BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 12TH, 1933
BROOKLYN, N.Y., DECEMBER 12TH, 1933
Beloved Brother, — I am very thankful that brethren in the meetings more or less in the neighbourhood of Newcastle have moved according to the conversation we had when we met.
I saw two accounts of the meeting and I gather from them that the Lord’s good hand was over the brethren and that the trend of thought among them was in the right direction.
[p. 418] Brethren from nearby meetings being brought directly into the matter and taking counsel together in the Lord’s name, gives Him greater scope to act on the consciences of His people so that “righteousness and justice” may be done.
Wisdom among us would localise a difficulty of this kind as much as possible, but one of such magnitude as that at Newcastle cannot be wisely left in the hands of one meeting, especially if there are natural or other personal links apt to cause bias. It is in principle of general import and hence an advantage is gained in brothers of wisdom and experience from all neighbouring meetings being free to take counsel together as before the Lord so that He might guide to a righteous solution of the sorrow.
To this end it is obvious that the facts of the case must in a general way have full recognition, Israel’s judges must make thorough enquiry (Deuteronomy 19: 18) and they cannot do this save as salient facts have their full place. The ‘report’ of the three brothers furnishes these facts, and disregard of this report caused the open rupture. Mr. W——— by his confession confirmed the report. Wesley Street to “follow righteousness” should identify themselves with Mr. W——— in his confession as they had (tacitly to say the least) identified themselves with his charges. If they do this without reserve they will do what is right, and will imply that they caused division in failing to accept the report — it having the full status of the “witness” required in Deuteronomy 19, and elsewhere, in Scripture. If the facts governing the Newcastle sorrow are allowed their full weight it will be morally impossible to ask Eastwood to take common ground with Wesley Street. The position of the latter is utterly out of keeping with 2 Timothy 2: 22.
I shall be looking to the Lord for you all in view of any further meeting. I am sure He will not fail His dear people.
Affectionately yours in Christ,
James Taylor.