An Item of Brethren History

A Bookseller with over two million titles, I believe, contacted me by email this week. I was offered a personal invitation to attend a meeting to consider investment in the company. To my knowledge, I only ever purchased one book from them online and visited their physical outlet maybe twice some years ago, visits which would not be recorded.

I have no interest in any kind of investment and NO MONEY to invest: a really excellent client, I don't think!

But ignoring the invite, I decided to travel to the site to see if their warehouse was significantly better than the last time I visited. It was worse! Presumably, the reason why someone like myself would receive such an invite, a bolt out of the blue.

My wife drove me there and exercised considerable patience as I searched vainly for something, anything of interest. I found three or four books written by Brethren, all of which I already possessed and mine in significantly better condition. As a last resort, I went into a room where there was a collection of "antique, rare, and collectible" books. It basically meant that they were old!

But I did not come away completely fruitless. I found and purchased a book of bound magazines entitled "Wells and Pastures;" with a subtitle, "Wells of Salvation and Pastures of Satisfaction. For Old and Young." Vol. 11. But most interestingly it bore a comprehensive inscription:

Victoria Hall Sunday School 

Queen St. Exeter.

Presented by Mr. Heyman Wreyford

I am omitting the rest of the inscription apart from the date of this Sunday School reward, save for the date: 1891.

A very brief perusal afforded me a precious poem simply entitled: "A Question." The poem was attributed to A.M. (Perhaps Andrew Miller, but I have no evidence to support this suggestion.)  

Darwin and Lady Hope 

On seeing the above book title I was intrigued enough to purchase a copy. As far back as the 1990's I had read a review of another book, this one co-authored by two American writers wherein they outlined their personal understanding of the deathbed scene of Charles Darwin. They were thoroughly convinced that his recantation and his rejection of the "theory of evolution" he had so vigorously promoted and espoused was factual.  

L.R. Croft, the author of the above book was even more convinced that Darwin's deathbed revelation as recorded by Elizabeth Lady Hope was absolutely true. Researching the historical facts and sifting the truth from the various fabrications took him, it seems about twenty or so years. 

It appears to be an almost obsessional crusade for him to exonerate a virtuous Victorian lady, as she certainly was much vilified by Darwin's family and advocates; even to be hounded from England to find refuge in the United States. Croft felt that she had been the victim of awful character assassination and wanted to redress the balance.

His carefully acquired research material is relevant to the facts and appears to be painstaking, accurate, and its results clearly and objectively reasoned. His evidence is compelling. He is a sincere believer in the Lord Jesus, and on this basis alone he is to be believed. I am greatly convinced by his arguments. 

Its fascination for me lies in the various connections with some prominent believers among "Brethren." Reference is made to Sir Robert Anderson, J.W.C. Fegan, and P.H. Gosse. But the greatest intrigue of all is the revelation that Darwin had a Gospel Hall at the bottom of his garden! It was on the edge of his estate and was previously a reading room for the villagers. Darwin gave it to the young energetic believer J.W.C. Fegan whom he admired. The room became known as the Gospel Room, and subsequently as the Downe Gospel Hall!

Now as to the book in a general way. It is mostly very readable, but for its overly repetitive character. I would add that I can see the necessity for some of the facts being repeated. Another simple observation is the length of the book. It is relatively short actually, but there are numerous large gaps between lines as well as paragraphs! The pagination of the book may well have been halved! If this had been the case perhaps it would have cost a good deal less to buy.

Soul Sleep

Just a little over a week ago a brother told me of some believers who hold "soul sleep" to be the truth regarding the departed whether believers or unbelievers. I could scarcely believe what I was hearing. Strangely a number of other references to this delusion of the Devil came to my notice. The matter has so pressed upon me that I felt it to be incumbent upon me to refute this deceit by directing souls to the plain teaching of the Word of God. No such condition will be experienced by either the believer or those who die in their sins when ushered into eternity.

The Lord Jesus Himself spake the narrative found in the Gospel by Luke. (16:19-31.) He never suggests that it is a parable! And if it was such the teaching remains plain. But it is, without doubt, a brief history of the character of the two men. Lazarus a poor man, and an unnamed man of considerable wealth. (That the name of one of these men is recorded should add to the weight of proof that this is not a parable. Some of the most devious of false sects promote the parabolic theory to bolster their lies. Lazarus dies first, perhaps from his bodily weakness, hungry and "full of sores." Immediately upon his decease, we learn that he is in a place of unparalleled bliss and blessing. And simply because he was a man of faith! How do we know this fact? He is identified with Abraham as "the father of all them that believe." Romans 4:11.

