BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 3RD, 1940
BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 3RD, 1940
Mr. G. H. Diffey.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter came yesterday, and I write at once to say that I have sympathy with you and your family In view of what is before your two sons. I am sure God will help them in every way as they do what is right.
What I wrote to Mr. Roberts was to make clear that government is of God and has authority from Him, and that the believer must respect this, and not only respect it but sympathise with it, making every provision for the rights of God.
Those who exercise government are, of course, but men, and may misuse the authority they possess, requiring those under them to disobey God, as is the case in some countries today; then, of course the Christian must, in regarding the rights of God refuse to obey men — and suffer. But the abstract position is clearly set out in Scripture, especially in Romans 13 and the truly Christian conscience will recognise it and obey it. It is God’s minister to him for good.
In the present case the abstract thought of government is not violated, full provision being made for the enlightened believer’s conscience as to taking human life, but plainly intimating that whatever needed services which the persons in question can render should be rendered. Thus the believer — while shrinking from the possible evil associations, hardships and deprivations — is subject and accedes to the wish or demands of the governments, not only because of any penalty if he disobeys, “but also on account of conscience”. Hence while conscience requires him not to take human life, It requires him to do many other things because the authorities order him to do them.
Above is, I am assured, the scriptural position. Unfairness or ignorance in those executing the law or authority may [p. 175] occasion the most painful consequences to some, and this is illustrated in the case you mention. But surely a government which is liberal as to Christian conscience would rectify — if brought to its attention — the unrighteousness of an officer compelling a young brother to use a rifle seeing the tribunal before which he appeared granted him exemption from combatant duties.
In writing above I have the keenest sympathy with the young men, but we are in most difficult days and we must recognise the government of God in what is transpiring and accept that He has something for each of us to learn in them. As we do He will be with us and bring us out of the ordeal capable of more for Him than we could be, had we not been through it (Isaiah 43: 2).
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Diffey and you all and to all the brethren.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.