BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 22ND, 1943
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 22ND, 1943
Mr. Andrew Beattie.
Beloved Brother, — Referring again to your letter of November 15th I wish to say that the three MSS. you sent for my examination arrived two days ago. I regret much that they [p. 333] confirm what you reported, showing not only about 25 — almost all clerical — errors, noted by ——— , but 12 additional ones of the same character, which I have noted. I am afraid the remaining MSS. for the new book will also have been found to contain similar errors. As I said, I much regret all, but I am hopeful that further Notes going forward will be generally free of such defects.
Last summer and autumn were marked by unusual pressure, especially by illness and I believe this affected us all. Mr. Parker was then ill — he, however, is not responsible for any work save the New York Readings, and, save some exceptions, I believe his work has been satisfactory, especially since we have not been counting on ——— .
The papers just received from you were copied by ——— but she is steadily improving in her efficiency and she, under the Lord, will, with us all, do better. But the defects in her work on the papers returned should have been corrected before mailing. I had thought my wife and I corrected at least two of them.
But you will now know — from my last letter — that I am quite free to comply with your suggestions that ——— should make any needed minor corrections; such as he made on the papers just received. Indeed my letter to Mr. Ide, from which I quoted in my last letter to you, indicated plainly that I have been agreeable to and thankful for such help; and that I am also agreeable to needed corrections of even more important nature being made — with a council of capable brothers. The great delay in the mails, and because of general pressure — the delay in the transcription and copying of Notes, added to unusual tediousness of the work of revision, make imperative the elimination of all unnecessary obstruction to the circulation of what may be helpful to the Lord’s people. By the Lord’s help I shall make MSS., for which I am responsible, accurate and have it forwarded to the Depot as quickly as possible. I am assuming that the three papers returned are being printed as corrected.
I can well understand that Mr. Ide is not as fit for Depot work and undertakings generally as he used to be, but in a recent letter he speaks of much improvement in his health, saying that he felt quite equal to taking part in the Lord’s work as in earlier days. A letter from Mr. George Spiller recently confirms this. His great experience and general knowledge [p. 334] of business and of brothers make him, it seems to me, of especial value in the trusteeship. Besides superannuation is almost foreign to the Lord’s service.
Mr. Ide wrote me recently quite a cheerful letter, evidencing encouragement as to the Depot and the Lord’s work generally. Of himself he writes, ‘I go along quietly, and serve when I am asked, but I have not had many invitations the last year or so, the reason being, I believe, that a report has got abroad that I am a semi-invalid, which of course is not so. I am in good health and go to business every day at the store ...’. As I said, Mr. Spiller, who had been in Teddington shortly before, confirms this, and a letter from his son-in-law Alfred Helen confirms this.
My wife and I were grieved that Ursula had been injured, but we are most thankful she has recovered-through God’s mercy to you all. We are so thankful to Mrs. Beattie and you for showing such kindness to ——— . We have been receiving good general reports from him. We trust the change to Painswick benefited Mrs. Beattie.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.