MB Guest Book 15: January – December 2006

George Downs
gdownsATcableone.net
Barltesville, OK
Mon, 9 Jan 2006

Jeff!
I have looked over the site in some detail, to the extent that my responsibilities have allowed me. It seems that much of the information presented, at least for a full understanding of the history, depends on one being a great deal more familiar with the group and its problems than I am or probably ever will be. I believe implicitly the guidance given in Deuteronomy 29: 29, which is given in the DCV* as follows "There will be plenty of things you won't understand but the Lord will reveal to you ALL that you really need to know to please and obey HIM."

I was raised Presbyterian and Baptist, and since 1971 have predominantly been associated with independent, conservative evangelical churches which have stressed God's grace, God's election, Christ's atoning sacrifice and its availability to all who WILL believe (many won't), and ordinances of the Lord's Supper and baptism of believers. Most have believed in the filling of the Holy Spirit and the use of spiritual gifts as the spirit gives them, and the growth of spiritual fruit in the spirit-filled life.

I have been involved as a musician both in English and Spanish worship services and lately have been preaching a bit in our Spanish worship services. Although I knew Spanish previously, I also spent 22 years in the Republic of Panama and have been somewhat involved in several Bible translation efforts with friends who were members of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

I wonder if you would be kind enough to give me, in a few words, how your group's doctrine and practice might differ from that described above.

Are there practical reasons why you do not fellowship with other believers? To me the loss of Christian fellowship would present a much greater obstacle than disagreement over minor points of doctrine, especially in view of Christ's prayer and command that we be one in him, and the scriptural injunction against forsaking the assembling together.

Love in Him, George Downs.

To:George Downs

Hi George,
I am finally able to reply. Thanks for the interesting background. We have some old family friends, Tim and Louise Carey, who have been with Wycliffe in Guatemala for many years. We also know Paul – formerly a pilot – and Karen Smith who are now area coordinators in Hemet, California.

I guess the problems the so-called Plymouth brethren have had are similar to those existing in the whole of Christendom.

• I don't think it's possible to have perfection in meetings – though it is incumbent on each one to use diligence to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace" – sadly, some Christians always seem to have other interests.

The small differences between what you describe as your own background would be fairly numerous, I suppose, and these differences would require detailed explanation in order to seem that I was not nit-picking! I might suggest a phone call some time in the future, I'd be more than happy to chat.

Briefly, the most fundamental and conspicuous place we diverge from our Protestant brethren is in the way in which we understand the state of the public church in general and the responsibilities which arise due to that state.

• It has been observed that the church is currently in a shamefully divided and ruined state compared with what was at the beginning and under such circumstances we have to do with things in the state we find them.

• We should not seek to reestablish or correct it, we have neither the authority nor ability to do so, nor can we merely start afresh with a new 'denomination' only further adding to the existing confusion.
  • Instead, we find that God makes provision in the breakdown, as He has always done.

Others have said this much better than I ever could, so it might be better to give you the following items from our website. Our Doctrine section can help with questions such as yours. I can recommend specifically:

Are You A Member, And of What?
On The Formation of Churches

Let me know how it goes. Hope to hear from you!

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Walter Scott
walterscottATsympatico.ca
Ayer's Cliff, Quebec
Mon, 2 Jan 2006

I read a brief reference written by JND to the effect that the expression "The Christ" as used by Paul may have reference to the whole Church. I cannot find that reference now. Can you help? Are there more than one references in JND's writings to this concept?

To: Walter Scott
Sun, 8 Jan 2006

Dear Walter,
You may be referring to 1 Corinthians 12:12, generally held to refer to the assembly. The following was found in JND's Collected Writings:

"'For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body; so also is Christ', verse 12.

It is not then a confederation of churches, but one body; and here we have the divine constitution of the body of Christ,

• which is the church.

It never could have been said of one church in particular, 'so also is Christ', because no church in particular is the body of Christ...

