BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 7TH, 1932
[p. 337] BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 7TH, 1932
Mr. Alfred J. Gardiner.
Beloved Brother, — I fear I did not acknowledge your kind letter of November 4th — but even if I did another line will not be amiss.
It was good of you to write so fully as to Forest Hill. I valued the information much, as I was very concerned as to the meeting, which was pending at the time of our sailing for New York. It seemed clear from your letter that the trend of the meeting was in the right direction; but there has not been much to confirm this, as far as I have heard, since. But we must be patient, for God will certainly bring to a right result what He has begun. It was a good sign that ——— sent a message of love to the brethren coupled with a reference to Ephesians 1: 1, 2. Disregard of this scripture has marked his whole course in this sorrow. He is peculiarly determined, and his brother,———, is like him. When the latter was here last he alleged to Mr. H———, the latter’s two sons being present, that my influence prevented brethren in Great Britain forming judgments of their own — or words to this effect. When I heard this I wrote him at once, but I cannot get an answer from him as to whether he made such a serious statement or not. He wrote me during my illness for an interview, but I was unable to meet him before sailing, and begged him to meet the matter in writing. He refuses — charging that I had promised (of which I have no recollection) to meet him and failed to do so. A similar way marks Mr.———’s brother-in-law on this side of the Atlantic. During several recent years he has said and done things that are out of keeping with Scripture, and when they are — one by one — brought to his attention he will defend them to the last ditch. Happily, in some of the most serious cases he has surrendered. Would that his brothers-in-law would do the same! I mention ——— because his way, coupled with theirs, marks a family vein of opposition which is noticeable, and has been a source of deep concern to me, at least, for many years.
The work of God in America has many cheering features. In Rochester and Detroit meetings have increased through ‘swarming’, and in this (N.Y.) district excellent interest is manifest and considerable enquiry and additions from those ‘without’. At our monthly fellowship meetings we have been considering food and the Lord has helped us. I think of [p. 338] the dear London brethren much and my prayers constantly go up for you all. I am thankful to say that our special collections are well maintained and the local need is not much in excess of the ordinary, so that something is being done for the Levites near and far afield.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and each of the children, also to yourself.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.
PS — Our dear paralysed grandchildren are making some progress, thank God.