"And the rich man also died and was buried;" and with not so much as a pause we read, "And being in hades lifting up his eyes, being in torments..." His body was in the ground, but his soul was in that place of anguish and agony awaiting the consummation of the judgement that will ultimately fall upon him when cast into hell, the lake of fire for all of eternity. 

In this passage of Scripture, we have the authoritative spoken word of Christ as to the destiny of souls at death. Saint and sinner. Final and irreversable.

Later in Luke's Gospel account, we have further proof of this blessedness that is the portion of the believer immediately upon death. Again the Speaker is Christ. There at Golgotha's tree, one of the malefactors that had been crucified alongside Him, his death imminent, exercised simple yet profound saving faith in the Redeemer. Entreating the Lord Jesus to "remember him," the Saviour responded in divine compassion, "Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise." Luke 23:42,43. This needs no explanation! If the thief did not follow his new-found Lord into that place of bliss and blessedness, immediately upon his death, then the promise of the Lord was absolutely hollow! Who would dare venture such a blasphemy? Paradise is the present abode of the spirits of the departed saints, "the dead in Christ." The promise of comfort to those who "fall asleep in Jesus," which necessitates their consciousness!  

Now as to those who "die in their sins." Without controversy, their immediate destiny after death is a place and a condition of uninterrupted and unmitigated torment. The writer to the Hebrews states unequivocally: "And forasmuch as it is the portion of men once to die and after this judgement;" establishing the immediacy of judgement falling upon the sinner thrust into an eternity of loss. (Please note, there is no definite article before the word "judgement," it is not specifically the Great White Throne assize, although that is obviously an irrefutable element of divine judgement to be pronounced on all who die "without Christ.) Hebrews 9:27.

I trust and pray that this might help to liberate some of the Lord's people who have fallen foul of this mendacious falsehood of "soul sleep." For the Glory of the Lord. 

"Zoom" is spelling Doom for the Assemblies

 It would not matter how I expressed my reasonings for the above title to this "Post." Its content will doubtless fall on many a deaf ear, and anger many saints no doubt. Be that as it may, there sadly is the need for the opportunity to be given to those who have a contrary view of so-called "virtual" meetings.

Right-back, very early in the first lockdown here in the U.K, many believers capitulated to extreme pressure from a few medically-minded and scientifically-disposed brethren in the U.S. and Canada.  Quickly adopting their continental brethren's dictates, and as quickly adapting the Word of God to meet the situation as interpreted by those brethren. All were based upon a very feeble medical understanding of the virus and on an ever-changing scientific basis. Worst of all man's wisdom was bowed to at the expense of the wisdom of God. Obedience to those in authority over us, "the powers that be," was demanded with the authority of the One who is Lord of all, pushed to one side to accommodate the advice of a handful of brethren from countries acting under a different legislature. Indeed here the legislation was deemed to be "unlawful!" sweeping away the constant cry of "civil disobedience." Furthermore, very few brethren took the time or made the effort to discover what the government had deemed mandatory and what was simply advisable. May I respectfully remind you that advice is not legislation?  

Immediately the vast majority of Assemblies here either closed their meeting places if they had not already done so, or determined to keep them closed until, well, WHEN? Countless local testimonies ceased almost overnight. And none that I know about in the S.W. of England and S. Wales have re-opened! But already a huge number of Assemblies have decided to close permanently, and many others are considering the same course of action. 

Now, perhaps none too soon I will address the subject of "virtual meetings." I DO NOT condemn them out of hand. As additional means of relaying gospel and ministry addresses, it is commendable and may well be blessed of God if for no other reason than that it is His Word. But what has been reported to me is alarming. Some have suggested that this is to be the "normal" way for saints to gather and that there is no need to return to the "old" way of meeting, i.e. face to face. More than once it has been said that when meeting "virtually" there is no need to dress properly, you can have your breakfast while the meeting is in progress, or pop out to make a cup of tea. You no longer need to make your way to the gatherings. It is so much more convenient. One brother told me in the course of a telephone call that he believed it was "the Lord's will" that we should meet in this way! 

