"Goodbye, Beloved Brethren"

You may well remember around the activities of the Exclusive Brethren meetings convened in Aberdeen in the summer of 1970, presided over by James Taylor Junior, referred to as "Big Jim."

The blasphemous nature of the meetings held that year on the 24th/25th July as recorded on the tapes that were to become known as the" Aberdeen tapes;" the principal evidence regarding those awful scenes, that beggar belief. There were further incidents that one would not care to speak of for fear of defiling others.

When the above book was published, it appears that a universal operation, quickly devised by the Exclusives, was put into practice to obtain every copy of the book and to destroy it forthwith. The colossal effort smoothly and swiftly proved to be highly successful. 

I managed to obtain an ex-library copy of the book in very poor condition, and after reading it I subsequently sold it on-line. Since then I felt it was a necessary addition to my Brethren history collection, and I sought to purchase a replacement.  Times without number I searched the "web" without any success. there did not appear to be any copies for sale in the world. Either all copies had been destroyed, or those who were in possession of one were not happy to sell it how ever inflated the price offered.

A few days ago I learned that someone had two copies and wanted to give one away! He/she gave it to one of the first contacts who wanted to add it to a particular exhibition. The owner of the two copies was overwhelmed by the number of requests! I can only think he/she was quite unaware of its rarity.

Today I received a copy that I had tentatively tried to buy. It is in really good condition, and appears to be the a copy that belonged to F.F. Bruce! My long and  painstaking search has found its fruition, but it is bitter-sweet, just glancing through some pages deeply disgusts me, and offends my soul's sensitivities. But it is only a "document" in the diverse and complex history of the Brethren Movement.

The book "Goodbye, Beloved Brethren" was written by a journalist, Norman Adams, who spent over ten years investigating and writing about the activities of the Brethren in North-East Scotland. It was published in 1972.  

 

Angels

Back in November 1997 a brother in one of the South Wales Assembly felt  exercised to ask various "speakers" from among the Assemblies to participate in a series of Biblical subjects.

The subjects were very demanding of effort in studying the Word of God, but I believe were of a good measure of help and edification for the gathered believers.

I was "allocated" the subject of Angels, an unusual but  interesting task. I had never heard any ministry of length on this subject, but nevertheless a goodly number of references to angels had been my experience.

A few weeks ago I discovered a modern reprint of a nineteenth century compilation edited by one who chose to use his initials, with no other means of identification. As such practice among "Brethren" was prevalent during that century I searched for some enlightenment as to the writers' identity. His initials appear in the invaluable book "Brethren Writers: Handbook for the Serious Collector," by Arnold D. Ehlert. I have found his listings to be very accurate, with but a few errors, which is hardly surprising considering the nature of such a work.

Feeling fairly confident that the author of "A Book of Angels" was probably an Assembly-based believer I took a little risk and purchased it; it was "not that expensive" was how I justified that risk! But it took a long time for it to finally arrive.

It proved to be a huge disappointment with not the faintest suggestion of "Brethren" influence. It is filled with quotations from various "Bishops," and even has a number of secular poems of no spiritual value at all, of course. It is further replete with superstitious, and the most fanciful illustrations of so-called angels, such that are not worthy of simple censure; they are indeed an  abomination.  

L.P also edited a compilation in 1906, entitled: "The Inheritance of the Saints." I will studiously avoid that tome!

I have learnt a valuable lesson due to the lack of due diligence in searching out the necessary information to fully confirm the origin of this particular book. I was deceived by my eagerness o have found another "treasure," and I feel suitably humbled, if not humiliated.

It is apparent that in the nineteenth century it was common practice for authors to adopt this method of, (I feel like saying,) "partial identification" with their writings. And so I suppose this is a gentle warning that may prove helpful to others and make me fel a little less stupid! 

A Deadly Enemy threatens Christianity in the  UK

I have no interest, knowledge or participation in politics of any hue. I have never voted in my life, and never intend to do so, even were it to become compulsory; an aim of some more vociferous advocates of so-called democracy, in itself a flagrant violation and denial, of that very principle. Unfortunately it is practically impossible to remain free from imbibing some of the poison of the present political scene; if one just turns on their mobile phone, or logs in to their computer, one or more "news-worthy" items meet the eye, appearing unbidden on the screen.

Generally it is easy to disregard these intrusions, but occasionally the attention is caught even if somewhat subconsciously. This was the case in my experience just a few days ago.

A believer in South Wales had come under the scrutiny of a "body" claiming to be the National Secular Society," founded in 1866, to advocate for  "secularism and the separation of religion from state affairs." If it really meant what it said I would welcome the second part of this statement, but that part doesn't mean what it implies. 

(Below is a portrait of Charles Bradlaugh the first President of the N.S.S.)

                                                                      

The first principle of the Society is blatantly atheistic and decidedly opposed to the Christian Faith. 

The Society's vehement accusation levelled at this School Teacher was in connection with his propagation of  "Creationism" as found in the Word of God. It's case against him subsequently failed, he legislation in Wales surprisingly differing from that in England. But my interest in the report of the case, was actually aroused by two significant statements. Just to stress, I have never even heard of this Society before.

These two statements of some note follow: "this is the only life we have, and that we should work for its improvement." Undeniably atheistic!                                                                In England "teaching Creationism as a "scientific theory,  is banned!" How many believers are aware of this biased legislation?  

If the same legislation operated in Wales the school teacher would have suffered some form of disciplinary action.

I have no interest in challenging this biased and flawed law, which permits, and promotes the "evolution theory," even using it as the basis for the development of school pupils' progress in so-called understanding. But i feel I must warn my fellow believers of this insidious Society whose dealings will continue to corrupt and cause many  citizens in this divinely much-favoured, to "do that which is good in their own eyes." Judges 17:6; 21:25.