UNTITLED, 1935
UNTITLED, 1935
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.
[p. 13] 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,
James Taylor.