APRIL 14TH, 1939

APRIL 14TH, 1939

MY DEAR BROTHER IN THE LORD, — In reply to your letter of the 10th inst. with reference to the sorrowful case which you have under consideration at —, it seems to me that the withdrawal of the brother in question raises a question of principle, in regard to which it is due to the Lord that there should be some expression of assembly judgment. I do not think any of us would be free to accept that the principles of association which mark —, or —, are such as we have learned, by divine favour, to be those of the assembly of God. The brother, it appears, has not identified himself personally with those bodies, so that it is not exactly a question of his conduct but of the principles which he avows. A principle adopted and adhered to after remonstrance and instruction is quite as serious as conduct. It is perhaps more serious, as involving a leavening influence which may spread if it is not judged.

I think in such a case there should be some expression of assembly judgment, so that it may be made clear that we are not able to walk with persons who avow principles which are contrary to what we have learned as the truth. I am assured that the Lord will help the dear brethren locally as to the form which this judgment should take, after consideration of all the circumstances of the case before you. I trust that all may be helped in result, and the principles on which we walk together made more clear, so that there may be gain, and increase of spiritual strength, through the exercise.

With much love in the Lord,

Yours affectionately in Him,

April 14th, 1939.