JAMAICA, B.W.I., DECEMBER 24TH, 1937
JAMAICA, B.W.I., DECEMBER 24TH, 1937
Mr. W. M. Brown.
Beloved Brother, — I am glad to have your letter of the 3rd inst.
The reference or remarks as to the Mediator on page 150, Croydon Notes, needed a little guarding, for the Lord’s service viewed thus is mainly on God’s part towards us, but it implies that He is on our side too, as you point out. In making the remarks I was thinking of a particular point reached in assembly service where the Lord’s help is needed. Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God. This makes room for the Minister of the Sanctuary, Aaron being the type.
This leads to ‘the Lord’s own personal relations with the assembly’ — where these find expression. This is a very important matter and the Lord is helping in it. Room should be made for it. The Supper is, I am sure, the occasion for [p. 107] the reciprocation of marital feelings and affections. Opportunity is there found for the use of many hymns, for some years now unused. We are to be to Another who has been raised up from among the dead. The end, of course, is that we might bear fruit to God. Other hymns may afford occasion for the expression of the assembly’s affections for Christ, and as the Lord’s supper is understood these will find their place.
The use of the name Father may be wide according to the teaching and example of Scripture, as you say, but John’s gospel ought to be especially in mind in relation to formal assembly service. Assembly service toward God obviously flows out of the saints coming together “in assembly”. Here the Lord’s supper is immediately in view, and it is the Lord’s — not God’s nor the Father’s supper. We have the Lord’s supper, the Lord’s table, the Lord’s cup, the Lord’s body, etc. It is thus, it seems to me, a dominical matter, the paternal side of the service coming later. This is not the general use of “Father” seen in the synoptic gospels applied even to the Jewish remnant, but what properly belongs to the heavenly family. John brings us into the use of it only in this sense. To bring it into the service of the assembly in the dominical feature of it is not therefore according to Scripture or spiritual intelligence.
I am thankful you are editing Words of Grace and Comfort for Mr. Nunnerley while he is absent from England and I am sure the Lord will help and bless you in this service. The articles of mine appearing in his magazine have been generally revised by him, otherwise they should have been much fewer, but, God willing, I shall try to furnish you some. ——— may have some that I have not seen and no doubt would let you have them; if you have time revise them and let me look over them before publication.
Thanks for your further invitation, but I can say nothing now. You will see where I am. My wife and I came here early this week and hope to remain until January 16th. There is a good interest. Special meetings begin tonight extending over three days.
My wife unites in love in Christ to your dear wife and you, also to your dear mother.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.