Decline and Departure
(1953-70)

Charles L. Nunnerley

Recent Developments was written in November 1960 by Mr. Charles L. Nunnerley. This valuable and unique document

• identifies the conditions of "declension" preceding and preparing the way for "the evolving of a system not in accord with Christian liberty", and

• shows the unscriptural basis of the features of that harsh system which – 40 years later – continues to dominate and oppress many brethren.
  • It is to the victims of that legal system – damaged, disillusioned or discarded – that this page is primarily addressed.

Current Events in the world are paving the way for the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy and along with this,

• there is a growing conviction with many Christians all over the world, that the second coming of the Lord Jesus is near.

• This expectation is the result of the operations of the Holy Spirit; and there is no doubt that His mission and longing is
  • to prepare the people of God for that glorious moment when the Lord Jesus will rapture His own to Himself and then come forth with them to reign over the earth, where He was once cast out and crucified.

A presentation of the supreme excellence and glory of Christ is necessary to reach this end, and,

• as a prelude to this, special attention has been sovereignly called to the Person and services of the Holy Spirit.

Such a ministry of Christ in the power of the Spirit, and as a result of His operations inwardly and faith in the soul, would lead to ardent affection for Christ,

• and, combined with the prospect of soon seeing Him as He is, would lead to increased purity, practical righteousness, holiness and sanctification,

• involving the removal of all that would hinder both internally and externally.

• This would bring about the restoration in character of the assembly's first love for Christ, and of evangelical activity the prime features of the end of the dispensation. See Revelation 22: 16-17.

During the reformation, Martin Luther was used of God to revive the truth of justification by faith, and

• in the last century there was a movement of the Spirit of God drawing attention to the fact
  • the Lord Jesus in heaven is the glorified Head of His assembly consisting of every believer on earth united to Him by the Holy Spirit.

• Many in various parts of the earth were gathered out to the Lord's name, breaking bread in the light of the whole assembly; and the work was undoubtedly unified by the Lord Himself.

In spite of divisions, the work continued and expanded, with a living ministry calling attention to precious features of the truth,

• particularly, in more recent times, to the Persons of the Godhead and the supreme majesty of the blessed God, with light as to the Lord's supper and the service of God.

Latterly, alas, declension has set in, resulting in the evolving of a system not in accord with Christian liberty,

• characterised increasingly by undue prominence being accorded to one in the lead and to ministers generally,

• instead of attention being focused on the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The outlook in Scripture is that the Lord Jesus is the Head of the assembly, Son over God's house, Himself being the cornerstone, and has the first place in all things, being everything and in all, and the great leader of His own.

• Col. 1: 18; 3: 11; Heb. 2: 10; 3: 6; 12: 2; 13: 20; Eph. 2: 21;
  1 Cor. 1: 10.

Brethren, while having a right judgment of systems around, have almost lost the sense that we are part of the breakdown of the assembly publicly;

• and we have often acted in practice as if we were "the assembly"

• and spoke of, and acted towards, other lovers of the Lord Jesus in a derogatory way that must be very grieving to His heart.

Far-reaching and pretentious claims to assembly status and "position" have been made, in spite of solemn warnings on the part of J.N.D., F.E.R., C.A.C., and J.T.

• The oft-repeated statements "the Lord is with us" and "the Lord is with the position" betray presumption and spiritual pride, and belie the true condition.

Much is made, rightly so, of the Spirit's present voice to the assembly,

• but this is now being identified in brethren's minds with the voice of one man and, combined with the conception of "authoritative ministry"

• has resulted in ministry being given an equal or even greater authority than the written word of God,
  • thus weakening the latter's absolute authority over the conscience and soul.

The interpretation and application of the word by a brother in the lead is held to be binding on all and the Scriptures are manipulated to enforce "current ministry".

• Often only one passage is taken as to a truth instead of considering all relevant passages. See 2 Peter 1: 20-21.

