On Board M.V. Britannic.
August 14th, 1935.
Beloved Brother -- We appreciated your telegram at Queenstown. I mailed you from there the two sets of French notes. I assumed there are no more.
Talking matters over with Dr. E. and Mr. S. the possibility of our visiting South Africa and Australasia in 1936 is becoming clearer in our minds. The Glasgow meetings being early -- May 12th to 14th -- we could sail late in May or early June from England for South Africa, stay a short time there and get to Perth about July 15th. Then work through Australia, say two or three months; then New Zealand, getting to America in November or December, all under the Lord's good hand. If you visit South Africa during the coming winter or spring and return to England from there, you could, under the Lord's guidance, go to New Zealand and Australia via America.
The voyage is so far fairly good and we are enjoying the time together -- reading John 13 - 17.
We remember you in prayer as in Scotland. Thanking Miss Lyon and you again for all your kindness.
My wife and I unite in love in Christ to you both,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
August 26th, 1935.
My Dear Brother, -- Your letter was received as I arrived here a week ago, but I am sorry to say it became mislaid through stress of circumstances, so I can but reply from memory of what it contained.
My remarks as to the 'care meeting' were general and had reference to administrative matters; that is, what regularly requires discipline or affects fellowship; in a word, matters which require collective authority. Much can be done based on confidence in a brother; for instance, need arising suddenly would be met on this principle. What a brother might do, manifestly right, would be accepted as approved of God. Also the giving of letters of commendation -- such a service is
usually left to a brother morally fitted for it. All are committed to what he does on the principle of confidence which love for one another implies. Thus the saints, being characteristically children of wisdom, serve one another in a local and general sense, in this way ministering pleasure to God. Much of this service enters into what is called the 'care meeting' and can thus be carried into effect without formal reference to the assembly.
But brothers together for 'care' have no collective administrative authority -- at least I know of no scriptural warrant for this. Indeed the scriptural basis for brothers' care meetings needs generally enquiring _into. Acts 15 is, I think, the scripture that may be fairly regarded as furnishing this -- perhaps the only one in a direct sense. The whole procedure in this chapter cannot apply today, for it is apostolic and metropolitan. We have no apostles now, nor an earthly metropolis owned of God. But what does apply is the principle in the chapter of brothers coming together to consider a matter, verse 6. Then another principle is seen in verse 22; that is, that after the mind of God is brought in during the consideration (verses 7 - 21), the assembly is identified with the results reached.
To make the procedure apply today we must omit the part taken by "the apostles and elders" (verse 22), their place in verse 6 being simply that of brothers; so that what remains for authoritative action is the assembly, the Holy Spirit being in in verse 28. In order to get the full benefit of the example supplied in Acts 15 for present use we must also omit the great question actually dealt with, substituting it by any matter properly belonging to local assembly administration. Thus we have the brothers considering or deliberating and the assembly acting authoritatively.
1 and 2 Corinthians are intended specially to instruct us as to the assembly, in its general aspect, indeed, but particularly as to its local setting. It is God's assembly in Corinth or in any other city or place. He is identified with it, in it indeed, and it acts for Him and in His power. Elders are not mentioned evidently to stress the assembly itself -- that it functions organically and administratively. Viewed in a general sense, the specific gifts are said to be set in it by God. And it is significantly stated that the least esteemed in it are to be employed judicially. This shows inferentially that young brothers, or brothers regarded as of small account, are not to
be excluded from deliberative meetings. In principle all are responsible and the young should b e made to recognise this, with the provision that one "weak in the faith" is not to be received to the determining of questions of reasoning. The younger brothers learn as they have opportunity of seeing how divine wisdom manifests itself in those who are older and have more experience (see 1 Peter 5:1 - 7). The address to the angel in each of the seven assemblies (Revelation 2, 3) implies this general responsibility. There is, of course, full room for the exercise of eldership in the measure in which it may exist in any meeting for the care of the Lord's interests.
The Corinthian epistles, as already said, are intended to teach us as to the place the local assembly has in the divine economy, and as remarked, it is noteworthy that elders are not mentioned in them. Over against this, the frequent reference to the assembly is striking. It is seen as the temple of God, chapter 3; as administrating discipline, chapter 5; in relation to fellowship, chapter 10; in relation to the Lord's supper, chapter 11; in relation to the general testimony, chapter 12; in relation to ministry, chapter 14; in relation to collections for known needs, 2 Corinthians 8.
It is clear, therefore, that all matters requiring collective authority should be dealt with finally in the assembly. This would include discipline, whether involving withdrawal or what may be less serious; also the extension of fellowship to companies of christians in other localities, or the withdrawal of fellowship from such companies.
I trust the above will be clear and that it may be serviceable to you. My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Young, you, and to all your family.
Affectionately in Him,
I am now starting on an extended journey, including Vancouver, Berkeley, Los Angeles.
Vancouver, B.C.
My Dear Arthur, -- ... I had a fairly comfortable journey and was cheered by meeting several at Chicago with whom had lunch, and free, profitable conversation. I think the Lord
has come in there. Then I met six at Minneapolis and also enjoyed the season with them. And at Moose Jaw I met six or seven who motored forty miles from Regina to see me. It was touching. At Calgary also I saw several yesterday morning and Mr. Dickens travelled on my train to Vancouver. Mrs. House, Winnipeg, joined the train at Moose Jaw. Thus I had cheer all the way in meeting the dear brethren. By one's own joy in meeting the saints one can understand a little more what the Lord has in them ...
Los Angeles.
Beloved Brother, -- I received two letters from you since I arrived in New York -- the one sent to the Britannic did not reach it. This morning on arrival here I received your cable as to Newcastle. I need not say that it cheers me much and I take it as an answer to prayer. I trust nothing will prevent the desired end -- that most of the brethren -- all in time, I trust -- may be together in righteousness and peace. My prayers will go up as before. It was very good of you to cable.
There has been definite cheer on this 'coast' -- Vancouver, Seattle, Berkeley and San Francisco. Meetings are arranged for this week which, I am assured, the Lord will support.
The Lord is helping in the West and Central West. The Chicago brethren (as from "the assembly") wrote very humbly as to their course in connection with ------ . The latter seems genuinely changed. I am stopping at Chicago for a week-end on my return journey. The position as to J.D. is also much clearer and happier. He was a help at Vancouver. The Miami matter is also clearing. I regretted New York did not seek an adjustment on the basis of ------'s first withdrawal. ------ has now gone deeper and I believe (although I have not heard definitely) that New York will accept. The charges by New York that Knoxville acted independently and that ------ threw them into confusion, are not sustained by the facts as far as I can gather. I believe there will be general gain under the Lord's good hand, especially by ------ .
I heard at Chicago, when passing through, that you were not
well -- blood pressure -- and I was concerned. The report was by McKillop's mother, who lives at Saltcoats. Your letters bear no indication of this, so am relieved.
My wife attended the Detroit meetings and says Dr. Elliott was much helped. I enjoyed his addresses at New York. The Lord is blessing our brother so that he is a definite provision for the saints. They had a record number at Detroit. There was also blessing at So. Manchester with A.N.W. Miami out of the way, the Lord, I believe, will give peace to the churches in America. I heard from J. Ralph. Some 27 are lost to us in Kingston -- a sorrowful number, but much less than was to be feared. The brethren on the coast are full of the Chinese matter, and I trust there has been help. I was glad to have a copy of draft of London letter. A.E.M.'s service is much spoken of with appreciation.
With love in Christ to Miss Lyon and you,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- While visiting the brethren on the Pacific Coast, I learned of your great sorrow, and now that I have returned to New York I send a line to express to you and your dear children the deep sympathy of my wife and myself. We were distressed when we heard that your beloved wife was taken from you and now seek, as before God, that your sorrow may be turned into joy. He will work for you three in this way, but in the meantime His thought is that the sorrow may be felt.
As you will be aware, I know something of your present feelings and I know too, how the Lord comes in in such circumstances. There will be the pressure of loneliness and a void, which seems impossible to fill; but He who causes it intends to fill it, and will do so as His adjusting process is permitted to proceed. John 11 shows this both in Martha and Mary. Christ came into the vision of the former as He had not been hitherto apprehended before Lazarus was raised. She came into the light of "the Christ, the Son of God, who should come into the world". Adjustment is constantly needed by us and the sorrow of bereavement effects excellent soil for this.
At a funeral last week, in Los Angeles -- sister-in-law of Mr. Fleming of Coniston -- I was impressed with the thought that Sarah died at Hebron -- the purpose of God is sure and the burial place has this in mind. Then stress is laid on the years of the life of Sarah. You will now be reverting to the life of your dear one.
May the Lord bless you all in this sowing time!
With much warm love and sympathy from us both,
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I have to thank you for letters dated August 30th and September 9th. I note all your comments as to Newcastle with great interest. In a letter from Mr. T------ received recently I learnt with thankfulness that you visited Newcastle. The brethren evidently were much cheered by your visit and service. I am thankful Wallsend made no objection. Having seen an account of the meeting of the brethren in the district at Wallsend by Mr. W------ and one by Mr. C------ , I can quite understand how you could send the cable which was so encouraging.
It is clear to me from these accounts and from what has been expressed by several during the past few months that the voice of "the priests the sons of Levi" (Deuteronomy 21) has been heard. It was no question of the brethren of the district settling the matter, but that the mind of God through priestly exercises has been made clear. Mr. C------ gives the remarks of a certain brother which he says were 'said in power, and from that moment the voice of the Lord was heard from quite a few brethren'. He then gives in detail what these brethren said, and it comports with what has been before many of us as light governing the position in Newcastle. If the priestly judgment has been reached, as I have no doubt it has, it is for Wallsend according to Deuteronomy 21, to follow it out and make it effective. If they do not they are failing in responsibility and cannot be henceforth regarded as holding the matter in their hands. Recent information indicates that they are not following out what the Lord has indicated, and this adds to the knowledge already possessed, that they have
been wanting throughout in priestly intelligence and sensibilities as to the whole matter.
Thanks for all the marine information you have sent. I certainly appreciate much all the pains you take on my account. If it seems the Lord's will that we should visit the Antipodes next year, we should like to spend the Easter in America, and hence shall not be present at the Belfast meetings. We should like to sail from this side shortly after Easter in good time for the Glasgow meetings, and then start for South Africa toward the end of May or the beginning of June. Possibly a good boat from New York to Great Britain can be found to fit in with this arrangement.
Affectionately in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear Brother, -- Thanks for yours of the 4th inst. with copy of my letter enclosed. I also received by the same mail certain information from other sources that I wrote for. Having weighed all, as I trust before the Lord, my judgment as to the position of Mr. K------ and those with him is that it is untenable and should be abandoned at once by all in it as unsupported by scriptural principles.
Besides your letter, I earlier received a letter from Mr. K------ , and the burden of his letter is that there was a bad state at Halfway-Tree when the discipline against W------ was exercised and that this practically disqualified them to take such a course. This is the ground you take, and no doubt it is shared in by all those who are with Mr. K------ , and I believe is the explanation of the great sorrow that has transpired at Kingston.
To assume that a meeting is not in a state to exercise discipline, is to assume that there are no assembly conditions there and the meeting is undeserving of being recognised as in fellowship. Neither Mr. K------'s letter to me, nor yours, furnish any evidence that Halfway-Tree should be regarded in this way. Mr. K------'s judgment and what Mr. Besley and Mr. Ralph are reported to have said (the reports given of
Messrs. Besley and Ralph are strongly contested by competent witnesses in Kingston) cannot be regarded as sufficient evidence of the bad state at Halfway-Tree. The judgment of brothers rendered in this way is too vague, save as substantiated by actual facts.
But assuming that Halfway-Tree was in a bad state, this, as I have already said to you, cannot be adduced as a reason why discipline against a specific sin should not be administered. The epistles to Corinth show unmistakably that not only was the assembly at Corinth in a bad state in the sense in which Mr K------ regards Halfway-Tree, but there were actually other wicked persons in the meeting as the twelfth chapter of the second Epistle shows. As to this, Mr. K------ says, 'I cannot conceive the Corinthians reading an inspired epistle from the pen of the apostle Paul and not being reduced to mourning'. This remark is quite irrelevant. If the apostle had said in directing them to exercise discipline against the wicked person named, that they should not do so until they were humbled by his letter, then Mr. K------'s remark would be in order, but the apostle says nothing of the kind. It is true that the apostle in his spirit had part in the discipline, as he says, "Ye and my spirit being gathered together", but he makes no provision that they should be humbled by his letter before they should do this. It is true that the Corinthians were affected by the apostle's first letter, but we cannot say much as to what spirit they were in when they executed the discipline on the wicked person. The point is that the apostle insisted on their doing it without stipulating that they must first be in a certain state. In chapter 5 he mentions his own spirit and the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, but in verse 13 he says, "remove the wicked person from amongst yourselves". This was their obligation whatever their state. The action would tend to remove the bad state; they were so far acting in obedience, and would be challenged as to themselves by what they were doing.
It may be remarked further that 2 Corinthians 12, shows that even after the first letter was received the general state of the assembly could not be said to be good; far otherwise, for the apostle mournfully contemplates that there were still there persons who had committed fornication and licentiousness and had not repented. I regard, therefore, the attitude of Mr. K------ and those who are with him in regard to the
discipline against Mr. W------ as tending to set aside the truth of assembly discipline, for it requires that the greatest evil must be left unjudged because of an alleged bad state in a given assembly. Your view is contrary to the plainest facts presented in first and second Corinthians as to discipline.
I earnestly hope that Mr. K------ and all of you who are with him will see this before the Lord and judge it as false. If you do this there will be good hope of the recovery of you all, as the other matters in question could be, I believe, easily adjusted. As regards what Mr. Besley and Mr. Ralph are supposed to have said, as I remarked above, this is strongly contested in sober evidence, and I cannot accept on general grounds that Mr. Besley would charge Halfway-Tree with 'pride, arrogance and self-will or lawlessness as appear in W------'. If this state existed in Halfway-Tree, then Mr. Besley was morally wrong in breaking bread there.
Having shown from first and second Corinthians that a low or bad state in a meeting should not disallow an act of discipline against known evil there, I need not comment on what Mr. K------ , as followed by you, has said as to Judges. Of course, brethren who execute discipline should recognise that they themselves should be self-judged, but this is another matter, and a most important one too; but to discredit an act of discipline against known evil because those who exercised it are assumed not to be in a good state is pernicious. Mr. K------'s letter and yours, as disregarding scriptural principles and facts as shown above, prove that you are not in a state to pronounce on the state of Halfway-Tree. Please do not consider that I am arbitrary or severe in saying this. It is proved by what I have said above, and if you accept it as before the Lord and judge yourselves, there will be deliverance for you from your present false position. As regards Judges 20, 21, while Israel being in a bad state suffered under the government of God, yet the judgment they attempted was not condemned by God. It was eventually effected by His help.
I refer now to some further statements in your letter of August 19th.
In regard to your charge that some 'chuckers-out' were employed, what I wrote to you from England is sustained by reliable information from Kingston. As regards your report of what Mr. Ralph said as to this, a letter from Halfway-Tree reads as follows: --
'Mr. Ralph emphatically denies having said to P------ what he states. What he did say was to this effect -- It was regretful that such means had to be used, but under the circumstances the brethren were right in keeping the intruders out in this way'.
This agrees with my own judgment of the matter, and I cannot, therefore, share in your attitude, especially as it seems that you have exaggerated the facts.
As regards the matter of sin which had been hidden for so long, information that I have received from Kingston confirms what I wrote to you from England including Mr. K------'s part in it. It would appear that the other two brothers in question were disciplined for concealing the matter, and hence the case should have been considered as closed, and should not be brought up now. It is most difficult for brethren at a distance to form a judgment of a case of this kind seeing so much detail enters into it. Brethren at a distance, therefore, rightly accept what the local meeting may do in such a case. To bring it up, after it is ostensibly settled, to cause it to bear on other things is manifestly not of God.
You pretend to judge the state of a meeting as bad which is accredited as in fellowship with saints generally, and yet your own state is shown to be bad by the way you write about your brethren. You must pardon me, my dear brother, for writing you in this way, but I do so to save you from a false position. Your letters to me prove that your state is not such as to qualify you to take the part you are taking as to the holy things of God.
Having carefully looked into your letters and that of Mr. K------ and others with you, I cannot but accept the signed testimony issued by the brethren in Kingston with whom I am breaking bread. The fact that a good number sided with Mr. K------ at the time of the discipline meeting did not prove that he was right or unworthy of the discipline proposed to be executed against him. His views as to discipline, and his opposition to what was done at Halfway-Tree resulting in a wide cleavage in the meetings constituted him as a causer of division with heretical characteristics, and hence he and those who acted with him could not be regarded as fit for fellowship. The action of the brothers at the time of the discipline meeting was one of withdrawal from evil, and no number, however large, on the side of the evil can invalidate this. The number
supporting the withdrawal is, I understand, much larger than that of those refusing it.
As regards your statement 'that the necessity for exercising discipline on Mr. W------ has never been called in question by Mr. K------ or any of his', I quote from a letter just received from Halfway-Tree: --
'It is not correct, for to my personal knowledge K------ , B------ , H------ , and P------ maintained for quite a while that they did not see any necessity for W------ to be disciplined. It was only when W------ started to show such open lawlessness that they had to come to it ... . P------ himself wrote a letter in 1930 to our brother D------ , now gone to be with the Lord, demanding that W------ should be received again without any questioning, and K------ told a brother that W------ was in a better state than anyone at Halfway-Tree and should be received when we resumed the breaking of bread'.
As this flat denial of your statement corresponds with the general principle Mr. K------ and you all hold as to the action at Halfway-Tree, it is difficult not to accept it as generally true.
I need not add more to this already long letter, but I assure you I am genuinely anxious to help you all, and I feel obliged from the general facts to speak plainly and strongly with a hope that the Lord may use what I write for the deliverance of you all from the false position you are in and restore you to your brethren.
I may add that I am sorry to learn that Mr. K------ is quite poorly, and I hope the Lord will restore him in his body as well as in his soul, so that he may be with his brethren and resume the same kind of profitable service he once rendered. He will forgive me for embodying my answer to his letter in my letter to you. This is so as to avoid unnecessary writing. You will, I am sure, show my letter to Mr. K------ if he is equal to reading it, and assure him of my love.
Affectionately yours in the Lord,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Thanks for your letter of August 22nd, which I was glad to receive. I sympathise with you and the brethren in New Zealand in the removal of Mr. Robertson of
Cobden Street, also Mr. Rigg. I remember both, and I am sure they will be missed. Mr. Robertson, however, was of a ripe age, and besides the Lord does not give an account of such matters to us. We have to leave much with Him in this respect.
The meetings at Vancouver were much sustained of the Lord and a generally happy season prevailed. I also visited the other meetings on the Pacific Coast and some in the Middle West on my return journey. Generally there is peace and prosperity in the gatherings in the United States and Canada, for which we are thankful to God. In New York we are considering as a subject for our monthly readings 'The Wars of the Lord'. There has been definite help from Him in the three readings held so far. We began with Exodus 15.
I note that Mr. Myles has arrived, and I am sure the brethren are enjoying his ministry. We think of him much as labouring among you, also of Mr. Hayward in Australia, and others.
You may have heard that my wife and I have some thought of visiting Australasia next year. Although we have fixed dates tentatively, the matter is still open as we wish to be very sure before the Lord before we finally decide. Our present thought is to leave England on June 5th for South Africa, and we should reach Australia early in August, and New Zealand probably in October. You may be aware that Mr. P. Lyon is leaving England this month, the Lord permitting, for South Africa and Australasia.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and yourself, and to all the brethren in Wellington.
Affectionately yours in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- Scripture has much on the subject, but nothing, as far as I know, as to spiritual ministry as burials take place. The emphasis is on the act of burial, and those who bury. The purchase of the field at Machpelah with the cave, trees, etc., would indicate the provision of accommodation for burial services; and no doubt these, as bringing God in, took place, but I cannot find any instructions as to them. Whereas we have much instruction as to the regular service of God -- in the New Testament we are taught as to prayer, worship, preaching, reading, ministry of the word in the assembly, etc.
Thus, what we are to do at burials is a question for the children of wisdom to decide, each occasion calling for its particular requirements. The circumstances would govern this. In this city those attending funerals are generally saints nearly all known to each other, and we make no previous arrangement. The service is 'open' and there is little or no confusion. On the other hand, if a funeral is in a town where the saint buried was well known, and a large number of 'outside' people attend, and the saints decide that they should be specially in view in what may be said, the local saints perhaps not possessing ability for this, there is wisdom in obtaining the help of a brother of ability from another locality; or if a local brother has ability, there is wisdom in placing the service more or less in his hands. Certainly there is no gain, but the contrary, in a state of uncertainty, and a consequent long pause at such a time. But if those likely to attend a funeral are nearly all saints, known to each other as in fellowship, including those able to minister a word of comfort, and whatever else may be needed, they are showing their confidence in each other, and thus knowing the Lord and each other, in having the matter open -- indeed in the Lord's hands. But where the larger number present at a funeral are outside people, the saints being perhaps few, and the undertaker having only a limited time, the wise move is for a capable brother or brothers by mutual understanding to lead on. I believe the testimony is served in this way. The Lord would support such a procedure, and there will be no occasion for ridicule -- people saying they would 'much prefer a clergyman than endure such foolish delay'. Things are to be "done decently and in order" as Scripture says.
The position is -- a saint has to be buried; there is thus need or opportunity for a meeting. What is its character to be? If mainly for prayer and comfort for the bereaved, all knowing each other as in fellowship, the simple way, and which makes room for the Spirit is to be together humbly depending on the Lord. But if outside persons are mainly in view, an understanding as to who should take the lead is wiser. External requirements such as do not enter into any other meeting should ever be in view, as they render special provision imperative.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter of August 17th reached me in Vancouver and as a large proportion of my time since has been spent in travelling in the West, I have been hindered in correspondence. This will account for the somewhat long delay of my reply.
Your letter is of deep interest to me, having looked over it carefully. The subject treated is the greatest possible, and requires careful and prayerful thought.
I believe the Lord helped us during the recent months as to John 20:17. What is said of the Father, as for instance John 5:22, "For neither does the Father judge any one, but has given all judgment to the Son", shows plainly the relationship into which God has entered under this appellation is more limited than God in the Absolute sense. All divine attributes and prerogatives must refer unlimitedly to God as such. The term "Father" at the same time conveys the most blessed feature of God, for it implies family relationships and enjoyments, but manifestly in taking it God had in mind to become more intelligible to His creatures, for the relationship was already known as set in the human family from the outset.
What you say as to Hebrews is therefore correct, although the teaching in the main is not on the same level as Ephesians. Whilst we have the thought of the Father and the Son in Hebrews 2 the saints are scarcely brought into this relationship, and therefore there is not the same power contemplated to enter into divine thoughts as Ephesians presents, hence in Ephesians the power of apprehension (chapter 3) is by the Spirit of the Father. Besides this, Ephesians presents our place in the divine counsels both as individuals and as the assembly.
What I wish to convey is, that while Hebrews has the full thought as regards service in mind, our relationship with God as Father, as in sonship presented in Ephesians, greatly enhances the truth presented in this epistle, and this of itself shows the end in view in the relationship of Father and Son which God has entered into. These blessed relationships afford more power to us as creatures to enter into the knowledge of God, and to respond fully to Him. Hence it is "glory to God in the assembly".
There can be no doubt that as we are subject and dependent
on the Holy Spirit, these thoughts shall become enlarged in us and clarified, but, as I said, I am assured the Lord has helped, giving an inkling that we did not have, of what is in the divine mind to be reached by us as having part in the assembly.
The dear brethren in London are much on my heart I need not say, and in my prayers. I heard from P.L. of your first reading in Park Street, and I trust there will be steady help throughout the present series of meetings. At our monthly reading we are looking at the 'Wars of the Lord' and were helped of Him in considering Exodus 15 at the first one.
I found in the West a great deal of interest in China, but the brethren are all clear as to what was involved and quite in accord with the London letter. The brethren at Vancouver have since written very forcefully endorsing what had already been written by London and New York to Shanghai.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I thank you for your letter of the 14th ultimo, and I am very interested in all you write as to the different matters mentioned.
The line you are following will surely prove profitable to you as it contemplates the deepest and most precious relationships of which we are part.
You will need to guard a little as to making sonship in any sense characteristically less than manhood. We have to learn as to this as in all else from what is stated as to Christ and His being acknowledged Son from heaven at the full age of manhood, as we see in Luke. God's purpose is that manhood should appear before Him in this blessed relationship. Ephesians 4:13, 14, maintains this balance. The knowledge of the Son of God underlies the full-grown man, and all this would enter into our position as representing the likeness of God.
I note all your remarks as to current events in Great Britain, and what you say of Nee's letter to Mr. Barlow confirms what I have heard from others. It is quite apparent that we have had to do all along with a man who has had a dark part, but the Lord has kept His hand over us, and whilst there has been
an occasion for humiliation, which has been owned, He has otherwise enlarged us through the exercise.
With love in Christ to you and your house, and to all the brethren, I am,
Affectionately yours in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I duly received your letter of the 22nd ultimo, and I am interested in your inquiries and remarks.
As regards Hebrews 12, I have looked up the passage you refer to in the address entitled 'Leadership', and generally it conveys what I understand as to this great matter. I have not been able to find a copy of Notes on Hebrews, but I have no doubt that what is said of it corresponds with the remarks in the address on leadership.
No doubt you have examined the meaning of the word for author or leader in Hebrews 12:2 (see Mr. Darby's note as to the Greek word on Acts 3:15). The meaning is not only that the Lord originated faith, but He exemplified it in His life. There is much food for the soul in following up that blessed life in the details furnished in Scripture. To deny that the Lord exercised faith as a Man here would be to deprive us of Him as a model to look steadfastly upon. The passage in Hebrews is plainly that we should regard Him in this respect as the Leader and Completer of the life of faith. In this path He lived by every word that came out of the mouth of God, setting, as He says, Jehovah always before him; Psalm 16.
As regards the deletion of the reference in old hymn 88 to the Lord's faith, I am sorry I can give you no information. I certainly have no recollection of this particular matter being discussed at Teignmouth, although the hymn came before us in the regular way and certain changes were made in it. Had it been said that the verse was omitted because of the reference to the Lord exercising faith, I am sure I should have objected.
