BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 14TH, 1943
BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 14TH, 1943
Mr. A. E. Myles.
Beloved Brother, — I am sorry I failed to reply to your inquiry as to the matter of volunteering. It was an oversight — although I think I carried the impression that I could not say [p. 323] anything definite. Ordinarily, of course, there is but one thing to say and that is that a Christian should take the attitude of obeying the government. If, however, the law so far as prescribed does not admit of conscripts being sent overseas and men who are already conscripts, or liable to be, are asked to volunteer for non-combatant duties abroad I think they should agree. Otherwise feelings would arise which we wish to prevent.
The government representatives which interviewed the brothers in the camp near Nanaimo were, according to Barnes’ letter and others which I have seen, very fair and friendly and this attitude should be encouraged. Acting on an expressed wish of the government is not exactly volunteering. If the word ‘volunteer’ is used as a convenience on the part of the authorities the matter is the more simple.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.