BROOKLYN, N.Y., OCTOBER 16TH, 1928
BROOKLYN, N.Y., OCTOBER 16TH, 1928
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
My Dear Brother, — It is very kind of you to write me so heartily and fully — inviting me again to your house. I shall be very glad indeed to take advantage of this invitation if it please [p. 237] the Lord to grant me another opportunity of visiting England. I shall let you know of the time in due course. The Lord greatly favours me in these visits and I increasingly appreciate this. The open door I always find in Great Britain, especially in the London area, always touches me.
I note that there is no change in the state of things in London, and of course this is not bad news. As——— assured me that neither he nor those with him at Forest Hill had any thought of forcing an issue I have assumed that no immediate move would be made there. I am sure the brethren are wise in remaining still, as this gives the Lord an opportunity to do something. We may be assured that the Captain of the Lord’s hosts will not withdraw His eye from the scene of action and that the enemy will obtain no advantage over Him. Exodus 14 is most touching as showing the divine skill and activity in the salvation or deliverance of the saints. There is a time, however, to stand still and see it, and a time to move forward to realise it. The latter involves the experience or acceptance of death.
The present is really a critical time and so requires great care and watchfulness. There are elements of trouble enough, but the enemy finds their co-ordination very difficult. A letter from the Brighton district which I saw lately indicates a delicate, if not treacherous, situation at Preston Park. The thought of a division which would ‘separate brethren equally’ seems relished by some. This is most humbling and distressing. The cleavage there is the outcome of party feeling as I could easily see by a conversation with Mr. B———. I was pained by the marked change in him from what I had seen in him earlier. On the other hand, I fear Mr. S——— does much damage by his extreme way of presenting the truth, and his arbitrary way.
Dr. Elliott has been ministering here and was much appreciated by the saints. Mr. Grimsdick is here now and also valued. He has made definite headway I believe. In general there is much to cheer in America. The usual meetings held at this season of the year are being held. Early next month (November 9th — 11th) meetings will, D.V., be held at Toronto and Winnipeg. Here, Flatbush, we are looking at John’s gospel, like yourselves. Then at our monthly fellowship meetings we are considering the great subject of Life. We had an interesting time at the first reading. There has been much illness and several have fallen asleep, and so this subject was thought appropriate.
[p. 238] The notes of the Easter meetings at Melbourne are giving much concern for many statements made are contrary to the truth — especially as to eternal life and the heavenlies. I have written to Mr. McB——— in detail. I am looking to God that our dear brother will have grace to own what is not scriptural.
My wife joins in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and yourself and family, also to all the brethren at Streatham.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.