For a long time, liberty to express difficulties or to make honest enquiry as to the ministry has been virtually denied,

• whereas the bondman of the Lord "should be gentle … in meekness setting right those who oppose", 2 Timothy 2: 24-26.

The leader legislates on the application of Divine Principles in detail

• and these applications, some of which are not sound nor in accord with facts, have the force of laws, which must be obeyed by all.

• The result is that the basis of fellowship is no longer confined to the apostles' doctrine but includes the acceptance of an increasing number of manmade rules, thus making the position sectarian.

The claims of conscience, as obedient to the word of God, are constantly infringed, thus preventing the maintenance of a good conscience before God. 1 Timothy 1: 5.

• while the threat of excommunication from fellowship, leading to their being cut off, as evil persons, from relatives and friends,
  • has caused many to give lip service to false teaching contrary to their own inner convictions before God.

The spirit of the dispensation has been virtually set aside and the extreme supporters of the system are sadly lacking in love, grace, shepherd care, and even normal human feelings, thus causing extreme stress and anguish.

• The teaching, and the methods of rigour and harshness used, have become constitutional in many, so that the very character of the person has been changed for the worse.

• This phenomenon – i.e., change of character – is similar to that which has taken place in those who have dedicated themselves to Romanism, Nazism, Fascism, Communism and other totalitarian creeds.

• The salient features of fanatical flesh are the same, wherever they manifest themselves. 2 Timothy 3: 2-5.

• Persons marked by these features are usually admired by some especially those who are immature – 2 Corinthians 11: 19-20 – and they are able, for a time, to dominate others by fear.

• But because they are against God, they cannot prevail. 2 Timothy 3: 9.

For some time, servants of the Lord, responsible to Him, have been hindered in the free exercise of their gift received in sovereign grace from an ascended Christ by the Holy Spirit,

• and have concentrated on the reiteration of what is current in order to be allowed to continue with their service.

• The power to affect the heart and conscience, experienced so frequently in earlier days, has therefore disappeared.

The Scriptures make clear the necessity for a constant ministry of foundation truth – 2 Peter 1: 12-13 –

• but this has, generally speaking, been relegated to the background, and those who have sought to supply the need have been under reproach.

• In result, a generation has grown up with little moral foundation and Christ, generally speaking, has not been formed in them. Galatians 4: 19.

• On the one hand there have been many moral lapses and, on the other, young men have been called upon to stand for "the truth" – so-called – in their localities

• without any regard to the necessary qualifications of eldership, and have acted in a hard, fanatical and unseemly manner.

The theme of purification, inward as well as outward, was developed in meetings at Exeter

• and the withdrawal of this book and the wicked exhortation to burn it, has weakened this side of the truth so sorely needed at the present time.

Purification and Life, Exeter, August 1958, was reprinted by Philip Haddad as 'Memorials of the Ministry of G. R. Cowell', No. 9.

• Appalling moral evil has come to light in leading men, meticulous as to outward appearance, in the very city where the book was first attacked.

The teaching that all believers should drink alcoholic beverages to prove their Christian liberty, has caused many to drink intoxicants with dire results.

• This is very serious and the Lord's word comes to mind as to offending one of these little ones. Matthew 18: 6.

It is now taught that eating and drinking is an act of fellowship,

• and that all on earth, including myriads of devoted and godly Christians, with the exception of those in fellowship, are in no different position than the man referred to in 1 Corinthians 5: 11;

• and that brethren may only eat and drink with those with whom they are in fellowship, with the exception of certain communal meals.

• This is contrary to the truth of Scripture and the antithesis of the teaching and example of the Lord Jesus and His apostles. See Matthew 10: 10-11; 27: 35-36 etc.

• We are exhorted to follow in the holy steps of Jesus as a Man here on earth – 1 Peter 2: 21 – and to be imitators of Paul as he was of Christ – 1 Corinthians 10: 11 –

• and liberty is granted by the Spirit of God, through Paul, to eat "if so minded" in the house of an unbeliever and this liberty remains. 1 Corinthians 10: 27-28.

