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History
F.E.R. in America, 1898
– J. S. Allen
A Brief Account of FER's Visit to America – 1898 by J. S. Allen of Birkenhead consists of letters written while accompanying Mr. Raven on his first visit to Canada and the USA.
- Mr. Allen also wrote the introductions to the notes of meetings in both 1898 and 1902. See 'Ministry by F. E. Raven – New Series', Volumes 12, 17 and 18.
JSA's views of the ministry and its effect on those present are
interesting and enlightening, as are the insights as to individuals and
localities, and the living and travelling conditions of the day.
- Mr. Allen's personal impressions of the details of the ministry were given from memory – some time later, and perhaps in haste – and so may not always be completely correct.
- Therefore do not "make a man an offender for a word", Isaiah 29: 21. For accuracy, the revised and printed notes should be consulted.
G.A.R.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF
F.E.R.'s VISIT TO AMERICA – 1898
by John S. Allen of Birkenhead |
Toronto, 6th October 1898
I have not had time to write detailed letters to many who would like to hear from us but these lines will give you some idea of our doings hitherto, and you can communicate them to any whom you think would like to hear about us.
The good hand of our God was over us in a marked way during the voyage. The vessel proved an admirable sea boat, although the weather was exceptionally good for the season, and there was little occasion to try her.
- I am glad to say that Mr. Raven proved a much better sailor than he anticipated. We spent one day in his room, but more as a precaution than a necessity, and for the rest of the time he was amongst us both on deck and at meals.
- He was in very good spirits and although we did not attempt any formal readings or meetings, the greater part of the day was spent in conversations as to scripture and the things of God.
- Our rooms adjoining one another and our seats at table being together we had every opportunity for mutual intercourse.
- Speaking for myself, I can say that it was the pleasantest trip across the Atlantic I ever had unless it be the one I made with Mr. Darby in 1877.
- The five of us were just sufficient to make a party, and being all in harmony in our thoughts the pleasure was much increased.
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On the pier to welcome us were Mr. Crawford, Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Pellatt. We passed the customs without opening a package and drove at once to Mr. Crawford's house in the country.
- Our welcome there was most cordial, and our days there were spent most happily in a delightful Christian household.
- We were joined a little later in the evening by Mr. Gill, who had come through from Winnipeg to be with us, and to take shorthand notes of the meetings.
- The Saturday was spent quietly, each one of the party having little personal matters to attend to. In the evening we went to town to the prayer meeting.
On the Lord's Day we drove to town in three carriages. The morning meeting was very free and happy and Mr. Raven gave a simple word on grace, love, and association with Christ.
We drove out again to dinner, a distance of three miles, and back again to a reading at three, the subject being the early part of John 13 – 'To have part with Christ'.
- It was good, although perhaps in advance of some there. We all stayed in town for tea, Mr. Crawford having made excellent arrangements for meals at a comfortable and quiet hotel.
Mr. Raven preached the gospel to a good company from 2 Kings 5 – Naaman, the Syrian.
- It was very simple and young evangelists were much encouraged by his allusion to those who were made use of as evangelists during Elisha's ministry – e.g. the little captive maid and the four lepers.
- He referred very solemnly to those who had despised the word of God, viz. Gehazi, the lord on whose hand the king leaned etc. It was made very
clear that salvation was from the present power of the world.
- It will be evident from this that Mr. Raven was well. He said that he had rarely felt better.
On Monday the readings began at 10:30 and on the suggestion of Mr. Crawford, which met with the hearty approval of all, we took up Romans 3-8.
- In the morning we had chiefly the righteousness of God and, as following upon it, that the believer is justified in view of the world to come which God had always before Him – from the fall – a new man in a new world.
- In the afternoon it was the 5th chapter – what God is to, and has for, the believer, and in the latter part of the introduction, of the One who secures all for God, the last Adam.
- For tea some of the brethren went to the house of other brethren, and a company used the hotel, where there was freedom for conversation.
Mr. Raven lectured at eight on the good Samaritan, the company being even larger than on the previous evening.
- The points were, 'relief, the power to carry us on', and the care of the Lord as the revealer of the Father to one who sat at His feet and heard His word, and then in the next chapter He is the teacher and teaches how to pray.
- The day was very warm for the season and the unusual moist heat a little trying to all. The simplicity and power of his ministry attracted all our hearts.
On Tuesday we had, in the morning the 6th and 7th chapters – very free and helpful, and in the afternoon we had the 8th, the details of which will come out fully in the notes,
- but the teaching of baptism as burial to all here, and the introduction into the fellowship of Christ's death, was particularly helpful and clear.
There were present two of the 'Lowe; party – called 'Bexhill' here – from Saint John, NB, who had travelled 600 miles to meet Mr. Raven personally.
- They raised certain questions in the meetings as well as in private conversations, and as far as we can gather they, or at least one of them, were much impressed and helped.They gave us a sad account of things amongst their own people.
