BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 27TH, 1943

BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 27TH, 1943

Mr. Robert Smith.

My Dear Robert, — My wife and I were pleased indeed to receive your letter, but I regret it has remained so long unanswered. I am very sympathetic with your exercises as to life insurance. I have long thought it out of keeping with the believer’s calling and hopes to insure his life. The believer belongs to God, spirit, soul and body and it is peculiarly incongruous that he should make himself a subject of trade or barter, for in truth that is what life insurance is. In business, because of bank and credit requirements, insurance of property has to be made, especially as institutions with whom obligations are contracted have to be protected. The same is true as to house property on which mortgages are placed. But, as I said, the Christian’s body, his whole being, belongs to God and hence His rights enter into it.

What I have said about business as compared with one’s body, is, I think, to be well considered. All it implies is the protection of a third party, as to property, not oneself. Even as to this I have not been free to insure our car; but I am not definite on this point, that is, as to the protection of a third party. It would be serious, if one damaged another and could not make reparation. But, as I said, I leave this — never having insured our car. [J.T. took out car insurance later; while it is not compulsory in New York State, it is very close to being so. — ED].

We have been looking to the Lord for you as to this difficulty with which you are confronted. The Lord, I am sure, has the greatest interest in the young brothers in your position, and will not fail to furnish you all wisdom as needed. Lately we ^[p. 302] have been noting the exercises of Joseph in Matthew 1. He is called a righteous man. While he pondered on a most important matter an angel of the Lord appeared to him and gave him light as to what to do. This is to encourage us to think righteously, weighing difficulties and the Lord gives understanding in all things.

There is steady encouragement among the saints. There was a good season at Plainfield last Saturday. You will have heard of Mr. Markham. I was speaking to him yesterday on the phone. He is quite cheerful. He is, I believe, burdened by ———’s course. It is distressing indeed. The brethren in Westfield have been gracious and at the same time faithful with ——— . We are all cast on God for him.

My wife joins in much love.

Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.