October 23, 1902.
Your letter of the 13th was duly received, and I am sorry not to have answered sooner;... I am very sorry takes the position he does. He has evidently something to learn from the Lord; and it may take a good while for him to learn it. I hope the brethren will not treat the matter as if he had done nothing wrong. Those who have acted in a bad spirit, and shown hard feelings ought to humble themselves for this, and own their wrong. But however badly some may have acted, it does not relieve him of his responsibility in having acted wrongly. His staying away from the meetings is not the scriptural course. If everybody stayed away when someone feels offended at him, how long would there be a meeting? There is a scriptural way of proceeding when something is wrong.
The challenge to “show scripture in black and white” has not a good savor. Could he show a scripture in “black and white” for putting away a witch from the Lord’s table? Yet who would question the putting away of such a one? Scripture gives us great principles for our action. Many minor details have to be determined by spiritual judgment. Does he deny having deeply grieved his children in a matter that did concern them? Did it tend to salve their wounded hearts to consummate the marriage in such hot haste? The very haste shown all through indicates to my mind fleshly activity.
And as to the Lord’s day, it seems to me he must be very much under some influence that is not of the Spirit of God not to see that his action was a breach of that day. I am sure every right-minded Christian will allow that the Lord’s day should be specially devoted to the Lord and His service. There are matters of necessity and mercy that have to be attended to, but this was neither. It was one of the first things that struck me in connection with the matter, and was a shock to my spiritual sensibilities. If the Lord’s day can be taken for marriages, why not for feasting and pleasure or even for any legitimate work, such as running a store, or working on a farm? What I fear is, that he has in soul got away from the Lord.
But much care will be needed in handling the case; and there ought to be no haste, but waiting on God, that He may guide and give restoration of soul.
... I trust the Lord will give exercise and guidance in the matter.... Our love also to the saints.