I thank you for your sympathetic remarks as to the visit of my wife and myself to Hornchurch, which are fully reciprocated by us. We enjoyed our time much with you all, especially the seasons at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Fentiman. I wish to thank you again for the service you rendered in the revision
of the German notes. I have no doubt the Lord will bless these notes as circulated amongst His people.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your wife, and to Mr. and Mrs. Fentiman and to all the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I am glad to have your letter of October 17th.
As regards John 1:18, "in the bosom of the Father" is the characteristic place of Christ as Man, denoting the peculiar nearness and mutual affection between the Father and the only-begotten Son. This would cover His whole existence as become flesh. Psalm 22:9, 10 shows that reciprocated affection was there from the outset. The expression, however, that conveys the Father's delight in him was at His baptism and on the mount.
As regards John 17:26, the love there is undoubtedly the Father's love for the Son. It is to be in us. It is the third kind of love that I would speak of as in the assembly, the first being the love of Christ expressed in the loaf in the Lord's supper; the second being the covenant love of God expressed in the cup, it being the blood of the new covenant; and the third the Father's love for the Son, which is also in us. The love in verse 26 is, I judge, the same as that in verse 23. Verse 24 seems to be personal to Himself, "Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world". The glory referred to in this verse 24 seems also to be personal, whereas he speaks of sharing the glory given to him in verse 22.
I would say, therefore, that verse 24 is personal in a general way, although it would not be wise to say it does not enter into verses 23 and 26.
There is food and special spiritual formation in the soul meditating on these verses and noting the evident distinctions that are to be made.
As said above, I should not like to detach strictly the love of verse 24 from the love of verses 23 and 26, but I am sure we should recognise the distinction I have noted above, and
this would imply that verse 24 is love between divine Persons as such in Deity.
As regards question number 3, the simple way is to regard all of the religious societies as just part of the world, and the apostle's remark in 1 Corinthians 5 would show that in regard of business and the like we are in the world. We are not here to alter or reform the world, and so we go through it in a general way without making distinctions. Thus you can see that a man ought to be free to transact business with persons belonging to these religious organisations without committing himself in any way to the organisations in a religious sense; but we are regarded as children of wisdom in Scripture, and we should be on our guard not to seem to support what is manifestly wrong. The exercised believer is enabled of God to use skill and avoid any appearance of evil.
I think you for your kind interest in the purposed visit of my wife and myself to your parts. We are much encouraged by expressions such as yours from our beloved brethren in New Zealand and Australia.
With love in Christ to you and your house, and to all the brethren with you, I am,
Yours affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Thanks for yours of the 26th ult. Items 1 and 2 are indeed good news and I thank God for them. E.R., as you will know, is coming to America, the brethren in Los Angeles having invited him to go for their New Year Meetings. A.E.M. suggested him. We are looking to the Lord for our brother.
Your remarks as to Newcastle cause me some distress, for they are not in keeping with the facts of the case and the principles governing it. I note, however, that you say you should 'hear the other side'. I hope you will, for as 'knowing law' you will surely be calling for 'the law and the testimony' as well as the facts of any matter requiring judgment. Without these, impressions received even from 'sober brethren' are not to be trusted. Mr. H. Peart, Newcastle, would, I believe,
furnish you with a fair statement of facts, and I advise you to write him.
Briefly, the facts are that a state came about in the Newcastle meeting hardly describable for badness through accusations of criminality being made against Mr. M------ and others by Mr. W------ in relation to a partnership between Mr. D------ and Mr. M------ . I attended a meeting of brothers in Newcastle some three and a half years ago when the matter was discussed and the state disclosed was, as I said, beyond words to describe. I pointed out to the brethren present that assembly conditions did not exist.
Later three brothers -- Messrs. Davidson, Biggs and Malpas -- by arrangement, both sides of the controversy agreeing, went to Newcastle and investigated the data involved. Their investigation brought out that the evil -- false accusation of the most serious kind -- was on the side of W------ . He owned his error, but afterwards refused to stand by this. Most of the meeting refused 'the report' of the three brothers, the leader at the time, Mr. T------l, writing against it; and it was later said to be 'dead'.
As 'the report' -- being accredited testimony, and proving evil in the meeting -- was refused, nearly half of the saints withdrew and met at Eastwood, Mr. T------'s house. They thus proved themselves 'clear in the matter' of proved evil, and have maintained this. The course of the others, on the other hand, was confused and inconsistent. Acceptance of 'the report' began to be asserted by them; W------ was put under a kind of discipline; T------l withdrew, apparently judging his own course and that of those he had been associated with; although not long before this he had sought to incriminate me as refusing 'assembly action' because I had questioned the fairness of Wallsend's placing both sides on the same ground.
Later a large proportion of those with B------ , W------ , etc., withdrew, and 13 brothers of them signed a paper condemning their previous position and justifying those at Eastwood in primarily withdrawing. P------ was one of these brothers. These, with those at Eastwood, now began to meet at the old room, as the others had vacated it. Afterwards P------ and those who had signed the paper above mentioned withdrew, speaking generally, each giving a different reason from the other. I saw all their letters and none of them, as far as I could see, afforded valid ground for withdrawing from their
brethren. Since, some of those who left have returned, I understand, but not P------ ; he and a brother named D------ have been seeking to show that the testimony of two or three witnesses is refused by those now in the old room.
As regards the judgment of Wallsend, 'the adjoining meeting' to which you refer, what has marked their part in the whole matter does not inspire confidence. First, they designated all at Newcastle on the same level as leprous, or words to this effect. The unfairness of this being pointed out, they modified their judgment, and later owned that those with Messrs. T------ and P------t were technically right, but that their moral condition was not right. Mr. K------ sent me two lengthy memoranda, one dealing with those at Eastwood and the other with those at that time at the old room, and the trend was to justify the latter and condemn the former, and last summer he wrote to Mr. T------t (the latter showed me the letter) saying they at Wallsend were not going to open the flood-gates of evil in recognising those with Messrs. T------ and P------t -- words to this effect. T------t, who has throughout supported Wallsend's attitude, told me last summer that those with Mr. T------ had long been opposers of the truth. I told him I had been visiting Newcastle, staying with Mr. T------ , for 25 years and that I could not accept such a charge.
In view of above, Wallsend's judgment cannot rightly be taken unquestioningly; nor is it supported generally by other adjacent meetings, including (as I understand) Jarrow, Sunderland, Darlington, W. Hartlepool. At a meeting in Wallsend of representative brothers from meetings in the district last August it was agreed ( 'one or two prejudiced persons dissenting' ) that 'our brethren at Wesley Street are standing on right ground, that we ask them to do all possible to get some of the difficulties which have been advanced solved ... but further that we must be prepared, if it is not possible to remove these difficulties to accept the judgment of our brethren at Wesley Street as to these matters'. This was written by Mr. W------ , Darlington, and confirmed substantially to me by a letter from Mr. C------ , Glasgow, who was also present at the said meeting. If the brethren at Wesley Street are standing on right ground, and nothing tangible is advanced to prove that they are unfit for christian fellowship, they have a moral right (Revelation 22:14) to take up their privileges which the judgment of Wallsend cannot deprive them of.
I have written more than intended primarily, but one thing after another seemed to need mentioning.
With love in Christ to Mrs. Sargent and you all,
Affectionately in Him,
I was glad to meet your brother-in-law at Vancouver in September. I cannot speak of definite interest in him, but it is encouraging that he came as far.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter of the 7th instant was received a few days ago, and greatly interests my wife and myself. It is good of you to give me so much information, every item of which is of value as entering into the Lord's interests.
I follow particularly all your remarks as to special meetings during the holiday season, now almost begun. You certainly have taken on an onerous list of services, and you may be assured that we shall remember you both as in Ireland and in Scotland. The need is indeed great and I am thankful you are enabled of the Lord to undertake so much. He will surely sustain you as carrying on a service undertaken in a sacrificial way.
I note your encouragement as to London from the administrative side, and also as to the Park Street meetings. What you say as to the latter is confirmed by Mr. Roberts who is now with us. I trust the Lord will continue to help the dear brethren in the very fruitful subject which they are considering.
Mr. Roberts arrived on Saturday, and we have had a very good week-end with him. He leaves us tonight for the West, followed by the sympathy and prayers of his brethren here.
I hope to attend meetings here on Wednesday, and then go on to Chicago for meetings covering three days My wife is also going to Chicago. We hope to call at Detroit, Hamilton and Rochester on our return journey. In North America there is peace generally amongst the dear brethren, and a measure of prosperity, for which we thank God.
I regret to note that you could not write anything encouraging
of Newcastle. What has come to light for some, and will I believe come to light for the brethren generally, is that the difficulty has to be solved in Newcastle. If there are any 'approved' there in the midst of the general breakdown, the Lord will be with them, and will use them. It is for Israel's priests to discern if there are such and to stand by them at least morally, for the enemy will do all in his power to discredit them. The addresses to the assemblies in Revelation show that the principle of recovery is through overcomers. When the state of a meeting becomes such that all in it seem involved, or that the approved are not manifested, brethren in meetings near-by and generally are bound to protect themselves from contamination arising from such conditions, and love in the meeting nearest will not fail to manifest itself in wise gracious watchfulness and care generally, but as soon as there is any evidence of overcoming in the place affected, this must be recognised as morally the point of recovery. The Lord is in charge, as it were and the pursuit of righteousness, faith, love and peace in the saints generally will require that His rights, and the moral rights of His people in the city in question, must be observed. Under these circumstances it is manifestly wrong for a nearby meeting to assume an administrative control. The overcomer or overcomers in the city in question have morally the same status as meetings elsewhere.
The moral side of the matter is what is so important, and I believe it has not had its full place with those who, as outside Newcastle, have had to do directly with it.
You will be aware that besides those meeting at Wesley Street, a group of brethren are now meeting in another place called Pilgrim Street. These have written recently to New York arraigning me for unwarrantedly convening a meeting in Newcastle some three and a half years ago, and of inviting brethren from other meetings to attend it. The truth is that I had been invited to Newcastle for special meetings at that time and before reaching Newcastle Mr. T------ had suggested that I should meet the brethren in relation to the then great sorrow that was current amongst them. Before agreeing I wrote to Mr. T------l, who was then very prominent and active as you will know, at Newcastle, and he did not agree with the suggestion but wished me to meet the brethren at his house in regard of a nearby meeting that had recently been formed. I did not accede to Mr. T------l's wish, feeling that the local conditions
at Newcastle did not admit of such a meeting as he proposed, and so the matter was left until I reached Newcastle. On my arrival there I found conditions so bad that I called up Mr. T------l on the phone and told him that I would like to see the brethren after the address in keeping with Mr. T------'s suggestion, as I did not wish to leave Newcastle without placing my exercises briefly on their consciences. Mr. T------l agreed and arranged for the meeting. Others who attended the meeting, such as Messrs. N------ , T------ t and C------ were there as having been present at the fellowship meetings, and as far as I remember all were happy about their presence. So much for their charge that I convened a meeting of brothers on my own account. Two months later Messrs. Davidson, Biggs and Malpas went to Newcastle by arrangement with the contending brothers, W------ and M------ , and their investigation of the books disclosed that W------ had made serious false charges against M------ . From that time to this the question of good and evil has been in conflict in Newcastle, and I have not a doubt that those meeting at Wesley Street have been and are on the side of the good.
My wife and I very much appreciate your wish to have us visit you and Mrs. Gardiner and your family again. In view of the shortness of our stay in England it may be well to leave this matter, and there will be opportunity of communicating with you later. With our united love to you both, and your family, and to all the brethren in London, I am,
Affectionately yours in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter of the 25th ult. with draft for $190.93 was duly received.
This large amount as a gift from the dear brethren at Wellington affects me much and I hasten to convey to you all my heartfelt thanks. I wish also to thank you, dear brother, for your sympathetic words, which are cheering. Your letter and the gift from the brethren enclosed with similar letters and gifts from the saints in New Zealand and Australia confirm me in my purpose, the Lord permitting, to visit you all next
year, and I am assured that through your prayers He will prosper the undertaking.
Although I had long cherished the wish to see you all again, a report on my physical condition last May led me to think of abandoning the thought indefinitely, but my health improved so much in the meantime through God's mercy, that while on my way back to New York through certain suggestions of others it revived. It seems now that my improved health warranted the undertaking, especially as advancing years might prevent it later.
I have booked to sail from Southampton, God willing, on June 5th, to Capetown, then to Fremantle, reaching New Zealand sometime in late October.
My wife and I shall gladly accept the kind invitation of Mrs. McCrea and you to share your hospitality while in Wellington.
I wrote you lately so there is not much of a general nature to add. The meetings at Council Bluffs were good, we hear. ------ and J. Dean were there, also Samuels, and Devenish -- a brother in Ontario whom God is using. There was a large meeting in Plainfield at the same time -- 'Thanksgiving' Day. Tomorrow we have meetings here and I go on, please God, to Chicago in the evening for special meetings -- from Thursday to Lord's Day.
I grieve with you all in your local sorrows. The Lord has been greatly helping His people in the truth and the enemy is doing what he can to discredit this. We have much of this here. But as we take things to heart the Lord honours us where we are humbled.
We hear good news of Mr. Myles' work in New Zealand for which we thank God. He is much prayed for.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you both and to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- I am in receipt of the letters of the 9th and 13th inst., the latter containing cheque for £10 from the dear brethren at Portsmouth.
I am very thankful indeed to you all for thinking of me in
this practical way and my prayer to God is that as providing in this sense for the promotion of His service you may be blessed in spiritual wealth. The wording of your letter conveying the gift, dear brother, is cheering to me in seeking to continue in the service of the saints.
It was good of you to send me so much information of the saints and the work of God in your letter of the 9th inst. This enables me to pray more intelligently. The blessing the Lord has granted you all at Portsmouth is gratifying, also the proposal for another meeting. I trust this will become a fact in due course. As far as I know these extensions have been blessed of God. Of course there will be winters as well as summers, but there will be seed-time and harvest.
I am most thankful to know of the help afforded Mr. Marsh and Mr. Green in their services during the holiday season, and to yourself at Weymouth. Information I have shows that the Lord has graciously helped His people in special meetings held throughout the kingdom.
My wife and I went West, attending meetings -- three days -- at Chicago, where the Lord gave a remarkably good time. Later we visited Detroit, Hamilton, and Rochester. Mr. E. Roberts, Worcester, was at Los Angeles and other points in the West and was also helped as we hear, and he was much appreciated in this district. He and our son Jim landed at Southampton yesterday -- the latter being on business.
You may have heard that my wife's sister who resided at Bournemouth fell asleep early this month. We are thankful that she is at rest with the Lord, but my wife feels the broken link. We are now under much pressure as ------'s daughter, 16, is very low with pneumonia. We are cast on God as to her, bowing to His will.
The-Lord is blessing His people in these parts, allowing, at the same time, much to humble us; this also is true of America generally and the West Indies.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
My Dear Brother, -- I am in receipt of your letter of the 29th ult., which interests me. But it is not easy to answer definitely as to the matter you mention, for other circumstances
may enter into it, such as can only be rightly known to those in the locality. You say 'almost equi-distance'. Almost implies that one of the meetings is actually nearer to you than the other. This fact in itself may be the settlement of the matter, but then something else may balance it in favour of the other meeting.
Scripture owns districts, addressing assemblies in them, such as Galatia and Asia, but never to detract from the status of each assembly in them. Several assemblies are owned in each of the above districts, but Scripture recognises only one assembly in a city or municipality.
I gather that you reside in the district -- not the one in which the town is -- but you are in the suburbs of the town and that you have been breaking bread there; and perhaps your employment is in the town. These things being so, and your residence as near -- or almost as near -- the meeting in the town, I should say you should continue to attend the meeting there. In all probability means of access to the meeting in the town afford you more convenience than the means of access to the meeting in the district.
God looks to us to use the wisdom He has given us in determining such matters as you write about; if we do we recognise that the time required to reach a point has to be regarded as correlative with the distance; the time taken to reach a point determines the distance in view of the circumstances.
With love in Christ, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I am two letters in your debt -- both yours of December 17th and February 16th were heartily read. We were not a little surprised to learn that you had decided to reside in London, but we are assured that you both waited on the Lord much as to this, and we believe He will bless you in your new surroundings. I can well see the advantage to your daughter. The neighbourhood you have selected is, of course, quite familiar to us.
We appreciate your kind offer of hospitality in your new
residence and we shall, please God, avail ourselves of it; indeed, I had written Mr. Gardiner before receiving your last letter that my wife and I should stay with you in view of the reading in London on May 5th. Whether we shall reach you from Croydon on the Monday or Tuesday we may leave until we are on your side of the water. We should go north on the Wednesday.
No doubt you will have seen or heard from Jim and he will have told you of our bereavement; the eldest child of ------ having fallen asleep. She was in her sixteenth year and her absence causes a great blank, especially in the hearts of the dear parents. Although Grace had not been very definite, she was the Lord's and spoke beautifully of Him during her illness. We are restful, knowing that she is with the Lord. Two of her most intimate girl friends have intimated their wish to break bread with us since Grace's illness and departure to be with the Lord. They are to be proposed tonight.
You may have heard, too, that my wife's sister, Gussie, who resided at Bournemouth, fell asleep last month. Although we are thankful she is with the Lord, especially as she was a physical sufferer and rather lonely, yet my wife feels a broken link.
Our dear brethren in London are always on our hearts and our prayers. Although you, Mrs. Beattie and your children will be missed in Purley, the London brethren will be very glad to have you, and as I said, the Lord, I am sure, will bless you amongst them.
With our united love in Christ to you all,
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Beloved Brother, -- Here in New York we have much to do with this kind of thing, and invariably we find the Lord's approval and support in refusing to receive persons who are linked up in this way until such links are severed; and in some cases where the sister or brother is in fellowship and he proceeds to get married we have withdrawn from him. "In the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7), is unquestionably more than simply that the person in question is a christian. It implies recognition
of the Lord's authority, His commands; and, of course, fellowship is involved. The enemy is constantly trying to weaken the fellowship by introducing lower standards, and I am sure the Lord is with His people in standing out against this practice. It may seem hard to deny fellowship to a sister such as you mention who seeks it, but her engagement to this young man was entered into with her eyes open, and under the government of God this necessarily incurs penalty. She, and those who would support her in coming into fellowship, are ignoring this, and at the same time serving the enemy's ends in lowering and weakening the standards by which we profess to walk. If our sister humbles herself before the Lord now, He will come in for her, either to bring the young man into the truth or break the link which He cannot approve of.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I duly received your letter of January 25th but as Jim was then on his way to England I delayed writing.
We were both glad to get your own account of your health, which we thought favourable, and we thank God for His mercy to you and to us all. From Jim's account we gather that you are making progress and we trust that this will continue. When writing Mr. Elliott lately I said to him that you and he were specially on our hearts, also ------ because of the very important work in which God is using you. Thanks for the Depot balance sheet, which I had not seen. I trust God will continue to bless you all in this service, and that the needed portion of meat through the written page may reach His dear people. ------ will have told you of the MSS. I have sent for a book on the Service of God. I trust this book may appear in the needy time and that the Lord may bless it to the saints. I am starting a collection of papers on Priesthood, but its completion will require much time. The basis of it is meetings held in Chicago on this great subject.
We appreciate the desire of Mrs. Ide and you to have us under your roof again and shall at least spend one night with
you! Our programme is: the Lord permitting, we arrive at Southampton by Georgic, April 28th; Portsmouth for meetings the 29th; Croydon the week-end; London brothers' reading Tuesday; north on Wednesday. Our thought is to go by train to Scotland. After Glasgow we may spend week-end at Edinburgh; then south to Cardiff for meetings May 21st; to Coventry for week-end; London for address on May 26th; Peterborough for week-end including Whit Monday and sail from Southampton to Cape Town on June 5th. Our stay with you will probably be just before we leave for S. Africa. There will be no need for you to meet us at Southampton on our arrival as we go immediately to Portsmouth. I think Mr. Green said he would meet us. We wish you not to tax yourself in any way.
You will know of our bereavement -- my wife's sister and later Gracie. The blow is severe on them, indeed on us all; but the Lord sustains us all. We note your own affliction in the loss of your sister and niece. All this sorrow reminds us of the precariousness of our lives in flesh and is intended to make us dependent on God every moment; and yet, as a sparrow does not fall without Him, the death of His saints is precious in His sight and all is by His appointment. We see in Moses and Aaron how the saints die according to God's will and the peculiar care taken of Moses, even his burial, is most encouraging for those engaged in His service.
There is much cheer generally in this country. I hope to attend meetings at Knoxville at Easter.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Ide and you and to all your circle.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Many thanks for your letter and renewed invitation. I am glad to have the items of information you furnish including what you mention of London.
I am sorry we shall be unable to spend a week-end with you at Hazellville. There are so few at our disposal in England this year that they were used up all too quickly, at Croydon, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Coventry and Peterborough. We ask
your dear sister and you to forgive us. After Peterborough, whit Monday, we could come to you, if the Lord will, say on the Tuesday. I should not, however, be equal to a meeting on that evening but could we not stay over the Wednesday evening and attend a local reading, whichever is nearest, or as you may suggest? May we not leave the matter thus until we meet?
The news you send of Newcastle grieves me for I had heard of the purposed meeting of February 29th, and had hoped Wallsend was moving in the right direction. The reason for the cancellation of the meeting which you understood, namely, that Wesley Street brethren could not break bread with Mr. P------ and Mr. D------ , is, if correct, MOST distressing.
It is quite invalid as a cause for the abandonment of a meeting of brethren to consider a matter of such solemnity and extensive importance. The proposal would be the outcome of serious exercise before the Lord, not only at Wallsend but wherever the matter was known by brethren, and there would be solemn urgent waiting on God about it in the gatherings invited to attend. I cannot conceive of such a meeting without such exercises preceding it, and hence the abandonment of it causes deep concern. It seems wanting of priestly gravity and balance.
The fact that Wesley Street would not at the time break bread with Mr. P------ and Mr. D------ would, of course, be the occasion of enquiry at the meeting, but this is now a matter properly belonging to Wesley Street. Those at Wesley Street (formerly Eastwood) have proved themselves clear of the evil exposed in the old meeting, having consistently stood against it from the outset of its exposure, and are recognised, even by Wallsend, as clear in the matter, certainly by brethren generally who know the facts. The Lord owns them on this ground and would help them as to maters within their local responsibility, hence the reception of those two brothers should be left with them. The history of those brothers in relation to the whole difficulty makes this clearer. They identified themselves with those now at Pilgrim Street among whom the evil was exposed, later they left them, returning to those at Wesley Street (then at Eastwood), formally owning them as right; and then withdrew from them without scriptural warrant. They attacked them jointly in a circulated letter, and later again returned, at least P------ did, I am not sure whether D------ did. That such
a meeting as was arranged should be cancelled because brethren who are directly responsible to the Lord in Newcastle cannot break bread with them is certainly beyond my understanding of priestly uprightness and humble recognition of the rights and responsibilities of others.
We all appreciate your sympathy in our bereavement.
My wife unites in love in Christ to your sister and you, also to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Thanks for your letter. I can only send a brief line, having much on hand.
The Rochester brethren invited Mr. McBride for their meetings, but he did not feel equal to the undertaking as not too well. Then they invited Mr. E. L. Moore of Stockport, but he cannot come as he cannot get enough time from his business. Hence no one that I know of from overseas able to minister to the saints shall be in America for service this year. The Lord will help you all, I am sure, as the saints come together. There are a good few in America now able to help at such meetings.
A cable received yesterday from N.Z. speaks of A.E.M.'s recovery -- thank God.
Meetings are to be held in London, Ontario, this week-end -- A. F. Moore and, I think, Samuels, are to be there, God willing. I am going to Knoxville, where meetings are also to be held. I hope to see some of the Miami brethren there. My wife and I hope to sail for England on April 20th.
With love in Christ to Mrs. Hardwick and you all.
Affectionately in Him,
On Board Georgic.
My Dear Arthur, -- We missed the meetings yesterday, I need not say, but we spent the day well, having had Ezekiel 41 and Genesis 42 before us, also other scriptures. I have also
been much occupied in revising readings ten and eleven in the Wars of the Lord. I am mailing them to A.F.M.
This is an excellent ship and accommodations are all that could be desired. We are soon to land at Queenstown and hope, under God, to reach Southampton tomorrow afternoon.
I trust Ruth and the children keep well through God's mercy. We were glad to see them all at the steamer, also all the other Grands.
I am thinking of the proposed new meeting room and trust, God will help. I am now of but little use to the brethren in such matters. What is needed is brethren moving together in a definite lead -- each doing what falls to him with his might.
Mother unites in love to Ruth and you and to the children.
Beloved Brother, -- Having seen a copy of the letter written by brethren at Jarrow to those-at Wallsend dated February 25th, I send a line to say that I am thankful that you could thus write. Your comments on Deuteronomy 21 are according to truth and I am assured that our brethren generally will in time own this; indeed the position in Newcastle is much clearer in the minds of the saints than it was nine months ago, which shows unmistakably that God is working towards the solution of this sorrowful matter.
The fact that the brethren at Wallsend are not practically according to those at Wesley Street which is due, does not at all minimise the responsibility of the rest of us to recognise it: this is obvious. Thus Israel's elders and judges are still in the attitude of having of having gone forth and that of the priests as having "come near". Wallsend having failed to act as priests and speak thus for all Israel does not imply that the principle of the nearest city cannot be operative. The priests have already drawn near and spiritually this is how it works out. It may be immediately through those at Jarrow or other nearby meetings, but it is the obligation of the saints generally to recognise -- not only in word but in practice -- the rights of the saints in Wesley Street, also the Lord's rights in them.
At the meeting of brothers in the district in September, Wesley Street's rights were verbally owned and any further
enquiry should start with this fact. If brothers come to see that failure to own practically the manifest rights of their brethren is unrighteous, the seriousness of our position will be apparent. It is important to keep clearly in mind that brothers in the Newcastle district coming together to make enquiry or take counsel is a priestly matter, not an ecclesiastical one, and it owns the principle of proximity. Some, I understand, have quoted me as saying that a district meeting is unscriptural but this -- whatever the quotation-could refer only to assembly status; brothers in a district coming together as spiritual -- as priests -- to enquire or take counsel, is scriptural.
