SANDERSTEAD, SURREY, OCTOBER 30TH, 1945
SANDERSTEAD, SURREY, OCTOBER 30TH, 1945
Mr E. McCrea,
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of the 14th inst. arrived here shortly after my wife and I reached England.
I am greatly affected by the liberality of the brethren in Wellington and would ask you to kindly convey my gratitude to them. Such gifts are, I need not say, useful as in service to the Lord, especially for travelling expenses, and as I said above, I am grateful to you and to the brethren for your loving consideration.
Since our arrival here we have visited various parts of England, also Scotland and Ireland, and the interest in the [p. 383] truth which we have found is greater than I have observed in these countries. I believe the great sorrows the brethren have passed through are being used of God for their formation in the truth and general growth in the service of God. Large numbers of brethren have assembled at various times and places, and divine help has been apparent on every occasion.
I have a cable from Mr. Hayward on behalf of the brethren, inviting me to New Zealand, and I have had to reply that I could not undertake such a journey during the coming year. Of course, if God opens up the way in the Fall of next year we may be free to consider the matter, and of course, I shall let Mr. Hayward know. I have committed myself for meetings in Belfast next April and in London in the middle of July, God willing, and of course these commitments would stand in the way of any visit to Australasia in the meantime. The brethren in Australia have also invited me to visit them there, Messrs. Willy and House having joined in the invitation on behalf of the brethren. I need not say that my wife and I would greatly enjoy seeing the dear brethren in your part of the world, and shall not fail to take advantage of the first opportunity of doing so.
I am very interested in all you write as to matters in New Zealand, and I can see from it and from other sources that the Lord is helping you, for which we give thanks to Him.
I am not very clear as to remarks concerning Lord’s Day afternoon and midweek meetings, but I have no doubt all the facts will become clearer to me as I hear from others. I would say, however, that I believe special meetings for ministry afford greater advantage in the middle of the week than on Lord’s Day. Generally the Lord’s Days afford more blessing and encouragement without such meetings, and the facts relative to the first day of the week should make this plain.
I have heard that Mr. Hayward has not been well, and of course we regret this, but we are thankful to hear that Mrs. Hayward keeps well. I had known that Mr. Lyon had gone to Australia, and we have heard excellent reports of his services there. The position in Sydney seems quite encouraging now. I am hoping to write Mr. Lyon shortly. He hopes to reach England, I hear, about May.
The position in America is generally encouraging. Special meetings are on the increase and, although they have been limited through war restrictions, attendances are generally [p. 384] good. My family are all well but I am sorry to say ——— is not showing any improvement. The brethren generally have been very sympathetic as to this sorrowful matter, for which we thank God, and we await His merciful intervention.
We are uncertain as to the time of our departure from this country but we hope to get away within a month.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and yourself, also your whole family, and also to the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.