BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 9TH, 1938

BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 9TH, 1938

Mr. W. J. Bishop.

Beloved Brother, — Your letter of the 7th ult. has just come and I am grieved by the matters you mention.

Mr. Hayward wrote me some time ago as to Kaiwaka and I felt I could say but little as my knowledge of the facts and persons involved were so scanty. But I did say that I did not think the meeting in Kaiwaka should be dissolved because of Mr. S———’s wicked conduct.

Whether assembly conditions did not exist could hardly be determined save as by a visit to the place. Thus A.M.H. was in a position to judge as to actual conditions, having been on ^[p. 112] the spot and I was not. But as to the truth governing the position, the prevalence of natural relationship could not, in itself, be a reason for discontinuing the meeting, nor, as I said, could S———’s conduct, in itself, be a valid reason for the dissolution of the meeting. As to the first, Scripture shows that any disadvantage occasioned in a meeting of saints by natural relationship may be overcome by spiritual power: the Levite says to his father and mother, “I have not seen him”. Then S———’s conduct is of the devil and in such cases as the saints look to Him, God would come in and give deliverance. A wicked man similarly attacked the saints in Kingston, Jamaica, and harassed the saints for years, but God evidently has come in for deliverance as I saw there lately. That Kaiwaka brethren sinned against light furnished them would, it seems to me, be difficult to prove. Brethren elsewhere judging on this line can hardly hope that this judgment will satisfy the consciences of others. In such matters facts must be considered if a righteous judgment is to be reached. Judgments based on impressions, feelings, etc. are usually the cause of the continuance of those local sorrows, that are now, alas! so prevalent. If in our enquiries we confine ourselves to the facts of a case and the principles that govern it we shall rule out all that is extraneous, thus reducing it to its own limits for judicial purposes, making, under God, a right judgment certain. The Lord is jealous as to His rights in localities, and thus a doubtful position should be left immediately in His hands. If it is clear — the priests being responsible, especially those nearby — that the meeting is leprous, this being established by known facts, of course fellowship should be discontinued.

Thus I would say that if active self-will cannot be shown to be working among the saints at Kaiwaka, and that they are in the main seeking to be in the place for the Lord, other meetings should stand by them in sympathy and prayer, individuals visiting them for instruction, comfort and support. To make them transgressors for not acting on advice given by a brother is most precarious — indeed wrong and tending to becloud the position. It is but on individual belief or impression and not valid as evidence in a judicial enquiry. Another thing is, that impressions as to causes and results should not govern us in judicial administration in the house of God. These have to be left with God. We must, as already said, go by the facts and principles governing any case, and the Lord will not fail ^[p. 113] to give a right judgment as we wait on Him, judging, as He enjoins, “righteous judgment”.

As regards the other case you mention, it seems to me, judging by the facts you furnish, that the sister in question should be treated as a subject of compassion, being evidently a sufferer from mental derangement. I have had much to do with persons thus affected — the affliction showing itself after they took part in the fellowship. If they quietly submit to a judgment reached in assembly we should be thankful. That their natural relatives should care for them is surely right, and their presence in a house, as subject to the order of it, cannot be regarded as a defilement. Unless there is very good reason that is based on facts to question such a circumstance, it should be left with the meeting in which it exists. Wisdom would lead us to confine evil or trouble, to leave it as much as possible in the hands of those immediately responsible.

I am thankful to hear of general encouragement in New Zealand and trust this will continue to increase. You all are much in the prayers of the brethren — certainly in ours for our links with the brethren there are strong.

God is greatly helping His people in America. Mr. Lyon is here and blessed of God in his services. Lately my wife and I returned from a visit to Jamaica and Miami and know that our labours there were not in vain. There was much blessing.

With our united love in Christ to you and your house and the brethren in Mount Eden, I am,

Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.