Sadly the more I hear about this means of communication, the more distressed I become. I am the first to admit I do not have a huge amount of information, but sufficient for me to suspect that things are indeed so much worse. "ZOOM" means "DOOM" for the Assemblies of God's people!

I will not repeat what I reported a long time ago regarding the suggestions as to how we should celebrate the Lord's Supper, save to repeat I believed it to be a grotesque caricature of the "pattern" laid down in Scripture; and many of the practices at other gatherings, most having now abandoned meeting together since new government advice, were/are quite awful. I will not attempt to go into details.

Finally, I only know of one Assembly in England, one Assembly in South Wales, and one Assembly in Europe, where they have never deviated from their normal "assembling of themselves together!" It is of interest to note there has not been one case of covid-19 among them all. But they have all been vilified by their brethren! Why? Either because they are shamed or else envious. There is a need for us all to examine ourselves before the Lord and seek to know from Him if we should also have continued persevering "in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles, in breaking of bread and prayers." Acts 2:42.         

The Practice of "Good Works." 

"Good works," here is a phrase that evangelical believers and perhaps "Brethren-commonly so-called," shrink away from. Their dread fear is that someone or another will misconstrue their actions as efforts to merit salvation blessing. Of course, all who truly know the Saviour personally will defend the unchanging truth of salvation by grace on "the principle of faith," "NOT on (the principal of works) less any man should boast." Ephesians 2:9&10.

 But such avoidance of "good works" renders faith as dead! "Faith without works is dead." Rather our actions should evidence the reality of our faith; our constant watchword must be, "I will show you my faith by my works." Faith should be "out-worked" in harmony with the living spring of love welling up within in our hearts; it should be commensurate with the measure of our gratitude for the divine grace that has been lavished upon us, "grace upon grace." 

But there are other considerations regarding the practice of "good works," which are worthy of our attention. The New Testament Scriptures are replete with examples of, and exhortations to, "good works." Particular attention should be given to the Epistles addressed to Timothy and Titus, also to the Epistle of James. 1 Timothy 5:10; 6:18; Titus 2:7&14; 3:8; James 2:14,18,20;

The perfect example is the Lord Jesus, who spoke of His own "good works" thus: "Many good works have I shewn you of My Father; for which work of them do you stone Me? John 10:32. In His Olivet discourse, He exhorted the "citizens of the Kingdom," to "let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your good (upright) works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens." Matthew 5:16. In Acts 9 we are introduced to Tabitha and read her testimony: "A certain female disciple, by name Tabitha, which being interpreted means Dorcas. She was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did." Acts 9:36.

Just prior to the writer to the Hebrews' exhortation, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves (please note it is "ourselves" not as often quoted "yourselves,) together," with which we are so familiar, his exhortation is "let us consider one another for provoking to love and good works;" perhaps not so familiar, brethren!

Finally, as to quotations from the Word of God may I direct you to 1 Peter 2:11&12. In particular to these phrases: that "they may through [your] good works, [themselves] witnessing [them], glorify God in [the] day of visitation."

I have multiplied scripture after scripture, but I do not apologise. But I do realise that we may well teach these things and yet be of little help when we offer no relevant practical advice. I will therefore admittedly very simple offer some thoughts. These are times of a peculiar nature which I doubt we have ever experienced before. With this in mind, I own that it has been harder perhaps than usual to serve the Master as we would. But this "time" has given us an opportunity to find different approaches to service. We have had ample time to engage in prayer, what a privilege and a precious ministry is thus afforded to us. We may herald the glad tidings by any and every means of distributing the written Word of God. There are those of the Lords' people who will come upon our hearts as the bidding of the Holy Spirit, He would have us to meet their need in a practical way. Those Assemblies who would collectively "take care" of the Lord's servants, may not be able to due to present circumstances; so we must individually look into our hearts and open our hands! Real practical fellowship. As lockdown eases visits to those who ate lonely and in hospital can be resumed. And there is still the need to donate to Food Banks, what a simple exercise of love. In the U.K. alone it is estimated that during the past year some 170,000 families have availed themselves of this service. Let is not be put to shame by the world at large.

