BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 31ST, 1945

^[p. 378] BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 31ST, 1945

Beloved Brother, — I am indeed grieved by the sorrowful news in your letter of the 15th inst. Clearly you will need to take up a stern and resentful attitude toward your brother as he is released. He is a professed Christian and so-called Christian worker, and having fallen into gross sin before, and having professed restoration, he has returned to his vomit. I do not think he should be shown any save the most ordinary civility, that is, if you have to make contact in any way. 1 Corinthians 5, the whole chapter, applies, of course. I do not consider the ‘natural bond’, of which your mother speaks, should be owned, at least until there is some sign of repentance. The types, as you know, help greatly in such cases. We must consider the Lord’s rights in such wicked circumstances.

The divorce of your second youngest brother is an additional sorrow and we have sympathy with yourselves and your dear mother in all this. The wickedness and violence generally prevailing in the world is sadly reflected in the assembly. This has to be owned. The Lord would say, “I know”.

I am glad to hear of the interest in your parts. We had a telegram from Maple Creek as to the season there which caused thankfulness at Rochester.

The Lord helped much at Rochester. The numbers were much reduced, but I rather believe the quality of the services was enhanced. What came before us had a depth and pungency exceeding what we have had there previously, I quite think.

Reports from Great Britain and Australasia are good. There has been uncertainty occasioned by conditions at Sydney, but a cable yesterday says the matter involved — as ‘wrong’ — was ‘unitedly unreservedly acknowledged wrong’. This is good news indeed, for which we thank God.

I am thinking of Great Britain in view of a visit, but the difficulties are great, especially return passages.

My wife unites in love in Christ to you both, also to the brethren.

Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.