• Paul says "the things that I write to you, that it is the Lord's commandment", 1 Corinthians 14: 37.

Testimony is almost completely beclouded. Brethren are now regarded as a fanatical sect and even Christianity itself is brought into disrepute.

Cruel methods have been practised against beloved servants of the Lord and others, and they have been cast out of "the assembly" on insufficient and sometimes trivial grounds.

• As withdrawal should only take place when every other means has failed, and only be on the basis that the one concerned is unfit for Christian fellowship anywhere on earth, many "assembly judgments" are manifestly wrong.

• Confessions before "the assembly" reminiscent of what is practised in a certain group, have been frequent in many places recently, and have brought the assembly into disrepute.

The principle of local responsibility has also been violated by leading men, who have forced their opinion on local companies in matters of discipline,

• on the assumption that they have the gift of government. This has led to grave miscarriage of justice in some cases.

While outward separation from the world has been insisted on, many brethren's links among themselves have been largely of a social character,

• and they have almost lost the ability to speak of the Lord Himself in their contact with each other, and with man.

• Many have lived in a round of meetings and, for many engaged in an occupation,
  • there has been insufficient time for personal communion, meditation, practical Christianity, personal service and fulfilling the responsibilities of a family life.

• By the enforcement and carrying out of legal enactments brethren are under bondage to the principles of the world. Galatians 4: 3, 8-9.

It is possible, in view of developments, that the teaching as to non-eating may be modified, but if this is so, it will only expose the system still more.

Instead of submission to the rights, leading and power of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the assembly,

• it is taught that the system is to be maintained by self-appointed local leaders maintaining contact with the universal leader, whose dictum must prevail.

• Control of publication of ministry is vested in one central depot and is to be subjected to censorship.

The whole system is a challenge to the authority and character of God, and to the truth and working of the body. 1 Corinthians 12.

May the brethren reach a judgment of this system before the Lord as iniquitous; and seek His face for grace, guidance, and courage to act according to His will,

• so as to have part in what is of real church character and to be radiant witnesses to a glorified Saviour at the end of the dispensation.

The writer is deeply humbled as to his own guilt and failure and would desire to boast in Christ Jesus and in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Charles L. Nunnerley

While true leadership based on moral and spiritual worth is right and of God – Hebrews 13: 7, 17 –

• it is my conviction that we should guard against setting up other systems, discarding only the recent novelties, sins and error.
• Therefore, leading men who have just broken within recent days from the now discredited line and are looking for some vindication and renown – I look for none –

• are failing to provide the vitally present need of humble, contrite service to the Lord and His people who have suffered so much.

It is my judgment that the present crisis demonstrates that the issues of 1965 were not truly faced and resolved by us either collectively or individually,

• so that the same system of repression, although under different public control, continued to bring the brethren into bondage.
• At that time astute manoeuvring by —— and his avowals of innocence – "I did not know these things were happening" – brought him on to view as an apparent deliverer,

• who proceeded to sacrifice the leaders of the commercial system as well as persons who were truly clear of positive involvement, so that he seemed to be unique in his guiltlessness.

• The truth is that he was aware of the identities and some of the activities of the men of that system, although it is possible that some of the worst excesses were not within his knowledge.

• Even casual observation shows that almost all of these men have been reinstated in positions of prominence in the current system.

The past five years of extended domination over the brethren has produced conditions among them in which

• the place and authority of the Holy Scriptures is practically refused or ignored,

• the influence and spiritual bearing of the true recovery ministries of JND, JBS, FER, CAC, JTSr and others is set aside or weakened, and

• there is a dearth of the knowledge and gain of the gospel in our younger brothers and sisters. Acts 17: 11.
• The whole fabric of the 'ministry' of —— is, therefore, suspect to the discerning and spiritual mind, clearly indicating that
  • we must return to the fully accredited, genuine, scripturally supported and distinctive ministries of the recovery,

  • leaving the mixture, errors, contradictions and digressions of the 'green books'. Baal-shalishah food is our great and urgent need. 2 Kings 4: 40-44.

