BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 7TH, 1937
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 7TH, 1937
Mr. H. Waldron.
Beloved Brother, — I duly received your letter of the 1st ult. and only want of time prevented an earlier reply.
I am interested in all you write as to assembly procedure relative to ‘additions’. This matter is much on the minds of the saints and no doubt help from the Lord is being experienced. He gives understanding in all things.
One thing is clear — that order should mark all that is done in the assembly, but at the same time, simplicity, “simplicity as to the Christ”. Thus, as to persons seeking to walk with us, Revelation 22: 14 shows that those who “wash their robes” have a “right”, that they should go in by the gates into the city. Clear testimony that one does wash his robes is thus all that is needed. The apostles and elders came together “to see about this matter” — the principle of a care meeting. What was reached by enquiry and scriptural principles went forward, as it were, to the assembly — due allowance being made for the apostles having led in the matter — so that “it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders with the whole assembly”, etc. From the above it is clear to me that testimony as to a believer seeking part in the fellowship coming through the care meeting in a normal way should be accepted by the assembly, most of which, or at least those who take the lead in it, having had part in the investigation. Cumbersomeness should be avoided, and the confidence of love requires that brethren solemnly meeting in care of the assembly should be trusted. I do not, therefore, see the need of the brothers who have visited the person seeking to have part in the fellowship, testifying to the assembly after testifying to the brothers met in care. The name of the person being announced on a Lord’s Day morning to break bread on the following, no objection being made in the interim, amply safeguards the matter.
As regards the ‘treasury’, I believe the simple, practical [p. 105] way is for each sub-division in a city to attend to ordinary matters relative to the meeting room, etc. Much should be left in this sense on the principle of confidence and to avoid taking up time in the general care meeting; when more spiritual matters should have precedence. Above is the way followed generally in large cities as far as I know, and is blessed of the Lord.
With the hope that what I have written may be of service, I am, with love in Christ,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.