BROOKLYN, N.Y., OCTOBER 22ND, 1934

^[p. 449] BROOKLYN, N.Y., OCTOBER 22ND, 1934

My Dear Brother, — Your letter has just come. I am thankful you have written. Not understanding the circumstances and bearing of the ‘Reading’ you refer to, you are at a certain disadvantage. It was at Sheringham, which is one of the well-known watering places of England, where there is a meeting and many brethren visit the place to get the benefit of the sea. A large number of such visitors were present at the reading and what was in mind was to fortify them against the leaven of the place. We are to admonish one another “in all wisdom” and if I were to tell the brethren present that they should not visit Sheringham, or any sea-side resort, I should defeat my purpose and indeed discredit the truth. The sea and the beach are God’s creatures, and so “good”, affording benefit to men and hence to be received with thanksgiving; (that they are abused by ungodly people does not set this fact aside); the intent of the reading was to help saints to do this. ‘Doing things that others do’ is simply bathing, sitting or walking by the sea for the sake of health, eating, etc. — things right in themselves. These, as done in a way suitable to christians, as over against and in the presence of, the ways and spirit of the ungodly, are a testimony to God.

‘Sisters and brothers in the meeting disporting together three-quarters naked’ is another matter — it is abominable and should be rebuked. Apparently you were enabled to rebuke what you saw. I hope you will maintain that attitude. The remarks you quote from the magazine rebuke it. They make allowance for christians making use of beaches, but condemn such conduct as you mention for it is not different from what ‘others are doing’. Brothers and sisters three-quarters naked (even at the beach) is a condition I abhor — especially in sisters. If they cover themselves when out of the water, godly seemliness would be preserved, but in this country some do not and hence are deserving of rebuke; and if rebuke is unheeded severer measures should be taken.

Some (perhaps most in this country) beaches are, when fully frequented, unclean and saints should not be found at them, but others, although having some objectionable features, can be used with care, i.e. the principles suggested in the notes you refer to. It is not fair to compare such with ‘picture shows night clubs’, etc. In seeking to help our brothers and ^[p. 450] sisters we must avoid extremes or we shall discredit our ‘good’.

As I said, I am thankful you wrote and trust our correspondence will be mutually profitable. With love in Christ to you and all the brethren with whom you are walking at Cincinnati,

I am, affectionately in Him,

James Taylor.