BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 22ND, 1940

BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 22ND, 1940

Mr. Alfred Helen.

Beloved Brother, — I am very glad to have your letter of the 2nd inst. What you write relative to the dear young brethren who have to appear before the tribunals is very interesting to me. I am very sympathetic with them, and thankful that the copies of the letters you refer to have been of service.

I received an interesting letter from ——— of Manchester, and I note that he, with many up in his district, have the thought that sub-section B of Section 5 of the Army Act is a reasonable outlet for the brethren. That is, ‘work of national importance’ instead of army service. I enclose herewith an extract from a letter recently written to a brother on your side, which may be of service to you. I send this so as to save the necessity of extending this letter.

In considering the army, I am sure the brethren would be wise to be respectful. It is but a department of the government, and essential to it. “The sword” in Romans 13 ^[p. 177] represents the army, and whilst Christians cannot undertake combatant service, they should be careful to express readiness to offer to do any non-combatant service that the government may require. Of course, an important consideration is that moral conditions or surroundings in connection with the army service may be worse than those found in relation to what is called ‘service of national importance’. Thus Section B, as already stated, is a reasonable outlet from the worse evil of army associations.

This crisis has surely some lesson for the young men especially, and they should, therefore, be concerned to tell the whole truth before the tribunals and make plain to them their sympathy with the government so far as is possible, trusting in God at the same time that the judgment the tribunals may reach in each case may save them as much as possible from damaging influences.

Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.