BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 16TH, 1942
BROOKLYN, N.Y., APRIL 16TH, 1942
Beloved Brother, — Since your letter of March 25th came I have been visiting Canada — Montreal, Perth, Toronto, Hamilton and London — special meetings, as you will know, were held in the latter city. The Lord gave a good time — we had ‘Prayer in the book of Acts’ at the readings. The subject bore on various features of the truth.
As regards government bonds, buying these is, of course, loaning to the government. The money in a way is Caesar’s and should be rendered to him — as he seeks it. But besides, government is ordained of God, and we are to be subject to it; to pray for it, for it is God’s minister to us for good. Why then, if we have money to loan, should we not loan it to it as we would to others? What particular use the authorities make of the money Christians give or loan them is not really our business. They bear not the sword in vain, Scripture says therefore they are supposed to have a sword and if they buy a sword — they must have it to maintain government. They are doing what Scripture recognises as needful.
We need to see clearly that government is one thing and Christianity is another. Those in authority need not be Christians; if men are true to Christ they will not be in such positions, for the Lord said that “all who take the sword shall perish by the sword;” also that “my kingdom is not of this world”. At the same time He said to Pilate that he could have no authority against Him if it was not given him from above.
Thus while the Lord, on the one hand, shows that Christians should not use the sword, on the other He owns power from above for government in the hands of an unconverted man.
[p. 262] Thus the position could not be clearer — ordained government as it is outwardly today is distinct from Christianity, but that Christians are obligated to it as set up of God. It would thus be unfair for us to deny to it what we would be free to grant to others.
I am glad to hear of the Lord’s Day afternoon readings in all the rooms and a combined one on the first Lord’s Day of each month. The Lord’s Day afternoon affords an excellent atmosphere for readings; the saints need a special meeting also in the middle of the week, such as is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 14.
My wife unites in love in Christ to you, your house and to all the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.