise this principle, and I [p. 286] accept that you did not intend to deny it. I am sure that all will ultimately acknowledge this.
I am glad to have the Notes of the meeting at Park Street, and especially as it is evident that a good spirit prevailed. I am thankful for your reference to the change made in the booklet, ‘Names of Divine Persons’. I had not known of this change until about three weeks ago, and it has caused me much anxiety. Besides this, and the changes made referred to in our earlier correspondence, I find some similar ones in the August number of ‘Wells and Springs’. All these changes considered together have led me to write at length to ——— . I sent my letter to him on the second instant and a copy on the same date to Mr. Ide. I hope these were duly received, and if so doubtless you will have heard of them. I cabled later to Mr. Ide urging the importance of the trustees looking into this matter and I am looking to God to give them strength to do so. I regard the matter as of great importance as affecting the testimony generally. No doubt there will be much said as to the need of space on account of the shortage of paper, but such facts do not at all affect the main object of my letter to ——— . I had, as you know, been gracious to our brother in regard to these changes, but since the later discoveries I should be obliged to withdraw what I said under this head. I cannot now admit that ——— made all these changes on the assumption that they represented my mind. The changes made in the book, ‘Names of Divine Persons’, affect me most seriously.
I can understand how the trustees assumed things were going well as regards ———’s services, especially as it is not likely that complaints were made. I certainly made none, and only since being forced to investigate have I discovered the facts I have called attention to in my letter of September 2nd. Such a condition as is disclosed is I am sure detrimental to the service of written ministry. All such services should aim at perfection, but where authors and editors know that their work is not final, they will not have the same sense of responsibility to Him for what they contribute to the portion of meat which the Lord so values for His household. The Lord Himself says, “Blessed is that bondman whom his lord on coming shall find doing thus”. This is a word of encouragement for all servants ministering food for the saints, for each should have his own full place and sense of responsibility. The work, of course, is one, and the mutuality of love and [p. 287] sympathy should permeate all so that in a given item of service in printed ministry the order should stand: author, editor, publisher, all under the Lord’s hand working in the mutuality of love. The author has the most spiritual place of the three, and the characteristics which mark the work of God in him in relation to his service should enter into his article or paper, and therefore, his phraseology, so long as it is in conformity with all rules governing it, should stand and not be altered to conform with the literary views of those who may help in preparing it. It is a natural disposition in an editor of MSS. not his own to make changes according to his literary taste or use of language. Whereas, all such changes are of no value but perhaps the contrary.
Of course, in readings many take part, but it is obvious that the brother who proposes the subject in a reading and leads in opening it up has to be regarded as responsible for what is unfolded, and so he is in principle the author, and his way of presenting the truth should be allowed to stand, save, of course, that actual errors or omissions in doctrine, grammar, etc., should be adjusted. If adjustments are contrary to what he might be understood to agree with, he should be consulted before they are made. All the above remarks under this head will, I am sure, commend themselves to you as obviously right, and I believe the Lord would help the brethren in looking into this matter before Him so that there may be nothing to hamper the free action of intelligent love.
I have been under some restrictions because of rheumatic conditions, but thank God, I am more or less free now, although I am not taking on as much work as usual at the present time. I hope to attend meetings in Toronto and Council Bluffs in October, Indianapolis in November, and Chicago in December. Shortly we shall, God willing, be resuming our monthly readings. The brethren are exercised before the Lord as to a subject that may prove helpful.
Reports from your side are quite encouraging as to the work of God, and we are all most thankful for the provision He is making for His people. We are very sympathetic with the dear brethren in Great Britain in the continued raids, especially those made on defenceless towns. Our prayers are incessant on your behalf. I believe God’s hand is steadily discernible in meeting this terrible thing that has arisen on the Continent, and that He will give full relief from it.
[p. 288] I attended the meetings at Detroit at the beginning of this month and the Lord gave us a remarkably good time. We looked at ‘Fathers’ in the book of Genesis. The Lord gave a good time also in Vancouver with Mr. Myles. I had a cheerful letter from Mr. House yesterday. The Lord is definitely helping them there.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. ——— and yourself and family, and all the dear brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.