I have in mind to visit your district, God willing, after the meetings at Glasgow, but only for a day or so -- for want of time.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
My Dear Arthur, -- The Glasgow meetings were remarkably sustained, especially in the readings. I had not realised such steady help previously. There was no diminution of it. Of course, I speak from my own point of view. The hearing was poor at the first and second addresses, but the saints will get what was said in due course. You will be getting full accounts later, so I shall not add more as to Glasgow.
The meeting at Newcastle on Tuesday was as cheering, and I may say as triumphant, as any I have attended. A representation of brethren from all parts -- including the dominions and the continent -- were present as well as the local and nearby meetings. First an address -- by myself -- was delivered on The Local Assembly and then the brothers -- all present at the address -- met to consider the local matter. Mr. T------ t and Mr. K------ were there. These, as you know, had caused throughout the sorrow the greatest concern. They were fully with the brethren in the judgment expressed -- that fellowship should be extended to the brethren at Wesley Street who have for some time been owned as "the approved". I have no doubt the breaking of bread will be recommenced soon.
I grieve over what you mentioned as to Westfield. The
condition there is the outstanding trouble now -- Newcastle being out of the way. ------ and ------ will need great grace and the more they go down -- even restoring what they have not taken away -- the greater will be their gain. Their discrepancies will be magnified, but this will not in the long run cover nor excuse the unlawful attitude taken up against them. The balances of the sanctuary are perfectly fair.
Beloved Brother, -- Your allusions to Westfield cause me the deepest concern. It is now the outstanding difficulty, Judaism is there again -- the endeavour to justify partisan and personal feeling under the guise of local privilege. When the restrictions attempted on ------'s service to the Lord came up, I was told by brothers at Westfield that there was no charge pending against him, and that his status in the 'assembly' was the same as all others. I then pointed out that if ------ had ability from the Lord to serve the saints this was not merely local but of a universal bearing, and any effort to restrict it would interfere with the Lord's rights. This was not denied and hence I thought the difficulty would ease off. I also pointed out strongly that any attempt to discipline or restrict a brother by a group of brothers -- however many -- was contrary to assembly order. This also was assented to, as I remember Mr. ------ saying ------ should be free to carry on his service, and that he had good hope matters would be adjusted on this basis. But the Montreal correspondence which I have seen shows that the truth governing the matter is being disregarded by the group of brothers I spoke to -- then they numbered about five, now 'nine' I see. They may say they only answered an enquiry, but they did this with a manifest intent to restrict. Under such circumstances wisdom would answer Montreal by saying that ------ was in fellowship at Westfield taking part freely in assembly services and hence there could be no question as to his taking part similarly at Montreal. This is quite obvious. Personal feelings, seeing the brother's general assembly status was owned, should not be mentioned.
Such feelings should not be put forward as of more importance than those of the assembly or as affecting the general status of a servant. Their mention by ------ to the brethren at Detroit so affected the brethren that a reading was spoiled. Wise handling of matters would avoid such results. If a brother's local setting is owned as right generally, wisdom would leave him with the Lord in the exercise of his service to Him. To his own master he stands or falls. A group of brothers interfering with him is manifestly wrong.
As to the attitude of these brothers at Westfield towards ------ , brethren in other meetings are bound to be fair; he has rights equal to the other brothers. They say 'he should be acceptable to us' but each of them should be acceptable to him. To my knowledge they have acted most unfairly to him at times ------ tells me that in a care meeting lately he has pointed out to them the unfair things that I refer to, but could get no acknowledgement of them. Whatever may be said to the contrary, I am not considering for ------ because is my relative. I am concerned entirely that right principle should prevail amongst us. That there may be ways in ------ that irritate his brethren I do not deny, but having followed the whole matter closely I know of nothing in him so provocative as certain attitudes and procedures that I have seen in the other brothers at Westfield. If the brothers at Westfield wish to promote local and general peace and confidence they must in seeking to have matters with ------ adjusted own all they can to him, leaving with the Lord what they object to in him, unless they can prove some evil. In dealing with our brothers in this sense we are enjoined to consider ourselves.
The quotation from a paper of mine in the Westfield letter to Montreal involves a moral defect, for 1 had strongly urged on the writer the unscripturalness of his attitude towards ------ . That he had certain exercises as to ------ (as ------ has of him, I and others have too) I can understand, but circulating such personal exercises or feelings among gatherings outside so as to restrict ------'s service is manifestly wrong. The quotation from 'The Assembly' contemplates normal conditions, such as at Antioch -- not a group of brothers acting on their own account.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
R.M.M.V. Warwick Castle.
My Dear Arthur, -- We much appreciate your cable telling us of some exercise in the right direction at Westfield. I earnestly trust it will continue until all the roots of unfair feeling are withered up. ------ is the immediate occasion of attack but the aim of the enemy is much wider -- to cause cleavage throughout the district, thus hindering the work of God and discrediting the truth that for so many years has been ministered and enjoyed.
I shall be particularly thankful if Mr. S------ and others in Staten Island come to see how matters really stand and give place to right principles, instead of being governed by feelings. I am certain that he, Mr. P------ and Mr. G------ have hindered each other in all this sorrow. I brought certain glaring matters before Mr. S------ and he did not meet my exercises at all although he could not but have seen the justice of what I put before him. All this makes me uneasy, for unless unfair things are met before God in a transparent way, the enemy has scope.
But we are much cheered by your cable and our prayers are unremitting that God may continue to work. Mr. ------ has fished in the troubled waters and has recovered lost ground -- from his point of view -- but this will not be for the good and peace of Jerusalem. He has shown again that he is unable to help the saints in a crisis.
I trust your health is better in the mercy of God and that Ruth and the children keep well. The warm weather should help you. We think of you all much, especially the children as now free from school -- the extra care they are, but Dorothy is more and more a help. The twins will be a handful in the hot weather -- but we all have to bear the yoke in our youth. We think of Consie much also in view of what is before her.
Mother is progressing most favourably, thank God. The voyage has, under God, done her much good, and it has helped me also. The ship is most comfortable and the heat in the tropics much less than we had expected. Besides ourselves there are three sisters on board -- Miss Gorrie, Mrs. Fennell and Mrs. Painter -- Andrew Ware's cousin. We have readings daily, first in Leviticus and now we are looking at the women in John's gospel -- quite interesting.
The meetings in England just before we sailed were very cheering, but no doubt Archie Robertson and Walter Bradshaw
would be telling you of what they found in Great Britain. I trust both got help from the Lord. The work of God in Great Britain should cheer and sober us all.
Mother unites in love to Ruth and you and the children and to all. Give our love to all at 466 East 26th Street and to all the Coulters.
We are thinking much of the brethren in Flatbush, especially the proposed new room. It requires sacrifice and wherever there is this, we may count on God's help and blessing. The testimony needs a more suitable meeting place. Let us make up our minds for this.
My Dear Jim, -- I wrote to Arthur as to his address at Chatham and also Westfield. I thank God for the address. Mr. S------ should also object to my address in February -- possibly he did! The enemy is endeavouring to establish by practice wrong principles. In seeking to check this there is the risk of being regarded as biased because of natural relationship, but this has to be accepted. As far as I am concerned I am perfectly clear before God that I am concerned about the truth only, and the truth as to such matters is more clear to me than ever. The way Mr. T------ was made an issue and spoken against corresponds with what is current at Westfield. The feeling against Mr. T------ was epidemic and so is that against ------ . Of course ------ has to take this from God and see why it is, but then what about those inside and outside Westfield who have allowed their feelings against him to lead them to override divine principles? It will probably take a long time to wash out -- as it were -- all this, but the Lord loves us too well to allow it to remain unjudged. The same situation exactly exists as to Newcastle, but already self-judgment is showing itself. I note ------'s name in the Montreal correspondence. He lodged with ------ and one can understand how he would take a hand in line with the latter. ------ used to think ------ a spiritual man; he will probably be now thinking somewhat differently!
Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
My Dear ------ , -- I have to thank you for three letters, all being most interesting to mother and me. That dated June 12th contains good news, occasioning much thanksgiving. Arthur's radiogram, which I received at sea, indicated that the Lord was helping, and now your letter tells of details of the care meeting of June 11th. It would seem that Mr. Attridge had become enlightened as to the principle involved and hence the line he took at the meeting, which God used. That he should have the 'responsibility of the gospel' with W. Rasmussen is good. Such a responsibility should not be laid on any brother without definite ability to preach.
According to what you write, the matter, under the Lord's good hand, was settled, which is a victory for the truth, and I trust much grace will be given to you to seek continually to avoid criticism or anything that would occasion irritation. The Lord will honour you as working your way into the affections and confidence of the brethren. To restore what we took not away is a moral victory, also to overcome evil with good. These things came out in Christ, and mark the kingdom of God.
I am now concerned about New York, especially Mr. S------ and Mr. P------ . I note your conversation with the former. He thought Satan had attacked me through my relative. Satan aimed at the division among the brethren in the New York district -- knowing that deep personal feelings had existed -- and seized the opportunity occasioned by the Knoxville -- Miami situation, including your letter to Mr. S------ . If the feelings I refer to did not exist, the effort would have been to weigh all in a charitable way, and love for God and the order of His house would prevent the disregard of certain scriptural principles -- such as Matthew 18 -- which governed the position. These principles were discredited by the course taken in New York. Westfield had, I believe, sought at first to hold them, but later ignored them. I made my exercises known to Mr. S------ before leaving for the West, pointing out serious charges made against you, which were not substantiated by facts, in the letter to Westfield, but he and those more responsible ignored them -- although, as resident in New York, I was committed to all that was done. It were well, therefore, if Mr. S------ and those who see with him in this matter, would, in charging you with a bad spirit, take heed to their own spirits. What is needed in
the assembly and what, among other great things, we have come to is "the spirits of just men".
As to yourself, I have known that you have judged before the Lord the spirit shown in your letter to Mr. S------ and other things that gave the enemy a handle. In Luke 15 we have repenting sinners, indicating that our judgment of ourselves as we go on with God is deeper and deeper, and as you look back on the whole matter in the light of God this will be your exercise. In our younger days we gird ourselves, but when old we are resigned -- like Peter, John 21 -- and allow others to gird us. In truth, this whole affair has disclosed a state of personal feeling in the New York and New Jersey district from which none of us can claim exemption, and as we wholeheartedly judge it, giving place to right feelings and principles -- love, which never fails -- the Lord will be with us and bless us beyond what we have hitherto experienced.
Johannesburg, South Africa.
My Dear Arthur, -- I have to thank you for two letters -- most interesting. You all are constantly in my prayers. We are thankful indeed that your arm is somewhat better and that Ruth and the children are well. We thought of you all particularly lately because we heard as general news that dreadful heat had prevailed in the U.S.A., New York included, and many deaths from it. We trust you all have had mercy shown, especially Consie, who is much on our minds.
I cabled about the work in Cape Town. The meetings lasted altogether about nine days -- an excellent time. Since then about nine have requested to be received into fellowship there, causing much cheer.
From Cape Town we went to Port Elizabeth for meetings lasting five days -- also an excellent time. Large numbers attended, sometimes 400. At the readings we considered life in connection with Elijah and Elisha. As at Cape Town, brethren were present from most of the meetings in South Africa. After Port Elizabeth we motored to East London for two days. Mother returned from there with others to Port
Elizabeth and Cape Town, and I with others proceeded to Durban by boat. A most cheering two days was spent at Durban. The meeting has grown in every way since we were there in 1925. Yesterday I arrived here from Durban and find a delightful atmosphere in Mr. Fletcher's house. Dr. Elliott and his brother are here and others from Cape Town and the South African meetings generally, about 70 visitors. Last night a large number came together and the Lord helped. The meetings continue, the Lord permitting, until the 23rd inst. -- eight days. Then I go to Cape Town to join the Ulysses for Australia.
I find more for God in South Africa than I had expected and I am greatly cheered, as you can understand. Besides able brothers in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth there are several holding for God in the outlying towns, greatly strengthening the whole position. Mother is quite well now, thank God, but Dr. Elliott advised her not to come here on account of the altitude -- 6,000 feet. God is helping me, so that my health is generally good, although travelling is severe -- slow trains on account of mountainous routes -- and the meetings, as you can see, almost continuous. The steady interest in the dear brethren induces liberty in ministry and the Lord graciously affords supply. Through God's good hand over us we should arrive in Perth, Australia, on August 8th to 10th.
I need not say that we are greatly cheered by the changed attitude at Westfield and trust much grace will be granted all there to move together. I wrote Mr. M------ and Mr. W------ indicating certain things that should help in the situation. I had hoped from the outset -- last year -- that God would overrule all that was done for good, especially to ------ , but time has brought out the existence of personal feeling and that this dominated in all the procedures rather than right principles. No effort seems to have been exerted to help ------ . This may have been difficult at the beginning, but it was made more difficult by the way he was left out of the enquiry and how matters were brought into the assembly ignoring Matthew 18. I certainly did not find ------ difficult; he readily took good advice. But if he seemed hard to others, this should have led to a turning to the Lord for the grace needed so that the Lord's direct word as to such a matter (Matthew 18) should not be transgressed. Even making allowance for what many felt as to ------'s spirit, if grace existed a settlement could surely have
been reached on the basis of his first letter of withdrawal. Instead of this severer measures were proceeded with and even unfounded charges made against him in the name of the assembly, as it were. Surely this was not grace reigning through righteousness, and so could not help ------ , but the contrary. In this I am assuming that the general ground taken in New York was based on spiritually accredited facts. Seeing ------ and ------ had just come from Miami and that they were involved in the implied condemnation of what was done at Knoxville and yet that their evidence was not sought in the early inquiry meeting -- nor indeed at any time -- could only tend to provoke such a letter as ------ wrote to Mr. S------ . This should have been taken into account in the later deliberations. But it was not, nor has the unfairness -- although I pointed it out to them -- been admitted, that I know of, by Mr. S------ and some others who were responsible for it. From what has developed I am persuaded that the enemy, through the way things have been done, has found an opportunity to discredit the assembly -- the truth as to it that the Spirit has been ministering to us -- in the New York and New Jersey district, and until this is seen and owned the enemy will have an advantage.
Love to Ruth and the children, also to all.
My Dear Brother, -- I was glad to receive your letter, appreciating its tone and interest in the truth.
As regards 2 Corinthians, I alluded to this epistle because I thought it calculated to help towards warmth amongst the saints. It affords a quantity of sticks together to be laid on a fire (Acts 28
The new covenant is, of course, the heart of the epistle, followed, as it is, by reconciliation: new creation also touched on. The truth presented in this order, as it is in the epistle, is peculiarly calculated to touch us, moving us towards God and
towards each other in love. Constraining love is mentioned; also that we which live should not henceforth live to ourselves but to Him who died for us and rose again.
The apostle says much of himself, as if to call attention to christianity worked out.
This is an important way of leading saints to apprehend the truth -- as it is seen concretely. Paul would have avoided this, but the Corinthians' state had "compelled" him -- he sacrificed in this way to help them. And, of course, one who criticises others should exemplify what would correct, and I would not overlook this in what I wrote, but chapter 6 of the epistle bears heavily on what causes coldness among the saints -- worldliness, including affiliation with the world -- alliances with worldly people, which I hear has taken place lately in Ealing. Then another thing that makes for coldness and neutrality to the truth is local differences. Hardly any meeting is free of this, but some are characterised by it, which was the case at Corinth.
We are just arriving at Perth, Western Australia after a rough voyage.
With love in Christ to you and all yours and to the brethren,
Affectionately in Him,
Mount Lawley, Western Australia.
Beloved Brother, -- It is rather late to answer yours of February 15th, but there was nothing specific to reply to, especially as in the meantime there has been cable correspondence with Mr. C. Smith and no doubt you are aware of the programme that has been arranged for me while in New Zealand. I am now looking forward to the fulfilment of this -- by the Lord's help. And not the least to the Wellington part, including the stay with Mrs. McCrea and you. My wife and I appreciate your wish to have us.
We arrived here on the 10th inst. after a somewhat rough voyage from Cape Town. The time in South Africa was most cheering. I found there more than I had expected and our hearts have been going up to God accordingly. There were extended meetings at Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg and shorter periods at East London and Durban. The Lord wrought in a good few young hearts who have
signified their wish to break bread, especially at Cape Town.
Here, Perth, we find an excellent interest and count on the Lord to bless the work to His people.
We leave for Adelaide on the 18th inst., please God. Several are here from the East, including Mr. and Mrs. Joyce and Mr. Ellis.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and you and to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
My Dear Arthur, -- I duly received your cable, for which many thanks. I deplore that the brothers you named were 'adamant'. This will not please God, for impressionableness is imperative, especially when His truth and principles are concerned. I have had no news since your cable arrived and hence assume that no satisfactory result has been reached, so I have had recourse to prayer; and I am assured as in it that God will continue to insist on His truth and rights, and that as the waters wear the stones, He will have His way. This will occasion time and sorrow, and patience must have its perfect work. I am thinking of you all in view of the monthly reading in Brooklyn and earnestly trust there will be help from God. A.F.M. spoke of 'Peace' as a subject. If this is adopted I hope righteousness, as the only true basis of it, will be kept well to the front.
The work of God in Australia is most cheering. I cabled to Mr. Elliott of Cranleigh as to Western Australia and requested him to mail copy to New York. I hope he did this. Since then we have been to Southern Australia where we also had a remarkably good time. The effect of the ministry was more apparent in the older ones there and, of course, this is what is especially aimed at; although the interest and results in the young in the west were most touching.
Here (Melbourne) we are in the midst of numbers of saints. Twelve to fourteen hundred attend the meetings, and only the work of the Spirit of God accounts for the interest. His support is also felt throughout. The services of Mr. Hayward
and Mr. Lyon were much used here, especially in solving certain difficulties that had long existed; and this excellent result made way for us and hence the much happy participation and large attendance at the meetings. The difficulties I have referred to are not wholly overcome and, of course, they come up from time to time. I have to go softly as to them in view of New York sorrows. I feel it right to tell the brethren something of them and that I am not speaking to them as if I am wholly clear myself. Indeed I say sometimes that I could wish I had opportunity to say in New York with the same force some of the things the Lord has enabled me to say here. The work of God in Melbourne including some fifteen meetings or more is relatively one of the most important I know of, and constantly calls forth thanksgivings to Him. There are visitors here from all parts of the Commonwealth, some also from New Zealand and elsewhere and I am assured the results for good will be widespread. The readings here are in connection with the Living God; the addresses, of course, are varied, largely bearing on local conditions.
This week-end we go to Tasmania, then next Thursday week to Newcastle, then Brisbane, then Sydney, then New Zealand, October 12th, God willing. Mr. Myles has had another operation in Brisbane and is getting on satisfactorily although as yet we have not had details.
I must stop as we are about to start for Harcourt -- 80 miles away -- for a meeting tonight.
Mother unites in love to Ruth and the children and all.
My Dear Jim, -- I need not say how thankful to God I am for the cable 'Letters charges Westfield withdrawn'. Not having heard anything since August 16th as to special meetings held I had feared that no satisfactory result had been reached. But we continued to cry to God, for seeing that attention had been called -- as before the Lord -- to the errors made, a serious situation would ensue if a deaf ear was definitely turned to the testimony rendered.
I think I mentioned in an earlier letter that in view of the natural relationship existing I did not press the withdrawal of
the two serious charges which without proof appeared in the New York letter to Westfield, counting that the Lord would overrule and bring the brethren to an acknowledgement of the truth in time; but the feelings shown and course pursued in Westfield supported by some in New York forced the conclusion that the Lord would have the matter faced. I had hoped, however, that my address on February 22nd and private remarks to brothers in Westfield and New York would lead, under God, to a steady adjustment; but instead of this, things became worse. Mr. ------ had assured me that there would be an adjustment before I sailed, but the Montreal correspondence which followed killed any hopes based on this I had.
Thus when brethren in New York indicated that an inquiry should be entered upon I felt the Lord's hand was in it and I looked incessantly to Him, at the same time conveying my own mind in letters from time to time. I was bound to do this as directly responsible, being resident in New York. Had I realised a year ago, as I do now, how matters stood it is likely I should have laid my exercises definitely before the New York brethren.
I am uncertain as to what 'charges Westfield' covers, but assume that the two charges in the New York letter to Westfield, to which attention had been drawn, and the Montreal letters are included. At any rate it is clear that a substantial result has been reached and we thank God as will brethren generally who know the facts.
The services in Australia in which we have part are increasingly cheering. There was a remarkable season in Melbourne; such large numbers! The weekend in Tasmania was also favoured of the Lord. Now we are in Newcastle, as you can see; about 400 attended the meetings over the weekend. The meetings continue over today. Then we go to Brisbane -- 500 miles north. Mr. Myles is in a hospital there after an operation, which is said to be satisfactory. I spoke to him on the phone and he was cheerful.
We leave Brisbane for Sydney on the 29th inst., remaining in the latter city, God willing, until October 14th, when we go to New Zealand. A 'brother's conference' is to be held for three days at Wellington late in October. A large number are expected to attend including about 50 from Australia. A cable from Mr. Allbut received yesterday tells of a good time at Detroit and I am very thankful. No doubt Mr. Murchie
was there. Mr. Spence would have been at Vancouver and I have no doubt the Lord helped him there.
P.L. is in N.Z. and the Lord is blessing his services there. As you may know, he had purposed to return to England by America but we now learn that he is going by Suez Canal. In view of the Croydon meetings there would not be enough time for him to cover America.
We are much hoping and praying that Consuelo is steadily gaining strength. Mr. House considered she was critically ill when he was in Brooklyn, but letters received written later indicate that she was improving.
I note that a room such as is needed in Flatbush cannot be found. It seems to me one should be built. We are exercised as to having part in this; perhaps you will have an eye open for a site.
Mother and I keep well, thank God, only train journeys here try us. We are in keeping with the apostle at least in this -- "journeyings oft". Please God, we sail from Auckland for Los Angeles by the Mariposa on December 12th. Uncle George writes of meetings in Chicago early in January.
Brisbane.
My Dear Brother, -- Your letters have just come to hand and I am quite concerned by their contents -- that the view that 'we cannot join up' to a trade union is 'not generally accepted'.
I have seen Mr. Hayward's paper and go with it fully. The contrary view you speak of implies a surrender of the truth governing the matter. In the challenge to faithfulness we see but the finger -- the body of which, the Jewish remnant and those who follow us in the testimony, will have to endure. The book of Revelation makes this plain.
Those of us who by circumstances are immune feel with our brethren who are obliged to suffer, but the latter must accept the principle of one dying for the people -- the former will have their balancing share of suffering in other ways. To use a figure, those obliged to suffer are like young men compelled to go to the front in time of war; it is their lot, and 'when
will their glory fade' will be sung of them. They have a corruptible crown, but we, who suffer for the truth, an incorruptible one. Such as suffer in the present tribulation -- they are all limited -- are in principle holding the ground of the truth for us all and will surely obtain a recompensing crown.
The principle of trade unionism will be in full force under the Beast and the faithful will suffer for refusing it and will be honoured of God because of this, although disregarding 'the powers that be'. Is it not to our great discredit, as enlightened by the truth of Hebrews, etc. -- the provisions made for us in suffering -- to take lower ground than those who follow us in the testimony of God? However few and feeble the saints in New Zealand who take sides with God are, they furnish 'a testimony to them' and the ground of faith is held. God will honour them.
With love in Christ, I am,
Yours affectionately in Him,
P.S. -- I believe that a brother, when required to join a trade union, should explain his reason as before God for not doing so, quoting Scripture. It is not unlikely that if this were courageously done by all with respect and humility, those in authority would take notice of it, and under God a change might come about. Every true christian sympathises with the working man and wishes him to obtain a fair recompense for his labour, but trade unionism in principle requires that he should join it whatever his conscience, or else starve, or perhaps die by violence by its hand. Does the Government of New Zealand really understand that it is legalising the anti-christian principle?
My Dear Bob, -- Your letter was very welcome, interesting not only to us but to several others, including Mr. Myles. We have just come from Brisbane where we saw A.E.M. I cabled of his health to New York, but during the last few days he has had somewhat of a set-back, the stitches not healing as expected. His kidneys, too, seemed affected. But
the doctor was sanguine. I quite believe he will be out of the hospital soon.
I have been sending word by cable of the work in Australia and no doubt you will have heard of them. Relatively the result of the testimony in this country is as great as in any, much greater than in most. Recently we were at Brisbane, as said above and found much cheer. I am now beginning a fortnight at Sydney -- it will be the heaviest, I believe, I have had, but I am assured of the Lord's help, and the brethren are most sympathetic. On the 14th proximo we hope to sail for New Zealand. There is to be a 'brother's conference' at Wellington toward the end of October. About 50 are attending, God willing, from Australia. A.E.M. wished to be there but is unable to undertake the journey. He will probably return to England from Australia next spring.
I note all your remarks as to Summit and am most thankful for the progress there. We are sorry Mr. B------ is so poorly. I am crying to God that the present widespread exercise in New Jersey and New York may lead to better relations among the dear brethren. The harbouring of personal feelings has been baneful throughout the district. If the principles governing the fellowship are honestly recognised there will be steady deliverance from the sorrowful conditions that have existed.
Recent information indicates that some headway has been made toward adjustment in the special meetings in New York. I pointed out the two serious charges made in the New York letter to Westfield to Mr. S------ , Mr. B------ , Mr. L------ and many others, and it is extraordinary that they were not withdrawn at the time. ------ acknowledged that proof was not furnished, yet they were allowed to remain in the letter, instead of being returned for proof. I had hoped, however, that the Lord would overrule all and that there would be a gradual acknowledgement of the wrong done, and so did not press the matter, although as resident in New York I was immediately responsible. But the course taken at Westfield last winter, supported by some in New York, led me to despair of this and so I gave the address on Priesthood on February 22nd, which bore on the whole position, hoping the brethren would begin to review what had been done and what indeed continued. ------ assured me later that there would be a settlement before I sailed, but this did not prove true, and the Montreal correspondence showed that conditions were becoming worse instead
of better; and when I learned that some in New York felt something should be done there in regard to the charges in the letter to Westfield I was thankful, believing the Lord was asserting His rights and would lead to the clearing of His name of the harm done. The charges were solemnly made "in assembly". Being responsible and being fairly accurately informed as to the whole matter I wrote freely to one and another setting out my exercises and the light -- as far as I had it -- governing the position. I am somewhat assured in my soul that the Lord is helping and that love of the truth will eventually prevail.
