JANUARY 22ND, 1911

JANUARY 22ND, 1911

Mr. J. Henderson.

Beloved Brother, — Resurrection is not peculiar to the church: the whole twelve tribes were represented in the death and resurrection of Christ — the twelve stones in Jordan and at Gilgal — but the tribe of Levi had something special. They had the sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire — the Lord Himself and the Priesthood as their inheritance; then they had cities to live in. In the antitype, this latter means that our living associations are heavenly for our city is heavenly Jerusalem. Our associations are marked by life of course — the city of the living God, but alongside this we have heavenly Jerusalem and the assembly of the firstborn who are enregistered in heaven. And it will not do to make John’s gospel and Colossians equivalent. The former is the heavenly on earth. This is true not only as to Christ, but also as to the saints forming the church (chapter 20). They are the brethren of the heavenly or ascending Man, and they are formed inwardly by the truth of the ascended Man. John 20 involves Genesis 24.

I see nothing to hinder us from walking with our brethren, seeking to take the best view of what they present; at the same time holding fast in our own souls what has come down to us through God’s great favour, and ministering it frankly and fully as the Lord gives opportunity. We may be sure that God ^[p. 102] will be with His truth, and that in time all who love it will discern it. Nothing is more to be dreaded than the spirit of party.

Unless our great and unique place as the companions of the risen ascended Man is maintained and enjoyed (and the latter is in the assembly convened) the heavenly colour will disappear and we shall drop to the level of man on earth.

Affectionately yours in Christ,

James Taylor.