BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 17TH, 1937
BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 17TH, 1937
Mr. F. Ide.
Beloved Brother, — I was very glad to receive yours of the 19th ult., also that written to Los Angeles which was delivered to me there. Thanks for all the information. I note what you say as to a visit to this country and I quite understand. Several have been inquiring for you and wishing to see you. Mr. W. J. House has some thought of visiting this country this year, but his thought was to confine himself to the western part. P.L. should be here now, but he was advised by his [p. 71] doctor not to come during the winter. But he may reach here in April, but his visit can be but short, for he is to attend the Croydon meetings.
We have sorrow here as you may be aware, in the withdrawal from certain brethren in Westfield, including ——— , but I discern that the Lord has come in definitely to clear His name and to deal with conditions that have been dividing the saints for years. I wrote Mr. Elliott this week, enclosing a copy of a letter written to Mr. Gill, and I have no doubt he will let you see this copy and by it you will understand more clearly what has entered into this long drawn-out trouble.
The Lord helped greatly in the disciplinary action and is continuing to support those who remain at Westfield, now numbering about eighteen. Those with ——— number about twenty, and none have, so far, identified themselves with him outside of Westfield. This fact, as you can understand, is a great relief to us, as ——— has had considerable influence, as you know, but the truth seems to hold all. Of his family, only his —————— , residing with him, have left us. But at the same time considerable personal feeling exists in the gatherings in the city and district, and this will take time to remove. However, there is remarkable interest in the meetings held, although in these meetings the Lord helps in ministry as to principles and conduct. But I have no doubt He is using the word to deal with the roots of feelings that have existed.
We have booked to sail by the Britannic, May 1st, and hope to be in Chester for Whit Monday meetings. Possibly we shall see you and Mrs. Ide there. I have only accepted a few invitations for meetings in Great Britain so far, as in view of the present disturbances, I have thought it well to leave definite acceptances until later. The need is great here, as you can understand, and hence I may not be able to spend my usual time this year on your side of the Atlantic. I have written to Mr. Elliott of my exercises about the new trustee needed at the Depot and I have no doubt you will have opportunity to see what I have written, so that I need not repeat here. I need not say that you are all much on my heart and in my prayers.
My wife and I are well through mercy and all our family. Consie has not been too well and is now in Council Bluffs. We grieve to say that her father died last week.
We have encouragement in New York; four were received last Lord’s Day for the breaking of bread, and one of these was Arthur’s girl, Dorothy. Last night Benjamin, Jim’s eldest, expressed a wish to break bread, and he is commendable to us. This will make five of our grandchildren in fellowship, including two of the Petersens.
With our united love to Mrs. Ide, yourself, and all yours,
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.