I fully admit then the existence of churches in the intention of God; but I say, that the ruling thought of the apostle, or rather of the Spirit of God, in this matter, is the body of Christ, the church, and not the churches; and, although the gifts can be exercised here and there generally, but not of necessity in one assembly, in the beginning they were not considered as the portion of one church, but as that of the church, of the body of Christ..." JND 1: 164

There are also references to this scripture in JND 1: 220, 4: 33, and 33: 36. Hope that is of some help!

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Steve Noble
noble.sgthATbtopenworld.com
Ipswich, England
Mon, 4 Jan 2005

I am trying to obtain a printed copy of an address delivered by H. Stanley in 1953 on our approach to God. Mr Stanley was manager of Stow Hill Bible and Tract Depot at the time.

Any information gratefully received.

To: Steve Noble
Sun, 8 Jan 2006

Dear Steve,
I'm sending your request to a brother, Gordon Simmonds, in England, who may be able to help with your request below. Thanks for writing in, we'll do our best to help!

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.

To: Jeff Kuns
Mon, 9 Jan 2006

Further to my E-mail earlier today it occurred to me that I had in my collection of booklets something by H.C.Stanley. This turned out to be an address on the subject of "Our knowledge and approach to God". I have several copies. There is no indication as to when or where the address was given. The publisher's address is: "Christian Publications 2 Raynham Avenue, Manchester M20 0BW, England". I have a suspicion from the content that this is the address your correspondent is thinking about. I would be quite happy to send him one or more copies.

Every Blessing, Gordon Simmonds.

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Bruce Sobey
bsobeyATcybertrade.co.za
Durban, South Africa
Thu, 5 Jan 2006

I have virtually a full set of JND ministry – notes and comments and synopsis – plus a few assorted other authors which I no longer need or use. Anyone that is willing to take them away or pay the postage may have them. Do you know anyone that would be interested. I live in Durban, South Africa. Tel +27 31 767 0116

Regards, Bruce Sobey.

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Victor Weston
victorwestonATyahoo.co.uk
England
Tue, 10 Jan 2006

Just to share greetings with you and to testify that when 17 I met with exclusive brethren in Sheringham, Norfolk, England; they had the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, and in their breaking of bread, and in the fellowship and witness and charity love; in these days do we not have to come out of Babylon as I was taught by these dear Christians, how far can we really take inclusivism?

I have not really found a fellowship comparable with these folk since.

With love in the Lord, Victor.

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Michael Walker
michaelwATrochester.rr.com
Rochester, NY, USA
Mon, 9 Jan 2006

I am Jim Taylors son-in-law. He is Arthur Taylor's eldest son. Grandson of JT. Located at Biography: J. Taylor.

• He is not online at home but I am. He has asked me to request an address (not email) from you so that he may correspond.

• Also a correction for your site. His twin brother is named Arthur not Robert as you have it on that same page I referenced earlier.

Thanks for your time.

To: Michael Walker
Thu, 12 Jan 2006

Dear Michael,
Thanks for your email and the correction which has now been made. These are always appreciated, especially from family members.

• I recall meeting, or at least seeing, your father-in-law, probably at Rochester in the early 1950's and I would be glad to hear from him. Our address is …

Are you related to the family of A. N. Walker?

In our Lord, Gordon.

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Trish Lewis
trishymouseATgmail.com
Fargo, ND
Sat, 14 Jan 2006

I grew up in St. Vincent, MN and had many friends and classmates that were Plymouth Brethren as we called them, associated with the Neche, ND group. I've been reading your website. Are you saying that the group up in North Dakota as what you called 'Jims', i.e., associated with the Jim Symington legal/universal leader way of thinking now? If so, are they separated now from the Exclusive Brethren, even further isolating themselves? Thank you.

To:Trish Lewis
Fri, 20 Jan 2006

Dear Trish,
Thanks for writing. Sorry, I'm not sure I fully understand your question, other than, yes the Symington group is normally considered by those other than themselves a 'legal' system. As I understand it, the "universal leader way of thinking" has been associated with this group since the 1960's. I wanted to mention that the 'Jims' are called such after James Taylor, Jr. -- the first so-called "universal leader" -- they are not named after Jim Symington.

Please let me know if I have not fully answered.

Yours in Christ, Jeff.

