BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 16TH, 1927
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 16TH, 1927
Mr. Charles Hammond.
My Dear Brother, — I am very glad to have your letter and to learn from it a little of current happenings and exercises among the dear brethren in the London area.
As to 1 John 2, I am quite clear that there is in it an indication that young Christians may be ministered to as by themselves. Peter and Paul also address the young and old separately. Of course it may be said that while they are so addressed what is said to each by any of the apostles is in the same epistle, but this fact does not negate that different classes are addressed. But while I have often spoken of this matter, I never forget what led to serious objection being made to so-called Sunday-school classes some years ago. A regular system had developed which largely corresponded with worldly religious methods which are current. It would be a disaster if saints, seeking to recognise the truth, should now drift into this error. If children or ‘young people’ are instructed together by godly brothers or sisters in a humble, unpretentious manner, I believe the Lord will bless the work.
In this country and Canada there has been a good deal of blessing among young people during recent months. Addresses to them are usually given at general meetings held in different parts and usually some confess the Lord and seek to be allowed to break bread. Meetings at Knoxville, Detroit, and Winnipeg, recently held, were marked by this feature.
I had hoped that conditions at Forest Hill were improved, but I gather from your remarks that this is not so. I was very [p. 230] grieved by what I heard of Dr. Spencer’s experience there. I had known him fairly intimately for a long time, and had much correspondence with him regarding principles governing saints in a city or town where two or more meetings exist, and I know that he was quite sincere and transparent in whatever understanding he had of the matter. He wrote me from Forest Hill as to the position there, and at the time he wrote he was uncertain. I mention this to show that he was by no means wilful or partisan and so as an old brother, should be regarded with extreme consideration. I am unaware of any difficulty as to Mrs. Spencer, but from your letter I gather such exists. What I have said about her dear husband refers equally to her, I am sure. But we can do nothing against the truth, but for it — still it is most serious for those whose actions are in this direction. As you say, the wisdom of the saints is to wait on God. David’s attitude in 2 Samuel 15 indicates a faith-system, through which, in result, the wisdom which is of God overthrew the most renowned human wisdom.
I value the quotation from F.E.R. as to mediatorship and your own remarks also. It is a wonderful subject indeed.
With our love in Christ to you and your house, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.