One of the Grant labourers, a Mr. [ A. E. ] Booth, was present taking notes on the Lord's Day morning, evening, and on Monday, but he did not show to those who had opportunity of judging, a spirit likely to be profited.
On Tuesday evening we had a very powerful address from FER on priesthood and the water of separation – Numbers 17 and 18. All present seemed deeply moved.
- A large number went to the hotel for supper and accompanied us to the station to say farewell. It was a sorrowful moment to us all, as we had so much experience of their Christian love.
About 14 of us were going through to Toronto in the sleeping car which our party nearly filled.
- We started at 11 pm and reached Montreal about 7 am. We breakfasted at the CPR hotel, some of us had a walk, and we all left for Toronto at 8:50 and reached it at 7:30 pm.
- During the journey we had a pleasant conversation, and we were joined at Smiths Falls by Mrs. Gridlford who is standing alone at Ottawa.
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We are all now located at different places, and thus separated for the first time since we left the landing stage at Liverpool.
- We are just off to meetings, but I hope to add more at Rochester. 3 pm – a capital reading today on the Kingdom, a large company out.
Rochester, 16th October, 1898
I wrote to you just after our arrival at Toronto. Mr. Raven, Mr. Jas. Allen, Mr. Sinclair, Mr. Bodham of Quebec were all located at Dr. Hearn's.
- The Magowans, Pellatt, Gill, Taylor, New York, and a number of sisters were at L. K. Martin's house.
- I stayed at the Queens as I had several matters to attend to and needed quiet, and it gave me the opportunity of having FER and RSS to a quiet dinner and rest between the meetings, which they both felt the good of.
A large empty house adjoining the meeting room was vacant and was taken for the occasion.
- The meals were provided on the ground floor and the rooms upstairs were stocked with camp beds so that a large number of visitors was accommodated, although there was a little element of crowding.
- The people in this country are accustomed to rough it a little more on such occasions than the brethren in England.
The days commenced with prayer meeting at 7:30 which could only be attended by those near at hand.
Readings began at 10:30. On Tuesday morning we had Matthew 18 the Kingdom of God, how alone it could be entered, and the character of it as shown towards the end of the chapter;
- it was exceedingly good and simple, and was highly appreciated.
In the afternoon part of Colossians 1 was read and we had the New Covenant and Reconciliation, as the two great elements of the teaching which a person received who has entered the kingdom.
- It was interesting to see the perfect freedom in the meetings and the great appreciation on the part of the brethren of the frank and unconventional manner in which FER met all the enquiries and set out what was in his mind.
In the evening an address on the latter part of John 1 – Christ's delight and pleasure in coming amongst His people, and the effect upon them of being in His company, as shown in the case of Andrew, who sought to introduce others to Him.
- This refers to the new thing introduced but in addition to that we have the maintenance of the old brought out specially in connection with Nathanael who owns Him as King of Israel.
On Friday we read 1 John 5 and had a magnificent reading.
- The way in which FER traced up the epistle from the lowest point – Christian fellowship here – up to the highest – eternal life as set forth in God's Son where He is now – was most impressive, and it gave, I think, ideas on the subject of eternal life which were quite new to many.
- One cannot go into details here, but two points may be mentioned. The first is, that in the second verse, the expression "was with the Father" does not refer to past eternity but to the existing moral character of the life when the Lord was here. In this respect it corresponds with the
expression "an only-begotten with a father".
- The second point is, that coming by water and blood does not refer so much to the efficacy of His death, as to the necessary characteristic of His coming as the perfect manifestation of the Divine love to man, and now He is risen we have the Spirit bearing testimony to the same love, so that these three agree in one.
In the afternoon we had Hebrews, the Minister of the Sanctuary, etc. This was very good and led to a number of questions on practical points bearing on the meetings and the assembly etc. It was perhaps a little more miscellaneous but very useful.
- One point in FER's mind was that in connection with the new covenant, the Minister and the Mediator were one, as distinguished from Moses and Aaron under the first covenant.
A large party of us had tea at Dr. Hearn's and some interesting
conversation took place.
The address in the evening was most striking and I doubt if there was one person in the room unaffected by it.
- He read Psalm 19 and Romans 12, the point being that God's glory was in the heavens, not the earth, and that the expression of it was found in Christ glorified – the Sun.
- The soul who appreciates this finds his delight in the law of the Lord, which is really the expression of the will of God for man, and Romans 12 develops this in the circumstances in which believers are found down here.
- It is through my body that you alone know anything of me, and the body is therefore that in which the believer can set forth the will of God. He is to present it as a living and intelligent sacrifice.
The effect of this address was to decide several, who had not at first thought of it to accompany the party to the Rochester meetings.
It was no easy matter to say goodbye and get away from the saints, who seemed thoroughly warmed up by the two days' meetings.
- The general effect was most encouraging and I think I can fairly say that FER was agreeably surprised with the intelligent interest and desire to hear, which he has met with on this side of the Atlantic.
- I can add personally that I see a very great advance from what I have known in previous visits and am surprised to note how many have followed up the teaching we have had in late years.
