BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 13TH, 1944
BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 13TH, 1944
Mr. A. E. Myles.
Beloved Brother, — I am thankful that I have seen your letter of the 9th inst. to Mr. John Heggie, which greatly clarifies the Canadian military obligations as they apply to brothers in the Lord.
I take the opportunity offered of adding a word to remind brethren that government is ordained by God, and, hence, its requirements should be regarded, not merely as the outcome of human wisdom or caprice, but as possessing divine authority. The Gentile monarchies are said to be “the four Spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth” (Zechariah 6: 5). This agrees with the teaching of the New Testament which directs that a Christian should “be subject to the authorities that are above him. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God” (Romans 13: 1).
For clearness, it is necessary to consider the above statements of Scripture as abstract, and this will save us from darkening [p. 357] human conditions and details. The renewed mind will have recourse to this, so as to be assured of the exact teaching of any scripture, which often involves much elimination. From this result we can work out to practical application.
Thus in treating of the matter before us, we can see that abstractly, government exists in Canada and that it is of God. Who the agencies may be, who are employed in its administration is not the first thing, but rather that the abstract thought is discerned, and that, specifically, it applies to me. I do not seek to evade it even if it involves sacrifice. Whatever the requirement may be is my responsibility if made known through the means the government usually employs, and ignorance of it is no excuse for my non-compliance. If the regular leading officials of the government express a special wish that I should perform the said obligation, I am the more disposed to do so, conscientious considerations being fully met. I am indeed concerned about God’s rights in the matter all the time, as, however objectionable to my feelings, it expresses His “good and acceptable and perfect will”.
What discrepancies there may be between the obvious meaning of the requirement and the statements of subordinate officials, I proceed according to the former. If brethren are subject to the Lord, and to one another, they can surely arrive at a common judgment, and this will shut the enemy out, and prevent continuous variance and uncertainty.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.