BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 19TH, 1946

BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 19TH, 1946

Mr. P. Lyon.

Beloved Brother, — My wife and I are thankful for your kind and interesting letter. We were thankful also to receive yours of an earlier date.

Your remarks as to the fellowship teas are cheering, although the hesitancy or opposition of some who should be supporting them is much regretted. The exercises arising are not important in this country or Canada. As the stress laid on the Lord’s supper as marked off from ordinary meals in 1 Corinthians 11 is accepted there should be no difficulty. This is what I gather from observation and general information received.

I have not had opportunity for general conversation with ——— . He has been in our house and, of course, much has been before us; but my health has been somewhat poor since the Council Bluffs meetings and thus I have had to curtail speaking, etc. No doubt I shall see more of our brother when he returns from the west. Our brother’s general outlook as to this matter has been uncertain and sometimes misleading.

As to New York, what you say is correct; for at least forty years our fellowship meetings have been provided for by immediate contributions. I am speaking from memory. The variation you allude to was in the sense that, instead of a handaround collection, a box was placed in a certain position for personal contributions, but this latter was abandoned because found unresultful. It was largely overlooked. In the City a separate account is kept of the money collected for the teas and adjusted at certain periods.

There is general encouragement in this country and Canada. There have been during recent months notable recoveries. The W——— s of Montreal and others there and the G——— s and ^[p. 392] H——— s of Columbus, the whole group. Also several of the Westfield dissenters, including A——— D——— and his wife lately. Besides all these a goodly number, 15 to 20, added at Cincinnati.

We have all been cheered by the recent visits of brethren from your side and Australia. Mr. Gardiner’s visit was short The Lord helped our brother and we trust he is now in New Zealand. Messrs. Kelsey and Willy were also helped. We hear much of Mr. Willy elsewhere. David Martin was much enjoyed, and I have heard from him as to Mr. Williams. I gather that there is improvement in Sydney and we trust it will be confirmed. Stanley Wallace writes that he hopes to come here in January. Neil Stewart also speaks of coming toward the summer, having in mind to return as we go to Australia. We think of sailing for your side some time in June, God willing. As to the Australian voyage our thought is to go direct from England. But all is yet in the distance, as sailings are uncertain. Arthur Walker, our grandson-in-law (Dorothy’s husband) is looking after us in this respect. He is with the Cunard people.

We value your kind invitation and shall gladly avail ourselves of it as opportunity offers. We hope to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Beattie during the London meetings.

We unite in love in Christ, thankful that your housekeeping is well provided for.

Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.