The 'green books' are "the 'ministry' of ——", published with green covers. Andrew is contrasting them with the "the fully accredited, genuine, scripturally supported and distinctive ministries" of JND, JBS, FER and JTSr, commonly called the black, brown, red, blue books. CAC's weren't nicknamed.

It is my further judgment, after heart-searching review of the history of brethren since 1953, that a man has had a lust for power and place,

• causing to be removed from his path of ambition those whom he thought might stand in the way,
  • either by discrediting them or bringing them into subservient positions of vassalage within his carefully erected hierarchical system.

• The 'ministry' has been one of bondage, legality, limitation, politics and oppression, justified by fanciful interpretations
  • often having no relation whatever to what has been opened up by outstandingly gifted men of God from the 1820's to 1953,

• yet it has found the brethren incredibly docile under the gradual process – called 'subjection to the truth' – which process has, however, recently been accelerated.

Suggestive, filthy and lewd speaking has been reported by witnesses from many parts of the world as common in meetings, including what even the world calls "bad language".

• What was condemned for being permitted at Preston, England, in October 1969 in the way of lewd talk is seemingly now the current stock in trade of so-called ministers of the Word. Isaiah 5: 18-25.

Let us now take sober, honest stock of our individual links with the Trinity – so sorely neglected by our carelessly following a mortal man –

• and examine in the light of Scripture and its opening up through JND, JBS, FER, CAC, JTSr and others
• the dubious and, in some cases, obviously wrong teaching, regulations and practices foisted on brethren under the regime of the past decade and more.

Several of these things I list in this letter – some appear trivial, some are clearly serious –

• but all represent the concerted effort towards legality and its resultant bondage, within the confines of which form of external rectitude has been exposed by the Lord such elements as

• lying, deceit, error and corruption, as well as much unhappiness among the body of the burdened brethren, most of whom have been afraid to speak out publicly in protest and condemnation lest they might lose their 'lives'.

• This list is not, of course, exhaustive, but should command your solemn attention and prayerful meditation and judgment:

Assembly Behaviour

Use of lewd language, cursing and abusive verbal treatment of brethren. Introduction and drinking of liquor in meetings.

• Leviticus 10: 8; 11: 2 Corinthians 6: 3; Ephesians 4: 29; 5: 3; James 3: 10.

Attendance Officers

This has destroyed confidence among brethren which is a basis of fellowship. Unspiritual party men have used the position to overdrive the saints.

Babes

Children of a few months 'partaking' of the Lord's Supper is clearly not envisioned in 1 Cor. 11 – "let a man prove himself".

• Other Scriptures suggest some maturity, while JTSr insisted on evidence of the indwelling Spirit.

• "Take eat" was to the disciples and is not stated in 1 Cor. 11 where the Supper is given directly by the Lord through the apostle to the assembly.

Burials

Exclusion of natural relatives, including the closest links, from meeting rooms is not in accord with the Spirit of Christ.

• The presence of such need not govern the position (Gen. 25: 9).

• Brethren in New York have refused to bury a saint 'in fellowship' if relatives were to be present, although such were agreeable to sit separately and have no part in the meeting.

Church Status

It was stated by —— and others at Bristol and elsewhere in 1970 that "we are the Church".

• This ignores the breakdown and is the worst sectarian ground.
  • See JND's letter on pages 61-64 of 'Recovery and Maintenance of the Truth' AJG [2nd edition, 1963].

Employment

Imposition of limitations on positions brethren were permitted to accept, in order to maintain persons in economic peonage and submission to the system.

• That directorships and shareholding involve a yoke is true – other situations were contrived and without such involvement. These last include solicitors.

The Marriage Bond

Erroneous application of 2 Timothy 2 has brought pressure to bear on one partner in marriage – sorrowfully too often resulting in the breakup of households.

