BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 13TH, 1934
BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 13TH, 1934
Mr. E. McCrea.
Beloved Brother, — Kindly pardon my delay in replying to your letter. I was glad to receive it, but I have been unusually pressed for time this winter, and so my correspondence suffered. During November and December, I spent considerable time in the West and Canada and since returning I have been laid up with influenza and bronchitis. I am better, thank God.
The very very sad news contained in your letter as to the ———s has already come. We felt this disaster most keenly and earnestly trust God will restore our poor brothers. There [p. 437] has been much of this unrighteousness in business matters, which fact is very searching and humbling. Those of us who are in business should especially take these sorrows to heart. Then there is much to occasion concern otherwise. A.M.H. mentions cases in New Zealand from time to time. His recent ‘Letter on Discipline’ is largely occasioned, he says, by the way these cases are dealt with there. But I do not at all agree with this letter; to my mind it is very misleading and I am telling our brother of my concern.
As to China, there is nothing, I suppose, that I can tell you that is not known in New Zealand in a general way. The New York brethren have written again to Shanghai in reply to their brief acknowledgement of our first letter. I enclose a copy which will explain why we wrote again. I also enclose a copy of a letter to Mr. Luke, who wrote me in a very brotherly way. I am not sending these to any one else in New Zealand; so perhaps you will show them as you consider wise. No doubt the saints generally should know of what is transpiring as to this very important matter. W.J.H. will no doubt be in New Zealand when they reach you, and I should especially be thankful if you will let him see them. I have sent a copy of the Shanghai letter to Mr. E. Phillips. I am also writing Mr. Nee, appealing to him to reconsider the whole position. As far as I know, his mind remains unaltered.
I am thankful the meetings in New Zealand have had so many visitors, which would indicate that the Lord is specially caring for you all.
In this country there is help from God generally and considerable ability for service is developing. This refers especially to this district and Ontario. J. Dean has liberty again to get about and his service is well spoken of. L. E. Samuels is acceptable, too, and takes a leading part in special meetings.
My wife and I hope to sail for England on March 15th, hoping to attend the Easter meetings at Belfast. We shall be thinking of the meetings usually held at Wellington and elsewhere in New Zealand at that time, also at Melbourne and elsewhere in the Commonwealth.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and you and to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.