I own these are feeble thoughts, but put them to the test and you may well be surprised; the Lord loves a cheerful giver, and it may help us to cultivate a more generous spirit in a world of greed and selfishness. 2 Corinthians 9:7.

May the Lord Himself remind us of His infinitely costly sacrifice, and thereby move us to the sacrificial giving of ourselves first, as the Assemblies of Macedonia "gave themselves first to the Lord, and to us by God's will," says the Apostle. And may we give in such a measure, of our time, our abilities, our gifts, our prosperity, and more. 2 Corinthians 8:5.

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sakes He, being rich, became poor, in order that ye by His poverty might be enriched." 2 Corinthians 8:9.                                 "Thanks [be] to God for His unspeakable free gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15.

29th April 1882  

Today is the 29th of April 2021, the 139th anniversary of the death of that beloved servant of Christ, J.N. Darby. I only became aware of this significant date because by coincidence I am reading: "Unknown and Well Known A biography of John Nelson Darby," having reached the chapter concerning his "last days." I have struggled from time to time in the reading of this volume authored by W.G. Turner, "with additional material by Edwin Cross." But in persevering, I have found much reward. 

I owe a debt of some magnitude to J.N.D. whose writings have given much help in understanding the Scriptures. But above all else, I am indebted to him for his "New Translation," for its unparalleled accuracy, ( in my humble opinion,) and for the sublimity of language he employed, so reminiscent of the beautiful Authorised Version.

Less than three weeks before "his home" call Darby humbly said, "I never knew till the other day, or thought, that "We love Him because He first loved us" refers to God, not Christ, as I have imagined. This is plain from the context." I admit I have always thought just as J.N.D. had done, what a lovely lesson to learn because the context DOES indeed make it plain.

One other little remark that I remember from a long time ago was his exhortation to "read the writings of John;" I think he perhaps thought that brethren read Paul's writings so much that John's writings were neglected. I thoroughly endorse Darbys' desire in this exercise.

Finally, I would just commend the hymns of which J.N.D. was the author. They are most sweet,  utterly occupied with Christ, and reach to such depths of spirituality in their perception and profundity.

  

International Tract Distribution Day: A Personal Report

Today the Lord's Day 18th April is the day I suggested saints worldwide might utilise for distributing the Word of God in written form wherever, and however, they are enabled. It is the fifth year, by the grace of God, that this humble exercise has been in operation, so to speak.

At the close of my time of worship this morning, I felt it incumbent upon me to set an example in contributing to the above exercise. I filled my bag with two hundred copies of "Via," a lovely Gospel magazine produced in Canada. I always take two hundred copies with me as it is the full capacity my bag affords me, and it is better to return with some copies rather than to run out of them.

I must admit, although it is a beautiful day with warm sunshine, I was somewhat weak in faith and could not see how I would manage to exhaust my supply; I am not getting any younger! Once more, as is often the case, I posted the magazine in houses I have never been to before, and some I had never even seen before! Houses are being built at an alarming rate, and they seem to appear almost overnight!

Well, the Lord both constrained me and sustained me, and I delivered every copy. The glory is ALL His alone!

Now I would like to just mention something else, perhaps even for your amusement. As many of you will know a surprising number of households, at least in the U.K. affix little lists of things they consider to be undesirable; things they do not want to be posted through their letter-boxes: Menus, surveys, calling cards, and most comprehensive of all in its scope, "junk mail!" I try to act carefully and prayerfully in posting Via even when "junk mail" appears on the list, as it is clearly a beautiful little publication. But when the list includes "nothing religious," "no religious bodies?" or any such-like sentiments, I do not risk giving offence to the householders.

So to my amusing little anecdote. walking up a fairly long path to the door of an inconspicuous house, I read the lengthy list of "things undesirable." I neared the end of the list without a suggestion of anything of a religious nature. But alas, the last line read thus: "No God-Botherers." I am not sure if I laughed out loud, but I was bursting with amusement. I did not leave a magazine, but as I walked on I felt a little glow of pride when I realised I am indeed a God-Botherer,! I "bother" Him all the time, and He loves it, He would have it to be so. I trust you know exactly what I mean!  

