BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 17TH, 1930
BROOKLYN, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 17TH, 1930
My Dear Brother, — I have been long in replying to your letter of July 18th, but it is because of want of time.
I quite agree that the dealing with sin by the people of God should have a public bearing; all who might be interested should know that the great principle of judging evil is maintained.
In detail, however, this, the mode of procedure, would be regulated by wisdom. If a special meeting is called, as you mention, of course, only those in fellowship — those breaking bread — would be present. I cannot see how ‘any professing Christian in the place could rightly claim to be there’. If such persons are disregarding Christian fellowship, expressed in the Lord’s supper, how can they ‘rightfully’ claim to have part in discipline? If identified with current religious denominations, or otherwise worldly, they are under discipline themselves in principle, for those who are seeking to keep the commandments of the Lord, naming His Name, in the town or place have withdrawn from them (2 Timothy 2). “Ye and my spirit being gathered together, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 5: 4) — “Ye” corresponds with those [p. 283] truly in fellowship now, as 2 Timothy 2: 22; not to all ‘professing’ Christians.
If the meeting for discipline takes place after a prayer or reading meeting and interested or exercised persons are present at the latter, it would be right to let them remain perhaps, so that they might see that holiness is maintained, although unless they are clear themselves it is not right that they should have part in the discipline. As far as I know brethren are enabled of the Lord to act wisely in these matters. They are indeed the children of wisdom.
With love in the Lord, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.
PS — It is of immense importance to keep the whole assembly steadily in view in our collective services, being governed at the same time by 2 Timothy. We are thus preserved from sectarianism. Formal routine tends to the latter. But as with Him, the Lord gives such power and tone to our actions that we are free from, and so cannot be righteously charged with, it. As a matter of fact we are, however in power, regarded as sectarian, for nominal Christians, or even true Christians not walking in obedience, are unable to think of us otherwise. — J.T.