BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 26TH, 1935

BROOKLYN, N.Y., AUGUST 26TH, 1935

Mr. W. J. Young.

My Dear Brother, — Your letter was received as I arrived here a week ago, but I am sorry to say it became mislaid through stress of circumstances, so I can but reply from memory of what it contained.

My remarks as to the ‘care meeting’ were general and had reference to administrative matters; that is, what regularly requires discipline or affects fellowship; in a word, matters which require collective authority. Much can be done based on confidence in a brother; for instance, need arising suddenly would be met on this principle. What a brother might do, manifestly right, would be accepted as approved of God. Also the giving of letters of commendation — such a service is ^[p. 2] usually left to a brother morally fitted for it. All are committed to what he does on the principle of confidence which love for one another implies. Thus the saints, being characteristically children of wisdom, serve one another in a local and general sense, in this way ministering pleasure to God. Much of this service enters into what is called the ‘care meeting’ and can thus be carried into effect without formal reference to the assembly.

But brothers together for ‘care’ have no collective administrative authority — at least I know of no scriptural warrant for this. Indeed the scriptural basis for brothers’ care meetings needs generally enquiring _into. Acts 15 is, I think, the scripture that may be fairly regarded as furnishing this — perhaps the only one in a direct sense. The whole procedure in this chapter cannot apply today, for it is apostolic and metropolitan. We have no apostles now, nor an earthly metropolis owned of God. But what does apply is the principle in the chapter of brothers coming together to consider a matter, verse 6. Then another principle is seen in verse 22; that is, that after the mind of God is brought in during the consideration (verses 7 - 21), the assembly is identified with the results reached.

To make the procedure apply today we must omit the part taken by “the apostles and elders” (verse 22), their place in verse 6 being simply that of brothers; so that what remains for authoritative action is the assembly, the Holy Spirit being in in verse 28. In order to get the full benefit of the example supplied in Acts 15 for present use we must also omit the great question actually dealt with, substituting it by any matter properly belonging to local assembly administration. Thus we have the brothers considering or deliberating and the assembly acting authoritatively.

1 and 2 Corinthians are intended specially to instruct us as to the assembly, in its general aspect, indeed, but particularly as to its local setting. It is God’s assembly in Corinth or in any other city or place. He is identified with it, in it indeed, and it acts for Him and in His power. Elders are not mentioned evidently to stress the assembly itself — that it functions organically and administratively. Viewed in a general sense, the specific gifts are said to be set in it by God. And it is significantly stated that the least esteemed in it are to be employed judicially. This shows inferentially that young brothers, or brothers regarded as of small account, are not to ^[p. 3] be excluded from deliberative meetings. In principle all are responsible and the young should b e made to recognise this, with the provision that one “weak in the faith” is not to be received to the determining of questions of reasoning. The younger brothers learn as they have opportunity of seeing how divine wisdom manifests itself in those who are older and have more experience (see 1 Peter 5: 1 - 7). The address to the angel in each of the seven assemblies (Revelation 2, Revelation 3) implies this general responsibility. There is, of course, full room for the exercise of eldership in the measure in which it may exist in any meeting for the care of the Lord’s interests.

The Corinthian epistles, as already said, are intended to teach us as to the place the local assembly has in the divine economy, and as remarked, it is noteworthy that elders are not mentioned in them. Over against this, the frequent reference to the assembly is striking. It is seen as the temple of God, chapter 3; as administrating discipline, chapter 5; in relation to fellowship, chapter 10; in relation to the Lord’s supper, chapter 11; in relation to the general testimony, chapter 12; in relation to ministry, chapter 14; in relation to collections for known needs, 2 Corinthians 8.

It is clear, therefore, that all matters requiring collective authority should be dealt with finally in the assembly. This would include discipline, whether involving withdrawal or what may be less serious; also the extension of fellowship to companies of christians in other localities, or the withdrawal of fellowship from such companies.

I trust the above will be clear and that it may be serviceable to you. My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Young, you, and to all your family.

Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.

I am now starting on an extended journey, including Vancouver, Berkeley, Los Angeles.