The Movement In Scotland

by Chamings, A. R. G. | Category: Spiritual Movements Seventy Years Ago | Mar 1963

It was to be expected that the separation from sectarianism, which culminated in the establishment of churches of God, in 1893 and in following years should result in criticism of those involved. In Scotland, as early as 1884, there were those who, writing later of their action, said that "in much felt weakness" they had "sought to act according to the Word of God, owning Jesus as Lord. Like to those who gathered unto David in the hold (1 Chronicles 12), they found themselves in association with a goodly number who had already been attracted to Him of whom David was a type, which was cause for thankfulness and encouraging." And in reply to all those who had asked for information concerning the step taken by them in separating from "the ecclesiastical system commonly spoken of as 'Open Brethrenism'" a letter was written dealing with "two quite fundamental matters of difference."

"The first is with reference to the principle of gathering. We believe that God is only gathering out from among the sects of Christendom those to whom He has given repentance unto a right knowledge of truth; and that our business, as servants of the Lord, is to correct in meekness those that oppose themselves, if peradventure God may give them such repentance. and that they may return to soberness out of the Devil's snare unto God's will (2 Timothy 2.24-26)... The second fundamental matter of difference between us and 'Open Brethren' is that we believe each assembly of God to be called by God into a fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1.9). However many lesser assemblies may meet at different houses in one city, they all form together one "assembly of God" in that city ... Some of us have for years been witnessing for the truth, with a sorely exercised conscience as to our position, dealing with those with whom we were in association on the ground of their own profession; namely, that they accept the whole Word of God as the only standard of belief and practice. How persistent, and often pitiless, has been the opposition with which our every attempt to bring existing beliefs and practices to the test of that standard has been met we can most sorrowfully remember and testify."

Very shortly after this letter had been circulated, Glasgow brethren wrote, on December 1st, 1892, a letter containing the following

"We ... after long and patient waiting in hope of a better state of things being brought about in the assemblies in and around Glasgow believe in ourselves that the time has come when, at the bidding of the Lord, we must come out from that so-called fellowship in which we have been.

It is with much sorrow of heart we take this step, for we may have to leave many behind whom we love in the Lord, nevertheless we can no longer remain in fellowship with that in which lawlessness and high-handed independency are openly allowed. There are meetings who receive with open arms those who at the bidding of the Lord have been put away from another assembly; also, receiving those who have gone away in open rebellion. By so doing they put an end to all godly discipline. Others again receive from non eternity meetings. Some allow men to come and break bread who are not in the fellowship. Some also allow unbaptised ones to be in the meeting. There are those who sit down in the morning to break bread and are found in fullest fellowship with all the Sects in the afternoon and evenings, and in so doing, are weakening the hands of those (especially in country districts), who are endeavouring to carry out the mind of the Lord. Others will not allow a word to be said about Separation or Believer's Baptism.

Indeed many meetings are just doing what is right in their own eyes. Such a state of things we can no longer go on with, and humbly seek to let you know that we will, weak as we are, seek by the help of the Lord to carry out that oneness of fellowship we see in the Holy Scriptures that ought to be in a City, to the glory of God."

Chamings, A. R. G. | Mar 1963
Spiritual Movements Seventy Years Ago