BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 3RD, 1916

BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 3RD, 1916

Mr. J. G. Deck.

My Dear Mr. Deck, — I am very pleased indeed to have a letter from you. I thank you for it and for the numbers of your little serial. I have read all with much interest. The manager of the tract depot here is thankful that you are free to give his address for helpful ministry.

Mr. Hornsby mentioned in a recent letter having spent a ^[p. 120] little holiday with you, which was mutually enjoyable. My wife is his niece, as you may know.

As to the matter of closing the meeting formally, my objection to this is that it is not in keeping with the Lord’s right there. It is true the meeting has to end, for the saints have to return to their ordinary duties, etc., but I believe that the principle and dignity of the assembly as convened, and the Lord’s supremacy in it, should be before us on Lord’s Day morning, and this precludes a brother formally closing the meeting. Two meetings are alluded to in John 20, O. but the termination of either is not referred to — although we know the first must have come to an end, or there could not be a second on the following eighth day.

I am not quite sure that your remarks as to older brethren maintaining she meeting in the event of too long pauses, etc., would not be keeping up appearance and hiding the real state of those composing it. I am sure it is right and safer for each to be before the Lord in his soul and participate according to the intelligence and grace he may have. This makes room for the Lord’s guidance and the action of the Spirit.

The Lord cheers us in these parts. We are having good readings in Samuel. We hope to have special meetings here at the end of May.

With love in Christ, I am,

Affectionately in Him,

James Taylor.