- I think, in this respect, they put to shame many in England. There is one thing which strongly confirms this, and that is the great distances and the trouble and expense which many have incurred in order to attend these
meetings. One would certainly expect that they will profit by them, as the word is "Seek and ye shall find".
- There are 4 or 5 who have come all the way from California, others from Puget Sound, and the Rocky mountains, to say nothing of distances of 1 to 500 miles.
The party had increased to over 30 so Gill arranged with the RR company to give us a special private car. We had a most interesting journey as there was ample opportunity for conversation and for moving about to change companions. I think all enjoyed the journey of 150 miles almost as much as a meeting.
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On arrival at Rochester there was some little work to dispose of all the party. FER, JA, and myself came to the Powers Hotel as being the quickest arrangement and we found there Mr. Frank Lock of Plainfield.
- The others dispersed to the lodgings provided for them. After dinner there was a prayer meeting which was, I believe, very nice, but I was unable to be present having a business engagement.
On Lord's Day morning there was a very large attendance, in a large hall taken for the occasion in the centre of the city. In spite of all the difficulties incidental to such a meeting, it was extremely good and very free, quite a number taking part.
- FER spoke on the end of Matthew 11, the Father drawing, the Son revealing the Father to those so drawn and then leading them back to Him.
- He quoted twice in the address the lines of the hymns, "Thou gav'st us
in eternal love to Him to bring us home to Thee, suited to Thine own thought".
In the afternoon we read Matthew 16, looking at the incidents leading up to the revelation of the Assembly in connection with the confession of Christ as Son of God, and the administration of the Kingdom was touched on.
- The meeting was very large, but many did not hear at all, owing to the height and size of the hall, and the speakers being too much in the centre.
In the evening FER was on the platform and was well heard. He preached from Exodus 19 and Luke 2.
- The first passage, God keeping man in terror and at a distance and in the second, God coming into the world and touching man at his weakest point – a babe – but even that babe having death before
Him, as the only way of effectuating God's purpose.
- His circumcision and the sacrifice offered, as well as Simeon's words, all pointing to His death. He was not here for the pleasure of His parents, but the will of God.
On Monday the regular readings began and the subject proposed by the local brethren was 'the Gospel in connection with Salvation and Deliverance', but they wanted to be a little too far on.
Numbers 21 was proposed by FER as meeting what they asked for but it soon became apparent that souls really needed to have the kingdom and grace explained before they went on to the subject of life.
- The morning, therefore, was occupied, and very profitably with God's approach to man and the necessity for the Kingdom if man was to receive blessing.
- In the afternoon the other side was taken up from the 3rd of John's gospel and mainly taken up with new birth and being born of God.
- It was necessary to make it clear that grace comes in on the line of man's need, but the new birth and life are on the line of God's purpose.
- In the well known 16th verse it was pointed out that perishing does not refer to the future so much as to not slipping back from God's purpose, and perishing by the flesh.
- It corresponds to John 10 – "and they shall never perish". All the exigencies of life in flesh are thus covered, and the purpose of God effected.
In the evening we had a beautiful lecture on Genesis 12, part of Exodus 15, and Joshua 5, in the land when Abraham entered it, the Canaanite and famine existed, but for us there is neither Canaanite or famine.
- The devil is an intruder and all his power is broken.
- Christ has all power and has shown it by giving gifts to men, that instead of famine we might be fully satisfied, and roam at pleasure over the vast domain of spiritual blessing which is ours.
- All felt the sweetness and quiet power of the word, and evidently Mr.
Raven was much refreshed himself.
This meeting is the largest of its kind ever held in Rochester, or
perhaps amongst us in the States, and it is certainly not below any of
them in happiness. One can only trust that the undoubted effect
produced may be an abiding one.
The weather still continues fine. I hope to continue this report
from Minneapolis or Chicago.
Ever yours affectionately, John S. Allen.
Chicago, 14th October 1898
The last letter carried you to Monday evening at Rochester. We had a rather windy night, but the weather continued fairly good.
The Reading on Tuesday morning was on Deliverance and Colossians 2 was read.
- An important point was that FER thought that salvation was the breaking the power of the enemy and liberating the captive, and that deliverance was more in connection with details gone through experimentally, and would not be needed if a Christian left the world at the moment of his conversion.
In the latter part of the meeting there was a very interesting digression into the way Divine Persons have been revealed.
- FER thought that "the Son" is used in special reference to the Father and the name "Son of God" in reference to man, but that none of these
titles are applied to Him in scripture until incarnation, and therefore, we are not authorized to carry these titles back into eternity.
The printed revised notes do not fully reflect JSA's account.
See 'Ministry by F. E. Raven – New Series', 12: 119-20 and the extract from a letter of November 23, 1898 at the end of this page.
|
- The reading was exceedingly free and greatly enjoyed.
In the afternoon Ephesians 1 was read and the subject of the calling of God – sonship – was the main feature.
