SEPTEMBER 21ST, 1936
SEPTEMBER 21ST, 1936
Mr. James Taylor, Jnr.
My Dear Jim, — I need not say how thankful to God I am for the cable ‘Letters charges Westfield withdrawn’. Not having heard anything since August 16th as to special meetings held I had feared that no satisfactory result had been reached. But we continued to cry to God, for seeing that attention had been called — as before the Lord — to the errors made, a serious situation would ensue if a deaf ear was definitely turned to the testimony rendered.
I think I mentioned in an earlier letter that in view of the natural relationship existing I did not press the withdrawal of [p. 45] the two serious charges which without proof appeared in the New York letter to Westfield, counting that the Lord would overrule and bring the brethren to an acknowledgement of the truth in time; but the feelings shown and course pursued in Westfield supported by some in New York forced the conclusion that the Lord would have the matter faced. I had hoped, however, that my address on February 22nd and private remarks to brothers in Westfield and New York would lead, under God, to a steady adjustment; but instead of this, things became worse. Mr. ——— had assured me that there would be an adjustment before I sailed, but the Montreal correspondence which followed killed any hopes based on this I had.
Thus when brethren in New York indicated that an inquiry should be entered upon I felt the Lord’s hand was in it and I looked incessantly to Him, at the same time conveying my own mind in letters from time to time. I was bound to do this as directly responsible, being resident in New York. Had I realised a year ago, as I do now, how matters stood it is likely I should have laid my exercises definitely before the New York brethren.
I am uncertain as to what ‘charges Westfield’ covers, but assume that the two charges in the New York letter to Westfield, to which attention had been drawn, and the Montreal letters are included. At any rate it is clear that a substantial result has been reached and we thank God as will brethren generally who know the facts.
The services in Australia in which we have part are increasingly cheering. There was a remarkable season in Melbourne; such large numbers! The weekend in Tasmania was also favoured of the Lord. Now we are in Newcastle, as you can see; about 400 attended the meetings over the weekend. The meetings continue over today. Then we go to Brisbane — 500 miles north. Mr. Myles is in a hospital there after an operation, which is said to be satisfactory. I spoke to him on the phone and he was cheerful.
We leave Brisbane for Sydney on the 29th inst., remaining in the latter city, God willing, until October 14th, when we go to New Zealand. A ‘brother’s conference’ is to be held for three days at Wellington late in October. A large number are expected to attend including about 50 from Australia. A cable from Mr. Allbut received yesterday tells of a good time at Detroit and I am very thankful. No doubt Mr. Murchie [p. 46] was there. Mr. Spence would have been at Vancouver and I have no doubt the Lord helped him there.
PL is in N.Z. and the Lord is blessing his services there. As you may know, he had purposed to return to England by America but we now learn that he is going by Suez Canal. In view of the Croydon meetings there would not be enough time for him to cover America.
We are much hoping and praying that Consuelo is steadily gaining strength. Mr. House considered she was critically ill when he was in Brooklyn, but letters received written later indicate that she was improving.
I note that a room such as is needed in Flatbush cannot be found. It seems to me one should be built. We are exercised as to having part in this; perhaps you will have an eye open for a site.
Mother and I keep well, thank God, only train journeys here try us. We are in keeping with the apostle at least in this — “journeyings oft”. Please God, we sail from Auckland for Los Angeles by the Mariposa on December 12th. Uncle George writes of meetings in Chicago early in January.
Affectionately,
Father.