• Such activity is 'formally' denied by brethren, but the history proves far otherwise. Matt. 19: 8 and 1 Cor. 7: 10 are ignored.

• Matthew 19: 29 relates to masculine public service and certainly does not warrant application to break marriage

Metropolitanism

New York has adopted a position as a world centre. Local assemblies universally have been interfered with.

• —— has appointed local leaders in many parts – a number of these have no ability, gift or spirituality; however, they are 'loyal' party men.
  • See JT 21: 104; 1 Cor. 1: 2; Rev. 2 and 3.

• Self-appointed or system appointed 'approved' in localities alone determine who may come or go.
  • See JT 21: 106-7; James 4: 15.

Preaching

Multiple preachings began in Sydney in December 1967 as a result of expediency on that date.

• Apart from the rigorous and unnecessary travels, especially in major cities, on the Lord's Day, brethren are often robbed of the gain of spiritual impressions received.

• The need for so many speakers has 'pressed' into service some who are doctrinally unsound and whose idea of the preaching is to tell 'funny' stories and/or verbally abuse the brethren;
  • sadly these young ones have learned all this too well from 'leaders'.

• The removal of the signs was not right, although no doubt it was a mercy in view of the happenings 'inside'.

Sabbath Observance

The introduction of this was attended by the usual 'legality' overseas and outside the New York area, but with virtually no practice here.

• The rigid, heartless and arbitrary insistence on keeping sabbath in many parts resulted in hardship and, according to witness, made it very difficult if not impossible for brethren in small businesses to maintain practical righteousness.

• Paul gave the Colossians warning in chapter 2 verses 16-17, while JND and JTSr both indicated the superiority of Christianity.
  • See many JND references, also JT 70: 166-7.

• It is stressed by some that the sabbath should be observed since it preceded the law – it did – but so did the circumcision of Abraham's house, Gen. 17: 23 … are brethren going to practice circumcision?

Servants

The Lord's sovereignty over servants has been disregarded.

• In order to be able to continue in 'service' in the present system it is necessary to have only a few qualifications;
  • namely, complete submission to ——, an ability to stifle one's conscience and include frequent references to 'the universal lead', 'as our brother has said', 'as has come out recently in New York' etc., etc.

• The principle of 'sent' is absolutely right, but it is the Lord who is over the servants and the services, not another servant.

• Some are active in 'service' in the system today who demonstrate no affection or respect for the brethren, and in whom there hardly appears any hint of true gift.
  • Such deficiencies appear to be no hindrance to entering the 'levitical' ranks.

Sisters

The beloved sisterhood has over recent years been the butt of many slurring references in so-called 'ministry', instead of being held in the honour which is theirs.

• The recent edict that these must wear their hair down as 'proof of their affection for Christ' and wear scarves instead of hats is only a further move in humiliating them.

• Other 'ministry' is calculated to remove them from the designated place which is theirs in the public order of the church by stating that they should give out hymns and participate in readings.
  • See 1 Cor. 14: 34-38; JND Letters 1: 196-7; 2: 264; 3: 330-1, 410.

Shutting Up

The Scripture to justify this act – not administrative) is 2 Thess. 3: 6, 14-15.

• In practice the procedure of shutting up has become a deliberate pressure tactic in the hands of alleged priests to force acceptance of their views and edicts
  • by cutting family ties and holding the implied threat of a divided house with all its dreadful consequences over a brother or sister.

• Emotions and inward feelings are exploited to bring about capitulation, if not conviction.

• Leviticus 13 has been forced into the section in 2 Thessalonians 3 and is largely the one acted on in practice.

• So-called leaders even shut up other brethren by phone and secretly so that the body of the brethren is circumvented and the normal protection of the assembly nullified.

Times of Meetings

The 6:00 am breaking of bread was introduced in Sydney in December 1967 as a matter of personal convenience – not principle.

• The circumstances of brethren have been disregarded in all this.