- The order of presentation is from the highest points of God's eternal purpose down to redemption and the gift of the Spirit
- as distinguished from the order of the truth in Romans which works
upwards from the need of man up to joying in God.
- There were many miscellaneous points of interest too numerous to mention.
In the evening we had a beautiful address on 1 Corinthians 3 – the New Covenant.
- It was pointed out that the ways of God under the old Covenant were analogous to His dealings with Christians, and yet at the same time there are contrasts.
- There was writing of God in both cases. In the one it was external – tables of stone; in the other on the fleshy tables of the heart.
- In the first it was the law which gave nothing but rather emphasized God's original judgment on man; in the other Christ is written which is a
communication of something new and blessedly living.
There was a large company present and it took a long time to say farewell. They were very reluctant to break up and it was evident that the meeting and the ministry of FER had greatly affected those present, whilst personally he has won the hearts of all the saints.
On Wednesday morning there was no meeting and at 10:30 we went to the RR Station to say goodbye to a large party leaving for Toronto.
At 5:30 we left by fast train for Chicago, securing our sleepers at Buffalo. Our party consisted of RSS, J. Pellatt, G. Rochester, Gill, Edwards, Magowan, and Forster of Toronto and ourselves.
- We had some hours chat before bedtime whilst we enjoyed large bunches of Niagara grapes which are both good and cheap. We had again the
drawing room, but this time a Wagner not a Pullman Car, and we all slept fairly.
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We had not intended more than a flying visit to Chicago, but having heard from O'Brian of fresh interest there and of the restoration to fellowship of several souls, we decided to give two days.
- We arrived at 8:00 am on Thursday. The Bowmans who are now living here carried off FER to their quiet house in the country, where the O'Brians are also staying
- and the rest of us went to the hotel – The Seland Hotel on the Lake Shore – where the six of us are now staying,
- Gill and Edwards having gone ahead to Minneapolis to finish up the typewriting of the notes of meetings so far.
- RSS and I went out to dinner to the Bowmans, and we all came to a reading at 2:30 in a special hall secured for the occasion. About 50 were present including two or three 'Grant' people and a few from the other sects.
We read John 4 at O'Brian's suggestion as there was a general desire to hear something on the subject of Eternal Life. The most interesting points were
- first, that Life is spoken of in Scripture as somewhat different from Eternal Life e.g. Romans 8: 10, "the Spirit of life" and
- secondly that Eternal Life is generally spoken of as a thing to be enjoyed here and not as connected with the Eternal State.
- It is, therefore, quite intelligible that many Christians have life
as a result of the Spirit's operation in them who have hardly reached
in their souls Eternal Life.
- There was a good deal of conversation after the meeting and we returned to supper where we were joined by several, and had free and pleasant conversation.
In the evening FER gave an address in the same hall on 1 Corinthians 1 with special reference to
- Christ as the wisdom – resource – and power of God and then made of God to us wisdom, righteousness – for the world to come – sanctification – as being Himself the pattern of God's purpose for man, Son and Priest – and redemption, being the final deliverance of the body.
- All this emphasized the close of the passage, "He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord".
On Friday morning we went out to make necessary arrangements about our train and baggage.
On Friday afternoon we read Galatians 4. The principles at work
in Galatia then have now spread throughout Christendom, and hence
the great value of this epistle.
- It sets before us the light of God's purpose, "Ye are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus".
- It was a strange thing to see the people of God wishing to connect themselves with a slave mother. We take character from Jerusalem above which
is our mother.
On Friday evening Mr. Raven gave the concluding lecture at Chicago. It was especially powerful and greatly enjoyed by the saints. Romans 5 was read.
- He referred to the blessings of the kingdom, peace, grace and hope, then the teaching of the terms on which God is pleased to be with us – Love.
- This is made known by the Spirit who sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts. Thus, His disposition is known just as a man who makes a will in your favour not only leaves you something, but reveals his disposition towards you.
- Then further down we came to reconciliation, where all is in divine complacency and according to His nature, and lastly at the close of the chapter we touch the purpose of God, for grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The ministry has made a profound impression on the saints gathered here, and has left them much to ponder over.
We left for Minneapolis on the same evening, our party this time smaller, as it consisted of Mr. Raven, JA, Geo. Rochester, Forster and myself, the
others having gone back to Indianapolis or stayed at Chicago, but we
all hope to meet on Saturday, 22nd inst. at Mr. Sinclair's house.
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Indianapolis, 25th October 1898
Various causes have hindered me from continuing these letters and now I cannot remember many of the details of the last 10 days.
We had a very comfortable journey to Minneapolis in a compartment car which was a new experience for me, but it suited us well. JA had the next compartment to ours and being alone we opened the door between and had practically two parlours.
- We arrived about 1:00 pm and were met by Acomb, Braden, and four
Winnipeg brethren, including Arnot, who looked very happy. We three went to the West hotel – a quiet very comfortable place and very convenient for the room – barely 5 minutes distant.
- Most brethren live a long way out. We took a stroll in the afternoon and in the evening went to the prayer meeting, which was quiet.