I was most interested in the news of the baptism and W.J.H.'s services generally around New York. Since then I have seen our brother. He was much cheered by his visit to America.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Florence and you and the children; also to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
My Dear ------ , -- Your letter of August 27th grieves me, not because it bears against me, but for your own sake and for the truth's sake, for I see by it that you retain the spirit that "sows discord among brethren" to which I referred in the letter of mine you saw. I had heard you had owned to wrong in contending against a brother, against whom there was no charge of evil pending, being invited to preach the gospel in Flatbush by one whose responsibility it was to invite for this service those who can render it, but your letter seeks to justify your conduct. To contend against a brother able to preach the gospel and whom God had used in that service, and against whom there was no charge, being allowed to do it and to enlist others in the same opposition is to cause discord and division among the brethren, and your defence of your conduct shows that the guilt of that remains attached to you. The Lord is not overlooking this.
Then you charge me with 'criticising' my elder brethren, which is vague and not supported by evidence. In seeking to
help in a serious crisis as to which I have responsibility and into which the conduct of brethren enters and must be attended to, what I wrote should not be called mere criticism. The Lord said, "If I have spoken evil bear witness to the evil;" in this latter your letter fails, and hence you are seeking to fix evil on me without proof. You make me an offender for writing to 'young brothers;' besides my sons and R.W.S. I have written to A.F.M. and A.N.W. of these matters. The young men -- they are generally as old or older than you -- had, except R.W.S., a leading part in the whole matter and as seeking to maintain what is right in the house of God they needed all the help they could get, especially as to principles governing what was under consideration. With the elder brethren generally responsible I had gone over the whole matter verbally but my exercises were disregarded. Even if it be admitted that the brethren written to -- aged from 37 to 42 -- were young, Scripture justifies young men in responsibility being informed of evil in elder ones. Jehovah told young Samuel of the guilt of Eli and his house, and Paul wrote young Timothy of evil in brothers older than he. As regards my reception of one-sided information, this is only your surmise and is not a fact, I am assured. What has come to me is supported by more than one witness, but in the main the information I obtained while in New York has been my guide. I had the correspondence relative to the matter and had conversed with those who had to do with it from the outset.
Your effort to show that I am inconsistent in not having brought my 'exercise forward amongst the New York brethren' also fails of proof. I did bring my exercise before the New York and New Jersey brethren, but did not do so in any public way for I had hoped that those responsible would, under the Lord's good hand, come round to the truth and that adjustment would come about. But the false principle pursued at Westfield last winter, that the service of God must be subject to the feelings of certain brethren -- caused deep concern, for if such a principle were admitted the enemy would have gained definitely. You, by the way, did your utmost to maintain the false principle of Westfield at Flatbush and this is what occasioned my comment in my letter to Jim. The course at Westfield, supported in New York by you and others, led me to give an address at Brooklyn on Priesthood on February 22nd, and I hoped what I said then would lead the brethren to
review what was current in the light of Scripture. It did have this effect in some and there were indications that the attitude at Westfield was veering round to the truth, and I left for England with this hope. But when the correspondence with Montreal came and the fact that nine brothers at Westfield had committed themselves to it my expectations vanished, and in answer to a letter from R.W.S. I wrote him some of my exercises. Later I learned that several in New York -- some of whom had taken active part in the whole proceeding -- had come to see the errors that had been made and were exercised before the Lord that there should be an adjustment. This carried my conscience fully and what I wrote from time to time had in view only to help all as to the facts of the whole case and the divine principles that governed it.
You will readily see that I am not with you, and I am certain that an unbiased consideration of what I have written, taking all the facts into full account, will show that your letter is unjustifiable, both in the spirit and in the letter of it. You know how kindly the feelings of Mrs. Taylor and myself are toward you and your whole family connection and we are distressed at your present attitude, more particularly as it is in keeping with a bias in your mind in favour of some against others which has shown itself on many occasions and has been a cause of sorrow. The present is an opportunity to get before the Lord, not sparing yourself, and He will enable you to "see all things clearly".
Affectionately and faithfully yours in Him,
My Dear Jim, -- Enclosed is a copy of a letter to ------ which I wrote in reply to a naughty letter of seven pages I received from him. Unless he judges himself in regard to bias and partisan attitude, he has so long manifested, the testimony will continue to suffer -- at any rate, peace between certain brethren in New jersey and others in New York will continue to be undermined. He constantly reflects adverse feelings of some in New Jersey as to others in New York.
I am also enclosing my letter to ------ for remailing to save air postage.
I received letters from Mr. P------ lately which confirm what you wrote as to him but I am thankful he approves the letter to Westfield. The results of the New York brother's deliberations are of God, I am assured. I am assuming that the original of the copy of the letter to Westfield which you sent me has gone, also the adjusting letter to Knoxville. Although I can see that there exists much feeling -- occasioned, according to Mr. P------ and Mr. A------ , by certain indiscretions by ------ , I am assured that God's hand is over the whole matter and that brethren in the New York and New Jersey district will learn through it more of the government and order of the house of God.
The interest here -- Sydney -- is most affecting. Brethren from nearly all meetings in the Commonwealth are, or have been, here, and total numbers attending meetings held are very large. Thanks for details as to business. I am grateful for God's manifest help in our financial and general business matters and look to Him continually as to this. I earnestly hope Consie is steadily gaining strength. The present is a great learning time for you both, which I am sure you recognise. We are grieved that ------ is losing weight -- he cannot afford this. No doubt the strain of present exercise has been too much for him. I trust he is now gaining strength. Mr. P------ wrote a special letter to say that ------ had owned to a certain indiscretion in one of the care meetings. We are all learning through these sorrows, but we are to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ and at the same time to let our yieldingness be known to all.
I am wondering if the monthly readings have begun and what the subject is. A.F.M. spoke of 'Peace' and if this is being considered, no doubt the foundation of it, righteousness, will be made prominent. I note that you and Consie think of Council Bluffs and I am glad of this, for I have no doubt God will help you among the brethren. We shall be looking to the Lord that Consie may gain by the change. As to her, natural influences there are a danger!
P.S. -- Rejoiced by cable just to hand that monthly reading was excellent.
Wellington, New Zealand.
My Dear ------ , -- Your letter of September 17th came a few days ago and we are glad to hear all the news it contains.
The 'brothers' conference' is just over and we are all much cheered by the good time the Lord granted us. Brothers were here from the different meetings in New Zealand by personal invitation, as in England, as accommodation is not available for a general invitation -- about 500 brothers met at the five readings on the subject of the Spirit in 1 and 2 Corinthians. Besides these there was a reading for all on the Lord's Day afternoon on 'assembly procedure' -- Luke 24 and John 20. The addresses were by W.J.H., P.L. (gospel), J.T. and A.M.H. The Lord graciously helped throughout -- the readings on 1 and 2 Corinthians as encouraging as any I have attended. About 70 came from Australia, including ourselves and one or two from England. I cabled above briefly to White Street. The 'conference' extended over four days and since then we have had an address and two readings in which we also realised the gracious help of the Lord. A good proportion of the visiting brethren have remained until today, when most, including those from Australia, will leave. We go to Christchurch by steamer tonight, God willing, for meetings there and in the South Island generally. On November 18th we return to the North Island and go North for meetings until December 12th when, the Lord permitting, we sail for Los Angeles by the Mariposa, hoping to arrive on December 26th. If meetings are arranged at Chicago, as Uncle George intimated, we shall not reach New York until about January 10th.
We are most thankful for the result of the New York deliberation as to Knoxville and yourself. It is a triumph for the truth. The attitude of Westfield is different, alas, but God is equal to this and great patience is needed. According to what you and ------ write, there is now an effort to make the partisan procedure, in the effort to restrict you, legal by making the party meetings meetings of 'elders' -- this is characteristic, but it is a further exposure. It is in keeping with the exclusion of the younger brothers from the care meetings, also with the exclusion of Dr. Elliott. In these exclusions there is disregard of the teaching of 1 and 2 Corinthians and the addresses to the seven assemblies. Dr. Elliott is an experienced, spiritual
brother, in Westfield at the time serving the Lord and His people, and to exclude him from deliberations affecting the assembly locally and generally was the substitution of human wisdom for divine wisdom; and the histories of Joseph, Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Timothy, and many other young men, shows that the shutting out of young brothers from care meetings is not according to the mind of God.
Then as to the general procedure of Westfield, the New York letter of last year was an elaborately prepared indictment by an "assembly" of a brother in another assembly, i.e., an assembly entering on the province and doing the work of another assembly; whereas what is scriptural and orderly in such a case is for the brother or brothers to present the accredited evidence to the assembly in which the supposed guilty brother is and leave the disciplinary service with it. If the latter assembly refuses to act and thus refuses to judge and clear itself of evil in its midst, then other assemblies must refuse fellowship with it so as to keep themselves clear, leaving the unfaithful assembly in the Lord's hands and waiting on Him to come in for it. Westfield received this indictment without protest and acted on it in spite of facts mentioned above and more particularly in spite of its knowledge that the indictment contained two serious unproved charges, and also knowing that Matthew 18, as part of "the law of the house" governing the matter, had been disregarded.
I earnestly hope the brethren at Westfield have met, or are meeting, as before the Lord, all these things. It is due to the Lord and their brethren elsewhere that they should do so; also the peace of Jerusalem requires it.
Beloved Brother, -- Thanks for two letters. The good news of the Detroit meetings was very welcome and I thanked God for it. Mr. Allbut had cabled me of the help received there and elsewhere and your letter confirmed the information.
What you wrote of the Toronto meetings is also cheering. How good of the Lord to provide for His people in this way!
The seasons we have had in these southern lands would
require books to record. The Lord has been very good to His people. We are now in the South Island of New Zealand, where remarkable interest exists. Last weekend we spent in Dunedin -- largely of Scottish settlement. There was a happy time. Earlier we spent some days in Christchurch, where there are three meetings. There a good number came together and there was much cheer. Local difficulties exist there, but these are clearing. The previous week the 'brothers' conference' at Wellington took place. A large number gathered and we looked at the Spirit in 1 and 2 Corinthians. The Lord graciously gave us a remarkably good time. Among others there were present to help, W.J.H., P.L. and A.M.H. I hope this encouragement may lead to such gatherings taking place in these countries from time to time.
I note your remarks as to Ontario. The suggestion of regional responsibility as to fellowship meetings is lacking of scriptural warrant -- it works out in a diocesan way and was called 'districtitis' as it appeared in England some years ago. From time to time such unscriptural thoughts appear; the New York district has been fruitful of them. A crop usually arises in times of trouble, such as at the present, alas! in America. The assumption of the executive authority by the care meeting or worse still, by a group of brothers is a painful frequency, extending almost universally; but the Lord helps us all to faithfulness and understanding of what "the will of the Lord" is!
We purpose leaving the South Island on the 17th inst. and working north until the date of our sailing, God willing, on December 12th.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
R.M.M.S. Aorangi.
Beloved Brother, -- Your most interesting letter of September 14th was much appreciated by my wife and myself. We were touched particularly by some of the items you sent. The case of Georgina Innes is outstanding. If I am again in Cullen I shall certainly visit this sister.
I wish I could give you as good a report of our visits among our brethren in the Southern countries as you wrote me of
your season in the North, but it has been a time not to be forgotten. The Lord helped wonderfully throughout and I am assured there will be much fruit through God's grace for the testimony now and for eternity. The experiences we had of interest among the brethren and the Lord's support in serving them would take much more time to write than I can spare -- in Western Australia, Southern Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand. The extent of the work in Melbourne and Sydney is remarkable. I can speak only in a general way, and as you know something of those cities, you would more readily visualise the character of the meetings. There was no weakening of interest and many travelled from one city to another to attend the meetings.
The three days of meetings for brothers in Wellington afforded a season not to be forgotten. About 500 brothers -- invited severally -- met for readings on the Holy Spirit in the Corinthian epistles and we were helped throughout. There were, of course, meetings for all in the evenings when numbers to the limit of accommodations came together to hear addresses -- House, self, Lyon and Hayward in the order given. A good representation -- brothers and sisters -- from Australia were present at Wellington, bringing the saints in both countries together as never before. These meetings have led to the desire and proposal to have similar ones, if the Lord permits, in Sydney in 1939. It is hoped that a good few from Great Britain may attend and also some from America. The Lord will help, I am assured, to carry this thought into effect, but, of course, we cannot speak much covering two years or more ahead, as the Lord may come before that time.
Mr. Lyon attended nearly all the special meetings in New Zealand and remained at Auckland carrying on the work. He is uncertain -- because of the American strike -- as to how he may return to England. Mr. Hayward is going to England via Panama and will, the Lord willing, attend the Easter meetings at Kingston, Jamaica. Mrs. Fennell has helped much with the revision of the notes. She purposes returning with the Haywards. I am uncertain as to how Miss Gorrie is returning.
We sailed on this steamer on the 8th inst. from Auckland and hope to reach Vancouver on the 25th -- perhaps for special Christmas meetings there. Then, please God, we go south to Los Angeles and hope to reach New York about January 10th.
In the deliberations as to letters of last year from New York to Westfield and Knoxville ------ becameobsessed, and the enemy got advantage to discredit what the Lord had helped the brethren to do -- withdraw the letters. However, we are greatly comforted by word from Jim that ------ has withdrawn with sorrow what he had written, etc.; and as we came on board we had a cable from ------ himself expressing his sorrow for all he had done.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
R.M.M.S. Aorangi.
Beloved Brother, -- I have been looking for a line from you, but no doubt you have been busy. Mr. Elliott mentioned that you were in Ireland. I have no doubt you would find cheer there, as usual, in your visits in that country. They sent me an invitation from Belfast to attend the Easter meetings, but I shall be unable to be there -- returning so late to New York. The burning of the Crystal Palace may mean a postponement of the Croydon meetings and hence our visit to England -- if God orders one -- may be postponed also. I am very sympathetic with the dear Croydon brethren and trust they may obtain help from God as to what to do.
You will see that we are on our journey from the south. We sailed from Auckland on the 8th inst. and hope to reach Vancouver on the 24th -- in time for the special meetings there. Then we go south to Los Angeles calling at Seattle -- where my brother Philip, who is blind, is; also at Berkeley to see the brethren. We hope to take part in the special New Year meetings at Los Angeles; then on to New York, please God, reaching there about January 10th.
It would take many letters to record our experiences with the dear brethren in the southern countries since we sailed from Southampton on June 5th. It has been divine mercy all the way through and the interest in the truth more than I could convey in writing. The Lord showed His hand in favour of His people including ourselves not only in every country visited, but in every place. What has moved me all the way is sympathy with God in what He has in those countries -- the fruit of His own work, extending back three quarters of a century or more. Relatively, in view of the
population, the work is most extensive in New Zealand; but Melbourne and Sydney show results exceeding those in any city of their size. London only exceeds either of them in the number of meetings. A much better feeling pervades the brethren in these cities and Australia generally than used to prevail, and I believe improvement in this respect will go on.
The special (brothers') meetings in Wellington were quite a success under the Lord's good hand, and have drawn the Australian and New Zealand brethren more together. The meetings at Wellington have led to the suggestion of similar meetings in Sydney in 1939, God willing. They wish me to attend and, of course, I am taking the matter to the Lord. No doubt a good few from Great Britain and some from America could be there. Such a meeting would serve the testimony well, under God, I believe.
You may have heard of the upheaval in New York and New Jersey. I believe the Lord has caused the truth to triumph through the sorrow, save that Westfield -- so far as I have heard -- has not owned its part. ------ , I gather, is standing against what is right. ------ became obsessed and caused much damage, giving the enemy a great advantage to discredit what had been gained in the withdrawing of the letters of last year to Knoxville and Westfield. But we are greatly relieved to hear -- by cable from ------ and letter from ------ , that ------ has withdrawn charges, etc., with expressions of sorrow.
We trust you keep well, also Mrs. Ide and all yours. We keep well generally, thank God. With our united love in Christ to you both and all,
Affectionately in Him,
P.S. -- A.E.M. was steadily improving in health and is working his way around Australia and England. I am wondering if anything is being done to provide one to take his place in the Depot.
My Dear Jim, -- Your letter of November 9th was a great cheer and we thanked God for what you could report ... .
But I have had nothing more from New York and in a letter from Mr. Allbut received at Honolulu he says the last word he had before sailing expressed doubt that ------'s withdrawals
and confessions had been acceptable. This causes fresh anxiety, but we await news at Vancouver.
I heard that ------ was at Council Bluffs -- that he had been invited to take joint lead with J.D. I regretted this, but the Council Bluffs brethren would hardly understand the position at Westfield, besides many of them look on him as an honoured 'father' and would attach but little importance to the serious course he has pursued.
------ wrote me in October, to tell me of his unfailing love and interest in us; but I prefer to see evidence of love for the truth and there has been none of this that I have seen in connection with the sorrows we have been through. I have not felt free to reply and shall not do so until I hear something as to whether Westfield has done anything to clear itself of its wrong doing.
The Lord greatly helped the brethren in New York enabling them to send the letters of withdrawal to Westfield and Knoxville. He will honour -- if not immediately, in time -- those who were true to Him and His truth in the protracted deliberations gone through.
We thought of you at Council Bluffs, assuming you attended the meetings there as you intended. We hope you found Consie and the girls well and that you are safe in Brooklyn again under God's good hand.
I cabled as to the final meetings in New Zealand -- they were most cheering, but I shall leave details until we reach New York, as God orders our way. The brethren at Vancouver and Los Angeles have written most heartily, looking to see us in each place, and I am assured the Lord will help at both places. We may spend a night at Chicago, but we should like to be in New York by January 9th. The voyage has been on the whole good and we are both well, thank God. On account of the strike the ship is full, but we are most comfortable.
P.S. -- Your letter of the middle of September only reached me just before sailing -- it was washed ashore on the south coast of England -- from the plane Boadicea which, I think, was lost. The Post Office forwarded it to me. It was the fifth of mine salvaged from lost or damaged aeroplanes -- a bad record!
Telegram
Los Angeles.
Thanks information. Praying Westfield. Telegraphed ------ that his letters show he fails estimate facts, principles governing Westfield sorrow, urging him unite with brethren, clear meeting of wrong doing. Excellent day here; subject reading Fulness. Arriving Century Friday. Love all.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I have to thank you for two letters -- September 23rd and January 9th. Both were thankfully received as conveying so much relating to the service and testimony of God.
As to Park Street enlargement, what I heard at Kennington did not quite carry me as to the proposal, but, of course, the local brethren and those in London generally would be more likely to have the Lord's mind. I am sure He will help you all.
What you say as to prayer to God in our meetings helps me, being confirmatory of what I have for a good while thought. I have noted the comparatively few prayers addressed to the Lord; and yet, of course, the scriptures afford abundant evidence that He should be addressed. Indeed the way the apostles address and speak of both God the Father and Christ at the same time shows how the Persons stood in their minds as co-equal and yet Their respective positions in the economy are owned. In Acts 12 we have the assembly praying to God.
I need not again say how sympathetic I am with Miss Gresswell and the London brethren as to her and your loss in the removal from your midst of Mr. Oliver Gresswell. You will probably know, too, of my special share in the loss, for Mr. Gresswell was always considerate of me, especially as to my bodily needs.
The wish of the London brethren to have a day's meetings with me is valued, and I shall gladly be with you all as mutual arrangements can be made. For the moment I am unable to
suggest a date for reasons which I shall later explain, but as soon as the horizon clears I shall let you know.
The facts are that an unsettled condition exists in these parts -- particularly the New Jersey district. At Westfield last Monday night three brothers, Messrs. ------ , ------ and ------ ,
were withdrawn from, also those in the meeting who sympathise with them -- about twenty in all, the major part of those breaking bread. This is the result of a sad history -- and yet remarkable because of the way the Lord turned the battle to the gate, according to what you said at Glasgow -- extending back twenty months or more.
Disciplinary proceedings were entered on in June, 1935, against ------ in relation to his visit to Knoxville and Miami sometime previously. The New York brethren -- I was in England at the time -- wrote to Westfield an indictment of ------ in which were several charges unsupported by proof (New York has since withdrawn their letter owning with sorrow the false charges and other errors) and Westfield received this without protest and read it 'in assembly', and proceeded to adjudicate on it, without giving the accused an opportunity to state his side of the matter. The deliberations extended over seven weeks, but ------ was debarred throughout. Then after the case was concluded, ------ being set free formally 'in assembly' a group of the brothers at Westfield began to restrict him in his service, locally and generally, saying they were not free, although they fully owned that his status in the meeting was the same as theirs. I had to say to this side of the matter, pointing out to those brothers that they were interfering with the Lord's right in His service.
Thus matters stood until last summer, when the Lord began to work and New York withdrew their letters as wrong, but Westfield refused to own their part in the evil, while professing to be thankful for New York's action. Then some brothers at Westfield got light and owned openly their part in the wrong-doings, so that a good proportion of the meeting came round to what is right, but ------ and two other leading brothers persistently refused to acknowledge any wrong, and last week issued a long written statement intended to justify their whole course in the matter -- there is not one acknowledgement in it. The few who are with God in the matter saw there was nothing left but to clear the Lord's name of such a course and attitude of self-will and so they came together 'in
assembly' and formally withdrew from Messrs. ------ , ------ and ------ , and those who sympathise with them. The Lord supported them undoubtedly and the 'gate' was in evidence. They stated at the meeting of withdrawal that usual meetings would, the Lord permitting, be held and they have been allowed to go on in peace so far; indeed under the Lord's good hand, it does not seem that those withdrawn from will start another meeting immediately. No doubt they will be governed by what may develop. While there is much feeling favourable to them there is no attempt to take open sides with them. The righteousness of the action of withdrawal is so clear that single-eyed persons will not fail to see it. The Lord seems to say to us, "as captain of the army of Jehovah am I now come" (Joshua 5:14).
From above you will see why I hesitate to make any dates as to my movements. I have booked to sail on the Britannic, May 1st, and the Lord permitting, we shall sail then, but how long we can remain in Great Britain after the Croydon meetings is uncertain. I am assured before the Lord, however, that the position will be clear enough to enable us to remain until August. We value the kind invitation of Mrs. Gardiner and you and shall gladly take advantage of it, God willing. I shall let you know in due course.
My wife unites in love to you all and to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I have been hearing of the exercises you and those at Highland Park are experiencing at the present time in relation to ------'s visit to Westfield; also those of the dear brethren in Royal Oak. I discern godly care in all this, which the Lord values.
As you can understand, this sorrow at Westfield has weighed heavily upon me and does still; not only because of the loss for the moment of a good few saints in Westfield, but that there has been disclosed such disregard for the truth, and that personal feeling and prejudice have run so high as to lead brethren, who should be intelligent in the truth of God, and of moral uprightness, to refuse to own their part in wrong-doing,
which is as plainly attested as possible in such a case. ------ wrote to me that the things required of them to own by the brethren in Westfield were not proved, and I replied to him that if he could not recognise that they were proved, it would be impossible to prove anything to him of this character. Certain brothers in Westfield who had part with him in the wrong-doing, have owned their sin humbly and fully, but he and others with him refused to do so. ------'s case is pathetic, especially since he is said to be quite ill. But with the knowledge and experience he has, he could easily have prevented the whole sorrow by insisting that the brethren should abide by right principles at the outset. I called his attention to the errors made from time to time, both as to the false statements and also as to the interference with ------'s services, but with no final result; for in their long paper issued on the very day on which the discipline was administered, those withdrawn from sought to justify their whole course.
For some ten years on various occasions, ------ has been the cause of the deepest concern to me as tending in his doctrines and principles to becloud and divide the saints: first in his view of the departed saints, which came out in Detroit many years ago, entirely unscriptural, and tending to spiritism; then his view that the saints continue to grow after they are translated to heaven, which is also unscriptural; then his views on boundaries governing the meetings of the saints in their relations to one another, also found to be unscriptural; also his serious error at Chicago which almost divided the saints in America; and now this grave matter which has caused his exclusion from fellowship. It is true that most of these matters are supposed to have been adjusted, but I cannot say that ------ has judged them all as wrong. I am mentioning them only to show what a course has been pursued and undoubtedly the Lord has had this in mind in allowing our brother to pursue such an unwarranted way in the present matter. There is much personal sympathy and bias in his favour now, because of his age and bodily condition, but the Lord's rights must come first in every case, while every true Christian will be sympathetic with one in bodily affliction, as I am certainly with ------ now.
Our brethren in Royal Oak and Highland Park are much in our hearts that all may be preserved in the pursuit of righteousness, secretly and openly, at the present time.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCallum, yourself, and all the saints.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
P.S. -------- is under the Lord's eye in her motives and attitude, and will not escape the consequences if she disregards His rights. The questions you have put to her should bring out where she is. So far she has not identified herself with those gathered to the Lord's name in Westfield -- where she resides for the moment -- and who in the exercise of discipline have maintained what is due to Him in regard of a manifest course of unrighteousness. As loyal to the Lord and as a true Levite (Deuteronomy 33:9) she would align herself immediately with those in the locality in which she is who are gathered to His name. -- J.T.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I received yours of the 28th ult., this morning and would say in replying that I was about to write you when your letter came. I have been wishing for an opportunity to do so but have been greatly pressed since returning to New York, as you can understand.
As regards our correspondence regarding Deuteronomy 21, your letter to me telling of the misdirection of my previous letter to you was received in a charred condition. It had been salvaged from an airplane which was lost near Delhi. It was not readable throughout but I could read enough to show that you had not received my letter, that it had been misdirected at your private address in London to some other address where you were staying for your holidays. I had hoped, however, that the Post Office would either return it to the address from which I wrote or else would find you, so I left it at that. Besides this, I was so pressed for time I was unable to undertake to answer your original letter as I had not kept it. I do not suppose you wish me to go into that matter now.
I am very thankful to have your letter just received, especially because of the information you furnish, all of which is valued much by me and enables me to pray for my brethren more intelligently.
What you say as to the development of gift in London is true in a general way among the brethren. In this part of the world there are many younger men coming forward, for God is placing them in His service. As you may be aware, there has been much conflict in New York and district during the past eighteen months and I believe the Lord is using the experience to fit brethren for His service. They are learning war, which Scripture shows to be an important spiritual acquirement.
