MAY 10TH, 1937

MAY 10TH, 1937

BELOVED BROTHER, — Many thanks for your letter which I have read with much interest, and also the correspondence which I now return herewith. I feel sympathetic with you at in the exercise which has come to you in relation to the case mentioned. As the only desire is to do what the Lord can approve we may surely count upon Him for help and direction.

I do not know that I can say anything helpful with reference to this matter. It is obviously greatly to be desired that the ^[p. 251] consciences of our brethren at — should be carried with any movements of restoration of the two persons concerned.

And it would seem to be right that the brethren at — should put you in possession of the facts as known to them, so that your actions may be taken in the light of what has been judged at — . The case having now passed on to —, it becomes your responsibility to judge whether there is genuine repentance, and a present condition of soul which would justify restoration. You would, of course, take into account the past and present exercises of — and be concerned to see that any acknowledgments due to them were made in a suitable manner either by letter or personal interview. It would be your matter to see to this, and until it was done to your satisfaction you would hardly be free to proceed further in the direction of restoration.

But the actual service of restoration now rests with you, as the persons concerned are resident in your locality. But as knowing of the grave concern of the brethren at — in regard of the case you would feel it of importance, having regard to universal fellowship, that they should be satisfied that the matters which they have judged have now been judged by those guilty of them. There should not be any difficulty as to this if the matters have been judged. But these family differences are often a very sore point.

I should have thought that the “actual grounds of withdrawal” would have been made known to you, as those now under responsibility to deal with the case....

Yours affectionately in the Lord,