BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 24TH, 1942
BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 24TH, 1942
Mr. E. L. Emtage.
Beloved Brother, — My wife and I were very pleased to receive your letter of August 31st and read it with much interest. The brethren in Barbados and the West Indies generally are on our hearts much, especially in view of the economic and food conditions. Today it is reported by the government that the sinkings in the Western Atlantic are greatly reduced, and we hope this will result in a relief of the food question in all the countries.
As regards meetings for ministry, I would connect these with the temple where God speaks, and not with disciplinary matters. It is quite in order, however, to solemnly meet according to an earlier appointment after a ministry meeting, to administer discipline. The Lord would be with us in the way of support at such a meeting. Of course, He would also be with us at the earlier meeting for ministry, but His attitude and the attitude of the saints would be in keeping with such a meeting. We in New York, distances being so great, usually have any meetings needed for discipline after ministry meetings or what is called the city meeting, where all the saints are supposed to gather. We find the Lord’s help in this procedure. As regards the Bank Hall meeting, I am sorry that it has grown ‘poor’, and if there is any life there in the regular sense, the Lord would, I am sure, appreciate the city brethren supporting it as much as possible. If, however, assembly conditions have failed or disappeared, it is quite clear that it should not continue. But it would be a great victory if on the principle of supporting it that new life should be infused by prayer and visitations. A local assembly should carry with it the idea of representation of God and if this has characteristically ceased to exist, it is clear that it should be discontinued. The Scriptures,
[p. 290] however, would encourage us to do our utmost to preserve anything that may exist of God in a locality.
As regards the expression “the Son”, what you suggest is the truth, that it conveys Christ’s deity in manhood. “The Son of God” also involves the Lord’s deity in manhood, and in some cases has the same force as “the Son”, as in 1 John 5: 20.
There is much encouragement in the work of God in the United States and Canada, particularly in meetings convened specially for ministry. Lately we had special meetings covering three days each at Vancouver and Detroit. Mr. Myles was at Vancouver and the Lord blessed him and the brethren as gathered together. I have been rather poorly lately with rheumatism but I am recovering now. I was able to attend meetings at Detroit, where we found much help from the Lord.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.