The result of all this exercise has culminated in a withdrawal from certain brethren in the meeting at Westfield. I wrote an account of this to Mr. Gardiner and if you have not seen it or heard it read, I have no doubt he will let you have it for perusal. Although great sorrow enters into all this, the Lord's deliverance is manifest in it. For although a good deal of personal feeling still remains, the truth has been asserted and His rights, in a measure at least, maintained. As is usual in such cases, He gives result for good in a constructive way from the purification which the exercise of discipline, according to Him, produces. The action at Westfield is accepted by the gatherings, and there has been no loss of brethren outside of Westfield itself. Those who have been withdrawn from have not taken up any professed assembly status or attitude so far, and I trust they will be preserved from doing so. Indeed under the Lord's good hand, I believe that most will be recovered.
I note your remarks as to a change in your methods of the city funds, collected, and I am thankful that all are treated as one, which I am assured, is right. I am not so sure that the deaconal work is quite in keeping with our times. It appears from what you say that there are appointed deacons, which while right at the beginning is hardly suitable in remnant times, although, of course, the work has to be done. I met with this same practice in the Antipodes and the difficulty I am expressing arose in my mind. There is no more ground for appointing deacons than there is for appointing elders. It may be, however, that the work has been done by persons who seem to be fit and who take it on by their own side with the approval of the brethren. But even so, I believe that the distribution of money is more wisely done with the detailed advice of all the brethren in each locality, all administered by the assembly as a whole. That a set of brethren should be devoted to one
particular kind of work and take counsel together as such, does not seem to me wholesome, in assembly matters.
I am very thankful to hear of your movements in the Lord's service and the encouragement you get from Him. I heard of your meetings at Coventry which were spoken of appreciatively. My wife unites in love in Christ.
Affectionately yours in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I received your two letters late Saturday night and they are very interesting to me. I have made the correction which you desired.
My wife and I are sympathetic with you in your feelings as regards what has happened in Westfield, knowing your long friendship with ------ . Our longer and more direct acquaintance with our brother, occasions a different viewpoint, much more different than you are aware of. During the past fifteen years or so ------ has occasioned me more genuine concern than any other brother. One sorrowful circumstance after another, which are now known to many, has occasioned conflict, as one felt before the Lord obliged to have to contend against doctrines and principles that tended to darken and divide the saints. The principal instances are his teaching many years ago as to the departed saints, which was unscriptural and tended to spiritism; then his view that we continue to grow after receiving our glorified bodies. Then his widely circulated paper on boundaries governing the meetings of the saints, also shown to be unscriptural; with this was his support of ------ in a movement that also was calculated to divide the saints; then the serious erroneous advice he furnished in Chicago, and now his course which has culminated so disastrously. After much conflict and heart burning, adjustments were reached as to most of these instances, in no case in an entirely satisfactory sense. There can be no doubt that all this is in mind in our brother being allowed of the Lord to pursue the refusal of what is right in a partisan way ending in the present sorrow. ------ is now said to be quite ill and I am
certainly sympathetic with him in his bodily affliction. In the minds of some, his illness is effecting bias and endangering a clear view of the truth involved.
It is quite true, as you say, that the 'crux of things is what has been said or done as against ------'. This is true. But the use of the name of a brother in the matter does not affect the truth involved in the course pursued. The brother could be easily left with the Lord and however much he might suffer from the opposition to him, would be turned to good account in the end. But in what has transpired the enemy has had a wider thought than to attack one brother, namely to legalise by precedent certain principles and methods that would lower the whole standard amongst us. Thus whilst the eyes of certain brethren were on this brother, the enemy was diverting them from the truth in the methods they employed against him. This is what led to the exercise in which, I suppose, I had a leading part. I conveyed it in letters from England, as the false procedure began in the summer of 1935, and spoke of it to the leading brothers in New York and Westfield, as I returned to New York in August 1935. I pointed out then the unsupported charges made by the New York brethren and received by the Westfield brethren. If these charges had been withdrawn then, I should have been more than thankful to leave all else in the Lord's hands, but they were allowed to stand for a whole year. Nothing whatever was done in either meeting to meet my exercise. Still I left the matter, placing it in His hands, trusting that the Lord would overrule and indeed bring all the brethren around to the truth.
But after the whole primary matter of the New York letters to Westfield and Knoxville was adjusted and ------ was formally owned all around to be free among the brethren, an effort was made of restriction at Westfield. This was by a group of brothers who fully admitted to me that ------ had the same status as they had. Again, perhaps, I took the lead in inquiring from Westfield as to this matter. There was no question of ------ but of dealing with the condition there which was trenching on the Lord's rights and which if allowed to proceed would establish a precedent in the Lord's service, namely that a group of brothers can legitimately interfere with a brother in his service because of their feeling. The leading brother with ------ said they expected to be inquired of before ------ should be allowed to preach. This was occasioned by an invitation
to him to go to Manchester, Connecticut In spite of the truth being brought to bear upon them, this group of brothers continued interference in this way for many months.
The New York letter of withdrawal to Westfield accentuated all this and also the error in Westfield of procedure founded on false information. Shortly after the withdrawal of the New York letter some brothers in Westfield who had taken strong part in the whole proceedings, owned their error, making a full, open confession with contrition. This was further testimony to the consciences of the others, but they refused to heed it and disregarded all entreaties to own their part as well and clear the meeting, and they continued, up to the time of withdrawal from them by their brethren at Westfield, in this attitude.
Thus you will see that nothing was precipitated in the action of withdrawal, but the contrary, for the evil in which these brothers had part began to be laid on their consciences more than a year and a half ago. In view of all these things the truth is apparent, the brethren in these parts generally recognise it, so that fellowship is extended by the nearby meetings to the brethren continuing on at Westfield.
Instead of sending you copies of letters and statements, I thought well to write you as above, so that you might have the position as it stands before God and the consciences of the saints clearly before you.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Gill and you all.
Affectionately yours in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I much appreciated your letter and the copy of what was written to ------ . It was faithful and should tend to save her from any wrong attitude or movement in this critical time and to enable her to judge as inconsistent with the truth which she professes to hold, her previous action in attending the meeting at Cranford, avoiding that at Westfield, where, for the moment, she was residing. It is surely of God to safeguard His truth in this way and help a sister at the same time; for neutrality to it, as in the case of Bethesda, as you pointed out to is really opposition to it.
I have heard that exception has been taken to the letter written to ------ , copy of which you sent, not because of its contents, but its form as written from the meeting of brothers for care. I see no just ground for this, for care for a soul -- one of your own number -- was its object. If ------ was in Highland Park and three of you went to see her the position would be the same. The letter is merely an expression of care for one of your own -- local -- sisters. At the outset elders cared for the assembly -- its members -- in this way, and a meeting of brothers -- what we rightly call a care-meeting -- seeks humbly to do this now. Its action cannot be more than tentative if leading up to formal discipline, but much can be done in love and confidence to help the saints by brothers gathered in this way short of telling it to the assembly, compare Matthew 18.
I regret that such exception as I have heard has been taken, for it can only tend to weaken, in the minds of those who know of it, the good service rendered by the letter written to our sister.
With love in Christ to you all, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I duly received your letter of December 14th, ult. and read it with interest. As far as I can gather I am in agreement with your general thought as to service Godward in the assembly. The danger in this matter, as in others, is to be too rigid and to bring what is entirely spiritual down to the compass of the natural mind. There is also the danger of dividing service in the assembly too much into sections, as it were. Whereas there should be full scope for divine activity, bearing on actual conditions existing.
If the state of the brethren is normal, they should proceed at once to the breaking of bread, for that is what they have come together to do. A song of praise to the Lord at the outset is very appropriate and acceptable to Him. The Supper in its two parts is required for the full thought of memorial, which was in the Lord's mind in its institution. And this should lead to the recognition of the Lord in the midst, and His own affections for the assembly, in answer to which He looks for suitable response from those gathered. There should certainly
be full scope for this, for in the future He presents the assembly to Himself glorious. In connection with this, there is the thought of His mediatorship and He will bring God in as presented in the cup. Thus, free and with Him intelligently, He will lead us on to the family and eternal thoughts.
If, however, the state of the meeting is low, the Lord would have, perhaps, to reprove us through a word given. We see in Luke 24 how His presence caused dismay in the meeting, and so He had to adjust the saints. In principle, there is nothing to hinder a word of ministry at any part of the assembly service; normally it would stimulate, but it requires wisdom on the part of one who ministers so that what he presents would help rather than interfere with the service.
As regards hymns, I observe that these are now used too sparingly, and many excellent hymns for the assembly are becoming obsolete, brethren fearing to give them out as unsuitable. The Lord, however, will correct all this in time and make room for the free use of what is provided in our hymnbook for the service of God. But there are very few hymns which convey the idea of the covenant.
As regards prayer meetings, the apostolic usage shows that "God", "God and Father" and "Lord Jesus Christ", may be used in addressing divine Persons. In general, Scripture would encourage our addressing God the Father. But, of course, it also requires that we should address the Lord Jesus directly.
I hope what I have written may be of service to you.
With love in Christ, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I was very glad to receive yours of the 19th ult., also that written to Los Angeles which was delivered to me there. Thanks for all the information. I note what you say as to a visit to this country and I quite understand. Several have been inquiring for you and wishing to see you. Mr. W. J. House has some thought of visiting this country this year, but his thought was to confine himself to the western part. P.L. should be here now, but he was advised by his
doctor not to come during the winter. But he may reach here in April, but his visit can be but short, for he is to attend the Croydon meetings.
We have sorrow here as you may be aware, in the withdrawal from certain brethren in Westfield, including ------ , but I discern that the Lord has come in definitely to clear His name and to deal with conditions that have been dividing the saints for years. I wrote Mr. Elliott this week, enclosing a copy of a letter written to Mr. Gill, and I have no doubt he will let you see this copy and by it you will understand more clearly what has entered into this long drawn-out trouble.
The Lord helped greatly in the disciplinary action and is continuing to support those who remain at Westfield, now numbering about eighteen. Those with ------ number about twenty, and none have, so far, identified themselves with him outside of Westfield. This fact, as you can understand, is a great relief to us, as ------ has had considerable influence, as you know, but the truth seems to hold all. Of his family, only his ------------ , residing with him, have left us. But at the same time considerable personal feeling exists in the gatherings in the city and district, and this will take time to remove. However, there is remarkable interest in the meetings held, although in these meetings the Lord helps in ministry as to principles and conduct. But I have no doubt He is using the word to deal with the roots of feelings that have existed.
We have booked to sail by the Britannic, May 1st, and hope to be in Chester for Whit Monday meetings. Possibly we shall see you and Mrs. Ide there. I have only accepted a few invitations for meetings in Great Britain so far, as in view of the present disturbances, I have thought it well to leave definite acceptances until later. The need is great here, as you can understand, and hence I may not be able to spend my usual time this year on your side of the Atlantic. I have written to Mr. Elliott of my exercises about the new trustee needed at the Depot and I have no doubt you will have opportunity to see what I have written, so that I need not repeat here. I need not say that you are all much on my heart and in my prayers.
My wife and I are well through mercy and all our family. Consie has not been too well and is now in Council Bluffs. We grieve to say that her father died last week.
We have encouragement in New York; four were received last Lord's Day for the breaking of bread, and one of these
was Arthur's girl, Dorothy. Last night Benjamin, Jim's eldest, expressed a wish to break bread, and he is commendable to us. This will make five of our grandchildren in fellowship, including two of the Petersens.
With our united love to Mrs. Ide, yourself, and all yours,
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
My Dear Jean, -- ... Grandmother and I think much of you, dear, in the constant suffering you are enduring, the ordinary affliction being added to by what you are obliged to undergo to have the 'jacket' fitted; and added to all, the operation still contemplated. Evidently it is a forming time with you -- in view of your eternal portion in "that world, and the resurrection" Luke 20:35. It is said of Adam, not only that he was created, but formed, Genesis 2:7. This would be that he should be before God for His pleasure. We are to be transformed -- made different from what we are by nature -- by the renewing of our minds, Romans 12:2. Earlier, Romans 8:29, we are said to be "predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son". As such great and blessed thoughts lay hold of your mind the "light affliction" (2 Corinthians 4:17), as you will regard it, will work for you "an eternal weight of glory". While the present efforts of the doctors may help you -- and we earnestly pray that they will -- for the continuance of your time here, God is preparing you to be like His Son and with Him eternally.
You will know, perhaps, that your cousin Dorothy is now breaking bread. We are all very pleased and thankful for this, especially as she commends herself. And then Benjamin told me the night before last that he also wished to break bread in remembrance of the Lord. He and James are staying with us while their mother is in Council Bluffs(see footnote) and we had noticed that Ben was sober and interested. When Ben is 'received' there will be five of our 'grands' breaking bread.
I enclose cheque for $25 for your bank account from grandmother and me which please accept with our much love. I notice that you are going back to the hospital on the 23rd inst. and we shall be thinking of you as there. Tell mother I shall
be writing her shortly. I should have answered her letter only daddy came and would take back all the news. Grandma unites in warm love to mother and you and daddy.
Footnote: Aunt Consie's father 'fell asleep' last week.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- My wife and I were glad to receive your letter of January 19th. The spirit of it cheers us, especially as I can discern that God is helping you both, also that through you He is helping His people. We pray for you both much and for all the brethren in Germany.
As regards a visit to Germany this year, which you kindly suggest, I shall be unable to undertake one. If I go to the Continent this year, it should be to Scandinavia, for I have not been there for a long time, and the brethren have urgently invited me. But in truth I am hesitating to make any commitments for the moment, as a disturbed condition exists among the brethren in this country and because of this I am uncertain as to the extent of my stay on your side of the Atlantic. My wife and I are booked to sail by the Britannic on May 1st and I am, God willing, to be at Chester for Whitsuntide meetings and then Croydon -- these are the only definite engagements I have made so far.
The cause of the disturbance here is the refusal of some of the brethren in Westfield, New Jersey, to own, or acknowledge their part in certain wrong-doing during 1936 - 37. Some of the meeting own their part in the evil very fully, but the others, including ------ , would not, in spite of every reasonable entreaty to do so, and so they were withdrawn from in January. I am thankful to say that outside Westfield there have not been any secessions -- so far.
The Lord is helping greatly in these parts, especially in special meetings held. There has been much liberty in ministry, the Lord, no doubt, taking account of our great need. I purpose to attend three days of meetings in London, Ontario, Canada, during the Easter holidays.
We arrived from New Zealand on January 8th -- after a most cheering time in the Antipodes. We are assured of your prayers always, as you may be sure of ours for you both and for Germany.
With our united love in Christ to you and your dear wife, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- My wife and I enjoyed reading your letter of January 18th. I thank you for it. I am sorry my reply is so delayed, but, as you may know there is trouble in this district and my hands, because of this have been unusually full; besides, I have been uncertain as to the duration of our stay in Great Britain this year. I have thus made no engagements beyond May -- Whitsuntide at Chester and then Croydon.
God is helping greatly and the horizon is clearing, and so I have good hope that under the Lord's good hand we may be able to stay on your side until August. In this event we shall certainly, God willing, visit Worthing and we shall gladly stay with May and you, as you kindly invite us. I shall, please God, write, or perhaps see you, and fix a date mutually suitable.
The sorrow here -- that is, Westfield -- I need not enter into. Mr. Ide has a copy of a letter of mine outlining it and I believe he has had copies made, and I have no doubt you have seen one. I enclose a copy of another letter which may be of service.
We are thinking of our dear brethren in England in view of the Easter meetings and trust the Spirit may be free in each. I read with much interest what had been current in Worthing, including the visitors which God had used. I know Cowell and quite understand your good report of him. The Lord is developing a crop of younger men. I believe you are among them and thank God for the evidence of this. I note that you are getting about in ministry. The need is great.
The exercise here -- in the district -- is much more important than is generally understood. Through a series of efforts in teaching and circulating memorandums the truth was being undermined. The Lord helped from time to time in exposing
this, but in extended sections it was never detected, and hence there is considerable dissatisfaction because of what has been done, although outside Westfield there have been no secessions -- thank God. There is in this district considerable feeling and mourning for Saul, but it is much on the wane. Special meetings, of which there have been a good few lately, have been greatly blessed of the Lord. I am due at London, Ontario, for three days of meetings at Easter. There is a brother in that region who also undermines -- and he has been specially active for some months, but the Lord is exposing him.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I duly received your letter and enclosure of January 29th. My wife and I returned from New Zealand in January and found a great deal to do. My work has increased ever since, so I have found it very difficult to keep up with my correspondence.
I was very glad to hear from you, often having you in mind. Mr. Merck wrote inviting me to visit Scandinavia this year, but in view of certain difficulties in this country it is quite unlikely that I shall be able to do so. Indeed, my visit to England shall probably be shorter than usual.
I note the confession of ------ , but it is very brief and evidently avoids mentioning certain specific things that should be mentioned. His feelings about Messrs. Biggs, Lyon, and Myles which you refer to, would indicate an unjudged condition and while this remains he is disqualified from Christian fellowship and therefore his reception will, I fear, cause further trouble.
I am sorry I am not more conversant with his history or I would refer to other specific matters, but, of course, yourself and the brethren in Copenhagen generally are in the best position to judge as to him, and the Lord will surely give you guidance in this. I can see how some of the brethren are in favour of ------ and, of course, this makes a difficulty; but when a brother is seeking to be in fellowship with his brethren it is quite evident that he should have no unjudged feelings against them. If, of course, there is something wrong with
any or all of these brethren it would have to be taken account of, but from my knowledge of the whole matter I do not believe there is, and that the feelings which ------ has arise from the faithfulness these brethren have shown him in dealing with his case.
I am afraid my remarks will arrive too late to be of any service to you and I regret this, but at any rate they represent my judgment of the matter.
I am wondering whether you will attend the meetings at Croydon this year. I hope you will and I shall look forward to seeing you there.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Hansen and yourself and to all the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- I am two letters in your debt, one received yesterday. I thank you for your comforting words as to current events, and also for all the interesting information, most of it speaking of what God is doing.
The news of Mrs. Bowen and her children is touching and I thank God for it. I read it at the prayer meeting last night.
The Lord has come in in a very marked way in frustrating the enemy's efforts in this country and Canada. It is largely through the plain assertion of the truth governing the facts. In special meetings in New Jersey and this city, and more recently in Canada, He has greatly helped in this way, so that the darkness arising from personal bias and unfounded rumours is gradually disappearing. Another cause of the darkness is in making a brother an issue rather than the truth. In the former case, if the brother is not liked almost anything done to him is accepted, while all the time "the law of the house" may be transgressed. This is being overcome too, thank God.
At special meetings during the holidays in London, Ontario, we looked at 'tabernacle conditions' in five readings and the Lord came in very markedly. Mr. W------ , residing in that district, has been teaching that in a district or group of meetings all such meetings are 'equally and mutually responsible' as to certain matters in any of them; thus any one of them would
lose its full assembly status for the moment, even if the matter in question (e.g., a fellowship meeting) be directly its own. Mr. W------ has considerable influence and hence sympathy and as brothers in a nearby meeting -- London -- took matters up with him, considerable ill-feeling arose. As in the district and getting the facts, I could see how serious the teaching is as bearing against the economy of the assembly including the local aspect. When dwelling on Matthew 18:20 on Lord's Day afternoon the Lord caused the truth to stand out and I believe those siding with Mr. W------ , especially those in his own meeting, were helped. Thus we are much cheered, although there is still much cause for concern.
We have been thinking of and praying for the dear brethren in Great Britain -- that the Lord would grant blessing during the holidays. I am assured He has.
Thanks for your further kind invitation to Portsmouth, but I doubt that I shall be able to accept this year. I am forced to still put off acceptances of invitations, but I hope that shortly the Lord will indicate whether I may commit myself, under Him, as far as August, which I desire to do. I hope to accept Dr. Morford's invitation to Worthing if I can remain in England until August.
Our granddaughter, who has been long ill with infantile paralysis, has been very low lately, after two operations on her spine. She has rallied, thank God, but is still very weak.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I am ashamed to find your letter still unanswered, but my hands have been unusually full since returning from New Zealand in January. There has been, as you may know, considerable unrest and trouble generally in this country, making correspondence beyond what I could cope with. Then, as I was uncertain as to the time of my stay in Great Britain this year, I have refrained from answering invitations.
I appreciate your wish that I should visit Sutton and I should like much to see you all there, but I fear it cannot be this year. If, however, I find I can 'drop in' for a 'regular'
reading or prayer meeting I shall gladly do so, God willing.
The situation is much clearer in this country, but in Ontario there is a cloud because Mr. W------ has been circulating letters teaching that a group of meetings, such as in your district, are 'mutually and equally responsible' as to certain matters -- e.g., a 'fellowship meeting' -- local to any one of them -- that there should be mutual collaboration before action is taken, etc. Thus each of the meetings loses for the moment its local assembly status. You can see how this works against the truth governing the assembly as taught in 1 Corinthians and Matthew 18:20
As to Babylon, I doubt that I can say anything to help beyond what I have already said and of which you are aware, I believe. Revelation 17 gives a general view both of the beast and the woman who sits upon it. Five kings of the former had fallen, "one is;" that would be at the time John wrote. "Is not", I suppose, would refer to the submerged period of the empire and this would be prophetic at that time. The other or seventh king would bridge the submerged period and make the empire (in some sense) continuous. "The woman drunk with the blood of the saints" would refer to her murderous guilt in this period. Thus we have clearly history -- prophetically -- both as to the beast and the woman within the Christian period. The beast which carries her is characteristic and certainly not limited to his final or resurrected form. This form will be short-lived, and the ten kings' association with it will be "one hour", a critical period.
There seems no place for the harlot's glorious riding on the beast in this time; the facts stated -- and the closest attention is needed -- would rather indicate that she is already discredited -- fallen from her once worldly glorious estate. Ever since the Reformation this applies, but accentuated since the French Revolution, as is well known. Chapter 18 includes all this, but goes on to the final judgment. Manifestly "has
fallen" and "become the habitation of demons", etc. is very different from "a great millstone ... cast into the sea". After the latter she "shall be found no more at all". More recent history confirms above as to the harlot's fall, the attitude of the ten kings (verses 16, 17) being manifest, and there is no suggestion that this will change.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Brown and you and to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I am sorry your letter has remained so long unanswered, but I have been unusually pressed for time, and besides I have to withhold answers to invitations as I have been unable to accept any beyond May. Conditions in these parts have been unsettled and I have been unable to decide as before the Lord the duration of my visit to Great Britain this year.
No doubt my silence would give you to understand that I could not definitely accept your invitation. I had overlooked that you needed to know a good time ahead because of the hall. I am as yet uncertain as to the length of my stay in England, but if I can at all go to Bedford I shall go, God willing, even if for a small meeting that you spoke of. The small meeting suits me, but I always seek to consider for the saints -- the greatest good to the greatest number.
I am very thankful for the news of Holland and earnestly trust God continues to bless. I return Mr. C.'s letter. From it I gather that God would bless a meeting at Heemstede. I am especially thankful Mr. D. Wreede is evidently ready to continue on in the truth. I am looking to the Lord for them all.
God is helping much in this country and is turning into good all the recent and current exercises. I was at London, Ontario, for meetings during the Easter holidays and there was a remarkably good time. There has been considerable difficulty in that province due especially to the circulation of letters by Mr. W------ teaching that a group of meetings are equally and mutually responsible as to certain things existent in any one of them, such as a fellowship meeting. You can see how this
works against the truth of the local assembly -- for each in the group would for the moment at least lose its assembly status. The Lord helped much in the meetings recently held and I look for good results under His hand.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Smith and you, also to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear Mr. -- I send a line, seriatim, in answer to your letter of the 24th ult.
'The Westfield Case' did not need my remarks as to ------'s extended course to strengthen it -- although the facts stated enter into it morally -- the body of the letter you comment on shows guilt attaching to those withdrawn from that imperatively had to be judged to maintain the holiness of God's house.
You put it to me to say whether ------ is a wicked person. For eighteen months or more he strenuously refused to judge evil done by him and others in the holy things of God and influenced others to follow his course on definitely partisan lines, and finally refused even to see his brethren, who had made it plain to him that unless he judged and renounced the evil they could not walk with him. He and another brother, he especially, had led a good few saints as a band into a self-willed course (see 1 Samuel 15:22, 23). Scripture specially abhors this, as the passage I have mentioned shows -- also Numbers 16. There is no evidence of repentance and hence the name of the whole matter is written on the face of it.
Then you speak of looking at the brothers at Westfield to whom I have given my support. A look from such a distance is very precarious! It is worse by far in your case, for it leads you to misjudge your brethren and say untrue things about them. Of ------ you say, 'the cause of all the sorrow' -- a positive untruth. How do you know he is the cause of all the sorrow? You do not know it; you just write it, manifestly without any sense of the gravity of making such a charge against a brother without ample proof. You quote from the New York letter to Westfield of June 20th, 1935, as if this were proof. You surely must know that this letter was withdrawn
by its authors with sorrow. Even if it had not been withdrawn, what you quote from the New York letter could not prove your charge as righteous, but to endeavour to prove a serious charge -- in this case nothing could be much more serious -- from a letter withdrawn with sorrow, is a procedure that needs no comment; it carries its own condemnation. If you say you were unaware of the withdrawal, then you show your incompetency to have to say to the matter at all.
As to the other brothers, your comments are really of no value, for you are not really acquainted with them or their circumstances. Of one you say 'he has been described to me as uncommonly weak'. This is simply untrue, for he has shown himself a brother of courage and clear-sightedness. He manfully renounced the evil he had been linked with as one of the party and has pursued a steady course in support of what is right and true ever since. The brethren are cheered by him. You enquire, 'is he not of the same nationality as your son-in-law?' Why this enquiry if not to insinuate bias? They are of the same nationality for both were born and brought up in the United States.
Then you speak of '------'s little boy, your grandson, aged 14, believe'. This 'little boy' is, I judge, as tall as you, and is well developed physically, mentally, and spiritually. He is now in his eighteenth year and takes part acceptably in nearly all meetings he attends. There is another 'little boy' of ------'s who began to break bread last November, that is, since you were last here, and hence you cannot have him in mind.
Your thought is clearly to discredit the meeting at Westfield, but you omitted to mention two other brothers -- Ewing and Edwin Storr, the latter mature -- he is married and has a child of five-and very promising. There are 18 in all, including another brother named Mr. Long, and the Lord manifestly helps them. You will see thus that your long-distance look at Westfield deceived you.