• Aged brethren have had to start getting ready as early as 3:00 am because of infirmity; others have been entirely shut out from the Supper;
  • sisters standing on lonely subway platforms at 4:00 am and others on the streets of wicked, violent cities have drawn no sympathy or understanding from the zealous party men.

• The practical truth of salvation in the assembly is negated.

• Setting of weeknight meeting times and frequency, particularly in large centres, disregards the facts of the lives of brethren and militates against normal development of Christian family life and conditions.

I rejoice that you in your locality have refused to be governed by a verdict which would bind you to evil, but just how much of the evil are you prepared to judge?

• If your leaders have only helped you to remove one of the offending branches, ask them why the root is not being dealt with!

• Their reputations may suffer – but what reputation can be a concern when occasion has been given to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme. 2 Sam. 12: 14.

• Sadly, these enemies have had many occasions over recent years in many matters – let them have no more.

Your affectionate and faithful brother in Christ,

Andrew Robertson.

Certain recent doctrines and happenings have led us to retrace the first principles especially in the early writings of Mr. Darby and others, and in those who have followed.

• What a revelation it has been to our souls! How far we had departed from simplicity as to Christ and allowed the teachings of men without any scriptural support to govern us and to hold us in fear of being withdrawn from for even raising questions!

We have had to judge with sorrow as having had our part in not protesting many matters, especially the following:

The Humanity of Christ Degraded

The Humanity of Christ was degraded by daring to present the life of a mortal man as equivalent, when obviously there were things being said and done which were totally out of keeping with the work of God.

Public Reproach on the Name of the Lord Jesus

Public reproach on the Name of the Lord Jesus by spreading so-called 'facts' to the press and television.

Clericalism

"One man" universally or locally – which is opposed to Paul's ministry (Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4) as to the variety and distinction of gifts as well as the plurality in elderhood locally – all under the guise of 'good government'.

Sectarianism

Pretension to be "the church", disregarding entirely the ministry of JND as to the ruin, which both FER and JT also held and taught.

Narrowness of Heart

Excluding other saints from representation in the loaf; refusal to allow interested souls to come and hear the glad tidings.

Judaizing

The addition of regulation upon regulation as rules to be followed without any scriptural support – conscience set aside – fear ruling instead of love attracting.

Alcohol

Alcohol – the excessive use and abuse.

Corrupt Language

The use of suggestive and then corrupt words leading to blasphemous language, which we should be able to discern and judge without the specific commands of Paul.

Lying

Untruths about brethren spread far and wide, while the claims of being 'pure' were widely asserted. The acceptance of this so-called 'purity' was made a test of fellowship.

Flattery

Flattery of those with money, much made of money; flattery of sisters as well as encouraging them to disregard Paul's word – the Lord's commandment – to be silent in the assembly.

Abusive and Disparaging Language

Speaking against brethren who had acted on their consciences as subject to the Scriptures – calling them "garbage" and "worthless", unchristianizing them in the most bitter and sectarian manner.

• This finally, forced us to act on 2 Timothy 2 – which we should have done much earlier – in faithfulness to Christ, and He has more than compensated us.

We eat the sin-offering as to these matters and only recount them in the hope and prayer to our God that your eyes may be opened to see

• the real character of the enemy's attack on the testimony and be ready to act in faith and obedience to the Scriptures.

'Glanton'

1962

• It was taught that Christ's abandonment or forsaking included the three days in the grave.

• Eating with children over 12 who were not breaking bread was prohibited.

• Older children who were not breaking bread were confined to their own separate living areas in the house, basement or garage – or put out of the house completely.

• Where either the husband or wife was not breaking bread, the one breaking bread was to live completely separate in the same house – corner of the housetop – and was not allowed to eat, or sleep, with their spouse or even speak with them – no communion.
  • This was made a test of fellowship in complete disregard of 1 Corinthians 7: 10-14.

