BROOKLYN N.Y., SEPTEMBER 14TH, 1903
[p. 6] BROOKLYN N.Y., SEPTEMBER 14TH, 1903
Dear Brother, — Your letter of August 31st was duly received, and nothing but sheer want of time has prevented an earlier reply.
Being so far from Minneapolis and not knowing the brethren I am somewhat at a disadvantage in having to say to the difficulty amongst you. My belief is that when matters of local difficulty arise the wisest course is to confine them as much as possible. It is impossible for people at long distances, who are not acquainted with the people nor the conditions, to judge fairly in such matters. I believe those most locally connected are the most likely to have the Lord’s mind; and it usually happens that there are those more or less qualified to judge righteous judgment. In this case it seems to me Chicago is the meeting best fitted, and the matter has really been brought to them. This is how I take it and I constantly look to the Lord that He may guide them to a just decision. The conduct of the brethren at Minneapolis (I refer to your own confession; although I do not think brethren regard what you admit as all) has brought them, so to say, to the bar: hence they are not the judges.
As regards the difficulty itself: where there has been a breakdown such as your letter indicates it is evident there must be a fresh start. I do not think there is such a thing as collective confession and restoration. Where there is departure I think the true way of recovery is for each individual to seek the Lord for himself (see Exodus 33: 7). It is only under these conditions there can be a fresh start according to God. Of course I do not know why Johanson and Cowles refuse to meet you — I should like very much to hear what they have to say. It is likely that their judgment is that you have not yet left the “camp”. If this be so I am not at all surprised; for as far as I can see you have not moved at all. You have said a good deal, and have more or less complied with the expressed wishes of the brethren, but of what avail is this when there is no moral movement? Your point (and also that of the printed paper of the 3rd inst. just received) is that you have come up to the letter of the law — what was required: ‘We have done all we can;’ but your brethren at Minneapolis may not be thinking of what you have done, but of what you are; and it may be on this account they hesitate to meet with you on ‘common ground’. There is no common ground for the Christian except the ground of righteousness: and if this does not exist how can there be a meeting together? I am not saying it does not exist, but at the same time I am far from censuring those at Minneapolis, who may think it does not, for thinking so. Indeed, I may say, I think they have good reason for thinking it does not exist. Your own letter and the printed paper alluded to give no encouragement that it does.
Not knowing the brethren at Minneapolis I cannot say much as to their attitude towards the truth. I am only acquainted with yourself and Mr. Barnaby. From the first time I met you I felt you dissented from the truth, and I think you know I felt thus. I assure you your attitude has pained me much, and it has pained many others of your brethren as well. You challenge your brethren to prove from Scripture wherein you have opposed the truth. What I say to this is, that my difficulty would be to find wherein you have not opposed it. I have been at many meetings with you and I may say frankly that I do not remember that you were ever at one with your brethren, i.e. speaking in a general way. I could easily furnish details, but this is hardly necessary. I do not think you can candidly deny what I say. Of course you will understand I am not charging this on any other person in Minneapolis. I only speak from personal knowledge of yourself and I think there are hundreds of brethren in this country who would (if asked) substantiate what I have affirmed.
I have written freely to you, dear brother, and I trust you will take it in the spirit in which it is penned — that of love only.
Affectionately in Christ,
James Taylor.