BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 20TH, 1933
BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 20TH, 1933
Mr. Stephen Carruthers.
Beloved Brother,. — Your letter of the 8th inst. Arrived today. I am most interested in all you write about our dear brothers and sisters in Italy. Some months ago I had a good letter from Mr. Zangger. Mr. P. Lyon gave him my name and address and he wrote at length. He did not, however, raise the question you mention.
As to this I would say that as the breaking of bread in a locality involves the truth of the assembly there, we should look for someone corresponding with the “angel” (Revelation 2: 1). From what you write of Zangger, confirmed fully by the spirit and tone of his letter to me, I judge he is one of sufficient intelligence and integrity to be regarded as trustworthy as accepting responsibility before the Lord. If all there are assured in faith and free to break bread at Venice, it seems to me they should do so, and I am assured the Lord would be with them. Indeed they would thus afford peculiar joy to Him as owning Him and His assembly in that dark, Jezebel-ridden land. Of course, they would acquaint the brethren in Milan and elsewhere in Italy of their purpose before breaking bread so as to insure general fellowship.
The case of S——— is not so clear, but if the son and nephew [p. 417] of T——— were at all exercised (seeing they are believers) to fall in with him and his wife and daughter in the acceptance of the fellowship no doubt the Lord would help them and make them stand. The question is, Has T——— himself faith to take the lead? The fact that these dear ones at S——— may be free to go to Venice to break bread is a further good reason why they should take up their privilege there.
The case at Como would be necessarily governed by the state of the sisters there. If they are at all such as A———, who had a good report without, I think there might be the breaking of bread on the occasion of a brother, or brothers, visiting them. The principle of the ‘angel’ or the acceptance of local responsibility is there.
I believe the Lord is deeply interested in these dear ones, surrounded, as they are, by so much gross darkness, and would support them in a special way, as His addresses to the churches indicate. Where there is intelligence and integrity the sense of responsibility to the Lord steadies and helps believers. There is evidence of this on this side of the Atlantic, where there are many small and isolated meetings.
I am very thankful you retain an active interest in Italy and I am sure the Lord will bless you in this. The weakness and need on the Continent are great, and I am sure the Great Shepherd of the sheep regards with special favour those who care for His loved ones there.
Percy Lyon wrote me en route to Egypt. I trust the result will justify the long journey.
There is much to encourage on this side, especially in this district. The meetings here are increasing almost continually.
My wife joins in love in Christ to you and your family,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.