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Joyce Steen
lady-bug-jATwebtv.net
Cocoa, FL 32922, USA
Wed, 25 Jan 2006

Hi Gordon & Betty,
Just found your site. I am Phillips and Eunice Ewing's 4th child of 6 children, from Westfield, NJ. I married Eric Steen from Boston, MA in 1964.

• Left in 1975 after 3 day meetings in Stamford, CT, with Mr. James Symington.

• At that time he accepted Eric's apology for something Eric said about a joke he had said in the meeting. Then when he got back to local meeting he didn't stand by the apology.

Eric's parents were Alf and Bertha Steen, of Boston, sister Grace Fletcher of Toronto, and half-brother Sigurd Steen, Boston, and half sister Erna Sinclair.

Eric died Feb 23, 1998. We moved to FL in July 1976. I rember you and Betty. Eric talked about you both with fine memories.

My father is still in, in NJ, he is 93 yrs old; my mother died in 1997. Eric's parents both have died.

• I have a son Victor 33 years and he has 3 girls, my daughter Bonnie 31 years and has 1 son.

Would like to hear from anyone. Love in Jesus, Joyce.

To: Joyce Steen
Sat, 28 Jan, 2006

Dear Joyce,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' and for refreshing our aging memories with your family connections who were all well known to us and of whom we have fond recollections.

You will find some earlier correspondence with your sister(?) Susan Diener in the 'Mailbox'.

Gordon especially recalls interesting chats with Eric when he visited Toronto before you were married.

We are so glad to hear from you and hope you will visit again.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.

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Kay Marks
kaymarks2002ATyahoo.com.au
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Wed, 1 Feb 2006

I am formerly a Catterall and have been trying to trace any family members and came across J B Catterall. I was wondering what his Christian names are as my father's name was Albert John and am trying to find any connection I can.

Could you tell me a little about J B Catterall's background and family history.

I hope you can help me in regards to this. Kay

To: Kay Marks
Mon, 13 Feb 2006

Dear Kay,
Thanks for writing. The only information we have available on Mr. Catterall, aside from his ministry, is posted at:

Biography: Brief Sketches

I'll be phoning someone soon who may have some other information for you and let you know if we come up with anything for you.

Yours, Jeff Kuns.

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Peter Dickson
pdickson6ATaol.com
Airdrie, Scotland
Mon, 6 Feb 2006

I was born 1932. Left school 1946. First job in a local Drapers shop Mr Boyd's. He was a saintly man who loved the Lord and knew the Lord. As we were paid on a Saturday night we were invited to the "gospel" each Sunday evening. I even heard Mr Stanley McCallum and both J Ts all these years ago, plus a multitude of local brothers. I attended the local "open" meeting Sunday School & Bible Class and in 1951 I trusted the Saviour. Was baptised 2 weeks later welcomed into fellowship. That was 55 years ago. Praise be a life also saved.

As a young man at twenty I left a job they asked what I would like as a parting gift, I choose a Darby Bible, at the presentation. It was said they hoped one day I would join the ministry (smile smile).

Jesus saves and keeps.

To: Peter Dickson
Mon, 13 Feb 2006

Dear Peter,
Many thanks for writing and for sharing your encouraging stories. And glad to hear of your life with Him – it is an encouragement to us and we hope to any who will read your posting. Please visit our site anytime!

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Maarten de Bruijn
mdebruijn215ATwanadoo.nl
Breda, The Netherlands
Mon, 13 Feb 2006

Are there groups of the Brethren in Breda and/or elsewhere in Holland?

Maarten de Bruijn.

To: Martin de Bruijn
Wed, 15 Feb 2006

Dear Maartin,
We know there were three meetings in Holland in the 1950's but unsure of what is happening there now. I've emailed two brothers in England who might be able to help with your question. We'll do our best, but it may take a while!