As regards ------'s support of ------ , you are basing your remarks on the circular on boundaries, but this was late in the exercise. ------ said he got the substance of it 'on the Pacific' -- that is, on his way back from Australia. He had changed his mind and his circular cut across the Forest Hill principles. But earlier ------ had been with ------ . I am basing this on what was generally known here, especially by myself, and in South Africa when I was there last year it was stated
resentfully that ------ when there had advocated the Forest Hill cause. And this is confirmed by a statement by someone, I forget the name, but I remember well the statement, that ------ noted in his diary while on his southern trip that ------ was right.
Thus you will see that I cannot withdraw what I wrote on this point. But righteousness requires that you should withdraw the letter I am replying to, for it is wrong throughout, both in spirit and contents.
Yours faithfully,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Thanks for two letters. I am very interested in all the information and thank you for it. I am assured that you and Mr. Elliott have been helped in selecting Mr. Beattie to work with you at the Depot and I shall have liberty in looking to the Lord for you all.
I appreciate all your thoughtfulness for us in view of our arrival in England. The thought to land at Queenstown did not mature and so we have decided, God willing, to land at Southampton. We shall go direct to Teddington, as you kindly suggest -- that is, if we arrive in time for this on the Saturday; but if we do not arrive until Sunday morning no doubt your thought would be that we should remain in Southampton until Monday morning. The Lord will help, I am sure, as to all this.
So far, I have made no commitments later than May, save that with Mr. Price for meetings at Crouch End on June 12th; but things are steadily clearing and I hope inside of ten days to make a programme, under the Lord, up to August 8th. I shall try and cover as much ground as possible.
I attended meetings at London, Ontario, during the holidays. The Lord helped greatly, especially as meeting current conditions in that province. Mr. W------ has been circulating letters advocating groups of meetings merging and acting together in regard of certain matters, such as fellowship meetings. Thus each meeting would surrender its assembly status in regard of such matters. You can perceive the drift of this view. Those in London, as by certain circumstances brought
into it, have taken the matter up with Mr. W------ and I hope he will withdraw the letters. J. Dean and L. E. Samuels were at Knoxville. Arthur Taylor was also there. The Lord evidently gave them a profitable time.
I trust the dear brethren in Great Britain had much cheer during the holidays, also Belfast. Much prayer has gone up. You are aware that Jim and his wife are sailing, God willing, by the Europa, on the 10th.
Mr. ------ wrote me a bad letter lately. I do not know if he is circulating it. Jim will take a copy of my reply.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Ide and you all.
Affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter was a cheer as we sailed. The Lord, as you may know, was pleased to take our dear granddaughter Edna two days before and our hearts were sad, as you can understand; but not as those who have no hope. We are especially distressed in sympathy with the parents, for their eldest girl, as you may know, was taken last year. They seemed well sustained and I am assured much gain will accrue to them. We trust we all shall join in this. Edna had confessed the Lord and had expressed a wish to remember Him in the breaking of bread. Thus our hearts are at rest as to her. She is with Him whose she is, and for Paul this is "far better" even than his experience here below.
I had heard with great thankfulness of the season at Hamilton. The need there was great and I have no doubt the help the Lord gave would greatly tend to relieve this.
I note what you say of Woodstock. It will be a triumph if the brethren there prove loyal to the truth. In earlier days there was faithfulness to the Lord there, as far back as the time when Mr. J. Boyd was attacking the truth; also when T.H.R. wrote his bad letter -- which he later withdrew -- to the American brethren. I had a word with Mr. Rowe and he told me he did not agree with Mr. W------'s letter but I was not sure how far this went.
As regards Mr. W------ it is remarkable how from the outset of his presence in America he took the wrong side in crises. For instance, he said at the time of T.H.R.'s letter, that the
American brethren provoked him (T.H.R.) to write, putting the blame on them. Then, he took the wrong side in regard to the Chicago error. He may be doing this now, but I saw some of his letters indicating this, and besides brethren in Ontario at the time testify to this. And now his letters show that he is not with the truth in the present crisis. I am constantly crying to the Lord for Ontario -- that the brethren individually and the gatherings severally may judge as before God and refuse the evil teaching in Mr. W------'s papers, and that he may repent of them and withdraw them himself. He wrote me before the London meetings and I replied, pointing out some of the error in his letters, but he has not replied. He sent a note a few weeks later that he had been too unwell to write; but had he judged the evil he could have said so in the note he sent.
God was steadily working in New York and New Jersey district. The confessions made, including those at Somerville, evidenced this. They were remarkable and were helping generally. I note what you said of ------ and fear there is a dangerous reserve. ------ wrote me a note of sympathy as to our bereavement, but not a hint of sorrow as to himself and the sin he is guilty of. May God have mercy on him and deliver him and those he misled from their error!
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCallum, you and the children, also the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
P.S. -- I shall, please God, urge P.L. as to your September meetings.
My Dear Arthur, -- I cabled you of our voyage, etc. We have been very busy ever since, but God has helped throughout -- an address at Park Street, two meetings at Kingston on Coronation Day and a meeting here last evening.
Tomorrow, God willing, we go to Chester; then Tipton, then Croydon. We are both well, thank God, and Mr. and Mrs. Ide have been taking good care of us. The general interest in this country seems as usual -- that is, good -- although
the Coronation fever has been somewhat damaging, as you can understand. I have no doubt there is steady exercise as to it.
The brethren at Sevenoaks are looking into ------'s letter and I think they have the mind of God as to it. They are much concerned about him in a general way, looking upon this as a symptom -- a concrete evidence of his state. I hope you have mailed me his letter which I left you to copy.
I do not suppose there is much improvement in business -- at least judging by reports. But we can rely on God to help us as heretofore. We had a reading at Kingston on piety -- bringing God into things. Piety is profitable for everything.
There are a good many brethren here from the Dominions and looking to God as to Croydon. I am assured He will hear our prayers as to this most important matter.
We are thinking of you all much. There is much thanksgiving here as to God's help experienced in America. Mother unites in love to Ruth and you and the children and to all our circle and to the brethren.
Beloved Brother, -- Thanks for yours of the 14th and 16th inst. and enclosures.
I shall look into the reference to Obed-Edom when the Notes come to hand. There can be no certainty as to the matter, but Edom in the compound name is not unworthy of notice. It may denote grace as Deuteronomy 23 shows.
I have qualified the remarks in the Notes as to the candlesticks. They are said by the Lord to be seven assemblies and as seven is evidently symbolical of the whole assembly we have to conclude, it seems to me, that the public position of the assembly as the light-bearer for God in the world is in mind. "Thy lamp" would thus be what it had or was at the outset. That Ephesus -- that is, the early phase -- did not repent and do the first works is clear from the subsequent epistles, hence its status in this sense ceased. Jezebel judged as non-repentant marks this, a remnant being owned with no other burden but to hold fast what they had. The overcomer is henceforth put before the appeal to the hearing ear, and the Lord having the
seven stars and the seven spirits of God instead of holding the former in His right hand and walking in the midst of the seven golden lamps.
That the light of God is still here in the assembly is, of course, true and will remain so until the end. But silence as to the golden lamps after Ephesus, and a remnant directed to the Lord's coming and the millennial reign, show that the whole outward position is changed, that morally it is judged. The Lord says "I am about to spue thee out of my mouth", although He is offering counsel and standing at the door knocking. The spiritually instructed believer knows the position: the assembly remains here and the Spirit; inwardly all is thus secured, but he will not speak of things as if no sorrowful departure has taken place, and so will recognise that the removal of the lamp as the Lord spoke of it must have taken place. The thought remains and will find expression later, but the assembly viewed in this way has lost its place, although the responsibility of its having had that place still attaches to the public body.
The remarks made in the reading on the Silver Trumpets do not furnish support for the suggestion that an announcement of a care meeting is the blast of a trumpet. The point stressed is the importance of such a meeting -- of our getting to the Lord as to the need of care among the saints. The brother who furnishes information to the saints as to what has been determined is not blowing a trumpet in the sense of Numbers 10. The principle of the latter might enter into the considered decision of the brethren to meet in 'care;' it would certainly enter into a decision to call the saints together to deal with sin.
I shall, God willing, return the two books and other belongings of yours which I have. I am looking for the remaining two readings, the others are revised, only I wish to look over them again. Mr. Weiske is remembered by us in prayer -- his work on the Notes is unusually good.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
My Dear Jimmy, -- Grandma and I are indebted to you for your several letters, containing so much interesting information and written in a sober and spiritual -- I may say -- way. We are
cheered that you can send such good accounts, evidencing that God is helping you all.
We are greatly encouraged by the reports we have received of four general meetings held at the beginning of this month -- Montreal, Minneapolis, Regina and Berkeley. May God bless the seed sown!
Interest in this country is as great as -- if not greater than -- hitherto experienced. In one large meeting after another the Lord comes in definitely and gives help. We had an excellent season in Glasgow -- where we are now -- and we hope to go on to Edinburgh on Monday, remaining there until the 25th inst. Then, God willing, we go to Newcastle for the week-end of the 26th inst., then to London for meetings on the 29th inst. They are arranging there for a large number in the same hall in which the 'Conference' was held three years ago. Then Stowmarket for meetings on August 2nd, then Waltham Cross and then we hope to sail on the Britannic on August 7th.
Grandmother unites in love to you all.
Beloved Brother, -- The very kind letter signed by yourself and nine other brothers, handed to me by you and Mr. N------ at Leicester, has been the occasion of much thanksgiving. I can see that the Lord is helping you all at Birmingham in view of further important service to His people, and I am assured you will have His support throughout and the hearty fellowship of the saints.
I thank you all for the brotherly spirit of your letter and for the confidence you place in me. I assure you that my mind and heart shall be with you as in the fulfilment of your heavy undertaking, and I shall be much before Him as to my own part in it according to His will.
Mr. N------ spoke to me at Southport as to the exercise amongst you as to invitations. It seems to me to be particularly important that the responsibility of the assembly, so to speak, in Birmingham, should be kept fully in view. The Lord is concerned that the local setting of assembly administration should not be weakened, and this enters into your present undertaking. There is no universal or district administrative
responsibility in regard to it. Thus the invitation must be by the brethren at Birmingham. That you undertake and provide external accommodation, etc., for a certain number, and let each of the other meetings nominate who should attend, does not comport with the truth governing the matter. It will weaken the local position. 1 Samuel 9:13, 22, 24 somewhat helps as to the principle of invitations, "... afterwards they eat that are invited ... them that were invited ... about thirty persons ... I will invite the people". Of course, there are other scriptures which confirm the idea of invitation, such as Matthew 22 and Luke 14.
Another consideration enters into this, that is, the need of the utmost spirituality possible in those who attend the general meetings -- so that the Holy Spirit should have conditions most calculated for the opening up of the truth. If the selection is left with the several meetings, the most spiritual may not attend, for they would most likely give voluntary place to others, whereas if these receive personal invitations they would regard themselves as responsible to accept, and be exercised accordingly. Nehemiah 8:13 - 18 certainly enters into this feature of the position. Thus it seems that the method which, as I understand, has been followed is the right one -- to take counsel with brothers in each district -- known to be reliable, not one only but two or more as a matter of witness, and then the Birmingham brethren to make the selection and invite. God will respect and support the pursuit of right principles.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- For a good while I have been wishing to send you and Mrs. McCrea a line, but during my stay in Great Britain I was heavily engaged. I believe I 'owe' you an answer to a letter, but I am uncertain as to this.
I trust you both are well, also your nephew and niece, and indeed all the brethren. We think of you all in Wellington much, often recalling the happy seasons spent under your roof and with the brethren at the special meetings. The Notes of those meetings are much valued by brethren generally, as far as we hear. I think they read well and contain much to refresh and help the assembly.
Our visit to Great Britain this year extended through May, June, July and part of August. The Lord graciously helped throughout. Thus we have proved afresh what He is to the saints and particularly to those who serve. Mr. P. Lyon, my wife and I reached New York on the 15th instant and the Lord has been helping our brother in serving His people ever since. A large number came together in a new room which has been built recently and P.L. gave a very good address.
Four general meetings were held in this country and Canada last month in each of which the Lord commanded blessing -- Montreal, Minneapolis, Regina and Berkeley. At Regina seven or more came into fellowship since the meetings. Early next month three similar meetings will, God willing, be held -- Detroit (P.L.), Vancouver (H. Hardwick) and Manchester. Connecticut (J.T.). We are cast on the Lord for blessing.
The general situation throughout this country and Canada is greatly improved, although there is no evidence of repentance in those who were withdrawn from in Westfield. A good proportion of them attend the regular meetings there from time to time, but their attitude is rather that of persons ill-treated than of persons who proved themselves unfit for fellowship by persistent partisan and divisive conduct. So far, I have not heard of a single acknowledgement of wrong-doing from any of them. I cannot but believe that ------ knows his position is untenable, but will not admit it; otherwise he is judicially blinded, for the evidence of evil in his course is such as a mind such as his would discern at once. There is considerable sympathy with him; not because it is thought he is right, but for personal reasons and because of prejudice against others in Westfield.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and you all, also to all the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Pardon my delay in replying to your letter, as I have been engaged in journeying and services since it arrived.
Question 1. -- As far as I see, birth is connected with believers as children, not as sons. Christ only is said to be born as Son; Psalm 2.
No. 2. -- I am sorry I allowed the statement as to the testimony of two as to an applicant for fellowship to remain in the Notes without 'guarding'. It dealt with a local -- the locality where the reading took place -- condition, a certain applicant being prevented from breaking bread by a group. "Tell it to the assembly" conveys the general scriptural principle, and of course normally this covers what is proposed by a care-meeting; but the actual witnesses tell the matter to the care-meeting, and confidence enables the assembly to accept what comes that way as more reliable even than the direct witness of two. The statement has occasioned considerable enquiry, but it was not intended to weaken that in the reading in London on Reception to which you refer.
No. 3. -- General fellowship warrants a brother taking part in the assembly as convened for discipline. 1 Corinthians 5 shows how the apostle Paul viewed this matter. Of course his apostleship gave him more right than others, but the principle covers such an attitude in one of less weight. Gifts were set in the assembly and one such as "governments" as in a locality where a meeting for discipline is held should certainly be free to take part. As regards an 'ordinary' brother, of course wisdom in himself would prevent him saying much; and indeed wisdom should govern what anyone says.
No. 4. -- I certainly address God in relation to the gospel. It is "God's glad tidings ... concerning his Son" (Romans 1:1, 2).
There was great cheer on my visit to Great Britain this year. The interest there is sustained in a marked way. Mr. Lyon, my wife and I arrived here on the 15th inst. and God has been blessing our brother's services to the saints. He goes, God willing, to Detroit for meetings over Labour Day -- three days. At Vancouver Mr. Hardwick will attend similar meetings at the same time, and at Manchester, Connecticut, I attend special meetings.
With love in Christ to you and your house and to the brethren at Hobart, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear ------ , -- Having looked into the three accounts of the transfiguration, also J.N.D.'s comments and other comments thereon, I cannot find evidence that the entrance into the cloud refers to Moses and Elias. Matthew and Mark do not refer to it, and Luke says, "as they" -- Moses and Elias -- "departed from him".
J.N.D. comments -- in reference to the cloud -- 'Moses and Elias have disappeared' and then goes on to speak of the cloud and the voice (Synopsis, Volume 3, page 127).
Again: -- 'Then ... the two disappear entirely, and Jesus remains alone ... Jesus brings the disciples to it' -- the cloud -- 'as witnesses ... the disciples ... are associated with Him ... introduced into connection with the glory in which the Father thus acknowledged Jesus' (Synopsis, Volume 3, page 323).
Again -- in note -- he says, 'They feared when they' -- it is emphatic -- 'entered into the cloud'. In the text to which this is a note J.N.D. had been speaking of Peter, James and John and hence the 'they' refers to them, not to Moses and Elias for these were not yet named. Then in the note he continues, and speaks of God talking with Moses in the cloud in the wilderness, and adds, 'here they'-clearly Peter, James and John -- 'enter into it'. In view of what preceded it is impossible to make the 'they' refer to Moses and Elias for Elias is not mentioned at all (Synopsis, Volume 5, page 413).
Then in note to second 'they' in Luke 9:34, large edition, he says, 'certain MSS reads' those. 'I have put' they 'as it seems a change made to refer it to Moses and Elias'.
In note on 'overshadowed' in Matthew 17:5, he says. 'used for cloud covering the tabernacle, so that it was filled with the glory; not a shadow above or over them'.
See also Collected Writings, Volume 25, page 134. In Collected Writings, Volume 16, page 417, J.N.D. says, 'Peter and the others had entered into the cloud'.
In 'Notes and Comments', Volume 6, page 240 -- 'the cloud ... but the disciples enter into it'.
I cannot find anything contrary to these remarks in Mr. Darby's works.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- You will be interested to hear of the recent special meetings held -- Detroit, Manchester, Connecticut, and Vancouver. P.L. attended the Detroit meetings and the reports are cheering. They had 'leadership' at the readings. At Manchester we had the administrative side of the dispensation and how it is maintained. The Lord helped us much and there was a good representation of brethren from the meetings in the East, including Toronto, Montreal and Rochester. We have not yet heard from Vancouver, where H.H. was with the brethren. I believe our brother has rendered good service to the saints, beginning at Montreal in early July.
The general position is steadily improving, I am thankful to say. The Highland Park brethren have withdrawn from ------ , ------'s daughter. She had been in Westfield for some months and at first avoided the Westfield meeting, but Highland Park having faithfully remonstrated, pointing out that fellowship was violated, she began to attend and continued for some time. But as about to return to Highland Park last month, she openly spoke against the Westfield action. As patient remonstrance and entreaty failed, the brethren felt they must withdraw from her to maintain the truth. ------ employed usual ------ methods, seeking to influence individuals so as to have the action put off, also pleading illness, etc., but, thank God, the brethren were firm and this faithful action is an arrow of the Lord's deliverance.
And yesterday a letter from Woodstock speaks of disciplinary action there against Mr. W------ , because he fails to judge the very wrong principles he circulated in letters last year. For a long time he had exercised a neutralising influence against the truth and I quite believe the Lord is now dealing with him. Thus He is helping His people in the battle against evil, and I am assured He will continue to do so; we may thus thank God and take courage.
You will be aware that the legal matter at Sydney has been 'settled' -- a cable from W.J.H. says, 'Actions settled out of court without sacrificing truth'. I have no other particulars.
The meeting room is satisfactory, but cost, including ground, $20,000. I am assured God's hand has been over all and that the hall will be a great advantage to the testimony.
We pray constantly for you, Mr. Elliott and Mr. Beattie, in view of the good service needed and which you are rendering.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Ide and you all.
Affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- I have been wishing to write you, especially as Mr. Ide wrote that you had continued poorly, but I have been laid up with gout -- or something like -- it-in my left foot.
My wife and I were grieved that you had not made a complete recovery, but we felt that that fall in Newcastle damaged you more than appeared at first. We earnestly hope that through the mercy of God you are now much stronger. Portsmouth and we all need you and there is much prayer for you, I am assured, and the Lord has respect to this.
The report you kindly sent on August 26th of what the brethren were enabled to do as to Mr. W------'s case is most interesting, and, I am sure, the action was due to the Lord and pleasing to Him. That His rights in the assembly are so prominently owned by the saints in recent years is a matter of great importance and He is honouring them accordingly.
In this country and Canada remarkable results in this sense have been reached lately. Certain actions in Westfield, New Jersey and Somerville, Massachusetts, last spring relieved us of the pressure of open lawlessness, and more recently the withdrawal from Mr. W------ at Woodstock, Ontario, and from ------ in the Detroit region, has had the same effect. These instances of judgment 'within', as supported by the Lord, have had a most salutary effect. The air is clearer and others are fearing; for the Lord is greatly to be feared in the assembly of His saints.
There is encouragement generally in these countries. Special meetings in Winnipeg and Toronto take place, God willing, at the end of this week. P.L. is to be at the former place and H.H., myself and others at Toronto.
Mr. Green also wrote me of the assembly meeting, confirming what you wrote. He also mentioned the expectation of a possible visit by me to Portsmouth next year. I shall be writing him later, God willing.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
My Dear Arthur, -- I need not say that I am very interested in your letters to Jim and myself.
I also received a copy this morning of Mr. I------'s letter of the 21st inst. to Mr. H------ in which reference -- in P.S. -- is made to the conversation with you on Saturday.
The matter has become more acute by your visit and your statement to Mr. H------ that you could not break bread with him or any who support him. In saying so much to him you somewhat exposed yourself without gaining any advantage. Still the attitude taken at Cincinnati removes the danger of precipitating a crisis.
I believe full opportunity should be given to all in Columbus to acquire an 'assembly conscience'. What you said to them on Saturday will help in this and I am thinking of sending Mr. I------ a line to say that the so-called assembly judgment has changed the position in its general bearing.
There was a good season at Flatbush yesterday morning -- Jim and family, Archie and family and you were absent. We went to Westfield for reading and preaching -- much cheer.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
My Dear Brother, -- I have received copies of documents -- mostly letters -- signed principally by you, extending back to July, the last being dated October 21st, which came today.
I have been deeply concerned by their contents, especially those of the Report of the Assembly decision and the letter to of September 1st enlarging on and justifying it. In the letter you say the judgment was 'reached in assembly, with the Lord in the midst based upon duly established facts as in the light of Scripture and in accord with the principles that are to control such matters and as led by the Spirit who is holy and who is the Spirit of truth, and we are told that no lie is of the truth. To this judgment all should bow', etc., etc.
As matters stood before the judgment was reached 'in assembly' I felt I could leave matters, trusting that the Lord would in time clarify Mr. H--------'s financial affairs; believing
that the brethren in Columbus were sincerely assured that Mr. H------ was upright in his borrowings which I had no good ground for challenging and certainly had no wish to do so, indeed hoped, as I may say, against hope that this judgment was right, I maintained normal links with Mr. H------ .
But this 'assembly judgment' committing the Lord, the Holy Spirit and the assembly to unqualified approval of Mr. H------'s course of borrowings, changes -- for me -- the whole position. What has caused me anxiety as possibly involving dishonour to the Lord and His testimony has now been solemnly declared to be righteous 'in assembly' professedly with the Lord and the Holy Spirit in the midst. I might have written you earlier, but hesitated to do so, trusting what others had written might lead to the brethren reconsidering the matter, for, as Leviticus 4 shows, an assembly may err, and there is provision to adjust this. But your letter to Mr. H------ of the 21st inst. received today shows that you are thoroughly committed to the 'judgment', criticising those who do not accept it in very severe terms -- terms which do not appear to me justifiable. You cite 'information by one inside' to incriminate Mr. M------ and his son. According to Scripture one witness is not enough in such matters.
Then Mr. A------ is said to be in 'evident alliance with them and with other enemies'. Mr. A------ and other brethren are thus branded as enemies in a bad sense. This is not of God surely. And then Mr. A------ is spoken of as seeking illegal information. You do not show that what he did was illegal. If Mr. H------ owed Mr. A------ money the payment of which was long deferred on the ground that a certain asset was not yet turned into cash, it would not be illegal for the latter to make enquiry where he thought he could obtain information as to whether the supposed asset really existed, or was what it was said to be. Such a firm as Dun's undertakes to supply such information and is regarded as perfectly legal in doing so.
The fact that Mr. H------ does not owe Mr. A------ money does not detract from what I write as to this matter. Mr. H------ owes money to several in fellowship and some not in fellowship, discrediting the testimony. This obligates Mr. A------ and all who are in fellowship, and surely it is not illegal to make 'diligent inquisition' for Scripture enjoins this.
Brethren should not be criticised for entertaining doubts as to what is alleged by Mr. H------ and his Toronto agent as to
the value of the Fonetaire. The letters sent me from Mr. F------ were written on the stationery of the A.H. Institute. I certainly was influenced by this, for I assumed that such an Institution would write soberly on such a matter. But now I learn that the Institution is not handling the article, but that Mr. F------ is acting as Mr. H------'s agent or promoter, and, of course, it is to be expected that he would make much of what he was marketing. Then the fact that Mr. F------ , as he says, has not received remuneration for his work implies that this will be in the form of commission when the transaction is completed. If this be so it is exceedingly difficult to understand why he has allowed the Fonetaire to remain unsold for so many years. I have seen explanations, including the depression and illness, but good business conditions have existed since it was saleable and it would seem that such a large amount of money -- according to Mr. F------'s own valuation -- being involved he could find some way of disposing of an article so desirable. I mention all this to show that if brethren are sceptical about the matter, they have good reason to be, and Mr. H------ and all of you in Columbus should recognise this. In your letter of September 1st you assert in the strongest terms that the inventions were tangible, marketable assets. They were this according to you years ago and yet they have not been turned into money! Another thing is that if they are what you say, a bank should be ready to advance money on them. There are Institutions in this city more than ready to finance any commodity such as you and Mr. F------ describe. As I said, I write thus to show there is ground for doubt as to what is alleged of the Fonetaire. If, however, it yields as is professedly expected by its promoters, no one outside Mr. H------'s family will thank God more than I -- both for our brother's sake and that of the testimony.
As regards the use of Scripture in the Report, what is quoted bears mainly on the lender, whereas what Scripture enjoins directly or indirectly on the borrower should be also stressed. For in your deliberations the lenders were not present, the borrower was. Scripture enjoins that the believer is to owe no one anything except love. It says Israel should lend and not borrow. This would mean that as blessed of God they would not need to borrow; but it says that as not blessed (cursed indeed) of Him they would be obliged to borrow (Deuteronomy 28:12, 44). Thus moral degradation attaches to one
unable to pay his debts. If the Lord and the Holy Spirit had full place in the assembly meeting it seems to me that more emphasis would be placed on what Scripture teaches as to the borrower than what it says as to the lender, seeing, as I said, the latter were not present. In fact you could not reach a truly scriptural decision unless you had the direct testimony of all those who had claims against Mr. H------ .
I do urge therefore that you all reconsider this whole matter and see if you have not gone too far in your assembly judgment. Unless this is done brethren elsewhere, having such general facts and exercises based on them as they have, will be obliged to examine into the facts governing each borrowing transaction. It is certain that the 'judgment' cannot be accepted on its face value.
You may be assured that I write in the fear of God and for the good of the brethren at Columbus and for the good of the saints generally.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter of the 6th ult. was very welcome. It is an advantage to have such information as you kindly sent, enabling us to pray intelligently as to the work of God in London and in Great Britain generally. London is always on one's heart -- your extra meetings and care meetings particularly.
