AORANGI, DECEMBER 15TH, 1936
AORANGI, DECEMBER 15TH, 1936
Mr. F. Ide.
Beloved Brother, — I have been looking for a line from you, but no doubt you have been busy. Mr. Elliott mentioned that you were in Ireland. I have no doubt you would find cheer there, as usual, in your visits in that country. They sent me an invitation from Belfast to attend the Easter meetings, but I shall be unable to be there — returning so late to New York. The burning of the Crystal Palace may mean a postponement of the Croydon meetings and hence our visit to England — if God orders one — may be postponed also. I am very sympathetic with the dear Croydon brethren and trust they may obtain help from God as to what to do.
You will see that we are on our journey from the south. We sailed from Auckland on the 8th inst. and hope to reach Vancouver on the 24th — in time for the special meetings there. Then we go south to Los Angeles calling at Seattle — where my brother Philip, who is blind, is; also at Berkeley to see the brethren. We hope to take part in the special New Year meetings at Los Angeles; then on to New York, please God, reaching there about January 10th.
It would take many letters to record our experiences with the dear brethren in the southern countries since we sailed from Southampton on June 5th. It has been divine mercy all the way through and the interest in the truth more than I could convey in writing. The Lord showed His hand in favour of His people including ourselves not only in every country visited, but in every place. What has moved me all the way is sympathy with God in what He has in those countries — the fruit of His own work, extending back three quarters of a century or more. Relatively, in view of the [p. 58] population, the work is most extensive in New Zealand; but Melbourne and Sydney show results exceeding those in any city of their size. London only exceeds either of them in the number of meetings. A much better feeling pervades the brethren in these cities and Australia generally than used to prevail, and I believe improvement in this respect will go on.
The special (brothers’) meetings in Wellington were quite a success under the Lord’s good hand, and have drawn the Australian and New Zealand brethren more together. The meetings at Wellington have led to the suggestion of similar meetings in Sydney in 1939, God willing. They wish me to attend and, of course, I am taking the matter to the Lord. No doubt a good few from Great Britain and some from America could be there. Such a meeting would serve the testimony well, under God, I believe.
You may have heard of the upheaval in New York and New Jersey. I believe the Lord has caused the truth to triumph through the sorrow, save that Westfield — so far as I have heard — has not owned its part. ——— , I gather, is standing against what is right. ——— became obsessed and caused much damage, giving the enemy a great advantage to discredit what had been gained in the withdrawing of the letters of last year to Knoxville and Westfield. But we are greatly relieved to hear — by cable from ——— and letter from ——— , that ——— has withdrawn charges, etc., with expressions of sorrow.
We trust you keep well, also Mrs. Ide and all yours. We keep well generally, thank God. With our united love in Christ to you both and all,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.
PS — A.E.M. was steadily improving in health and is working his way around Australia and England. I am wondering if anything is being done to provide one to take his place in the Depot.