My People

The scope of this book is daunting. In four major sections plus four appendices ROBERT BAYLIS sets out to chronicle the growth and progress of the assemblies in North America from 1825 to the present day. The first section is an account of the beginnings of the movement in Britain. The author does not gloss over the sad history of the years from 1848 onwards but, in recounting it, is concerned to focus on the principles behind the actions and to identify some of the lessons which may be learned. The two extremes of emphasis, embodied in the personalities of J. N. Darby and A. N. Groves, and the consequences which led to the Open and Exclusive groupings, are clearly described. The author identifies ten cardinal elements, which he labels ‘First Principles’, that define ‘Brethrenism’ and adds the definition of ‘Brethren’ by PROFESSOR F. F. BRUCE,. These elements include the centrality of the Lord’s Supper, the authority of Scripture, and the imperative of evangelism resulting in missionary endeavour.

A significant section of the book, section two, ‘Pioneering Days in North America’, and section three, ‘The Golden Age of Independent Brethrenism 1920-1960’, will prove rewarding for the determined reader who has a specific interest in these topics. Along the way important lessons are highlighted and serious questions relevant to our day are raised.

The fourth section, ‘The Brethren in the Space Age’, while providing interesting examples of current activities, may be seen by many as a reminder that while we look for better methods, God looks for better men! The example of a modern assembly, ‘A visit to a “New Style” Brethren Church’ left me wondering just how many of those ‘First Principles’ were still in place.

There are some curiosities: J. N. Darby’s gravestone has been moved from Bournemouth to Portsmouth! There is a description of Darby’s view of the Rapture and subsequent events which may prove unrecognizable to many; and some confusion over the date of the re-building of the Tabernacle. More worrying, for me, was the list of lecturers at Regent College, Vancouver which included one whose name is associated with universalism, openness theology, and conditional immortality.

Overall, this is an interesting book which, if read with discernment, could encourage us to examine our history, to learn from past failures and renew our determination to apply changeless New Testament principles to present challenges.

[Our thanks to Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, for this review]