APRIL 8TH, 1942

APRIL 8TH, 1942

BELOVED BROTHER, — ... I cannot, of course, express any judgment as to how a particular case should be dealt with. That is a matter for those locally to consider who know the case and the state of the person. But, as all have moved together in withdrawing, it is important that there should be mutual confidence as to how we act individually with reference to a person withdrawn from. It could not possibly help such a person to give him the impression that we were not all of one mind, or that some did not regard his position as seriously as others. It is well that brethren should confer as to the line of conduct that is suitable in such a case, so that we regard the fellowship in what we do, and do not move independently.

^[p. 309] We can hardly make rules as to detail of conduct, but it is clear that an attitude of great reserve should be maintained in relation to one withdrawn from until the brethren are satisfied that there is some measure of genuine repentance. It needs spirituality to approach one under discipline with due regard to the holiness of God’s house, and at the same time in the spirit of the dispensation of grace. It needs a “priest” to discern when a leper is “healed”, and, generally speaking, we should look to find priestly discernment when the brethren keep together in their exercises and move in unity. If we are not careful to move in unity Satan may get an advantage. How dependent we need to be all the time!

I trust you may be helped in this exercise and that, through patience, all may come to be of one mind.

With love in the Lord,

Yours affectionately in Him,

April 8th, 1942.