BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 17TH, 1918
BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 17TH, 1918
Mr. E. J. Hemmings.
My Dear Brother, — Your letter of March 26th came today. I wish to thank you most heartily for your kind thought in writing me about Arthur. The news is indeed interesting. I am sure he would have enjoyed seeing the dear brethren in [p. 155] your company. His letters lately have been very cheering. Of course, we are most anxious about him now in view of the fact that in his last letter he spoke of having to take part in the dreadful battle now on. Our confidence as to him is in God, who has preserved hitherto.
We often think of you, dear brother, and those with you in your trying circumstances. You have a large place in our prayers. I am sorry your previous letter has remained so long unanswered, but the pressure here is very great. There are a good many meetings to attend (thank God!) and these with family and business affairs and correspondence leave no spare time. But it is well yea happy, to be engaged in that which is profitable to others. “The night cometh”, says the Lord, “when no man can work”. What a time of pressure it is! But, the pressure is not specially for us just now — it is for the poor world. We share it, of course, but it seems to me the war is helping the testimony. In the day that is coming (Revelation 12, Revelation 13) the saints shall be the special objects of attack. I sometimes feel ashamed that I suffer so little. But in speaking thus I am not overlooking the peculiar circumstances of our dear N. C. C. brethren. There is a limit, I am sure, to the present sorrow. I often think of the word, “For the elect’s sake these days shall be shortened”, and another, “There shall not a hair of your head perish”. But a special word for us is, “In your patience possess ye your souls”.
We have much cheer here, with a good deal of discipline arising from the war; besides several of our numbers have gone to be with the Lord, blessed for them but we feel the loss. Our usual special meetings in May are to be held in Rochester this year instead of New York. They are to be held on May 31st, June 1st and 2nd, D.V.
My wife wishes to join in love in Christ to you and all the brethren with you.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.