On Lord's Day there was a good company, but the meeting was rather trying as will be seen when I say that immediately after the breaking of bread an old brother from the country gave out Hymn 34 Appendix! – Ye trembling saints, who love the Lord.
- In the afternoon we had a reading on John 20. It was rather good, but it was evident that many were there from the country, and even Minneapolis knew little about the assembly.
- In the evening FER preached on Goliath and Hebrews 2, giving its true character to salvation as being present deliverance from the power of the enemy.
The company at Minneapolis was only about one half of that at Rochester or Toronto, but it was very representative as containing many from outlying and isolated places, and some from the Rockies and the Pacific.
On Monday we began with Galatians 3 on Acomb's suggestion, but when eternal life came up in connection with the blessing of Abraham there was some distinct opposition on the part of those holding old ideas of
something communicated to and – so to speak – deposited in the believer at new birth.
- —— was strong on this, but the most violent was an old brother from the country. He was much annoyed and went away home after the meeting, which was really a mercy. It was the person who gave out the extraordinary hymn on Lord's Day. —— never uttered another word in the meetings.
- Although the first was a little trying in some ways, it proved to have been profitable for many, and as the opposition showed where the truth really was and it brought out points that would probably not otherwise have been raised.
We had two nice brothers from Ashland into lunch and found them anxious to learn. I think they got help in seeing what is actually in the believer is the Spirit, which is life, and is a well of water springing up into eternal life.
In the afternoon we had a good reading on the old ground as to the kingdom of God. It is clear everywhere that the saints need to be established in grace before they can enter on the purpose of God.
After dinner, 6 pm, we – J. Allen and I – had about half a dozen brethren in for conversation including Arnot and the Winnipeg lot who, I am glad to say, are among the most solid and best liked at the meeting.
- We were able to clear up a few points as to which they were confused. In the evening we had a good lecture on 1 Peter 2 and it was simple enough to be generally understood.
On Tuesday we had Exodus 14 and 15 going through in the type the points of God's writing, the Covenant, the Sanctuary and the Mercy-Seat, and this was followed up in the afternoon with Numbers 4 and Joshua 5.
- It was most interesting to see how exactly the types are answered in the anti-type.
- Mr. Raven brought out clearly how the brazen serpent is, so to speak, the starting point for entering upon the purpose of God and that it comes out after the flesh has been proved hopelessly bad.
- Then comes in life and the Spirit and the power for entering Canaan, which does not typify heaven when we die but the entering, while we are here, into the apprehension of God's purpose and the scene of heavenly blessings.
- It seemed to me that all got help, except perhaps —— who spent an hour with JA and me about eternal life and I fear little impression was made.
- One of the brothers who had been in opposition the previous morning owned his wrong and apologized for it.
We went out to Braden's for tea, but the distance was so great that we were glad to have been quartered at the hotel.
In the evening we had a lecture on Hebrews 1 and 2 – what God has established for Himself and the need of cleaving to it.
- The room was full and the company very attentive, and I think I can fairly say that the result of the meetings was very encouraging, and I trust that the isolated ones may have got a real lift. We were all sorry to say goodbye.
We left at 7:30 next morning and the whole Winnipeg party was down to see us off. This journey was very comfortable but rather tedious, though some of the scenery was pretty.
- We reached Chicago just before 10:00 pm, drove across to the other station deposited our bags and then took a walk before going to our sleepers. Soon after 11:00 we turned into bed though the train did not start till 2:45 am.
From Plainfield later
I ought to have mentioned that at Minneapolis FER received a letter in F. W. Grant's handwriting signed by Timothy Loizeaux, himself, Samuel Ridout and another requesting FER to meet them in Plainfield, and explain to them some of his doctrines.
- After careful consideration FER wrote to say that he was unable to do so, that neither his time nor the object of his visit to the country would admit of it,
- and that irrespective of FWG's recent action towards himself, it would be impossible for him to meet him until several serious matters had been settled.
- It is the general opinion among brethren that his – FWG's – letter entirely ignored his position as being under discipline, and that it was an audacious assumption of the right to ask for an explanation and of his competence to judge.
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We did not sleep much but rested and reached Indianapolis at 8:00 am. Here Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Pellatt met us, and we were soon installed in our charming quarters at the house of the former.
- The next three days were practically rest, and the first we had had. We wrote and read, for the weather which had been wet in Minneapolis continued so at Indianapolis and was very chilly withal; so we only went out for a constitutional and to attend the ordinary reading, on Friday.
- It happened to be on 1 Corinthians 8 and was exceedingly interesting – thinking of and occupied with the good of others, as opposed to knowledge thinking of itself, some good remarks were made on being known of God.
- About 11:00 pm the Crawford party arrived from Quebec, and our house was full except the Captain's Room – a wonderfully capacious and comfortable attic specially fitted up for labourers, 6 of whom can be easily accommodated.
On Saturday these and other visitors began to arrive and before the day was over 113 came into town and were all located in comfortable quarters of one kind or another.