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Sherry Ruggieri
sugar0247ATyahoo.com
Lawton, OK
Tue, 14 Feb 2006

Dear Sir:
I wrote my first poem when I was 17 and at that time was told I had "A Gift from God." I only wrote poems occasionally until last December when I heard God;s voice say to me "Again you will write poetry for me." I had been stricken with a serious illness in 1994 and told I would never walk again, but one day in Therapy after 10 months God said "Take my hand and walk with Me" and I walked again. God has saved my life 7 times and He has worked many miracles in my life.

When God gave me these poems He gave them to me on December the 14th and by January 30th I had written over 390 poems, enough for a book. God told me to contact a Christian publisher and my book would be published. The title of my book is "My Gift From God" and will be available for sale sometime by the beginning of April. It contains 360 poems about Gods Creations, Messages from God, Lost Loved Ones, Pets, Memories, and God's Angels. Without God giving me the words and using me as His instrument a task this size would be humanly impossible. No poet can possibly write that many poems in that amount of time. Should you desire to purchase my book please contact me. The book will sell for $21.50 to include shipping and handling.

Here are the two poems I have written to bring prisoners and others to Christ. Please take a few minutes to give me your opinion of them and let me know if you feel if you can use them or not in your ministry. Thank you.

To: Sherry Ruggieri
Wed, 15 Feb 2006

Dear Sherry,
Thank you for sharing your nice poems with us and your personal history with God, it is very touching to hear how gracious He has been in so many lives... You can imagine the good stories of God's grace we get to hear as editors of a website which people visit from all over the world.

As to your poems, we are not inclined to posting them on My Brethren simply because they are out of the scope of our project. However, I thought they were well written, and simply written, too, which may be important to the audience you are trying to reach, but at the same time, very personal and perhaps will touch someone's conscience. I'm sure they will turn out to be an encouragement and a help. And I have no doubt you will find a home for them somewhere – perhaps a search on the internet for someone who visits prisons would yield something in this regard.

One thing I wanted to ask you about was what you said about God having given you a gift – the ability to write these poems – and particularly how you felt this was especially so for those poems to appear in your book. But I wondered about the wisdom of offering to sell something to others, which you yourself had been given freely. I don't mean to be forward, perhaps it is just something you might think over.

So please visit us again. We are glad to hear from a sister such as yourself with a heart for helping others.

Yours in Him, Jeff.

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Ben Matthews
blacksailbenAThotmail.com
Walsall, Birmingham, England
Fri, 31 Mar 2006

Christian Greetings, Jeff
If your interested I have a Excel file I could send you for use with the 1962 Hymn book collated by a brother now with the Lord, Geoge Murray. It provides a usefull listing of hymns approprate to certain occasions – Breaking of bread, ministry meeting, etc.

My Brother is part of a house meeting in Capetown, South Africa and they use it there. I am in fellowship with Andrew and Yvonne Gisborne and others here in Birmingham and greatly appreciate your site's sensitive and clear presentation of the Ministry, history and current activity relating to the recovery of truth. May God continue to bless it.

To: Ben Matthews
Sat, 1 Apr 2006

Dear Ben,
Many thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm happy to hear from you. We certainly appreciate knowing our work on the site is helpful to you and others.

Yes, I'd be very interested to receive the file you mention. I also have a similar supplement which we use in our meeting, which Gordon Rainbow put together some years ago, except it's in Publisher format. Let me know if this interests you, too.

Please give our warm greetings to Andrew and Yvonne. Thank you, again, for the kind blessing.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Allan Svensson
allan-svATalgonet.se
Sweden
Sun, 9 Apr 2006

You have a great and informative site and I wish you the best you can get, the peace of God through Jesus Christ.

Welcome to visit my site: www.algonet.se/~allan-sv/index.htm

To: Allan Svensson
Sun, 9 Apr 2006

Dear Allan,
Thanks for visiting My Brethren, and for your nice comments. Please feel free to return and explore if you have a chance in the future. I will look at your site when I am able to give it more attention.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.

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Grace Freeborn Harris
elh007ATaol.com
West Henrietta, New York, 14586
Wed, 26 Apr 2006

Just checking out this site. I visited the Dick Wyman Exclusive Brethren site long ago. This site must have replaced it.

