The Movement In Ireland

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

Mr. W. J. Lennox, author of an excellent treatise, "The House of God" [1], was one of the prime movers seventy years ago among those who separated from "Open Brethren" in Northern Ireland. With Mr. John Thompson and others, he was a signatory to the letter which was printed and circulated from Armagh in June, 1893. It would appear that brethren in Belfast followed the lead of those in Armagh (but more than a year later), and in the letter from Belfast it is of interest to note that, though signed by Mr. Edward Coyne and others, it is subscribed by Mr. Lennox and Mr. Thompson with the words, "Commended by the Church of God in Armagh". These letters are so complementary to each other that they are given in full.

Armagh,

June 6th, 1898.

Beloved Brethren,

The Lord has been exercising some of our hearts as to His chief interest on earth, viz. His house (1 Timothy 3.15), from which all blessing should flow to saved and unsaved. We see from Leviticus 1.1, that the Lord spake to His people out of the Tabernacle, which was His earthly dwelling-place at that time. We also see from Ezekiel 47. 1-12 (please read carefully) that the water issued out from the house. Coming to the New Testament the same thing opens up (see 1 Thessalonians 1.8).

In God's mind all service should begin from His house. When Joshua was entering on his great life-work of service for God, he must present himself in the Tabernacle before God (Deuteronomy 31.14).

Paul, the servant, had the pattern of the house before he went to Corinth to preach Christ (1 Corinthians 3.10).

After much exercise of soul, we clearly see that the fellowship in which we are has never been the result of such truths as these. We, therefore, in seeking to carry out the Lord's mind, have to withdraw from this fellowship, though it separates us (for a little time only, we trust) from some who are desiring to maintain the same truths.

On Lord's Day, June 11 (God willing), we will take this stand, and earnestly hope that the making known of our action through this circular may be the means of stirring up others to seek unto God and the word of His grace concerning His will in these matters."

Gather My saints together unto Me" (Psalm 50.5).

Shiloh Hall,

91a, Victoria Street,

Belfast,

Oct. 16th, 1894.

"Beloved Fellow-Saints,

We, the undersigned, on behalf of the church of God in Belfast, wish to let you know briefly, that for some time past we have been searching the Scriptures, and meeting with one another.

We have been previously in the association of meetings known as "Open Brethren", from which we have withdrawn, believing that it does not answer to the divine pattern (Acts 2. 41,42 R.V.), and is not according to the fellowship of the churches of God, as found in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 1.2,9,10; 4.16, 17; 7.17).

We are deeply conscious that there is much of the will of God concerning which we are yet in ignorance, but our desire is to walk in the spirit of Philippians 3.16, knowing that our Lord has promised that, "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the doctrine" (John 7. 17); therefore, our prayers to God, and purpose of heart are, that we might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Colossians 1.9, 10; 4.12), being fully assured that the path of obedience is always the safe one, and the only sure place of blessing1 Samuel 15.22; Psalm 1.1, 2, 8; Psalm 19.11.

We have met the overseeing brethren of the church of God in Armagh, and we have come together as a church of God in Belfast, on the 7th of October, in full fellowship with them and with all those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2.22).

We believe in one fellowship on earth, even that which is the fellowship of His Son (1 Corinthians 1.9, R.V.); we desire to follow that which is good (3 John 11), and be like Demetrius, have a good report of all men, and of the truth itself (verse 12).

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as it is with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men, for all have not the faith (2 Thessalonians 3.1, 2 and 5, R.V.)."

[1] Available from The Needed Truth Publishing Office.

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