BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 27TH, 1932
[p. 373] BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 27TH, 1932
My Dear Mrs Morford, — I have to thank you for your letter of the 18th ult. I was about to write you, giving a list of notes then missing, so that you might kindly ask for them, when the sad news of dear Mr. Besley came, and so I sent the list to ———. I did not like to trouble you on account of the family sorrow.
Mr. Besley’s departure from us all was keenly felt by my wife and myself and by all the brethren in these parts. He became greatly endeared to them during his visit to this country. We deeply sympathise with Mrs. Besley, Philip, Arthur and May and you all. I trust Mrs. Besley is sustained of the Lord, and guided in all her affairs. You can enter into her feelings, which, as you know, are not strange to me. Such a bereavement affords a peculiar opportunity both for the Lord, who would come in and fill the void made, and for the bereaved because nature is weakened and spiritual affections are the more released.
I note your remarks as to 1 Corinthians 12: 18, 28 (Eastbourne address) — God setting gifts in the body and in the assembly. The notes were defective (although Miss R’s are always good) on the point you mention. I am sure I did not say that the gifts were set in the body; I say this because I have often commented on the distinction between the verses — that the gifts are not said to be set in the body, but in the assembly. Of course the persons who are or have the gifts are set in the body as members, but the assembly involves intelligent control and administration and the exercise of gift is properly connected with it.
I note your suggestion as to the gospel addresses and I shall, please God, follow it; although my hands are so full I cannot do so immediately. But I am afraid you are appraising these gospel addresses too highly.
Perhaps you will have opportunity to ask ——— for any notes he may have secured and revise them as usual.
We found all well here, thank God, only the dear crippled children, although greatly improved in their general health, are not making headway as to the paralysis. This is a constant sorrow, as you can understand. Lately Jim and Consuelo have been given a baby daughter, who is the [p. 374] occasion of much joy — their first girl, making seventeen ‘grands’ for us.
My wife unites in warm love in Christ to you and yours.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.