AUGUST 9TH, 1926
AUGUST 9TH, 1926
[p. 148] MY DEAR MRS. —, — ... I find that a good many have had the subject before them to which your letter refers, and I am glad to know how your thoughts have been formed as to it. One feels that it is an important exercise in view of the fact that it stands in relation to so great a principle in the moral universe as the truth of headship. This principle should always regulate us, but 1 Corinthians 11 teaches us that it is to do so in a formal manner even as to our outward appearance whenever we take our places definitely as in relation to God, either in speaking to Him or speaking for Him. So far as I see the “directions” given do not contemplate believers as engaged in household or business occupations, but as “praying or prophesying”. They seem to imply a definite engagement in those spiritual activities as distinct from the ordinary duties of life here. The believer may, surely, lift up his heart to God even amidst those duties, or may speak a word to others if occasion offers, but while engaged in “matters of this life” we are hardly viewed, it seems to me, as “praying or prophesying”. It is different when we go apart, or join with others, to pray, or when we go definitely to speak to any one on God’s behalf.
The question as to what suffices to render woman “covered” in the sense of 1 Corinthians 11: 6 is an interesting one. It is a matter for the dear sisters to feel satisfied about. I must confess to some doubt whether a little bow — often of very small dimensions — really meets the case. Your own feeling that this “would not be sufficient when the saints are together in the assembly”, is to me very suggestive as a spiritual intuition. If not sufficient there, on what principle is it sufficient elsewhere? It seems to me that the thought is that it should be as obvious that a woman is covered as it is that the man’s head is uncovered. It would seem particularly to apply to that part of the woman’s head where her hair is already “glory to her”, and, even by nature, “in lieu of a veil”. But I only submit this, in a suggestive way, for your consideration.
With much love in the Lord,
Yours affectionately in Him,
August 9th, 1926.