ON BOARD S.S. CAMERONIA, JUNE 16TH, 1931
ON BOARD S.S. CAMERONIA, JUNE 16TH, 1931
Mr. Arthur J. H. Brown.
My Dear Brother, — Your letter was very welcome and interesting. First, I would say that I am glad you purpose visiting South Africa. You will find ready interest among the dear saints there, although you will miss Dr. Elliott much. I shall be remembering you in prayer in view of this service.
I agree with what you say as to Romans 3: 25 — the new punctuation seems forced. Faith is a principle in a person, and while Divine Persons are properly the objects of it, it includes all that is presented on their part. Thus as the blood of Christ is said to effect certain things I believe what is said and in this sense believe in it. Hence “The faith” — what is believed. The blood (1 John 5) is one of the “three” that bear witness and I believe its witness.
As regards ‘Eternal Sonship’, I am assured the Lord is through the exercise asserting the authority of Scripture and that in due course its teaching as to His Person and revelation generally will be much more clearly understood. Hitherto much had to be assumed in treating certain passages, such as John 5. I cannot find that John 5 deals (save as accepting what was generally held) with the Lord’s statements of Himself as Son in this and kindred scriptures. Nothing has exercised me more than this matter, but as waiting on the Lord I am confirmed that what was said at Barnet is in accord with the teaching of Scripture and makes for a clearer and truer apprehension of Deity and of revelation.
One is, however, greatly afraid of extremes and so cast on God as to this as to himself and others.
The Chicago matter is so far settled, but I am uneasy as to [p. 327] the attitude of the Chicago brothers, as in their letter of withdrawal they placed the onus of the withdrawn letter largely on others. There has been much cheer lately in America, especially at the conference at Rochester the end of last month.
We hope to land at Glasgow on Lord’s Day and later go to Bristol.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. Brown and you all.
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.