- Mr. Pellatt spent 8 hours at the station meeting different trains as they arrived, getting some food for the travellers and sending them to their respective destinations.
- Our guests were Gill, Forster, Magowan and Acomb. It was intended to have Rochester also, but he was claimed elsewhere.
- It was very pleasant for us having the Crawfords in the house, linking up our first meetings at Quebec with these, and as the day was wet we had a good opportunity of going over all that had happened between.
In the evening the prayer meeting was well attended and fairly good. We were glad to have Magowan here, but sorry his wife was absent as we had all come to know and like her.
- Taking all the meetings together I suppose there has not been in recent times, if ever, such thoroughly representative gatherings, and it is clear that many have made a good start and seem really anxious to get on.
We awoke on Sunday to find the lovely fall weather for which the country is famed and it was very inspiriting after the cold rain. The morning meeting was good, about 150 broke bread and there was a sense of being in
the company of the Lord outside things here.
- In the afternoon we had a reading on John 14 and a good deal came out as to the Lord's pleasure in coming to His own, but that it could only be realized under certain conditions.
- In the evening FER preached the gospel from John 9 speaking of the blind man in connection with the sovereignty of God, and so with His desire that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
- The work did not rest with relief but he was brought to the Son of God outside every circle here.
On Monday, prayer meeting after the general breakfast at 9:30, and the meeting began at 10:30. The subject was Hebrews 2 and the world to come. He spoke of the new order of things established for God. Chapter
- The Throne and the Mercy Seat;
- The Rule of the Son of Man – The World to Come;
- The House of God;
- Rest of God;
- The Priest;
- The Forerunner;
- The Better Hope, by which we draw nigh to God; – these are all on God's side.
- The Covenant;
- Purgation and Reconciliation;
- Sanctification and the entrance into the Holiest; – these three chapters are on our side and bring up to eternal life.
The two first chapters were taken up in the morning and the others up to the tenth in the afternoon The meetings were deeply interesting.
In the evening he spoke from John 10, the four titles of the Lord with the advance in truth corresponding to each;
- these were Jewish sheep, and He entered the fold to bring them out;
- then the Door, by which salvation is obtained and pasture etc.
- The Good Shepherd who gives His life,
- and after that we have the Gentiles come in and we have one flock corresponding to the one Head and one body. He gives to them eternal life and keeps them from perishing by apostasy.
Each night after supper we had a pleasant free conversation.
On Tuesday morning 1 Corinthians 10 and 11 were taken up, the subject of the Lord's Table and Supper. I need not go into these in detail as they have often been taken up.
Indianapolis
In the afternoon I was not out but the reading was on 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14.
- The epistle presents only the elements of Christian blessing. Privileges are not developed. Their state would not allow it. They are said to be the temple and the body. They had that place but entered not into it.
- The meeting of the assembly is in the 11th chapter, the sanctuary is not the subject but rather the edification of the saints. He regulates use of gifts. All must be for edification. Love builds up.
- The 13th chapter is a beautiful picture but is, as it were, hung upon the wall for them to admire.
- A meeting is in connection with our life of responsibility here, but the assembly is outside that. We cross to the other side to reach the assembly. There is no thought of administration;
- even when the apostles appointed deacons they were men filled with the Holy Ghost. All was in the Spirit's power; there is no thought of a system in Christianity.
There is no such thing properly as a brothers meeting. He would, if announcing such a need as called for brothers to be present, ask the elders to remain, and then it would be laid upon each as to whether they could come on that ground or not. He sees elders brought together but not brothers as such.
Speaking of the collection he would send the box around after
the breaking of bread to prevent interruption afterwards, and that all
of that kind might be disposed of.
- The collection would be for the expenses and poor saints etc.
- He thought the saints did not put into the box liberally enough. One is often ashamed of the small amount.
- Yet one person would be in bad taste who put in a large sum regularly, for he would soon be known as the one who did it; and besides, there is no good in making the saints dispense your bounty. That is your own responsibility as a steward.
- A great many other useful and practical details were mentioned, too numerous to write about in this account, but altogether the readings on this epistle were exceedingly interesting.
In the evening Mr. Raven lectured on the latter part of Hebrews 12, what we are not come to, and what we are come to. We are not come to Mount Sinai, we are come to Mount Zion where God's sovereign intervention in mercy and goodness came in.
- It is the world to come and there are eight things mentioned, ending with the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
- We are come to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. This is the presentation of the church according to the twelve. When they were
preaching, Paul was persecuting.
- "And to an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly". Angels are the guardians of the heavenly city. They are found at the gates, and turning to Hebrews 1 we find them now the guardians of those who compose that city. "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?" There are bad angels but there are good ones who are used of God for the providential care of His own.
- Then there is the church of the firstborn ones written in heaven. Here the result of Paul's ministry is seen. It is the assembly according to Paul;
- then to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. He spoke solemnly of the voice that speaketh from heaven. It was
one of the best lectures given in this part of the country, and very much enjoyed.