God is helping us in America. Recently meetings at Toronto and Winnipeg were blessed of Him -- meeting current needs and adding something. P.L. is working hard. Having knowledge of the facts and principles governing recent and current difficulties, he has been very effective in clearing the minds of many who were foggy, and establishing others. He is now in Knoxville and will, God willing, be present at special meetings at Council Bluffs at the end of the month and later at Vancouver and Los Angeles.
We have been blessed here in our monthly readings on 'Spoils' -- the first on 1 Samuel 30 and the second, this week, on Hebrews 7:4 and Genesis 14 -- Abram's spoils. J. Collie-Smith
was with us and helped at the reading and at an address in the evening -- Tuesday was a holiday.
There is no change with those 'outside' at Westfield. Some continue to attend the regular meetings and even special meetings in the neighbourhood, but manifestly in the attitude of persons denied their privileges, showing no sign whatever that the cause may lie with themselves.
Lately a crisis has arisen in Columbus in relation to Mr. H------ , a brother of unique prominence in America, as you may know. Through the depression -- mainly, at least -- he became insolvent, but continued borrowing. The matter was left with his meeting, hoping against hope that God would help him to adjust his affairs; but in July the brethren in Columbus 'in assembly' professed to examine the facts and they issued a statement as an assembly judgment that his course was righteous. This caused much concern and lately the brethren at Indianapolis wrote Columbus that they could not, while this judgment was allowed to stand, commend to or receive from them. Facts were cited as a basis for their attitude. God is supporting this action and I believe the gatherings will all accept it. We are cast upon the Lord to save at least some of the meeting. It is now quite small.
My wife and I hope to visit Jamaica in December, returning, God willing, late in January. We are booked to sail for England on April 6th.
With our united love in Christ to Mrs. Gardiner and you and to all your daughters, also to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
P.S. -- I have just heard that our dear brother May of Brisbane has fallen asleep -- causing a serious blank, following so soon after dear Parker.
Dear ------ , -- You will be interested to know that I had a letter on Monday from ------ .
He wrote to call my attention to a friendly letter of mine of April, 1935, as compared with my letter to Mr. H. Gill of February 8th, 1937. Why the difference?
I replied that the letters should be read in relation to the
respective circumstances under which they were written; that the first was written when our relations were happy; I am assuming that he had judged as before God the occasions of controversy of earlier times. I gave him a list extending back many years.
The second was written after ------'s steady refusal of the truth governing the Westfield matter; that in this refusal I noticed the same spirit and way that I had met in the earlier occasions of controversy and that thus the conclusion was forced upon me that he had not really judged as before God the chain of evil that had marked him in all these matters. The list is: --
His views as to the departed saints -- of which you are aware.
His views that the saints continue to grow after they receive their glorified bodies.
His circular on city boundaries, of which you know.
Also his attitude toward the Stow Hill Tract Depot and his attitude toward the Lord's Sonship.
We had an excellent time at Stapleton last night. Also good time at baptism of Ken Ross's babe.
Beloved Brother, -- I am very interested in all you say as to addressing the Father in relation to the new covenant, although I am wondering why it is that you find so many wishing to do so, for it is not my experience. God has been addressed at the Lord's supper -- at least I do so, and I have heard of others who do it -- but for years I have not heard, that I can recall, of anyone suggesting that the Father should be addressed.
Of course I shall welcome any help. It seems, however, that departure from what is accepted by the saints as spiritually right should be well supported by Scripture if advocated. I have been thinking over the subject, since I saw a letter from you to Mr. Lyon, but I have not reached any change of thought
from what I have held for a long time, and have constantly given expression to.
The new covenant is, in Scripture, introduced into Christianity in connection with the Lord's supper and approach to God -- 1 Corinthians 11, the synoptic gospels, and Hebrews -- and is linked with the death of Christ rather than with the revelation of the Father. The Lord would, I suppose, give thanks to the Father in the institution of the Supper, but, as in relation to the assembly, the memorial is called "the Lord's supper", not the Father's; thus we rightly give thanks to the Lord for the bread and cup. To be safe as to anything we should move in the teaching of the apostles, Acts 2:42, and especially that of Paul. The teaching as to the Father in the gospels should be reached in this way. In the gospels the Father comes in in relation to Christ, owning Him, not in relation to the blood of the covenant. The Lord linked the disciples with Himself in relation to the Father, as in the synoptic gospels, evidently on lower ground than is proper to the assembly. John 20 gives the latter. Ephesians speaks of access to the Father through Christ by the Spirit, whereas access in Hebrews is through the death of Christ, the great Priest over the house of God, etc. -- clearly to God; the Father is not mentioned in that epistle as to us save as "Father of spirits".
Paul clearly connects the Lord's supper with the assembly, and as the disciples -- he with them -- assembled to break bread. Obviously it took the first place in the service -- the apostle's address, etc. in Troas would be special -- and as it was the Lord's supper, He would have the dominant place in it. He would be 'everything' initially, but the "sanctuary" would be there and He as "Minister" of it would lead to God. This is how the truth of assembly service should be laid hold of, I am assured.
Affectionately in Him,
P.S. -- I am thankful you are getting about serving the brethren. I can understand your difficulty as to circumstances of those served as well as those of the one who may serve. Dates imply definiteness on both sides, both as to prayer and preparation. -- J.T.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Thanks for writing at such length as to Sydney. The occurrence was sorrowful indeed, but the brethren seem humbled about it and I am sure God will own this. I had received reports from Mr. Joyce and Dr. Wallace and they indicate right feeling among the brethren.
I thank you also for an earlier letter which crossed one from me to you. The remark in the South African Notes to which you refer should have been guarded. It really referred to a matter in Johannesburg -- a person seeking fellowship being held up in the care-meeting. My remark "tell it to the assembly" was just to assert a right principle as affecting such a case, for the brothers' care-meeting is not final. But as to ordinary cases, coming as proposals from the care-meeting, I see no need of two brothers witnessing to the assembly. Confidence must underlie assembly relations; if the brothers -- taking counsel together -- recommend a brother or sister, he or she is allowed to break bread -- only the notice given a week before leaves the way open for any well-supported objection. This is the general procedure and I am assured it is right and wise.
I am glad you are visiting Australia and I am assured God will help you. We enjoyed having with us our brother and sister Mr. and Mrs. Collie-Smith.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and you.
Affectionately in Him,
There is much cheer generally in the U.S.A. and Canada.
Beloved Brother, -- The thought of the Father being brought in in relation to the covenant of the Lord's supper ... . While I do not doubt that the Lord spoke to the Father in giving thanks in the institution of the Supper, later in the teaching relative to it, it is called the Lord's supper, not the Father's, and hence the Lord should dominate in that part of assembly service.
The statement which you quote, that it is 'quite erroneous to think that the Lord would lead the saints to the Father, that it was not His intention to do so' is certainly not in keeping with Scripture. As answered from the horns of the buffaloes (Psalm 22), He declares the Father's name and praises Him in the midst of the assembly. To do all this was evidently uppermost in His mind. Moreover, He says, the Father seeks true worshippers, and surely He would normally have before Him to gratify this work. It was, no doubt, part of the "joy that was set before Him".
To say, as you quote, 'that it is quite a mistake to expect the Lord to lead us off covenant ground every time, providing we were up to it' that is, as I read, that He would not always, as opportunity offered, lead on to the full service of God. This, I am sure, is unscriptural ... and reflects on the ministry of Christ in the sanctuary. Hebrews 8 to 10: 22 shows that the covenant is to set us free to draw near to God. Why should this thought of drawing near -- the urgency of it -- be weakened in the minds of the saints? What can be meant in the movement to the Mount of Olives after the Supper and the hymn, save that normally there is something beyond 'covenant ground' in assembly service?
The seven manifestations of the Lord to His own were mainly to establish faith in them in Himself as risen in view of their testimony, their state required this.
John gives us what relates to the Father; heavenly relationships in view of Paul's ministry. The twelve do not enlarge on service Godward. Besides John, Matthew and Luke quote the Lord as referring to the Father in His manifestations.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Only want of time prevented an earlier reply to your interesting letter.
I am very thankful to hear of blessing among the dear brethren and especially that an additional meeting is in prospect. May God bless it!
As regards leadership in special readings, we are to know those who labour among us and take the lead among us in the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 5:12. Then, God has set certain gifts in the assembly and these are to be recognised. Thus in such a meeting as you mentioned the brethren should be able to determine who has the greatest ability among those present and make room for him. This is but recognising God's provision and ordering. Of course, courtesy, or rather brotherly consideration, enters into such a position and hence brothers from distant parts should have special room made for them. Love never fails in these matters and the Lord is with us in the arrangements we make as governed by it. Any special local need existing could be mentioned, but the subject or scripture should be left with the brother who takes the lead. The assembly does not teach or preach. In Scripture, ministry is made dependent on gift. Peter stood up with the eleven, Acts 2. Inviting a brother, whether local or resident elsewhere, to take the lead in special meetings is right. It is taking advantage of God's provision. The Macedonian man said, Come over to Macedonia and help us.
As to one ceasing to break bread or withdrawing from a meeting -- if no specific evil is evident the exercise of discipline hardly fits. We have to humbly accept the loss and if there is a likelihood of some in the meeting not knowing of the withdrawal the fact should be mentioned with humble acknowledgement. Each case should be treated according to existent facts, some calling for compassion; others marked by a degree of worldliness. Whatever is known in this respect should be mentioned that it should be on record that the assembly has a judgment as to them. "Your judgment", Revelation 18:20, is respected in heaven. There is surely some moral defect in one who deliberately leaves the place of light and privilege. The judgment formed by the saints as to one who has withdrawn stands against him and determines his status as to the fellowship, and he will have to face this sooner or later, either as seeking to resume his place or as at the judgment seat of Christ. Individual relations with him by those in fellowship must recognise this judgment.
The question as to "one God the Father" is answered by the remark that the apostle is speaking of the economy into which divine Persons have been pleased to come -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father -- that Person -- remains in the
economy in the supremacy of Godhead, the other Persons taking subordinate -- although we know from other scriptures that They retain Their equality in Deity -- places.
With love in Christ in which my wife joins, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I duly received your letter of the 1st ult. and only want of time prevented an earlier reply.
I am interested in all you write as to assembly procedure relative to 'additions'. This matter is much on the minds of the saints and no doubt help from the Lord is being experienced. He gives understanding in all things.
One thing is clear -- that order should mark all that is done in the assembly, but at the same time, simplicity, "simplicity as to the Christ". Thus, as to persons seeking to walk with us, Revelation 22:14 shows that those who "wash their robes" have a "right", that they should go in by the gates into the city. Clear testimony that one does wash his robes is thus all that is needed. The apostles and elders came together "to see about this matter" -- the principle of a care meeting. What was reached by enquiry and scriptural principles went forward, as it were, to the assembly -- due allowance being made for the apostles having led in the matter -- so that "it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders with the whole assembly", etc. From the above it is clear to me that testimony as to a believer seeking part in the fellowship coming through the care meeting in a normal way should be accepted by the assembly, most of which, or at least those who take the lead in it, having had part in the investigation. Cumbersomeness should be avoided, and the confidence of love requires that brethren solemnly meeting in care of the assembly should be trusted. I do not, therefore, see the need of the brothers who have visited the person seeking to have part in the fellowship, testifying to the assembly after testifying to the brothers met in care. The name of the person being announced on a Lord's Day morning to break bread on the following, no objection being made in the interim, amply safeguards the matter.
As regards the 'treasury', I believe the simple, practical
way is for each sub-division in a city to attend to ordinary matters relative to the meeting room, etc. Much should be left in this sense on the principle of confidence and to avoid taking up time in the general care meeting; when more spiritual matters should have precedence. Above is the way followed generally in large cities as far as I know, and is blessed of the Lord.
With the hope that what I have written may be of service, I am, with love in Christ,
Affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- It is a good while since I heard from you, but a letter from Mrs. Ide to my wife has just come and we are glad to have it. We follow with much interest all the news of your recent movements and thank God for the liberty given you in the service you are able to render to His people. We trust He will give you grace and strength to continue.
Mr. Elliott wrote lately of the Depot and I rejoice with you all in the manifest blessing of God on the service you are engaged in, and pray that it may increase "more and more". The new premises are evidently suitable in every way and will, I have no doubt, greatly facilitate the work.
Lately there has been much cheer in these parts. The usual 'Thanksgiving Day' meetings at Plainfield -- one of which you helpfully attended -- were extended irregularly to six days. That is, Plainfield, Cranford, the city, Flemington, the last being our usual monthly reading at Brooklyn. Devenish and Pittman (Toronto) were here and helped much. At Council Bluffs with P.L., Dean and others were able to help. The usual meetings were held at the same period and we have cheering reports.
My wife and I hope to sail for Jamaica on the 15th inst., returning, please God, late in January. Our new room is proving useful in every way, especially for our monthly readings. It accommodates about 400 and has good facilities in every way. It is heated with oil. In spite of real difficulties with the brother who superintended the work, God has given His people what they need.
There is no change in Westfield, only we learned lately that Mr. S------ and his family have joined the Presbyterians. ------'s daughters and others attend our meetings, but in the attitude of ill-treated ones. ------ wrote me lately in a critical spirit -- no sign whatever of repentance for wrong in himself. The meeting there is markedly sustained of the Lord.
My wife and I are booked to sail for England on the Queen Mary, April 6th. The Lord permitting, our thought is, as arriving at Southampton on Monday the 11th to go to Bournemouth for the Tuesday, then go to you on the Wednesday, with a view to motoring -- if this is convenient to Mrs. Ide and you -- to Coniston for meetings on Good Friday and then go to Belfast on the Saturday. We have suggested to Mr. Malpas to motor us to Teddington on April 13th, so as to save you going south.
As regards Ireland, our thought is to visit Londonderry, Sligo, Ratharney, Dublin, and Annalong. I had a most cheering letter from Mr. W. Wyatt, urging a visit, also letters from Londonderry and Annalong.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Ide and you and all yours, also to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Jamaica, B.W.I.
Beloved Brother, -- I am glad to have your letter of the 3rd inst.
The reference or remarks as to the Mediator on page 150, Croydon Notes, needed a little guarding, for the Lord's service viewed thus is mainly on God's part towards us, but it implies that He is on our side too, as you point out. In making the remarks I was thinking of a particular point reached in assembly service where the Lord's help is needed. Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God. This makes room for the Minister of the Sanctuary, Aaron being the type.
This leads to 'the Lord's own personal relations with the assembly' -- where these find expression. This is a very important matter and the Lord is helping in it. Room should be made for it. The Supper is, I am sure, the occasion for
the reciprocation of marital feelings and affections. Opportunity is there found for the use of many hymns, for some years now unused. We are to be to Another who has been raised up from among the dead. The end, of course, is that we might bear fruit to God. Other hymns may afford occasion for the expression of the assembly's affections for Christ, and as the Lord's supper is understood these will find their place.
The use of the name Father may be wide according to the teaching and example of Scripture, as you say, but John's gospel ought to be especially in mind in relation to formal assembly service. Assembly service toward God obviously flows out of the saints coming together "in assembly". Here the Lord's supper is immediately in view, and it is the Lord's -- not God's nor the Father's supper. We have the Lord's supper, the Lord's table, the Lord's cup, the Lord's body, etc. It is thus, it seems to me, a dominical matter, the paternal side of the service coming later. This is not the general use of "Father" seen in the synoptic gospels applied even to the Jewish remnant, but what properly belongs to the heavenly family. John brings us into the use of it only in this sense. To bring it into the service of the assembly in the dominical feature of it is not therefore according to Scripture or spiritual intelligence.
I am thankful you are editing Words of Grace and Comfort for Mr. Nunnerley while he is absent from England and I am sure the Lord will help and bless you in this service. The articles of mine appearing in his magazine have been generally revised by him, otherwise they should have been much fewer, but, God willing, I shall try to furnish you some. ------ may have some that I have not seen and no doubt would let you have them; if you have time revise them and let me look over them before publication.
Thanks for your further invitation, but I can say nothing now. You will see where I am. My wife and I came here early this week and hope to remain until January 16th. There is a good interest. Special meetings begin tonight extending over three days.
My wife unites in love in Christ to your dear wife and you, also to your dear mother.
Affectionately in Him,
Jamaica, B.W.I.
My Dear Arthur, -- The season spent in Jamaica so far has been most cheering. As they were finished we continued in Kingston until December 31st, when we started for Hatfield where there were meetings on January 1st and 2nd -- very happy. Two young ones got blessing at the gospel meeting on Lord's Day evening. Then we started to visit several 'country' meetings. On the Monday a reading was held at Southfield, where one confessed the Lord, and at the gospel meeting in the evening at Pedro Plain eight or ten -- perhaps more -- got blessing from the Lord, confessing Him. On the Tuesday we went to New Roads and had a reading at 10.30 a.m. with much interest. From there we went to ------ , where we had a preaching at 7 p.m. -- good interest, but no confessions. On Wednesday we went to Negril and had a preaching with some results -- one girl of 13 definite and a young woman affected but indefinite. We came here last night, motoring 50 miles from Negril. Several meetings are to be held here -- Montego Bay, Cambridge, etc., and then, God willing, we return to Kingston on Saturday, remaining there until the 19th inst. when we purpose retiring via Miami.
Two car-loads of brethren, including ourselves, have come along from Kingston and we all hope to return together on Saturday. There is a good interest at Kingston -- two good-sized meetings, and we look for further cheer, as we shall have two further week-ends there.
Mother and I have been fairly well, thank God, although I have had lumbago since the day we left New York -- it is subsiding, however. The climate suits me, although rather hot at times.
We are glad to know of the good time at Nostrand Avenue on December 25th.
Miami, Florida.
My Dear Arthur, -- We are grieved that Miss Wetenhall is so afflicted and trust that through God's mercy she is steadily improving. We are sorry indeed to hear of Mrs. Stevens'
illness, but are thankful she is better, which news is confirmed to us by Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. We sympathise with all and with the bereaved ones -- the McDonalds, Mrs. Gates, the Parkers and Collins. Such removals from amongst us have a voice, which we do well to hear, so that we should number days so as to have a wise heart.
We are encouraged here. There is good interest in the truth, including outsiders who are attending the meetings. Better conditions in the meeting would lead, I am sure, to steady increase. We are trusting the Lord will bring this about. Yesterday a good sister signified her wish to break bread. A reading on the Lord's supper and the gospel in the evening were blessed of the Lord. Of visitors the following are here -- Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Kettle, Mr. and Mrs. Crockford, Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson -- Worthing, England -- Mr. Guinard, Miss Truan, Mrs. Rochat and ourselves. The Lord has given us good seasons and it seems we should stay over next weekend. We purpose leaving by train at 9 p.m. on the 30th, arriving in New York, Penn Station, at 9.05 Tuesday morning.
We are thankful to hear of the good seasons with Mr. Lyon and our prayers go up for him and you all.
Mother unites in love to you all.
Miami, Florida.
My Dear ------ , -- Many thanks for your letter giving so much that is both interesting and cheering.
We -- mother, Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson and self, arrived early yesterday from Kingston and were met at the dock by several -- Mr. and Mrs. K., Mr. Guinard, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Hammond, Misses Rochat and Truan and others.
We had a reading in the afternoon on assembly material -- very happy and well sustained of the Lord. Then tea and address later -- on the idea of 'City' in Scripture. The Lord helped further. The brother S------ and his wife who had been withdrawn from lately were present.
There are, it appears, only nine now breaking bread and the position is weak indeed, but the Lord is able to make them stand. There has been friction, but it seems healed. H------ is
intelligent, but bears the mark of his spiritual upbringing. The number of visitors and the grace of the Lord so manifestly with us will greatly help to steady the few here and enable them to go on together, I am sure.
I am uncertain as to how many days we shall stay -- being here, one desires to do all he can. The position is so weak that everything should be done, under God, to make it stand.
Miami, Florida.
Beloved Brother, -- I was glad to have your letter and read with interest all you wrote.
My wife and I shall gladly avail ourselves of your hospitality when in Cullen. I cannot say yet the exact time of our visit, but it will be, God willing, about the middle of May.
Since receiving your letter I have been in the West Indies -- Jamaica -- and am now en route back to New York. The Lord gave great cheer in Jamaica. There was much result from gospel services, also, I am assured, blessing among the saints. Jamaica is a fruitful field and labourers are much needed.
We are spending a week or ten days here in Miami, where there is a small meeting. The meeting is new and weak, but there is a good general interest, thank God. Quite a few visitors are here, including Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson of Worthing.
As regards 1 Corinthians 7:5 -- this passage is, of course, part of the subject of the chapter. It refers to several relations proper to the marriage state. Verses 3 and 4 show that those in it are not to be independent of each other in this. Verse 6 shows that the instruction is to be taken in a modified way.
My wife unites in love in the Lord to you and your house and to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Miami, Florida.
My Dear Arthur, -- Mother and I are very sorry that the cable sent by Ruth and you, Dorothy, Ruth, Arthur and James was not acknowledged. It was an oversight. Please pardon us.
It was good of you all to think of us thus. Both you and ourselves were reminded by your cable of our advancing years. They are full ones in which, through grace, God has part, in each of which, we confidently assert, there has been a crop for Him, and by His grace we are assured that this will mark those that remain. It is "seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night" -- but for the believer the presence and power of God in all. We rejoice that the same is true of yourselves, and we thank God for this; also for all the families.
There is steady cheer here. We are visiting -- for evening meals -- all the households and feel the help of God in this. There are meetings every night -- today, afternoon and evening. We had a remarkable time last night on Ephesians 4:17 to end. Care meeting this afternoon, and reading this evening on the Lord's supper. Tomorrow address, Saturday reading and Lord's Day three meetings: attendance steady. Two seeking to break bread -- commendable.
I sent a message through ------ to you and Jim that we leave here, God willing, by 'Florida East Coast Route', not Seaboard, at 10.15 Lord's Day night and arrive at New York, Penn Station, at 6.58 Tuesday morning.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson very kind. He seems very exercised but not clear.
Mother unites in love to you all and to all the others.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter of the 7th ult. has just come and I am grieved by the matters you mention.
Mr. Hayward wrote me some time ago as to Kaiwaka and I felt I could say but little as my knowledge of the facts and persons involved were so scanty. But I did say that I did not think the meeting in Kaiwaka should be dissolved because of Mr. S------'s wicked conduct.
Whether assembly conditions did not exist could hardly be determined save as by a visit to the place. Thus A.M.H. was in a position to judge as to actual conditions, having been on
the spot and I was not. But as to the truth governing the position, the prevalence of natural relationship could not, in itself, be a reason for discontinuing the meeting, nor, as I said, could S------'s conduct, in itself, be a valid reason for the dissolution of the meeting. As to the first, Scripture shows that any disadvantage occasioned in a meeting of saints by natural relationship may be overcome by spiritual power: the Levite says to his father and mother, "I have not seen him". Then S------'s conduct is of the devil and in such cases as the saints look to Him, God would come in and give deliverance. A wicked man similarly attacked the saints in Kingston, Jamaica, and harassed the saints for years, but God evidently has come in for deliverance as I saw there lately. That Kaiwaka brethren sinned against light furnished them would, it seems to me, be difficult to prove. Brethren elsewhere judging on this line can hardly hope that this judgment will satisfy the consciences of others. In such matters facts must be considered if a righteous judgment is to be reached. Judgments based on impressions, feelings, etc. are usually the cause of the continuance of those local sorrows, that are now, alas! so prevalent. If in our enquiries we confine ourselves to the facts of a case and the principles that govern it we shall rule out all that is extraneous, thus reducing it to its own limits for judicial purposes, making, under God, a right judgment certain. The Lord is jealous as to His rights in localities, and thus a doubtful position should be left immediately in His hands. If it is clear -- the priests being responsible, especially those nearby -- that the meeting is leprous, this being established by known facts, of course fellowship should be discontinued.
Thus I would say that if active self-will cannot be shown to be working among the saints at Kaiwaka, and that they are in the main seeking to be in the place for the Lord, other meetings should stand by them in sympathy and prayer, individuals visiting them for instruction, comfort and support. To make them transgressors for not acting on advice given by a brother is most precarious -- indeed wrong and tending to becloud the position. It is but on individual belief or impression and not valid as evidence in a judicial enquiry. Another thing is, that impressions as to causes and results should not govern us in judicial administration in the house of God. These have to be left with God. We must, as already said, go by the facts and principles governing any case, and the Lord will not fail
to give a right judgment as we wait on Him, judging, as He enjoins, "righteous judgment".
As regards the other case you mention, it seems to me, judging by the facts you furnish, that the sister in question should be treated as a subject of compassion, being evidently a sufferer from mental derangement. I have had much to do with persons thus affected -- the affliction showing itself after they took part in the fellowship. If they quietly submit to a judgment reached in assembly we should be thankful. That their natural relatives should care for them is surely right, and their presence in a house, as subject to the order of it, cannot be regarded as a defilement. Unless there is very good reason that is based on facts to question such a circumstance, it should be left with the meeting in which it exists. Wisdom would lead us to confine evil or trouble, to leave it as much as possible in the hands of those immediately responsible.
I am thankful to hear of general encouragement in New Zealand and trust this will continue to increase. You all are much in the prayers of the brethren -- certainly in ours for our links with the brethren there are strong.
God is greatly helping His people in America. Mr. Lyon is here and blessed of God in his services. Lately my wife and I returned from a visit to Jamaica and Miami and know that our labours there were not in vain. There was much blessing.
With our united love in Christ to you and your house and the brethren in Mount Eden, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- Many thanks for your letter which is valued as your letters always are.
God willing, I shall be with you at Highland Park for the special meetings in September. I cannot say whether Mr. Hayward will be in this country; but if so, he will, no doubt, find an open door in the East or the West.
I am greatly pressed so shall not write much. We had a good time last Saturday at Westfield. The Lord is helping much generally -- a remarkable interest in the truth, peculiarly shown at the Thursday evening meeting in Nostrand Avenue room -- Mr. Lyon is with us.
The position at Westfield remains unchanged save that Paul Ewing has separated from the 'outside' company and wishes to break bread. There is a peculiar leaven in the ------ company -- that they have 'rights' in our meeting there, are indeed in fellowship, being themselves right and that the Lord is 'bearing' with us. That is, the Lord is bearing with people, supporting them as in their midst, and yet if ------ and those with them are right those whose meetings they are attending are unrighteous and the Lord is supporting them! The Lord is bearing with, supporting and blessing unrighteous people. They are making Him a transgressor. You can see the enemy's intent in all this; but the saints are not blind to it, thank God.