I am happily married to Earl Harris and have 3 children, Michael, almost 20, in his second year at RIT, Christopher, 17-1/2, graduating from high school this year and will go to RIT in the fall, and Erin, 12-1/2, in 7th grade. I teach math at 2 community colleges in our area and love it! We all go to Browncroft Community Church which preaches the gospel as I learned it, from the Bible.

Grace Harris.

To: Grace Harris
Thu, 27 Apr 2006

Dear Grace,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' and sharing with us. You may find the 'Mailbox' of interest.

We are wondering whether you are the daughter of Edgar and Helen Freeborn of Rochester. We have their names in our guest book – in Toronto – some 40 years ago but not the children's names. We recall a girl and a boy.

You may not remember us but we recall the Freeborn family in Woodstock and Rochester – including Lillian – well. Please let us know if we are correct as to you.

We now live in retirement assisted living just outside Toronto:
Gordon and Betty Rainbow,
Bethany Lodge
265 - 23 Second Street South
Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 2C2

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.

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Nelson Thomas
ntkalaATyahoo.co.in
Mumbai, Maharashtra [India]
Sun, 14 May 2006

Message withheld by request.

To: Nelson Thomas
Tue, 16 May 2006

Dear Nelson,
Thanks for writing, very nice to hear from you! The question you ask is no problem – my guess is that you are unfamiliar with the specific part of Christian history that our site relates to. In order for the site to be fully understood, it might help to have some background.

• If you're interested the following link to our site might help explain. Let me know how you get on with this and we'll take it from there!

• A Brief Synopsis of The Public History of the Church.

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Carol and Bob Stuthridge
carolstuthridgeAThotmail.com
Straughn, Indiana, USA
Sun, 4 Jun 2006

We have moved from England (1 year ago) and would very much like to meet with brothers and sisters in Indiana. We were told by our dear brother Graham White, that there are brethren in Indianapolis.

• Although we know of lovely brothers and sisters in New Castle (at First Church of Nazarene), we very much wish to meet with our brethren to seek fellowship in a non-organizational structure. We feel uncertain as to where the Lord wants us to fellowship at the moment.

Every Blessing, Carol and Rob Stuthridge.

To: Carol and Bob Stuthridge
Wed, 7 Jun 2006

Dear Carol and Bob,
Thanks for writing. Off hand, we don't know of meetings in that location – we know there were and may still be – but we are going to check into it and forward your mail to another brother who may have more information. So you may hear from either of us, or both! :-)

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.

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Philip Mortimer
philmortimer1ATaol.com
Chalus, France
Wed, 21 Jun 2006

What's happened to peebs.net? Does anybody know?

Phil.

To: Philip Mortimer
Sat, 24 Jun 2006

Dear Phil,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' and your inquiry as to the status of peebs.net.

• Our source says "there is a problem, but I am told it will be fixed." Sorry we have no further info.

In our Lord, Gordon Rainbow.

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Steve Noble
noble.sgthATbtopenworld.com
Ipswitch, England
Fri, 14 July 2005

You may be interested in my website: www.judev3.co.uk

Yours in Christ, Steve.

To: Steve Noble
Fri, 21 July 2006

Dear Steve,
Thanks for the invitation to your site which we have visited. It is very attractive and well presented. Congratulations.

We have had some rather severe criticism of MB's format and so hesitantly offer others our comments. See MB's Guests: My Stand 5: My Brethren: Comments on MB's layout, design, format etc. Nevertheless here are a few submitted in a brotherly spirit.

• On our screens at least your home page requires horizontal scrolling to read – an awkward beginning.

• This does nor apply to the other pages which have good white space, although a blank line between paragraphs would, in our opinion, enhance appearance and improve readability.

As to the contents of the site we only comment [in square brackets] on your opening remarks. You say:

"no authors are given. My reasons for this are as follows:

1. It is human nature to test what is written, not by whether it is in accord with the Bible, but by who wrote it. This undermines the absolute authority of Scripture.

   [On that basis Scripture could have been written without any author's names but God, who well knows "human nature", chose otherwise. See MB's article on 'Anonymity' below.]

2. Many of the articles have been subjected to considerable editing by myself, and it would not be honest or fair to attach the names of others to work over which they have no control.

