BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 7TH, 1929
BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 7TH, 1929
My Dear ———, — Yours of May 22nd is somewhat long unanswered, but it came while we were in Europe, and it is difficult to keep up with correspondence while travelling. Mrs. Taylor and I were very glad to hear from you and of your engagement. We do not remember meeting Miss P——— (of course she was quite young at the time of our visit to Australia) or her family but we have no doubt that you suit each other and that as your union takes place it will be “in the Lord” and so will be blessed of Him. I hope your circumstances will admit of your marriage taking place at a reasonably early period, as long engagements are not healthy. I am sure the Lord will guide and help you both as to this as in other matters. You will be well advised to take special account of the counsel of your parents in this matter.
While in England we learned of the death of your cousin,——— of Leeds, and were very grieved, but in view of his delicate state of health for some years we did not wonder that the Lord took him. We were touched all the more by the news because we had spent a happy season with him and his wife and your dear father and mother last year. You all have our sympathy.
We have found much cheer in New York since returning from Europe. Five have been received into fellowship in our meeting (Flatbush) since and three more are to be ‘proposed’ tomorrow. A good few have been received in the other meetings in the city, also, and in addition to this a new meeting has been started in Staten Island. Over against this cheer, however, matters causing some sorrow exist, especially on account of the peculiarly mixed character of some of the meetings.
During last week-end special meetings were held in different parts and the Lord graciously helped. We had a very good [p. 269] time in Cambridge (Boston). Mr. Lyon was at Detroit where, we hear, the Lord also helped.
As regards individual and collective prayer, the Lord would normally value the latter more in the proportion of two or more to one. Of course, the state or character of those who pray is of great importance — see James 5: 14 - 18. Thus the prayer of one may be more effective than that of many. Convey our united love in Christ to your dear parents and to all in the house.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.