We still had part of Wednesday as we did not leave until 2:30 that day, so at Pellatt and O'Brian's urgent request Mr. Raven consented to have a special reading on the subject of eternal life, as O'Brian had difficulty about Mr. Raven's remark that eternal life is entered upon here, only in the assembly.
- This proved to be a remarkably good reading and all were much helped. We read 1 John 5 and had over again the force of the three
witnesses all agreeing in the one testimony – really to the love
of God in bringing us into eternal life.
- It is not so much the efficacy of the water and the blood but it is really put away by bringing God in.
- In the latter part of the chapter we have distinctly consciousness. We know that he that is begotten of God keepeth himself and that the wicked one toucheth him not. You are outside the wicked one.
- Then we are of God and the whole world lieth in the wicked one. You are outside the world, "And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true".
We are outside all else, and in Him; that is really in the assembly. He is the true God; that is the way of testimony. He sets Him forth.
- He is also the One in whom eternal life is seen. Thus we are brought into the consciousness of eternal life.
- There is some difficulty in some minds as to the force of the well known 24th verse of the 5th chapter of the Gospel – "hath everlasting life" – but it came out with great convincing distinctness that the
Gospel simply gave us the faith of this,
- but that the Epistle was that the saints might be led into the conscious enjoyment of that which they had the faith or light,
- just as the faith of sonship is presented in Galatians, but the Spirit leads us into the good of it now whilst we wait it in actuality, namely in resurrection.
- It was also made clear that eternal life has to do with a scene of death and is not carried in Scripture either backward or forward into eternity:
- that eternal life which was with the Father is simply its moral character as seen by the apostles. It is what they witnessed.
After this good reading Mr. Raven, Mr. Jas. Allen and myself, and Gill, left at 2:30 for Baltimore where Rochester had already gone. Mr. Sinclair had a business call to Cedar Rapids that day.
Mr. Magowan remained behind for a few days at the cottage where Mr. and Mrs. Crawford and their daughter remained also, but on Friday they came to Plainfield for our last meetings.
We are deeply thankful for the time spent at Indianapolis and greatly admire the skill and wisdom displayed by Mr. Sinclair, our esteemed host, in connection with all the arrangements.
Plainfield
We had a comfortable journey as far as Harrisburg where I
branched off to New York, the others going to Baltimore. I was very
reluctant to leave them but business made it imperative.
I spent Friday and Saturday on business in New York and felt
the change a sorrowful one, but I got to the prayer meeting on Friday
evening.
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A singular incident following this was that S. Ridout happened to meet FER in the part of Baltimore, in the company with others, and spoke to him.
- He subsequently, with a Mr. Buchanan, attended all the meetings at Baltimore and asked a number of questions in a good spirit.
- I cannot give any account of the meetings there, as neither Magowan nor I were present but we hear they were excellent and FER expressed himself as quite satisfied with them.
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On Saturday afternoon I came down here, and a large number
of us met at the station from different quarters.
- The Indianapolis
party including the Crawfords, RSS and Magowan, the Baltimore
party including FER, JA, Rochester, Forster, Gill, Pellatt, Phillips
etc., joined the same train at Philadelphia. We had tea together at the
Room.
Plainfield, New Jersey, 3rd Nov. 1898
Sunday morning meeting was a happy one and there was quite a large company – at least 80 in additions to the locals. In the afternoon we had a reading as usual, but I cannot at the moment recall the subject. It was pretty good but nothing striking.
In the evening we had an address from Luke 2 and Revelation 21. It was hardly what ordinarily would be called gospel and yet it was so for it contained a really magnificent setting forth of God's thoughts and ways –
- how He has got glory to Himself, which will be fully displayed hereafter in the heavenly city, and at the same time brought in peace and set forth His good pleasure in man,
- all this being brought about by God Himself coming into manhood at its lowest point – a babe – and then by His death.
- The whole company was greatly moved. The readings on Monday and Tuesday were consecutive and they practically brought into focus much that we had been through in other places.
All will come out in the notes and I confine myself now to stating that the subject was the Assembly in its connection with
- the Kingdom,
- Reconciliation – Colossians 1,
- the Body and Eternal Life – Colossians 2 and 3: 1-4, and
- the Glory of God – Ephesians 3: 14-21, especially verse 21.
- They were admirable readings – most impressive – and
cleared up many minds.
- FWG was present at several of them, and quite a number of his adherents and of open brethren.
Between breakfast and the morning readings I had quite a good company each day, who were anxious to get some points cleared up, and I think I was able to do a little in that way.
- The spirit of fellowship throughout was most happy, and even those from whom some opposition had been expected and who had not desired the
meetings acted nicely and took part, although evidently much in the dark.
On Monday evening FER gave a fine address on 1 John 4, and on Tuesday another address on Enoch and his translation. It was different from anything we had had, but I cannot go into it here.
- This closed the official programme and we were all very reluctant to say farewell, but it had to come.
