BROOKLYN, N.Y., MARCH 23RD, 1944
[p. 338] BROOKLYN, N.Y., MARCH 23RD, 1944
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of February 22nd came a few days ago, and I thank you for it. I hope to reply more fully later, but I feel I must send a line at once relative to your information as to the collection.
Mr. Ide wrote some months ago to the effect that certain changes had been adopted in some districts, and that it was alleged that these were in accord with what was done in New York. As Mr. Ide seemed pressed as to the matter, I cabled to say that no change had been made here. From twelve to fifteen years ago there has been no change in our procedure as to the collection. Earlier we had no special collections, but since we started them the amounts given by the saints for the furtherance of the Lord’s interests have doubled or more. This marked advantage which we regarded as evidence of the Lord’s approval and blessing is, I believe, general among the gatherings in America, where special collections are made, and, as far as I know, they are universal. The same is, I believe, true on your side and in Australasia and elsewhere. Just today I heard from Mr. Trevvett and Mr. Redfearn, also a letter came to Jim from A.M.H. relative to this matter. The information in all, including your letter, agrees. But I am in the dark as to where the idea of a change arose, and I need not say I should like to be informed.
During many years past, the Lord has helped the saints as to assembly order and much result has accrued to God, also blessing generally, and more recently the collection entered into this, and, as I said, with marked blessing in the meetings. Surely, therefore, no change should be made without, at least, careful inquiry as to the basis of the previous adjustment, which resulted so well. According to what you and J.H.T. write, no scripture has been specially advanced, nor is any definite lead in the matter in evidence.
It is clear, therefore, that the meetings which have inaugurated the change should be ready to give a reason, and in doing so, if they have light from God it will surely shine. Otherwise the adjustment already made, and which has been blessed should not be cancelled or discredited.
But there is more than this to be said. It is not that any real decisive issue need arise, but the exercise extending back many years as to assembly order, to which I have referred,
[p. 339] involved much scriptural instruction. I am certain the Lord will cause this to stand, and this implies that the customs indicated in it should stand. But in referring to the instruction, I have the idea of grade in mind, and this particularly enters into the collections. The money or gifts contributed as seen in Scripture, have not always the same value. The apostle speaks of things sent to him by the Philippians as “an odour of sweet savour, an acceptable sacrifice, agreeable to God”. This clearly has more value in heaven than equal money value contributed for ordinary expenses. The former is aimed at in the special collection. If the special collection works to “still more”(1 Thessalonians 4: 1), we are to judge of and approve the things that are more excellent. Love is the way of more “surpassing excellence”, and it includes what promotes giving according to God. This pleases Him. The special collection leads to this end, which is abundantly proved among the brethren since they (the special collections) became generally adopted. 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 furnish undeniably a basis for special collections. Other scriptures could also be mentioned.
The idea of grade enters into almost all features of the truth, also corresponding faith and energy to reach and maintain the higher levels, and this includes the great thought of giving. Scripture contemplates stimulation in view of results, especially in the collection, as already remarked as to Paul’s letters. As to quality, the types yield much as to grade, as evidenced in the metals employed in the tabernacle and temple. The stress on ‘common level’ in the information you sent as to the new movement militates against all this.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.