BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 27TH, 1940
[p. 168] BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 27TH, 1940
Mr. Eustace Roberts.
Beloved Brother, — Thanks for all information sent me as to conscientious objectors.
In this enquiry the word ‘conscience’, as governed by the word of God, has two bearings: first, it urges respect for and subjection to the Civil Authorities as ordained of God; secondly, it is concerned in the believer that his associations and conduct should acknowledge in the fullest way the rights of God. No. 2 is, of course, the first in order in a believer, but I place No. 1 where it is because the claim of the government is the occasion of the enquiry. Hence the matter has to be faced from this point of view.
Romans 13 stresses subjection to the authorities. It is not simply every one, but every soul, indicating that the believer’s feelings are in it, which is confirmed by the note to verse 1 — ‘let every soul subject itself’. Further, “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are set up of God” — this occasions the feeling attitude of the believer. The whole passage is striking in this respect. And what is enjoined is said to be “not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience”.
How then is the believer to regard the requirement of the government? Obviously sympathetically. This certainly should be so in the abstract, and if it touches him seriously he should seek grace from God to be right in his soul as to it, looking to Him to make a way for him: that, on the one hand, he may take up an attitude in having to say to the authorities that will be a testimony to Christ, and, on the other, that he may be maintained from damage in any service allotted to him.
If his conscience thus renders him favourable to the government, will it be unfair in discriminating against any duties required of him by the authorities? He cannot take life, but can he save life? And can he not perform many services for the government that in themselves he would gladly take on if he needed work to obtain a living?
Much, of course, may be said as to being clear of army associations, uniforms, etc., but the basic facts are that the government urgently needs workers in the fulfilment of duties put on them by God and why should a Christian seek exemption [p. 169] from services which in themselves are such as he could freely render to an ordinary employer?
For the moment the government is his employer. It is not bondmanship in the ordinary sense but special service required in a respectful, considerate way by the government from its subjects — provision being made for their consciences according to what Scripture enjoins as due to God.
I could say much more, but there is hardly need for this, for what I have written will indicate plainly enough my mind, and it is in principle what it was from the outset of the last war.
My wife and I are very sympathetic with Mrs. Roberts and you in the present pressure and our prayers go up.
With our love in Christ to you all,
Affectionately in Christ,
James Taylor.