BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 6TH, 1943
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 6TH, 1943
Mr. A. Beattie.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of November 15th came two days ago and I thank you for it. I need not say I am very interested in all you say relative to the Stow Hill Depot.
The pages from the notes of ‘Leadership’ which you mailed have not yet arrived, but I am sending this letter at once to say that I am quite agreeable that ——— should make any needed corrections of ‘errors or omissions’ in papers of mine sent to the Depot for publication — all matters of doctrine to be referred to me.
As far as I remember and as far as I can find by examination of my letters to the trustees and ——— I have not objected to this. Besides, my letter to the trustees, through Mr. Ide,
[p. 330] of January 5th, 1943, formally proposed that papers questionable — my own or others — might be adjusted by the trustees including the aid of capable available brothers. The following is the section of my letter which contains my suggestion: — ‘I would humbly suggest that you secure the aid of a few brothers capable of detecting anything contrary to the truth in papers sent in for publication. Their services should not need to be more than cursory and in general affecting only papers specially requiring critical attention ... their work would insure safety and also greatly relieve the Depot manager upon whom, under the trustees, the main responsibility would rest. The suggestion I am making should not interfere with your decision to return to authors for reconsideration all questionable statements in their papers’.
This paragraph of my letter should afford plenty of scope for such corrections as the recent cables which I received from Stow Hill indicated some needed in the MSS. of the book ‘Christ’s Kingdom not of this World’. Those of this MSS. which you mention have, as I said, not yet come. But I have no doubt they also would come under the same heading. In this event I shall regard that all will be adjusted. You all are now well aware of the great amount of time needed for correspondence via Atlantic mail.
I need not point out that the word “Jordan” substituted for the word “water” in the May number, and the word ‘but’ inserted in the June number of the New York Readings — details in your letter — would be adjustments.
Of course, I regret any extra labour caused the management of the Depot and I am sure Mr. Parker (his part of the work is practically all on the New York Readings) and myself with others who are helping with the work — especially Mrs. Markham — will seek grace and mercy from the Lord to be more accurate in our service.
As to the use of language, it is important to keep in mind that a thought may be expressed in several forms, all correct, and employed in ministering the things of God it is hardly seemly for us to strain ourselves to keep up with ‘literary style;’ thus if ordinary requirements are furnished in papers sent for publication this should suffice and there should be no changes made for the sake of style or embellishment.
Bufton Parker possesses considerable skill in editorial service and I should not be free to suggest any change. He aided [p. 331] Mr. A. F. Moore for several years in preparation for the press of the New York Notes, and thus acquired experience such as few have. He has been quite ill, especially in the summer and autumn months; and this fact no doubt accounts for some of the discrepancies in his work. Our son Jim has already too much on his hands to take on the work in mind, even if he were needed. He has, however, been helping in preparing papers for publication in the local Depot.
My wife wrote Mrs. Beattie as to ———’s visit to your house. We are very appreciative of your kindness to him. For a good while he has been a cheer to us and to the saints at Westfield, making up somewhat for ———’s deflection. His brother Jimmy and his wife also afford us much cheer.
I hope to write again as the Notes you mailed arrived.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.