BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 12TH, 1944
BROOKLYN, N.Y., JUNE 12TH, 1944
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
Beloved Brother, — I wish to apologise for delay in replying to your important and welcome letter of November 17th. It was overlooked among many others. I am especially sorry [p. 345] because the matter of the collection which has been so much on the minds of many was mentioned in it. I had been wishing to know your mind as to it and overlooked that you had written comparatively fully.
Mr. ——— in the meantime had written three times enquiringly and informatively and in replying I am afraid my mind became more than full of the matter of the collection.
I am thankful — having re-read your letter — that it confirms much of what I wrote to ——— and others. The subject has become very much clearer to me since than it was when I first heard of the recent movement through a cable from Mr. Ide last autumn.
A letter from ——— states, I judge, fairly fully what he and others hold as to the matter. I sent ——— a copy of my reply and I trust you will see it. He enlarges on certain scriptures in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles and Nehemiah. They, of course, afford help as to the subject in question, but they are typical of spiritual furnishings and hence lose their force and value if regarded merest as monetary. But even if regarded as corresponding with the literal collection in the assembly, Joash’s “chest” was special — it was not provided for in Moses’ law. It was intended to be stimulative and the result justified it. The Levites charged with the work were dilatory and so the King hastened the matter through the priest. The chest placed by the altar would appeal to the heart of a true Israelite and hence would increase the holy stimulation.
Paul’s instruction in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 as to the collection related to what was literally monetary but was not figurative. Actual money to meet physical need among the saints was in question. Thus his letters (he being minister of the assembly) on this point are directly authoritative and they should be the basis of any enquiry relative to the collections for the saints.
The monies gathered by Joash and Nehemiah were for things needed for the house of God, but they were obtained on the principle of a special collection, so can money now needed for, say, a new meeting room, be obtained in a special way. In providing money for persons, according to the apostle’s letter, the assembly acted in authority, and so it can act in liberty and authority in providing things for other purposes. The Philippians sent “things” to Paul by Epaphroditus: we cannot say definitely that they were provided from the regular collection. It is more likely that ardent hands like those of [p. 346] Lydia would put together a special love package for the apostle — the package and the carrier being wholly in keeping.
As to early or Pentecostal conditions there were no collections: they were not needed as a “common” state of things existed. Money was laid at the apostles’ feet. An economy exercised by the apostles was established. The idea of collection is seen in relation to Paul. At Antioch the disciples who were well off sent to meet need in Judaea — “each of them” sent. It was not a collection as we speak. Then through Paul’s influence and services we have a formal collection made in several assemblies for Jerusalem. Thus Paul’s apostolic authority formally and extensively enters the matter of a collection for persons and it was special. I have made above remarks as adding to yours.
I need say nothing as to what you wrote of the sum collected for those suffering from the raids, as lately we have received the statement. This was read in the meetings this week and hence it is before the brethren. No doubt copies have been sent elsewhere.
There is considerable cheer generally. The Rochester meetings were blessed by the Lord. We are now looking forward to Montreal, Minneapolis, Berkeley and Regina — all early in July. My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and you and your family, also to the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.