164, HAVERSTOCK HILL, LONDON, NW3, JUNE 21ST, 1935

164, HAVERSTOCK HILL, LONDON, NW3, JUNE 21ST, 1935

Mr. K———.

Beloved Brother, — I wish to thank you for calling me on the telephone. I understood you fairly well, especially as to the purpose to suggest a meeting of saints in the other neighbouring gatherings — perhaps on Saturday of next week. Our prayers shall go up for this meeting. The matter is really of universal bearing but wisdom will leave it in nearby hands, trusting they will be governed by right principles and that love that never fails, otherwise brethren further afield will need to act, as also responsible.

In such circumstances we must act with heaven. Acts 10 shows that it takes the lead in them, and that we must not be out of accord with it.

General facts (especially those of the ‘Report’ ) show that those of Wesley Street are clear of the evil that has been shown to exist in Newcastle, that indeed they have stood against it. This marks them off as on quite a different footing from those from whom they have separated.

Whether our brethren in Wesley Street are in their spirits and general outlook equal to their outward position is what the brethren in the neighbouring meetings have to decide. In determining this, they will need to humbly consider themselves ^[p. 458] and not look for more in their brethren than marks them in their respective local settings. If there be disregard of this and a judgment reached contrary to the Lord’s mind He will not fail to resent it.

Some reports are in circulation which indicate that our brethren in Wesley Street are not as to their state fit for fellowship, but they are not supported by accredited facts; having made careful enquiry I can find no foundation for them. My long interview with them, in company with Mr. Malpas and you, brought out nothing uncommendable. Of course, impressions of brethren more or less conversant with Newcastle demand respect and consideration, but they cannot be regarded as conclusive as to any point, except as accompanied by accredited facts. Then generalities as to the history of Newcastle are but of little importance. To judge according to God we must have authentic current conditions.

Our brethren who recently withdrew from Wesley Street must have a great place in our minds. All godly effort should be made to recover them, but in these efforts we must not make our brethren at Wesley Street suffer. We cannot ignore their rights as shown above.

Our brethren who have separated have had the opportunity to walk with their brethren and have failed to do so. I have examined nearly all their letters giving reasons for their withdrawal and I believe it will be owned by all who soberly weigh them that their writers do not furnish valid ground for withdrawing from their brethren. If this be so their course is (in principle at least) schismatic.

Then it is admitted by those who know the facts attaching to them that even if all the brethren now separated wish to return to Wesley Street certain of them would not be regarded as clear of the evil that was the cause of the present sorrow. In considering the conditions at Wesley Street this fact will be in view, and the Lord may make it clear that in recognising our brethren there as morally clear and hence possessing the same rights as ourselves, the position may be more favourable for the recovery of those now separated, that is, they can be served respectively according to the holiness and discipline of God’s house.

With love in Christ, I am,

Affectionately in Him,

James Taylor.