BARBADOS, B.W.I., JANUARY 29TH, 1927
BARBADOS, B.W.I., JANUARY 29TH, 1927
Mr. J. Teaffey.
Beloved Brother, — I am very glad to have your kind letter containing so much that is interesting of the work of God in London. The giving of a letter of commendation surely does not relieve those who give it of the responsibility as to the person commended, for he may not use it and may indeed go to some other place than that to which he was commanded, some place perhaps in which there was no meeting. He is not thus immune from discipline and the meeting commending him is directly responsible, of course the meeting or meetings [p. 226] nearest to him should be brought into such a matter, but that in which he was identified last is the best furnished to deal with him, and it would be lax if it failed to do so — maintaining the unity of the Spirit of course in acting with the nearest meeting. The Lord seems to be helping in the boundary question. C. Menzies, when writing me lately, sent me a copy of his letter to ———. I am very thankful for this letter. I have always valued C.M. I am afraid of ———’s insistence on 1 Timothy and Titus as governing care or investigation meetings. Indeed the Forest Hill letter addressed ‘to the Caretaking Brothers’ grates on one decidedly. Then such a conference as was suggested involved more than rule: principles were involved and in order that all should be instructed in these, those with spiritual understanding, wisdom and experience should be present, even although perhaps wanting in the qualifications for eldership. Besides all the saints are concerned in these important matters. While 1 Timothy and Titus should ever be before us, and maintained in principle, yet younger brothers can best learn how divine order and government are maintained by being present at such meetings. The multitude (Acts 15: 12) surely implies more than the apostles and elders.
We arrived here on the 13th and found an excellent interest among the dear brethren. There is a striking evidence of God’s work in this island. The attendance at the addresses run up to 700 or more inside and outside the good Hall on Chapman Street. Outside Bridgetown there are 9 meetings several of which I visited. I am very cheered by what I find here. The intelligence of the dear brethren coloured and white, is remarkable. We hope to sail back to New York on February 6th. Later we hope to be on your side, perhaps by Easter. My son Jim and his wife are, please God, going over to the Continent next month and will pass through London.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.