ON BOARD R.M.S. AURANIA, MARCH 21ST, 1934
ON BOARD R.M.S. AURANIA, MARCH 21ST, 1934
My Dear Brother, — It is only since I came on board this boat that I find your letter of December 26th is still unanswered. I am very sorry.
[p. 441] Shortly after it arrived I took ill and my correspondence became much behind. In the early part of the year many invitations come from Great Britain and I am compelled to leave replies of most until I am at sea. Your letter, I regret to say, was placed with these and it was overlooked that it contained a special enquiry.
But I hardly know what to say as to the case you mention. Did I know the man in question and his history I should be the more able to furnish help.
It is important to note that Matthew, being the assembly gospel, has “except” (Matthew 19: 9) — making a way out for one who may be morally clear in the circumstances of divorce. But is the person you mention of this class? Was the cause of his action that mentioned by the Lord? I do not mean that if the answers are in the negative the man’s case is hopeless.
The government of God in the assembly is marked by grace, and hence, if the brethren are satisfied that the man is contrite, having judged as before God and his brethren his sinful conduct, I believe he may be restored to his privileges — although certain governmental limitations will attach to him. His present marital relations must be regarded as binding before God, also those of his former wife — neither can be righteously abrogated.
Thus the case is now dependent on the man’s state, which, of course, must be determined by the brethren in I———. But in a matter involving such conduct, it is evident that the man’s contrition should be without a cloud before he is restored to the fellowship of the saints.
What I am writing may now be too late, but I send it hoping it may be of service, under the Lord, in a general way.
You will see that my wife and I are on the Atlantic and we hope to land at London on Monday.
With our united love in Christ to you and your house and to the brethren, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.