BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 29TH, 1940
BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 29TH, 1940
Mr. Alexander J. Murray.
My Dear Brother, — I received a few days ago your letter of the 14th inst. and papers enclosed.
I am unable, for want of time, to enter into the details of the papers you sent, but I learn that copies of some letters of mine, which convey my thoughts as to the subject involved, are in circulation and I have no doubt you can find opportunity to read them.
In addition to what I have written as mentioned above, I would remark that the account you sent of your testimony [p. 179] before the tribunal subordinates conscience to the thought of subjection to the government, which is not in accord with the teaching of Scripture and the examples it affords, especially the book of Daniel. Your spirit and attitude before the tribunal were good, and evidently led it to grant total exemption, but you gave no clear proof of possessing a conscience governed by the truth, ready to suffer for it. This latter is what God would bring out in this crisis.
And then the correspondence does not show that you recognise obligation to do something for the King in the present emergency. The Military Act puts this obligation on thousands, of whom you are one. Certain modification is made in your case, but clearly only in regard of conscience. The law affords provision for any conscience, but there is no righteousness — righteousness should lead us — in putting forth conscience unless it is a ‘good’ one, that is, one governed by the truth of God. The Christian is to have on the armour of light, and having it on he will not mis-name things. He will name the use of violence, taking human life, as something he cannot take part in, but there is much that does not come under this head and hence can be taken on as service for the government with a good conscience.
Government is of God and a War Department is essential to it; Scripture recognises this in the “sword”. The external government of the world is ordained of God, and all its departments are legitimate. It is not Christianity, nor intended to be in Christian hands; still Christians may serve in its departments — including the army and navy with certain limitations — as evidenced in Scripture and by the practice of godly men. Basically your remarks to the tribunal set all this as under Christian reproach. This is not honouring the King, who through his officers serves you every day, involving obligation on your part. Your subject attitude and words do not affect this. What I have written will show you that I cannot commend the letter — copy of which you sent me — to the brother you mentioned. I have great sympathy with the young brothers involved in the Act, and would rejoice if they all could be righteously exempted, but the facts do not show that this can be done righteously.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.