   [You may possibly be vulnerable to charges of plagiarism or at least tampering.]

3. Above all, there is a Scriptural precedent for anonymity. the titles of the books in the English Bible are not inspired, and many of the authors are not known for certain (e.g. the Gospel of Matthew). Even where we are fairly sure of the authorship (1 John for example) the writer himself is obscure about his identity.

   [This plausible argument has been examined and refuted in another context in MB's Guests: My Stand 5: Anonymity – Another Look: Does Scripture contemplate anonymous ministry?]

In view of the above, I take full responsibility for the content of this website. Steve Noble."

It would be of interest to us, and doubtless to others, to have some personal background details so that something is known as to the person taking such responsibility.

• None of the above is written in a spirit of criticism but rather in the hope that our experience may be helpful to you in your work for the Lord.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Jeff.

From: Steve Noble
Sat, 5 Aug 2006

Dear brother in Christ,
Many thanks for your feedback. Apologies for the delay in replying, but I have been away.

Yours in Christ, Steve Noble.

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Jane Carole Anderson
JaneCandersonATverizon.net
Plano, TX
Mon, 17 Jul 2006

Thank you for the wealth of information you have made available on this website. This is obviously a labor of love done for the benefit of the Lord's children.

I was wondering if you know where I could find something in a timeline format about the history of the Brethren? There is so much information on your excellent website that it is hard to get an overview. Someone told me they had seen such a timeline but couldn't remember where. They thought maybe it was Dick Wyman's website which is no longer functional.

My husband and I were members of the Local Church of Witness Lee for twenty years. You may or may not have heard of them, but W. Lee who was a close associate of W. Nee. Both of these men were greatly influenced by Brethren teachings, hence we were also. Much of what I read on this site sounds much the same as our experience in the Local Church – especially as the enemy gained a foothold and the group made serious deviations from the truth. W. Lee's teaching and practices sound very similar to those of James Taylor in his later ministry.

Thank you in advance for any information you can provide about a timeline.

Jane A.

P.S. My husband and I recently self-published a book about our experience in the Local Church and how the good Shepherd faithfully led us out and restored us to Himself. The name of the book is "The Thread of Gold: God's Purpose, the Cross, and Me". If you are interested in taking a look at our website, the address is: www.TheThreadofGold.com

To: Jane Anderson
Thu, 27 Jul 2006

Dear Jane,
Thanks for your nice comments, it is very encouraging to us to hear such things from time to time, and to know what we have done is appreciated even if only by a few! We have had several visitors from your background in the "Local Church" movement.

I do not know if this will satisfy what you are looking for, but we have a chronicle of significant persons and/or events in History: Brethren – A Chronicle of Persons and Events.

One correction I'd like to make is your mention of James Taylor. Some who are unfamiliar with this history do not realize there was a James Taylor, Senior and Junior. It was James Taylor, Jr. who fell into the error of authoritarianism, among other errors detailed on My Brethren and elsewhere on the internet. We thought you would be interested to know that his father was a faithful servant to the end. For an account of James Taylor, Sr.'s interaction with W. Nee please see History: The China Episode.

We look forward to another visit from you, Jane!

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Alan Fletcher
saludfletcherATyahoo.ca
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Wed, 11 Oct, 2006

I have separated myself from the JSH group in about 1989 because of their abuse of alcohol, other christian groups and their own people, myself included.

• My wife I met later who has never been in this, or attended that type of, assembly.

My computer skills are very poor, so it will be another miracle if I can send this message.

I have really struggled in my personal live since I left. Please be free to send a post back to us if you can. My little sweetheart is from the Phillipines.

May the grace of Christ be with you always!! Alan.

To: Alan Fletcher
Mon, 13 Nov, 2006

Dear Alan,
Sorry for delay in replying. Your email, as some others, was held up on our server.

Thanks for writing and sharing the reasons for your leaving, which are all valid. We know the pain and confusion of withdrawing but the Lord's support never fails.

We are not familiar with your family name among the brethren in BC and wonder if you are connected with the Toronto Fletchers whom we knew very well.

