UNKNOWN, 1899

UNKNOWN, 1899

Mr. Davis.

I have already written to V.S. in regard to his question on the enclosed. I believe the ground taken to be entirely unscriptural whatever good purpose it may ^[p. 157] have been intended to serve. The authority of the Lord is vouchsafed to the assembly in a city and I would not recognise any authority as resident outside it. The reference to Acts 15 does not justify the action taken. The apostles (who had authority) and elders came together to consider the matter, i.e., to investigate but the decision was ultimately made by the whole church. As regards the reference to 1 Corinthians 6:4, can this be other than a matter between two brothers being referred to the arbitration of one brother, but this is a very different thing from a collective action which might in practice become a very dangerous thing. In cases where it is necessary to enquire into details I can understand the investigation of the elders of the assembly being necessary but they have no authority in Scripture to settle anything so that it cannot be raised again. Such actions have no sanction in Scripture that I know of.