We are grieved that several are out of employment in your district as I learned from Mrs. Diplock yesterday.
My wife unites in love to Mrs. McCallum and you, also, all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I thank you for your letter of the 14th ult., also for 'Doctrine of the Church of England' and Hocking's pamphlet on the Elberfeld capitulation. It is an advantage to me to have such information and I appreciate your consideration.
As regards the beginning in John, I have understood it as generally the same as in Genesis 1, but the absence of the article in the former verse 1 makes it characteristic, I suppose, and less definite. "He was in the beginning with God", verse 2 is, however, definite, linking with the creation. It has been remarked, I think, that it is the beginning of all that had a beginning. This, I am sure, is true. Genesis 1 connects the mind with material things and it is likely angels were before the heavens and the earth; Job 38:7.
My wife and I are booked to sail by the Queen Mary on April 7th.
With our united love in Christ to you all.
Affectionately in Him,
P.L. is here and helped of God.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I was glad to receive yours of the 20th ult. and thankful to see by it that blessing from God marked your visit to the North during the holiday season. It is a relief to know of a move toward the resumption of the breaking of bread at Preston.
The Lord is giving cheer generally as far as I can hear. It is a great advantage to have assembly ears and to follow up prayerfully what comes to them. In Jamaica there was much blessing, both in ministering to the saints and in gospel services -- the latter largely through Mr. Mayo, as you may know. We returned via Miami, Florida, where there is a weak meeting. The Lord gave help and two signified their wish to break bread and are now numbered with the others there -- thank God! It is a very isolated meeting, recently formed, but the general interest from 'outside' is good.
There is a movement in the gatherings in America generally, particularly in Ontario and the New York district. God has used P.L. here and in many parts. He is here now, ready to leave for Barbados on the 19th, God willing. Last night we had a remarkable 'ministry meeting'. There had been much exercise as to certain elements of trouble remaining from the Westfield affair and this was on the minds of many with the hope of help. P.L. spoke and two others followed -- all good. Afterwards six brothers made confessions as to certain actions relative to the Westfield -- New York matter. The grace of the Lord was upon us and all, I believe, were affected. Added to this cheer, a good few have been moving toward fellowship in the City and district -- one of them, last week, from ------'s party. He wrote a faithful letter to ------ . There seems uneasiness with ------ and those with him. He has written me three letters during the last three months, but nothing of moral value in them -- last night I received one of five typed pages. He still holds fast his righteousness, like Job. His case seems judicial, but the brethren are ready, I am sure, for any sign of repentance.
I have been thinking of London, going over the position with P.L. -- your kind invitation from the brethren in mind. I have arranged to go to him, God willing, on Monday, June 13th, staying for the 'brothers' reading'. And now it seems I
could be with you all, for an evening meeting only, on Wednesday or Thursday, July 6th or 7th, say in the Kingsway Hall. We shall be free to accept your kind invitation to stay with Mrs. Gardiner and you all for the night. Besides, I hope to be in Plumstead on the week-end of June 24th.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you both and to your daughters.
Affectionately yours in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Last week I received from A.M.H. notes of a reading with you at Brackley on September 22nd on 1 Peter 1 and 2, also a reading at Marlborough on October 24th on some chapters in Luke. As I do not think the tenor of them -- especially the first -- agrees with what you and the brethren generally have been for many years pursuing as truth, I send you a line, this being the more necessary as the notes are said to be unrevised.
The word "covenant" is used generally in the notes, not new covenant, but evidently the latter is in mind, although Peter never uses the latter term. The notes stress that the covenant was made for the land, not for the wilderness, although made in the wilderness. As you obviously have the antitype in view, I wonder at this, for as to Christians the wilderness continues while we are down here -- indeed during the whole period of Christ's absence -- and the new covenant stands connected with it. It is found in 1 and 2 Corinthians and Hebrews.
The notes further say, that the first provisions of the covenant required the land. This is stranger still, for the ten words require love, as the Lord shows in Matthew 22, and this surely is begotten in the wilderness, as Romans teaches. It is in the land, too, of course, but Romans and 1 and 2 Corinthians regard love as in the saints and these epistles do not contemplate us as risen with Christ.
With the above is associated in the notes the thought that entrance into the inheritance, or the land, is necessary so that the people should have the means of offering. Of course certain offerings required the land, but Scripture shows that offerings were required of the people in the wilderness and
that they could supply them too. I need not tell you how Moses contended with Pharaoh that Israel must have their flocks and herds so that they could offer to Jehovah, serve Him with them. And then Jehovah had said to Abram that they should go out of Egypt with "great property". This fact is amply attested by the material for the tabernacle which they supplied. This is also seen in Christians -- the immediate outcome of the reception of the gospel, as taught in Romans. (I challenge myself as to why I am saying these things to you!).
Another thing enlarged on in the notes that seems to me should be reconsidered is the thought that Christ personally is in view in the covenant -- based on the fact that the Hebrew bondman is mentioned in the sprinkled book. But other persons and things are mentioned in that book that cannot be included in the New Covenant, and of course it is it we have in mind, for the old does not exist save as a type, and the terms of the new show that its scope is not as extensive as the old. Thus, to use the old, in the light Of 2 Timothy 2:15, to help as to the new, we must begin with the latter, and not introduce what does not belong to it. The old covenant, speaking generally, covered the whole Mosaic system, but we cannot say that the new covers the whole Christian dispensation. In the Lord's supper it is formally connected with the cup by the Lord and I am unable to see that we should extend it to the loaf. It does not seem cutting in a straight line the word of truth. As I said, many other things, also persons, are in the book that cannot be included in the new covenant -- such as the angel, who would not forgive Israel's transgressions, and Israel's obedience expressed in their works. The new is what God does; objectively as in the Lord's supper, it is the testimony of His love to His people. While the whole public position of Israel, as also of our dispensation, is marked by sacrificial death (blood), detailed instruction provides for the death of Christ -- that He was immune from death. Thus Aaron, who, as a type, is the bondman, in another light, was by himself anointed without blood; and the love of the bondman for his master is plainly declared without death. It was not demanded, but spontaneously expressed, also that for his wife and children, in known relationships; all this points to Christ seen in the gospels. That Christ is said to be a covenant and that He entered the holiest by His own blood is, of course, true, but to say that His body is included in the new covenant as sprinkled
with the blood of it seems to me forced. It seems to me the Lord's supper should stand before us as combining two great ideas: the first presenting Himself in relation to the assembly; the second bringing God in. This involves discrimination and distinction in the holy things, which is priestly -- governing the whole service of God. It is Leviticus, where everything is governed by law or principle, each item having its own value, place and time. This divine ordering or discrimination would not bring the Father into the Lord's supper. That blessed relation was not primarily entered into as a matter of authority or through death, but as of counsel -- as Christ is seen in manhood -- the beloved Son in whom the Father found His delight. The service of God as in Leviticus, David and culminating in Christ through Paul is restrictive -- governed by law, so to speak, so that the worshippers understand what is suitable. 1 Corinthians leads in this.
I hoped to make this letter shorter, but there is much to speak of and I trust it will not weary you. We are praying much for you and hope your health is fair through mercy. The season in Jamaica was fruitful, thank God, and there is a remarkable interest in these parts and America generally. We had an extraordinary meeting here last night; a so-called 'ministry meeting' at which P.L. and two other brothers spoke. There were confessions afterward by six brothers who had sinned in their part in the Westfield-New York matter in 1935. The grace of the Lord was upon us.
My wife unites in love in Him,
Affectionately yours,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I thank you for your letter of December 12th, which reached me in Jamaica. I am sorry it has remained so long unanswered, but I am, and have been, greatly pressed and unable to keep abreast of my correspondence.
I am glad of the opportunity of visiting your district, especially Liverpool, as I have long wished to do so. I value your offer to shelter us for a few days, but I am to visit Maidstone on June 22nd, so there will be no time.
Your purposed visit to Scandinavia was of interest and I
trust you had help from God in seeking to help His people there. It is a great matter that so many are now free and qualified to serve in this way. It is the Lord's provision surely. A good few move about in America now and God is blessing them.
The season we spent in Jamaica was indeed cheering. It is a remarkable field for gospel services, and Mr. Mayo was used there in leading quite a number to confess the Lord. "She considereth a field, and acquireth it" (Proverbs 31: 16), is a suggestion that those marked by spiritual industry have an eye for sections likely to yield for the assembly.
We called at Miami on our return journey and although the meeting is weak, we found much to cheer, especially in interest by those 'outside;' and we have good reports of gain accomplished.
In America generally there is progress -- largely through exercise arising out of the Westfield sorrow -- in keeping with the thought of "spoil", which is our subject at the monthly meetings in Brooklyn. Recently a nice few have been added both in the city and in New Jersey. Ontario also is yielding well -- a fourth meeting has recently started in Toronto. Mr. Lyon's services have been much blessed of God generally. He is now en route to Barbados.
There is no change in Westfield, save that one of ------'s company came back during the last week, making two received there lately. ------ wrote me a long letter last week, but I regret to say, self-vindicatory throughout.
Thanks for referring me to 'Fothings', the passage being confirmatory. I do not remember having seen it.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your son and daughter and to the brethren. Affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- I was glad to have all the good information in yours of December 10th, received in Jamaica. I follow all your remarks as to Rochford Street -- mental cases are exceedingly difficult, but still we must think for God and His house and it is significant that lunacy was cured by the Lord according to Matthew's account only. I have no doubt Mr.
L------ should see the brother you mention. Nothing likely to help in such cases should be omitted.
Our visit to Jamaica you may have heard something of. The Lord helped throughout. It is a fruitful field, especially for gospel testimony. The season at Miami on our return journey was also cheering. This was the meeting which primarily, not actually, occasioned our extended difficulty here. It is weak, but the Lord is making it to stand. It is a growth but with little protection, being very isolated, but several visit there during the winter season, who help much. Three were added to the meeting since we were there, and we hear of two more expressing their wish to break bread -- this was last Lord's Day after the preaching, and there was also a confession of Christ by a middle-aged man.
In this area we have constant cheer, although Amalek is finding openings too. ------ wrote me a long letter lately -- nothing but self-vindication, I grieve to say. A remarkable interest has developed in our Flatbush Thursday evening weekly reading. We have been going through 1 Samuel.
Mr. Lyon is now in Barbados. The Lord has been using him here and elsewhere. He returns to this district, God willing, early in April, hoping to attend the Easter meetings at London, Ontario, also special meetings at Knoxville and Rochester.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- I duly received your letter of the 9th ult. and I thank you for writing me so fully. All the information was of interest to me, and I value the desire to have me among you at Peckham. I shall, however, be unable to be with you this year. But I hope to be elsewhere in London -- Plumstead, Rochford Street, etc., and no doubt I shall see you in some of these places.
I have seen the report of 'Doctrine taught in the Church of England' and am confirmed as to what you write. The fact that it is not said to be the doctrine of the church enables the church to save its face in the eyes of the ordinary readers, but not in the Lord's eyes, nor in the eyes of those who, as loving Him,
keep His commandments. The book will be read as carrying the authority of the church. "The good figs are very good" -- may it be so! -- and "the bad very bad".
I have also seen the account of the wretched amalgamation in Germany and the capitulation to the Government -- all most distressing. But it reminds us of the greater need to continue carrying the ark and to blow the trumpets.
The work of God in America is more cheering than I have hitherto seen it. The recent sorrows and conflicts have led to this spoil and I trust the brethren will go on.
With love in Christ to Mrs. Hammond and you and to the brethren, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
P.L. is now in the West Indies and hopes to return to this country by the end of this month. God has been blessing his services in this country -- J.T.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter was very welcome. It arrived about a month ago, but my correspondence is much behind, especially since returning from the South, otherwise I should have written earlier.
I am interested in all you wrote as to A.E.M. and others, also as to local conditions. I gather the Lord is helping you all, which is cheering. You are well off to have sons of peace in the lead. You will be aware that Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson were at Kingston while we were there and that they came on to Miami. We were thankful for their companionship and help generally. He added to us all much in Miami.
The work in Jamaica enlarged as we went on and a good few, as you may have heard, confessed the Lord through gospel testimony; in the city particularly through Mr. Mayo's services. Miami, in a smaller way, was also quite cheering, and we heard of special blessing there lately -- thank God!
In America generally there is a better interest than I have hitherto seen. I believe this is largely the outcome of recent exercises -- those arising out of Westfield and other disciplinary
occurrences. Here we are peculiarly cheered in a weekly reading based on 1 Corinthians 14:23. The meetings in the city and district keep the Thursdays free for this and the attendances are quite large. The room built last year affords excellent accommodation for this and also for the larger monthly meetings in which we have been helped in considering 'Spoil'.
I visited Montreal last weekend and find help from God there. The soil is hard, the population being largely French Catholic. There are two small meetings and in much weakness, but they are helped of God.
I note that you have the children with you again. This will be a tax on May, but I am sure she values the opportunity of serving them for the Lord's sake as well as that of their parents. I trust light will come into their young hearts before they become hardened by school and other experiences that give opportunity to the enemy. Here we have remarkable instances of very young ones committing themselves to the fellowship and taking part in the meetings.
I am doubtful as to seeing you all in Worthing this year. I hope, however, to see you both elsewhere -- we are to be, God willing, in Brighton and Haywards Heath.
My health has been good generally, thank God, also my wife's. We hope to sail on the Queen Mary -- April 6th -- then Bournemouth, Coniston, Ireland, Scotland and South.
Affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- The work of God in this country progresses. Our special weekly reading at Flatbush is being largely attended -- this week we had the largest number -- over 250. It is on the basis of 1 Corinthians 14:23. Both in the city and district the Thursday evenings are left free for it.
I was in Montreal last weekend and got on well, the Lord helping. He helped too in a meeting of brothers -- before I left on the Lord's Day -- in a local difficulty.
------ has been in communication with Westfield brethren, but gave no evidence of self-judgment. He wanted to know why they withdrew from him! Think of this after all the meetings, letters, entreaties -- and a year after the event! You
can readily discern what a state underlies all this sorrow. ------ had written me a week or two ago a five-page typewritten letter marked by self-vindication throughout.
We trust you both and all yours are well, through God's mercy. With love in Christ to you all from both.
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
My Dear Brother, -- I duly received your letter of 17th inst. I am glad to know that you are now in fellowship, and I gather from your letter that you are progressing in the truth.
As to your enquiries I would say that "Christian" is a name given to believers -- Acts 11:26 -- or disciples. Of course, one may believe, as we learn in Acts 19, before he received the Spirit, but generally or normally the terms believer, disciple and Christian are interchangeable. In saying 'normally' I refer to persons who characteristically are possessed of what is presented to faith in the gospel.
The general truth governing the possession of the Spirit is in Acts 5:32 -- God gives Him to them that obey Him. But there are details of instructions that must be observed: there must be faith as to what the gospel presents, for it is said in Ephesians 1:13, "having believed, ye have been sealed with the Holy Spirit". There, God gives the Spirit and obviously we must not assume that He must act automatically and give the Spirit instantly as one believed. Acts 8 shows that He does not.
Acts 5:32 shows that generally true believers receive the Spirit and hence we should not conclude that God would allow one to die without receiving Him. There is much in this respect that we have to leave with Him. We can speak confidently as we have Scripture. There is enough to support our faith, and if anything is withheld we must bow to the wisdom of God. He is not obliged to give account on all matters.
As to giving out a hymn or a prayer in a ministry meeting, Scripture does not indicate that all that follows should be the filling out of it. The action of the Spirit in the assembly involves variety. A revelation in 1 Corinthians 14:30 hardly indicates
that it would be the same part of the truth as the one who sits down had been ministering.
Regarding John 5:22 the Person in the Deity is meant -- He, the Father, does not judge; it is the Son, but nevertheless it is God who judges, for the Son is God. That is, each of the Divine Persons may act as God. But where formal distinction is made in Scripture we must recognise it. Thus the term "God" is wider than Father. When Judgment, Creation, etc., are in question the Son is the actual Person of the Trinity who operates; but still it is the one God. We may worship God as including all the Persons, but specifically the one God is the Father; 1 Corinthians 8:6. This is in the economy of grace: the Son and the Spirit act mediatorially. In judgment the Son will act, but it will be God judging.
I hope what I have written will be of service to you.
With love in Christ,
I am, affectionately in Him,
Beloved Brother, -- What I wrote our brother (Mr. C------ ) would certainly include that I should not object to gospel testimony presented to young people of worldly parentage, but that I should object to children of those in fellowship being segregated for instruction.
If a brother carries on a service for the blessing of young people, if he cannot reach the old in the world in a godly and humble way, I have no difficulty.
With love in Christ, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
My Dear Arthur, -- By this you will be thinking of preparing to start for Great Britain and I trust conditions will be favourable in every way.
We have just returned to Belfast from our tour to Derry, Sligo, Ratharney and Dublin, and we leave for Glasgow tonight,
God willing, after the prayer meeting. There were good results in Derry -- seven have requested to break bread as the result of the weekend meetings. Mr. Ide preached on the Lord's Day evening and was helped. Last weekend in Dublin was much blessed. They have secured an excellent room, which is a great advantage.
The special meetings in Belfast were much blessed of God. They were the largest so far -- some 1,100 a good proportion from England and Scotland and abroad. Several young people, I hear, have asked for fellowship since the meetings. At the meetings at Bournemouth, the day after our arrival, there were over 900, including Mr. Coates, and a very happy time. My throat has been affected and so I was hoarse, but God helped and all heard.
Interest in the truth in these countries is as great as ever -- perhaps greater -- thank God. In the Irish Free State things are greatly reduced from what they used to be 50 years ago, but God is with the brethren. Dublin is increasing. In the north there is steady increase. We have a heavy programme in Scotland, but God will help, I am sure. We are due in England for meetings in Cirencester on the 28th inst. Then Cranleigh, Haywards Heath and Ilford before the Birmingham meetings.
R.M.S. Queen Mary.
Beloved Brother, -- I am glad to have your letter of June 16th. I have been greatly pressed with work and have been unable to answer earlier.
I hardly know what to say about the hymn book. It seems to me to provide a fairly good supply of hymns for all services in the assembly. What is needed, of course, is spiritual intelligence as to how to use the book and, by careful examination, I believe you will find a good few hymns that can be used in relation to the new covenant.
As regards 'God in the Absolute' I hardly know what you have in your mind as to hymns to Him as such. As I understand, in our addressing God it should be either as known in
the new covenant, as the Father and as God seen for instance, in 1 Corinthians 15:28. God, as the Creator, of course, should have a place with us.
The above appellations refer to God as made known or related to us, and they cover the scriptural way of presenting Him to us. "To us there is one God, the Father" should steady our minds as to Him. The idea of absoluteness is that He is unrelated to anything in creation. He has to be thought of in this way, but in worshipping Him or serving Him in any way we should learn to hold Him in our minds as He is revealed in Christ. As creatures we are unable to go beyond this.
As regards the brother you refer to -- if there is wilful conduct still unjudged it should not be allowed to stand. It should be dealt with in a disciplinary way by the assembly. Each sin or wilful act in anyone in fellowship in a locality should be taken account of by the brethren, so that I do not understand your allusion to iniquity coming to the full. Sin is sin even if it be not fully developed.
You will see that I am on my return journey after visiting England this year. I found great cheer among the brethren. There is steady headway in the truth in Great Britain.
I am thankful to hear of generally encouraging conditions in New Zealand. It has been a joy to meet lately several of our dear brethren of that Dominion.
Under God's good hand, I hope to see the brethren in Auckland, at least, on my return to Australia at the special meetings in October 1939.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and yourself and to all the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
R.M.S. Queen Mary.
Beloved Brother, -- I have been unable to answer your letter of June 14th because of pressure of work.
As regards your enquiry I would point out that in 1 Corinthians 11 there are two words used as to head-covering. Verse 6 has the word "covered" and verse to has the word "authority". The former cannot mean the hair, for it is said, "if a woman be not covered, let her hair also be cut off;" thus it is
clear that where the word of God is ministered and where prayer is made, sisters should have a covering. The word "veil" in verse 15, being a further thought, cannot set aside what is stated in verses 5 and 6.
Verse 10 says: "Therefore ought the woman to have authority on her head". This would refer to a sign worn on the head to denote authority in the man, or in Christ, over her, and it seems that a sister wearing 'a bow' as you mention, would be observing in some sense, at least, what is said in verse 10.
I hope the above remarks will be of service to you.
I shall try to remember to convey your greetings to my son and daughter and son-in-law. My daughter has recently had an operation for appendicitis as we learnt by cable on Monday. Through God's mercy she is doing well.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your household.
Yours affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Many thanks for your letter of the 16th inst. and cable of the 24th inst. We were grieved to hear of Arthur Steven. I have written his parents.
The news of Mr. G------ is distressing indeed. His brother wrote, me details. We are very grieved for Mrs. G., who is herself far from well, and for Southport -- two valued brothers lately taken.
Before this reaches you you will have heard that Mr. H. Gill fell asleep -- on the 27th inst. Burial tomorrow. I have no details save that Geoffrey telegraphed that his father had 'passed away peacefully', with particulars as to burial, etc., also that his mother was 'well sustained'. Our brother had remarkable ability in preaching and in his earlier days worked hard, being blessed of God; but always marked by personal friendships and singularly wanting in crises. His special links with ------ , ------ , etc., menaced for years the peace of the saints.
I received from Mr. Chesterfield, A.J.G.'s statement as to the 'London brothers' readings', which commends itself. I am thankful the matter is thus settled .
------ wrote saying he had been exercised to 'take away the reproach' -- want of leadership in these meetings. I said in reply that he evidently did not enquire as to the constitutionality of the meetings, which he surely should have done, and that hence his concern as to leadership was misguided. I pointed out that no reproach attached to London, as compared with other cities, as to leadership; and that the special leadership he had in mind for the brothers' readings necessitated the gift of teaching and that Scripture treats this as general and not fixedly local.
You will be aware that dear Mrs. Fawcett is with the Lord. She had been honourably identified with the testimony for nearly half a century. Through her illness she became weakened in body and mind and hence did not end here as brightly as might have been expected; but the divine root was there: in her well days she usually had a true judgment in times of uncertainty.
As regards ------'s funeral, Mrs. ------ , Mrs. ------ , ------ and wife have cleared themselves, for which we are thankful.
I am grieved that Gardenstown is not more hopeful. The peculiar character of the evil, of a piece with Westfield, Bath, Novi, etc., is very noteworthy. The Lord will surely move against it.
We are thinking of you in all your journeyings and services.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your sister,
Affectionately in Him,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter of the 20th ult. was duly received and it has remained longer unanswered than I wished, but special meetings have been on and I attended those in Detroit, occupying me nearly a week. Besides, I have been using all available time to complete the revision of notes of the late meetings in Ireland.
The matter you write about is familiar to me as there has been much enquiry as to the kind of service you mention during recent years.
I have habitually distinguished between meetings composed of children whose parents are 'in the world' and of those whose parents are in fellowship. The former come under the head of gospel testimony. Even if we cannot interest the parents surely the attendance of the children is important, for seed sown in their hearts will under God become fruitful.
The real difficulty that has arisen as to meetings for children is that in segregating those belonging to the saints for spiritual teaching they are deprived of the influence and example obtainable in the ordinary meetings of the saints. The general principle and example afforded in Scripture is that children should learn with their parents. Children's meetings or 'Sunday-schools' are an outgrowth of current worldly religion and are damaging.
A brother wrote me last spring as to meetings for 'outside' children and I told him I had no difficulty, but I found afterwards that what was actually conducted was a system of teaching like a Sunday-school. In such a case there will be certain results, but the method used is Philistine -- like the "cart" on which the Ark was placed.
And even if the 'system' is not prominent, the meetings may draw in the children of the saints and these neglect the regular meetings where, as I said, there is spiritual influence and example not ordinarily found in children's meetings.
But I am assured that the dear brethren in Donaghadee will consider for the Lord in what they do, and make more of Him and His authority and the truth generally than outward results.
Lately there have been three special meetings held in this country and Canada, covering three days, and the Lord graciously gave blessing. I attended those held in Detroit, A.M.H. those at Manchester, Connecticut, J. Dean those held at Vancouver.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you and your house and to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
P.S. -- My wife had a bad fall lately, from which she has suffered much. No bones were broken, thank God, but bad wounds. They are healing steadily through God's mercy.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Beloved Brother, -- Your letter to Southampton was a cheer to us -- it should have been acknowledged earlier, but much has intervened to hinder.
The item relative to Newcastle is significant as a further symptom of the disease that has been prevalent there. As you say, Zechariah 12 settles the matter. Last month Barry sent me a copy of a letter he wrote A.M.H. which shows in a striking way the deep-rooted evil that had to be met. In thinking lately of current local eruptions I have noted a peculiar vehemence that marks them. Newcastle, Bath, Westfield; dogged adherence to an attitude taken up, however plainly the error of it is shown to them.
That the dear brethren in London were enabled to reach the decision to discontinue the 'brothers' readings' is a matter of thankfulness, and I am assured a meeting based on 1 Corinthians 14:23 will be blessed of God. This is experienced in the one held here. Mr. Chesterfield sent me a copy of your letter covering the discontinuance of the brothers' readings and it commends itself much.
A.M.H. is in this district and has liberty in ministry and among the saints. He seems to have been helped in the special meetings in Manchester, Connecticut, a fortnight ago. There was also a good season at Detroit. At the readings we had 'Revivals' -- a subject we touched on at Sheffield, but enlarged on in five readings in Detroit. The Lord helped. At Vancouver, meetings were held at the same time. J. Dean was there, but tidings of them have not yet come.
You will be aware that Mr. H. Gill is with the Lord. He suffered much in his head, but nearing the end he was peaceful, we hear.
The position in Newcastle, N.S.W., is causing much uneasiness. A letter signed by W.J.H. and Dr. Wallace furnishes a plain account of it. Mr. H------ seems to have most in the meetings -- there are two -- with him in setting out vague ideas which apparently are not according to the truth. Early in the summer Mr. H------ had promised to write an outline of what he holds for Mr. Coates and myself to read, but it seems he has decided not to do this. In view of the work of God through Mr. Nunnerley, the enemy seems to be moving; although Mr. H------ had been occasioning concern long before, and you
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