Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Norman H. Reuter in Glenview, IL, USA. Pendleton finds it difficult to advise Reuter on whether or not he ought to resign as Rev. Smith’s assistant as he is not familiar with the intricacies of the situation. Many times in the past year, Reuter has found himself, both unconsciously and consciously, opposing Smith. It is not that Smith has treated him unfairly, but that Reuter disagrees with Smith on the fundamental policies and principles of the Church. Pendleton writes that if this is how Reuter really feels, then he should indeed resign; He reasons, “For it cannot be right to work with a man in Mr. Smith’s position, and be so opposed to him that your influence would be anything but an assistance.” However, Pendleton hopes that Reuter’s mind may still be changed. He continues, “I have some hope that this does not truly represent your permanent state of mind. . . in which case if you will go to Mr. Smith and open your heart to him, you may find a happy modus vivendi. As you know, you can support a man in an office, when you do not agree with him in all points, for after all real support is a matter of the heart.” Pendleton ends the letter with a reflection on the pastor-assistant relationship: “. . .the fact is that the freedom of the one does not always appear to be consistent with that of the other, in which case the assistant will readily understand that in matters of government and church policy the pastor has what may be called the right of way, and in such a case it is the religious duty of the assistant to make no disturbance.” He urges Reuter to reconsider his support for Mr. Smith before resigning. Names mentioned: Mr. (Gilbert Haven) Smith