BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 2ND, 1937
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 2ND, 1937
Mr. Frank Corney.
Beloved Brother, — Only want of time prevented an earlier reply to your interesting letter.
I am very thankful to hear of blessing among the dear brethren and especially that an additional meeting is in prospect. May God bless it!
[p. 103] As regards leadership in special readings, we are to know those who labour among us and take the lead among us in the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 5: 12. Then, God has set certain gifts in the assembly and these are to be recognised. Thus in such a meeting as you mentioned the brethren should be able to determine who has the greatest ability among those present and make room for him. This is but recognising God’s provision and ordering. Of course, courtesy, or rather brotherly consideration, enters into such a position and hence brothers from distant parts should have special room made for them. Love never fails in these matters and the Lord is with us in the arrangements we make as governed by it. Any special local need existing could be mentioned, but the subject or scripture should be left with the brother who takes the lead. The assembly does not teach or preach. In Scripture, ministry is made dependent on gift. Peter stood up with the eleven, Acts 2. Inviting a brother, whether local or resident elsewhere, to take the lead in special meetings is right. It is taking advantage of God’s provision. The Macedonian man said, Come over to Macedonia and help us.
As to one ceasing to break bread or withdrawing from a meeting — if no specific evil is evident the exercise of discipline hardly fits. We have to humbly accept the loss and if there is a likelihood of some in the meeting not knowing of the withdrawal the fact should be mentioned with humble acknowledgement. Each case should be treated according to existent facts, some calling for compassion; others marked by a degree of worldliness. Whatever is known in this respect should be mentioned that it should be on record that the assembly has a judgment as to them. “Your judgment”, Revelation 18: 20, is respected in heaven. There is surely some moral defect in one who deliberately leaves the place of light and privilege. The judgment formed by the saints as to one who has withdrawn stands against him and determines his status as to the fellowship, and he will have to face this sooner or later, either as seeking to resume his place or as at the judgment seat of Christ. Individual relations with him by those in fellowship must recognise this judgment.
The question as to “one God the Father” is answered by the remark that the apostle is speaking of the economy into which divine Persons have been pleased to come — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father — that Person — remains in the [p. 104] economy in the supremacy of Godhead, the other Persons taking subordinate — although we know from other scriptures that They retain Their equality in Deity — places.
With love in Christ in which my wife joins, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.