BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 4TH, 1930
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 4TH, 1930
Beloved Brother, — I wish to thank you for two letters and enclosures.
As regards Deuteronomy 21, there can be no doubt that it [p. 289] conveys a principle governing such a position as Bexley Heath. It has been so used in several cases and the Lord has confirmed the application of the principle of proximity.
What has to be borne in mind is that fellowship is general as well as local, hence when a division occurs in a meeting, fellowship in the former sense is involved, and so in principle all have to say to it. “Thine elders and thy judges” (verse 2) implies this for those of Israel are in view. In agreement with this, saints generally today would wisely leave a matter such as Bexley Heath in the hands of the meeting or meetings nearest. The fact that Deuteronomy 21 deals also with the establishment of guilt or innocency in the nearby city, does not invalidate the principle of proximity.
The most important feature in the chapter is the priests. These refer to spirituality (ability to judge), and if this does not exist in a meetings confidence by saints elsewhere could not wisely (believers characteristically are wisdom’s children) be placed in it, and so its nearness to the scene of trouble would fail of importance; hence meetings further afield, in which there is spiritual ability to judge, would be responsible to take part in the matter.
Thus the procedure would be on a moral basis, the work of God in His people being taken into account. The position would be one of general fellowship, into which the adjustment of the saints necessarily enters. Thus wisdom would leave the adjustment of the case with the nearest meeting or meetings, being assured of sufficient priestly integrity and ability existing in it or them to form a godly judgment.
This is exactly what marked the handling of the Bexley Heath case. There was general confidence in Sidcup, and this was strengthened by other nearby meetings confirming what Sidcup did.
As a matter of fact the situation at Bexley Heath was “already judged” (1 Corinthians 5: 3), for the course of Mr. M——— and his party was widely known, and the occasion of much sorrow; so that when they seceded from their brethren, there was very little doubt anywhere as to where right was; indeed, those who best know the facts recognised thankfully that the Lord had come in for deliverance.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.