Please write again.

With love in our Lord Jesus to you and Sally, Gordon and Betty Rainbow.

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Colin Johnson
cacjATbigpond.com
Willaura, Vic, 3379 Australia
Tue, 24 Oct, 2006

My visit is at the invitation of Mr. Gordon Rainbow via an entry I made on peebs.net regarding my inability to find a fellowship that is based upon scripture and truth.

• I will continue to explore your site and pray for leading from His Holy Spirit to where He wants me to fellowship.

Thank you for the invitation.

To: Colin Johnson
Sun, 12 Nov 2006

Dear Colin,
Sorry for delay in replying. Incoming mail, such as yours, was somehow delayed on our server.

Thanks for visiting MB. If you check "Guest Books', 'Mailbox' and 'My Answer', you will find that there are others with the same, or similar, desire as yourself.

• Because of the much breakdown since the mid 1900s, we cannot direct you to a particular "fellowship", but we believe that the ministry on MB can be a valuable resource in working out your exercise.

• If you haven't already, I suggest you check Studies: Our Responsibility in the Present State of the Church for our own exercises.

May the Spirit guide you. We will be interested to hear from you at any time.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Jayan Thomas Paul
jayanthomas.paulATgmail.com
India
Sun, 10 Dec 2006

Dear Brethren,
I would like to ask if you could help me receive the writings of early Brethren such as J.B. Stoney, J. Taylor, etc. Even if you could help me receive old/used or second-hand books, I would be most happy to use them. I trust they will be of help in better understanding God's Word and be useful in the ministry. Here in India such books are not available. Please do get in touch with me and let me know if you could help.

Thanking you for all your kind cooperation.

Yours in His service, Jayan.

To: Jayan Thomas Paul
Mon, 11 Dec 2006

Dear Jayan,
Thanks for writing. Glad to hear from you today. We have a number of writings and ministry of these brethren posted on our website. These will take a great deal of time to read and digest.

However, I also know well the joy of having an actual book in your possession and also how difficult it can be to read from the computer! There are books available from Kingston Bible Trust in England. Please write to manager Malcolm Withell for your request. He will be more than happy to help! You may also write to David Mutton of the Stone Publishing Trust. Both of these depots carry used books.

Glad to hear from you at any time.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.

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Jim Jardine
jimenATterra.com.br
Uberlândia, Brazil
Thu, 14 Dec 2006

Dear Brethren,
Years ago, when I was at secondary school – early 1970s – I read a book about the scandals which took place in the N.E. Scotland, involving Jim Taylor Jr. I think it was called “Farewell Beloved Brethren” or something like that. If I remember correctly it was written by a journalist. Do you have any information on this book, or if any second hand bookshop would have it in stock?

Thank you for any help on what I know is a delicate subject.

With warm Christian greetings, Jim Jardine.

To: Jim Jardine
Fri, 15 Dec 2006

Dear Jim,
Thanks for your note. I have a copy of the book which I inherited from Gordon Rainbow. I'm sorry I don't have any resources to direct you to, I searched a few bookshops I know of (Kregel, Chapter 2, James Drummond) but they have either closed for good or only carry 'Christian books' – I believe this book was more of an 'Expose'. I will post your request in My Brethren's Guestbook and Site News page and perhaps one of our readers may be able to help you locate a copy. The card file description is as follows:

Adams, Norman, Goodbye, Beloved Brethren
A journalist's account of events surrounding the Aberdeen meetings, 1970
Aberdeen University Press, Impulse Books, 1972

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.

From: Jim Jardine
Fri, 15 Dec 2006

Dear Brother Jeff,
Many thanks indeed for your prompt reply. I have checked Amazon and Abe and they don’t have copies either. Amazon had heard of it! In any case perhaps there are things best forgotten. Although I am associated with another group of 'Brethren', when I was in 6th year I got a rough ride because of the behaviour of Jim Taylor which made headline news in Scotland. However there are things best forgotten, I suppose! I have looked over the My Brethren site quite a number of times and as you say there is much more positive information on it!

Every blessing, Jim Jardine.

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