BROOKLYN, N.Y., MARCH 7TH, 1934

BROOKLYN, N.Y., MARCH 7TH, 1934

Mr. P. Lyon.

Beloved Brother, — Many thanks for letters and enclosures. I think we had better let the booking on Cynthia stand for the time, at least.

I find the Aurania calls at Halifax and may not reach Plymouth until late Saturday; perhaps not until Lord’s Day. She is to leave Halifax on Lord’s Day at 11 p.m. The last time we sailed on her we were held up at Halifax with fog! I am therefore requesting Mr. Coates not to make any special arrangements for the week-end. It seems we had better move to Belfast from Devonshire. The week before Easter is awkward for extra meetings, as arrangements are made for Friday and Monday. Your reference to Islington for the 27th instant is not clear as I understand brothers’ meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of the month. I am glad you hope to be at Belfast.

^[p. 440] Yes. Mr. W——— wrote me, also Mr. B———. The former answered my remarks in a lowly way, but the latter justifyingly. They seem to have in mind a meeting something purely conferential — selected ones taking counsel as to particular matters with us doctrines, etc., which would be ‘What do you think?’ etc., etc. But the meetings which the Lord blesses and which Scripture warrants involve the temple of God, where, the Spirit being free, there is ministry from Him. Why should this be restricted to a few? — W——— mentioned twenty! Of course, a few may come together — indeed this has often taken place — and confer as to any subject, as we did during the revision of the hymn book. But the truth comes out more clearly and authoritatively where brethren are together in dependence on the Spirit, recognising what He has provided for the edifying of the body.

I am glad to have A.M.H.’s letter to J. W. Taylor as to his letter on discipline. He wrote to me in a similar way but with more restraint. I know of no difficulty in N.Y. as to this matter. I enclose a copy of some remarks sent to Mr. H. as to his letter on discipline. I regret its publication. The paper of mine on righteousness to which H. alludes maintains fully the place 1 Corinthians 5 should hold amongst the saints — that is, in view of the greatly altered conditions. What was said at Park Street (when the brethren met with J.S.G.) was according to what is stated in the paper on righteousness. When J. S. G. enquired whether 2 Timothy 2 or 1 Corinthians 5 was the ground of discipline, I remember answering, both, and I believe the Lord used it with other statements supporting it, to satisfy the consciences of brethren.

I am very interested in what you say as to publications on the Continent, and especially thankful that the saints at Berlin were contributing something to the Moray Firth brethren.

With our united love in Christ to you all,

Affectionately,

James Taylor.