BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 17TH, 1930
[p. 292] BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 17TH, 1930
Mr. P. Lyon.
Beloved Brother, — I value much the information in the two letters I received from you recently. I regret the blunder as to dear Andre Blanc. I wrote Gabriel at once, expressing our sympathy. I had thought it was Paul’s child. I told Dr. and Mrs. Borden and they sympathise also. They go on fairly well.
We are so thankful to hear of Dulwich and I earnestly trust Eltham will soon move — showing an endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit. As far as I see Sidcup acted in keeping with Deuteronomy 21 as to Bexley Heath. Verse 2 refers to general responsibility, and verse 4 to local. The priestly element, verse 5, is general. It is remarkable how the elevated character of the priesthood is introduced.
Modesto assumed the right to settle the Berkeley matter as the nearest meeting on the principle of local responsibility, but the brothers there ignored general fellowship. It is clear that an action of a meeting (assembly) outside itself cannot be binding on others; thus when a company breaks up, fellowship in a general sense is involved. Modesto ignored this and had to withdraw its action. Modesto ignored the judgment of brethren in a general sense, not taking Los Angeles, etc., into account. Sidcup did take into account the judgment of nearby meetings — they expressing their concurrence in Sidcup’s action. The same is true in the Swansea matter.
I am thinking of you and all the dear brethren who will be ministering during the holidays.
Lately I have been to Toronto, Rochester, Boston area, Baltimore and Philadelphia with much cheer. I hope to be in Boston again for the 25th instant and then South Manchester. Mr. Gill is to be at Chicago. We had a remarkably good time at Plainfield on Thanksgiving Day. The work of God indeed in this district affords remarkable encouragement.
We were expecting your brother and his wife for dinner tonight, but the latter is poorly and so they cannot be with us. We are arranging for a visit after the holidays, please God. They attended the meetings at Plainfield. We remember dear Lois.
Allen’s children are now together in an excellent hospital in Boston. God has something for the parents and us all in this sorrow. They are, I may say, completely paralysed. So far their recovery is very slow.
[p. 293] We trust Miss Lyon keeps well. Our united love in Christ to you all.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.
PS — I note your remarks as to Mr. H———’s article which commend themselves. “Vessel” does not convey the thought of our Lord in John. A dwelling is not the idea of a vessel — it is greater as you intimate. — J.T.