BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 6TH, 1940

^[p. 189] BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 6TH, 1940

Mr N. B. Stewart.

Beloved Brother, — I am glad of an opportunity of writing you, especially in answer to questions in your letter of June 17th. I appreciate your expressions of sympathy and interest. God has been good to us here and now the saints are much together and there is blessing generally. I am thankful to hear of cheer in Sydney. The work of God there is the cause of thanksgiving universally. You certainly have had a reduction in Lindfield, but you will feel compensated in the increase for the Lord in another meeting.

As to ‘War Loans’ I think with you that we should help the government as far as we can. Making voluntary enlistment — involving combatant service — the same is not right. Government is of God and should be supported as far as a good conscience will admit. In this case the government only asks for a loan.

Dealing with evil in persons requires that the persons should be located where the discipline is imposed. “Remove the wicked person from amongst yourselves” implies this. If the person moves elsewhere before action is taken, the facts of the case, etc., should be transferred to the latter place. The person is now answerable there. One has had to do with this point many times and I am confirmed that above remarks are according to the teaching of Scripture. Christian discipline deals not only with historical conduct but also with the state of the person involved, and those in his locality are in the best position to judge of state, being where the person is.

As to withdrawing from iniquity this would allude to evil maintained in a collective sense, as in a system. “Vessels” would be those in the place of individual service.

Last month — holiday time — many special meetings were held and the Lord blessed them. At the beginning of September meetings are arranged for at Detroit, Vancouver and Manchester, Connecticut I hope to be at Detroit, J. Dean at Vancouver and our son Jim at Manchester. Mr. Myles had been invited to the last named, but felt unable for the work.

My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Stewart and you, also to your family and to the brethren.

Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.