BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 9TH, 1945
BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 9TH, 1945
Mr. Andrew Beattie.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of March 17th was duly received, confirming your cable re ——— , to which I cabled a reply.
Since then ——— has written of his visit and of the hospitality he received from Mrs. Beattie and you. As cabled you, my wife and I certainly value the much that you both have done for ——— and he also appreciates it. The Lord evidently made his way plain and profitable while in Great Britain, affording him much compensation in every way.
As to the Depot, I thank you for writing freely about it. There should be no question that as the war is over it should return to London. [See Historical Reference, page 415. — Editor] This will be soon through the mercy of God, as we all hope, and I should expect Mr. Ide will agree with this. Mr. ——— has been inconvenienced by its removal to Kingston and the brethren, I am sure, sympathise with him in this, but the Lord, and the brethren too, will have it in mind. The more general sorrow in which the dear brethren in London have all shared will somewhat modify this, and as our God mercifully grants respite there will be cause for mutual rejoicing. For myself, at times I feel ashamed and humbled that I have suffered so little while the terrible experiences of the last five years have been endured by so many of the dear brethren, but at the same time we shall all rejoice together. We have the evidence that the assembly has gained, the sufferings of the many having borne their rich fruits to God’s glory and praise.
In the meantime, patience with each other surely is in order, time being allowed for healing and everyone finding his niche in the great service in which so many of us are privileged to [p. 369] have part. I believe Mr. Ide and his family have shared in the general sorrows, especially in the more recent damage caused by the robots. As you say, our brother is advanced in years, and the experiences of the war would try him more than they would a younger man; hence, more patience is needed if he is required to modify or change his mind. But I believe, time being given, he will listen to what is reasonable, as we all should be ready to do. As the war, under God, is definitely ended, I believe He will help you all to a satisfactory adjustment.
The other considerations as to the Depot — that it should be a gathering place for brethren — have been often advanced. It was understood at the outset that properly it is not a London institution; it is in principle universal. That the comparatively few of the brethren who visit the City could well be borne with as making use of the Depot is evident, but Stow Hill is not a local Tract Depot, but calculated to serve the saints in all lands, and this should not be overlooked.
I note your remark that the average contributions of the brethren ‘throughout the country’ (England, I presume) amount during the last few years to £2,000 per annum. This, as compared with the yearly reports I used to see, I do not understand. But, of course, I am thankful to know that such liberal contributions are made. It should be remembered, however, that New York has a Depot to maintain, also other cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. And I believe contributions are made to Stow Hill from these countries. But I suppose they are not large. At any rate, Stow Hill, as I said, was started as a Depot for all countries, not merely a London institution.
At the special meetings recently held at London, Ontario, the Lord gave His people a very good time indeed. About five hundred came together. With love in Christ from us both to Mrs. Beattie and you and all yours, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.