BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 8TH, 1945
BROOKLYN, N.Y., MAY 8TH, 1945
Mr. F. Willy.
Beloved Brother, — I thank you for your letters of February 13th and March 15th. I have looked over both carefully, and like yourself, I am concerned as to certain facts and thoughts evidenced in letters from Sydney during recent months.
In January I wrote to Mr. W. J. House in answer to some letters I had received from him in which he mentioned exercises among brothers in Sydney that certain judgments and procedure relative to mixed marriages should be abandoned or modified. I learned from Capt. Gordon that what I wrote was circulated among the brethren. Indeed, W.J.H. wrote me that he himself had made it known among the saints. I need not say that I am most thankful for this fact, hoping that the Lord has used it.
And, as you know, Mr. Alfred House wrote me of Mr. B———’s case, sending me considerable facts as to it. During my visit to Australia in 1939, I had become acquainted with it; and from time to time since, I have been hearing of it — all, as ever, causing supplication to God for the dear brethren. I answered A.H. indicating that it seemed to me administrative judgment had failed in the sorrowful matter.
As regards your exercise as to the application of Scripture to B———’s case, especially 1 Kings 2: 26, 27, I have sympathy with your objections. It is clear that the principle of “things new and old” should enter into the use of Scripture; that is, that we should begin with the New Testament. I am not [p. 373] forgetting that every scripture is inspired of God and profitable.
But according to facts in B———’s case, reported definite and extended unrighteousness and untruthfulness existed, and the New Testament shows with great clearness that where these sins, as committed, are not judged before God and the brethren, fellowship must be withdrawn.
Regarding the use of Old Testament scriptures in adjudicating on questions arising in the present dispensation, if the apostles had given them priority how different the record would be! The authority of the Lord and His apostles, as representing Him, is seen throughout. Thus, “They persevered in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles”, etc.; and, “Do ye not know that ye are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Of course, the Old Testament is Scripture and authoritative and “cannot be broken” as the Lord says, but the order of it relatively is seen in James’ word confirming Peter in Acts 15: 15 “with this agree the words of the prophets”. The gospels confirm the Acts and the epistles, especially Matthew, particularly on judicial matters. Assembly discipline is contemplated in Matthew.
The judgment in B———’s case, concerning which is the correspondence between you and W.J.H. in 1937, was based on Old Testament scriptures; and, as I remarked, it involved unjudged unrighteousness and deception. Your remarks on 1 Kings 2: 26, 27 as the act of the king only and not the kingdom, which must be regarded as a system, are of importance especially in view of New Testament judicial actions. All the judicial cases involved in this section, including 2 Samuel 13 to end, enter into this and they afford much instruction.
I may add that the information sent me by Mr A. House has greatly aided me in forming a judgment as to B———’s case, and my feeling is that the miscarriage of judgment as to it must have damaged the saints.
No doubt Mr. Edson Joyce will have returned to Australia by the time this letter reaches you. We were glad to see him here, and that he was able to join with the brethren, especially in special meetings.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Willy and you and to the brethren.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.