The Realised Presence of the Lord 

With the dawning of a new Lords' Day, as is our wont, my wife Bernice and I gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus, claiming His presence in the midst. As ever in His infinite grace and faithfulness, He did not disappoint us. Moreover as on every occasion, since our local Assembly closed the doors to the Gospel Hall immediately upon the introduction of the first lock-down, we knew the wonderful help and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our expressions of worship, both audible (mine) and silent (Bernices'); He indited the words addressed to the Father concerning the Son of His love, as we told Him of "all His glory," and "announced His death" once more ere "He come." 

I know that many of my fellow believers will be unhappy with our "custom," but I have felt more and more assured that we have acted aright. If the Lord Jesus has so graced us with His presence and the Spirit of God composed our worship how can it be otherwise?

We make no boast in this matter, but approach this sublime provision for the "twos and threes" who gather thus to His name; always endeavouring to come with our hands full as consecrated, and our baskets full in thanksgiving; if He will never "empty."

I would appeal to every believer, everyone who loves Christ, to seize "every favourable opportunity" to worship Him and serve to Him, that He may be rejoiced and glorified.     

His Presence - A Poem

His presence "in the midst,"

Such blessing fraught with bliss,

Can I forgo this feast and miss

Himself? His longing tones resist?

His presence "in the midst,"

E'en two or three may claim,

Just two or three who love the Lord,

And gather to His Name.

His presence "in the midst,"

What privilege sublime

To gaze upon with unveiled face,

My Saviour so divine.

His presence "in the midst,"

The One without compare,

The Son of God, the Son of Man,

His glories I declare.

His presence "in the midst,"

My love would full know,

As bowed at His pierced feet,

My worship I bestow.

His presence "in the midst,"

My languid love eclipsed,

My feeble worship shamed,

Yet joyed His heart unchanged.

His presence "in the midst,"

Responsive love will raise,

While head, heart, knee, all bow,

In reverential praise.     

"Remember Me" - A Poem

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

As graciously He broke the Bread,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"The Cup bespeaks My life-blood Shed."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

Whilst prostrate on the Ground,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

In anguish deep, Profound.

"Remember Me," the Saviour said, 

When hanging on the Tree,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"I did all this for Thee."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"Myself now risen from the Dead,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

The Churches' Lord and glorious Head.

"Remember Me," the Saviour Said,

As death sweeps through the World,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"Thus let My saving Word be Heard."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"For I am with thee to the End,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"I, thy Beloved and thy Friend."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"No matter what betide,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"My Word must be thy Guide."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said

"Let nothing bid thee," "nay,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"Until My "coming" Day."

 

INTERNATIONAL TRACT DISTRIBUTION DAY (5)

18 APRIL 2021

Dear brethren and sisters in Christ,

As we did last year we are nominating 18th April 2021 as the "International Tract Distribution Day", if the Lord will. It is a Lords' Day this year and we hope this will be more convenient for many of the Lords' people to engage in this humble service for Him. It is a simple exercise, but we believe it to be significant under the good hand of God.

We just lovingly ask for every believer who is physically able, to distribute in any way, by hand, through the letterbox, even by mailing, just ONE Gospel Tract, booklet, magazine, etc. Of course, if you are able to make more copies available on that day it would be so encouraging in this dismal climate, and there is no limit!

The purpose is to "flood" the whole world, on that particular day with the "Words of life" in printed form. The response last year was relatively small, and no surprise due to the pandemic, but only eternity will reveal the measure of faithfulness. I must add that we long that the Lord Jesus will be glorified, indeed that ALL the glory might be His alone as we make known His claims upon the souls of men.

Please may we ask one more thing of you dear saints? Please inform the Assembly, with which you are identified, of this date giving time for the brethren and sisters to perhaps prepare for it, especially in their prayers; and please repeat the details nearer the time too, if it is the Lords' will.

Please give us "feedback" if you find the time and are able; it has proved such an encouragement to every one of the Lords' servants in the past.

Thank you to everyone who participated last year, and thank you in advance if you are already burdened to engage in this little venture for Him, this year.

With warmest affection and love in Him,  Tom.

Tom Wyatt   Bristol  U.K.

Gathering to the Lords' Name with the saints at Pensford Gospel Hall, Bristol.

