MAY 24TH, 1918

MAY 24TH, 1918

My Dear Brother, — As regards the mode of putting away, I have a letter from G. F. MacKay which I replied to. I think 2 Timothy 2 plainly indicates that withdrawal is the principle now. What you remark about the impossibility of putting outside Christendom (the corrupt expansion of the Christian circle) is very important. We cannot go outside of it, and we have not the power to put one outside it, hence separation from the evil in it is the obligation resting on every one who names the name of the Lord. Of course, those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2: 22) are not so many separated individuals — they are members of one another, they are to be governed by “every scripture” and hence 1 Corinthians has its place with them. It is part of the truth which they love especially as being as we may say the “law of the house”. It is “my commandments” which every lover of Christ keeps. Ezra and Nehemiah (which we have been reading here lately with much profit) show how the ordinances through Moses and David were made to apply in a day of ruin. Conditions prevented the application of some, but all Scripture would be treasured by every true Israelite — Ezra, for instance, who was ^[p. 158] instructed in the law. Conditions now prevent our acting literally on 1 Corinthians 5 (there can be no question about the Supper — for conditions warrant it — besides we must eat) yet in withdrawing from a wicked person we act in the spirit of it — we are judging the evil with authority (which righteousness ever does) for so we are “commanded”.

The difference lies in how it is done and this involves the acknowledgement of the general failure. As regards administration I think this remains while love remains. Love does what it can — it gives.

I suppose calling on the name of the Lord makes room for Him and for the Spirit — so that the principle of the table of shewbread remains. All, however, is in humility, acknowledgement of the general sorrowful condition is maintained.

Affectionately yours in Christ,

James Taylor.