1964

• Spouses with us in divided homes – e.g., one spouse not breaking bread – began leaving their homes to take up residence elsewhere causing:
  • a public scandal in Britain, Australasia, South Africa and Canada;

  • statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the British Council of Churches condemning abhorrent teaching that resulted in broken marriages and divided homes;

  • appeals to the Home Office (Britain) to refuse admission to the country of ——

  • appeals to the Government (Britain) to pass a Family Preservation Act to make it illegal to teach the doctrine of separation of families;

  • stories universally in the press about divided households;

  • attempt by South Africa to stop —— from entering the country as an undesirable alien.

1965

• The clerical principle was established universally – 'dispensationally the sin against the Holy Spirit', JND.

• A commercial system established, in and out of the assembly. Brethren were forced to reveal private financial statements, etc.

• The Romish practice of confessions of past and present sins made to the "priests" was introduced.

• Previously covered sins were publicly exposed.

• Persons who objected to anything which was taking place were withdrawn from or shut up.

• The Spirit's speaking was blasphemously called of the devil, from the pit, etc.

• —— was in the hospital for alcoholism and a blood change. This was covered up by nurses, New York brethren and relatives of ——. 1 Cor. 5, "being such" applies.

1966

• Vindictiveness, unwillingness to forgive, which was against the gospel and the new covenant became prevalent.

• Very young children [ babes in arms ] began breaking bread with no exercise on their part, other than being physically able to take the emblems.

1967

• Observance of the sabbath was re-instated – see JND as to this.

• 'God Acting through One Man', Portland, 1967.

• Address on 'Substitution' was doctrinally defective, Portland, 1967.

• Aged brothers and sisters were withdrawn from for living in unclean apartments.

• Translation of ministry into German and other languages was prohibited.

1968

• Separating of husbands and wives was enforced – moral, physical and legal – in disregard of 1 Cor. 7: 10-14; Matt. 19: 5; Mark 10: 9; and 1 Peter 3: 1.

• Houses were shut up under doctrine of a man and his house where one partner was out of fellowship. The spouse could only break bread if he/she left the house.

• Children and young people from divided houses were shut up.

1969

• No communication was allowed with persons under God's government who were shut up in divided houses, even though they personally had done nothing wrong. No phone calls, visits, letters, etc., were allowed.

  General Features:

• Printed ministry was unavailable to those not in fellowship.

• The doors were closed at the gospel preaching and other meetings, despite 1 Cor. 14: 23-25.

• Brethren were harassed and pressured to conform to innumerable novelties. Someone has estimated there were 200 directives altogether during the ten year period.

• Another feature which characterized the whole period was the constant interference with local assembly administration by brothers of ability who sought to force their judgments and choices of local leaders upon the brethren.

1970

• Women were pressured to speak in the assembly, in violation of 1 Cor. 14: 34-36. A brother in New York was withdrawn from as contentious for referring to this Scripture.

• Brethren who had been withdrawn from were sued before unbelievers, in disregard of 1 Corinthian 6.

• It was stated and accepted that "We are the Church". JND said he would leave such. Some took issue with this and were withdrawn from or left.

• At Preston, JTJr admitted that he lied sometimes to catch someone. He made suggestive remarks in meetings, and there was misconduct.

• At the Aberdeen meetings there was blasphemy, vile language, riotous conduct, drunkenness in the house of God – Col. 3: 8; 1 Tim. 3: 15. The Supper was continued on Lord's Day following two days of such conduct.
  • —— was involved in misconduct in the house – some, including —, attempted to cover this, but —— would not allow it to be covered and spread the scandal all over Britain through the press, TV, etc.

The foregoing is only a partial list and covers what comes to mind.

• No doubt more could be added and no doubt those more spiritual would be able to delineate and enlarge on the area of false teaching as to the Lord's own work and Person.

The verification of the above is from what can be witnessed to in my own locality, in the green books of ——'s ministry, and what was printed in the press.

• Brethren can no doubt witness much with regard to what took place in other localities universally which would show that all were affected who were members of this company.

What needs to be strongly stated is that what was introduced and practised was evil, not mere legality.

Jim Soukoreff