A Precious and Pertinent Admonition 

A very well-loved and highly respected teacher among "Brethren" has left to us a legacy of great spiritual worth in his written ministry. One short paragraph took hold upon my heart as being very instructive in connection with the present distress. He wrote as follows: "Man (including believers,) has no right to tamper with a divine institution; he has no authority to alter a single jot or tittle connected with the Lord's Supper than Israel had to interfere with the order of the Passover." Bracketed words are mine. I simply leave this with you for your thoughtful consideration. 

The Provision of His Presence..." all the days"  Matthew 28:20.

For the past 44 weeks, by the grace of God, my wife and I have been privileged to gather (only) to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; and on each and every occasion we have "broken bread" together in fond memory of Him as He lovingly and longing requested us so to do. Many of my dear brethren and sisters would be aghast no doubt, but none are able to prove from the N.T. Scriptures that this is contrary to the mind of the Lord. 

On every occasion, we have claimed His presence in the midst, and known, felt, and realised His answer to our prayer; furthermore, we have experienced the precious help of the Holy Spirit in graciously composing the worship of our redeemed hearts. 

The Lord Jesus has known the end from the beginning, and in anticipation of the awful state of the collective testimony, even now in tatters, He compassionately made provision for the "twos and threes" who would gather unto His Name. He said unequivocally and unconditionally that He would be "in the midst of them." (When I say "unconditionally" I mean of course where there is the absence of gross immorality and false doctrine; we need ever to "examine ourselves" in the light of His Word, "and so eat.") 

Now is such a time for us to take possession of His ineffable provision and ask Him to grace our little companies with His sweet and delightsome presence. I am fully persuaded that this promise is for such a time as is being experienced throughout the earth. Matthew 18:20 could never be more relevant than now!

So much for divine provision for the twos and threes. It does not finish there for Christ has made provision for the individual believer as well and this in an age of Laodicean character; for in the Revelation we find the Lord in the outside place, (I mean of the heart,) and seeking an entrance into the believer's heart. He cries thus, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hear My voice and open the door, I will come in unto him and sup with him, and he with Me."3:20. In his footnote J.N.D. adds, "meaning, "I have placed Myself there and am standing." He is there in heart-longing to enjoy the fellowship of those He has redeemed at infinite cost and in infinite love.

Dear brethren and sisters in Christ, we have robbed Him of His rightful portion for almost a whole year. Bowing to misleading and incorrect "science;" having capitulated to the strong submissions of a few continental brethren who have mishandled the Word of God, by determining what we should do and how we should meet and worship and "fitting" the scriptures to suit their preconceived decisions. They have surrendered to an ever-changing "science," and chosen to obey man rather than God. Advancing the plea that we are to obey those in secular authority over us, (which is our bounden duty,) even in that which pertains to the Assembly, the Body of Christ. But do we not understand that this is not their province or prerogative? We need to obey implicitly the Word of God; I mean just simply obey.

This has not been written in the bitterness of my spirit, but in my utter dejection, as we continue in our abject state of being scattered abroad and that without an end in sight. It cannot be wondered at that the lovely and loving Saviour should thus determine in eternal counsels that we should have provision for every eventuality here in this vale of tears. And a provision for the smallest company of believers and even the individual saint. Praise Him for His unspeakable care in protecting, preserving, and yea, providing for His own in every dispensation.

    

"A Time to be "Cut-off"

I have just read a "Post" on a highly regarded "Forum" that has left me totally perplexed. It is an invitation to hear the Gospel of Gods' grace concerning His Son. (My wording.) I wish to quote verbatim one line from the invitation to "hear.". It is of course a "virtual" meeting.

"Starting sharp on the hour, (and) the moderator is no longer able to admit folks after the start!"  (My underlining and exclamation mark.)

I ask in all simplicity, "Is this not fatal nonsense? If an unbeliever desired to hear the Glad Tidings and was late, he or she would not be permitted. Now if this person was not completely stumbled thereby and purposed to listen a day or two later, and far be the thought perished in their sins, where would that leave us, brethren? It is too frightful to contemplate. I am sorry but such action is way far beyond my ability to grasp.

May I ask, "do we turn away folk from a "physical" meeting? I think not! Do we "tarry one for another," as fellow saints when the need arises? I trust that we do!"

If the problem is one of technology, then we need to give up the technology!

I trust this has not been written in a spirit of bitterness, but rather in that of absolute incredulity and disbelief that such a situation should ever arise.