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As there was a wish for a day's meetings at Cambridgeport, Boston. FER, JA, RSS, and Magowan with the Crawfords, who were on their way home, came up to New York soon after 12:00. I was with them and, after lunching together, I saw them off by train at 3:00 pm and was again quite solitary.
In the evening I went to the New York reading, and we had a good time together, though we were rather discursive.
There is to be a reading on Friday night when the Boston party returns, but practically the meetings are over and we can only bless God for His great goodness.
That an impression of a very decided character has been produced is beyond question. The great thing is, how deep is it and will the effect be
abiding? I trust it may be so in many, not excluding the English visitors.
Liverpool, November 1898
It only remains to add that on the Friday afternoon, the Boston party returned to New York. Several of us had tea at our brother Taylor's house and met there Mr. Randall of Newcastle who had just arrived from Saint John, NB.
- He told us that the two from Saint John who had met us in Quebec had shortly after their return withdrawn from the Bexhill gathering, and another also.
- Whether or not they will have the faith to take positive ground remains to be seen, this much we can be thankful for, and we hope the light and
truth may spread further.
In the evening we had a fairly large reading at Fulton Hall, the subject being Ephesians 1 – the calling – sonship.
- It was good in many ways but was much spoiled by foolish interruptions from one or two who either by invitation or otherwise had come in. They only showed their ignorance, but nevertheless it was trying.
- The whole point on their part was to insist that what God had set forth
objectively in Christ as His thought for man, was actually true now in the believers, without taking into account the measure in which the Spirit had made it good in the soul of the individual.
- When it was over we had our final farewell, and on Saturday morning we were on board the Eturia at 9:30, Mr. Sinclair and several others coming to
see us off. We were detained two hours by fog, but got away about noon.
During Sunday and Monday we had a gale – or nearly so – from the south, and being right abeam, the vessel rolled heavily. After that it was fine and clear until we neared Ireland, when fog came on, and again near Liverpool. We were most comfortable on board and had every attention but the weather was too mild to be quite comfortable.
- We landed before one o'clock on Saturday, and after a very good voyage found several including
Mr. Revell awaiting us. So ends a very agreeable and interesting trip.
J. S. Allen.
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| LETTERS OF F. E. RAVEN |
|---|
| 'Letters of F. E. Raven, New Series', page 147. |
|---|
Chicago, October 20th, 1898
My desire has been [referring to the meetings they had had at Rochester] to lead saints to look at things in a moral light, so that they may apprehend truth as a whole, the revelation of God and his will, that thus they may be led into the knowledge of God and His calling.
| 'Letters of F. E. Raven, New Series', pages 147-48.
|
November 23, 1898
I was naturally glad to reach home again, but I was very happy in contact with the saints in America, where are many whom I very highly esteem and am thankful to have been in contact with.
- I feel that I have gained by it. I am sure that I will not forget them and I trust they will not forget me.
- I am now extremely busy with the notes of our meetings, which have been very fairly taken, and will be published in America …
As to what you refer to, my point was that it was permitted us to know divine Persons as and when revealed and only so.
- In view of that revelation the Son has taken a new place relatively,
that is, of inferiority to the Father, coming to do the will of God,
though of course there would be no change morally or in affection.
- The names under which we know divine Persons, that is, Father, Son and Holy Spirit are, I judge, connected with this position, and I doubt if we are allowed to enter into the eternal relation of divine Persons apart from this revelation. No one knows the Son but the Father.
- What I think led me to it was a fear lest in our minds we should almost insensibly give to the Son a place of inferiority – save as regards revelation – in our thoughts of the Godhead, which could not be right.
- The point is to be within the limits of Scripture and not trading on what is merely orthodox.
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| LETTERS OF J. TAYLOR |
|---|
| 'Letters of James Taylor', 1: 260; also page 263. |
|---|
As regards the application of the term Son, or Son of God, to our Lord as "in the form of God", I have long hesitated about it …
- I have read FER's remarks – had read them before you sent the paper – and they represent what he held at the time, of course, indeed, what was, and is, generally held;
- but as a matter of fact, it was Mr. Raven who first mentioned the questionableness of the application I have mentioned.
- This was in my hearing – when he was in America in 1902. The remarks were not published, as far as I know, but they are well known by many.
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| • • • Note re F. W. Grant • • • |
|---|
| The recent action mentioned above most likely refers to 'An Open Letter to Mr. F. E. Raven, Sept. 28, 1897', from which the following extract is taken.
"Now if this is your real view – if you have not simply got
overbalanced – as we so easily may in things too high for us – then I say, with conviction of the solemnity of such an affirmation, the Christ that Christians have known and loved and followed all through the centuries is not the Christ that you present to us. The glorious 'Man' that Scripture presents to us has disappeared.
"Divine-human personality you must own is not in your mind; and what this means every Christian heart should be able to say".
F. W. Grant.
A second letter, April 28, 1899, is not available.
See Doctrine: The Person of Christ.
|
Return to Minneapolis – Addendum. |
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