BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 21ST, 1931

^[p. 304] BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 21ST, 1931

Mr. P. Lyon.

Beloved Brother, — I thank you for your letter of the 3rd instant and enclosures, all of which are very interesting to us. I am glad you visited Ireland.

I much regret to hear of conditions in Glasgow, especially that the brethren there absented themselves from the Airdrie meetings. The position in that district is evidently very serious. I have followed the history of the difficulties there from the outset and I know the roots are deep. The Lord, I am assured, has His hand over the brethren there; were this not so, disintegration would have set in long since. I think the Messrs. Newlands have been fairly well taken into all the exercises. Judging of such matters by the general appearance (the failure to gain some in the neighbourhood, etc.) is misleading, for we cannot give people eyes to see, although it is also true that we may not afford them much worth seeing. Forest Hill is an example of how some are determined not to see.

I have written Mr. Myles a brief account of a serious difficulty existing in the West, caused by the brethren at Chicago interfering with a matter at Columbus, Ohio — brethren in the latter place having requested from the nearest meetings fellowship in their beginning to break bread there. I have requested Mr. M. to let you see it.

I am sending you herewith some correspondence which will indicate what is at issue. The meetings held at Chicago, as you will observe, disregarded most important principles.———, H.G. and W. B — were present and prominent, especially the first. The Glanton matter was never really gone through in the West and I have no doubt the Lord wishes to enforce the principles then maintained.

I sent a paper to R.B. on Deuteronomy 21, also a copy to Frank S. and I shall be glad if you see it. Priesthood appearing in the local brethren as they accept responsibility before God for what may have happened is a very important feature.

We had your brother to our house but his wife and son could not come, the former being ill. I regret I could not see any genuine feeling as to God’s claims in him. I note all you say, God can reach him, thus our part is prayer.

^[p. 305] Our united love in Christ to your dear sister and yourself and Lois,

Affectionately in Him,

James Taylor.

PS — The Westfield brethren are taking the matter up with ——— and so far he has cancelled his first letter.

We greatly need the prayers of saints.