Mailbox: Murray Linton
March 2001 – present

Murray Linton

From: Murray Linton
McleansedATaol.com
Guildford, Surrey, (soon London) England

March 6, 2001: This message appeared on another web site. I was never 'in' but spent a very blessed two years in fellowship with 'outs' meeting at Southfield Hall, Edinburgh. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and hurt so many have gone through but can only be most thankful I have never had to experience anything similar myself. I am in touch with several who have been in the system both in Scotland and down here in England. It is sad to see so few 'out' meetings and so few in them. Presumably many have found their way into churches leaving behind them as painful memories meetings such as the breaking of bread and bible readings, but my concern is that such meetings will soon die out, whereas they have and should continue to be a blessing for all. Although knowing very little about them, I find that the 'ins' here in Guildford preach a very good gospel message in the open air each week day in a prominent position in the centre of town. Can they really believe what they are preaching and stay in? I hope that it may prove an encouragement to those who have come out and are still in meetings to know that an 'outsider' has come among you and found much encouragement and blessing. But whatever party hat we wear or name we call ourselves let's hope and pray that our dear Lord Jesus may receive further glory by many who are still in darkness receiving a great light and by those who have already received it walking in it. I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone and thank you for taking the time to read this.

To: Murray Linton
Wed, 7 Mar 2001

I just saw your entry [above]. It is an encouragement to see a positive message like yours.

• I was an 'outsider' too away back in 1950 but found a wonderful welcome among the brethren.

• It would be a pleasure to have you visit 'My Brethren' and sign our Guest Book.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

To: Murray Linton
Tue, 13 Mar 2001

Dear Murray,
Thank you for an interesting reply in the Guest Book and for your generous comments.

Your experience among the 'outs' has left a most marked and good impression on you, which is surely of the Lord.

• Anything you might be free to share as to your current situation and exercises would be of interest.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Murray Linton
Thu, 22 Mar 2001

Dear brother Gordon,
Something very dear to my heart, and indeed a means of greatly building me up in the faith are bible readings.

• When I lived in Edinburgh for two years and met with those who had left the system, I was privileged to attend three readings a week when I could.

• It was a joy to see correspondence from Alex Walker who was such an encouragement to me and others in Edinburgh.

But what has happened to the bible reading now? Do dear brethren who once appreciated this meeting so much no longer need it?

• There must be many brethren reading this site who are not currently meeting in this way – so let's hear from them. [See Bulletins: March 2001.]

• Please correct me if I'm wrong, but along with the breaking of bread weren't these the very meetings that brethren first held in homes all those many years ago?

• Any reason why we shouldn't be still?

To: Murray Linton
Fri, 23 Mar 2001

Dear Murray,
I'm glad you raised the question as to Bible readings and have posted a 'Bulletin' on 'Site News' to invite replies. Here is my own.

Soon after my conversion in 1946, when I was 16, I was connected with an 'open' (formerly 'Grant exclusive') meeting for 3-4 years.

• Their 'Bible Study' was really a reading of sorts. The same brother – a respected and sober man – usually and unofficially gave a lead and I learned a great deal.

• Some wanted more variety and a brother – with no apparent gift – was appointed to give the lead. It was disastrous! In a few weeks we returned to the former situation.

• I also recall an invitation to a conference that specified there would be "old fashioned bible readings" rather than the usual addresses.

The 'open' meeting was missing something vitally and scripturally – not only in the readings – as were other 'open' meetings I had attended.

• I began visiting several types of 'exclusive' meetings. They all had readings but at best were only exchanges of information and opinions, without much life or general participation.

• Once at a TW reading, a brother even read from JND's Synopsis to establish his point.

I had read and profited from some of CAC's Outlines. In 1949 I came in contact with brethren with whom he had been in fellowship, I noticed a marked difference in the readings.

• Besides a more general participation there was a clear sense of direction and bothers worked together to get at the truth and its current application. This was completely new to me.

• As I subsequently learned, readings make way for two great principles, 'sovereignty' in respect of gift and 'mutuality' in respect of all the brethren.

As I began reading printed ministry I was generally helped somewhat more by the readings than the addresses, although the addresses were far superior to what I had been used to earlier.

• As I began taking part – mostly asking questions at first – I found the readings increasingly interesting and absorbing.

The recognition of the Spirit's place in readings – as in all ministry – is of the utmost importance.

• You may already be familiar with it, but I recommend Ministry: J. Taylor: The Temple of God and the Scriptures, an address which draws attention to the importance of the Spirit's service and of the divinely inspired Scriptures.

The readings at 'fellowship meetings' and 'special meetings' were even more valuable, perhaps because of additional brothers with gift being present.

• I well recall one of the first sets of special meetings I was at: "The Ministry of Elisha in its Practical Value", Toronto, October, 1950, JT: 74: 225-97.

• The sensitive way in which JT dealt with the Scriptures and questions which arose was particularly impressive.

In our present weak situation, just three brothers, readings continue to have a very important place in out gatherings.

• Over the years I have found that sisters too generally prefer readings as being most helpful.

You are quite right. The breaking of bread was first in importance among early brethren,

• but reading meetings – whether in homes or elsewhere – were the prime method of ministry as they have been ever since among those whose history and ministry is featured on 'My Brethren'.

• To give up readings in favour of addresses – by brothers however gifted – would be an incalculable loss to the saints and, I believe, an inexcusable affront to the Spirit.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

To: Murray Linton
Sat, 28 Apr 2001

Dear Murray,
I was just considering writing regarding your challenge as to readings and no replies having been received.

• Then the attached reply from Phil Gasston arrived. I will post it shortly as a guest reply on My Answer 3. Have you received any replies directly?

I have been wondering how you have been making out in your search and would be glad to hear from you.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Murray Linton
Tue, 8 May 2001

Dear Gordon,
Thank you so much for contacting me and forwarding the interesting response from Phil Gasston.

• I apologise for the delay in replying. I have experienced problems with my email files and although I have a record of your emails to me, I have lost those of me to you. For the second time I have lost all email correspondence with Malcolm Withell.

• After the first time this happened a computer 'expert' friend set up a back up file in case anything else was lost with my move from Guildford, Surrey to London. He has never been able to open the file!

Sadly, I have had no direct response regarding bible readings so the reply from Phil Gasston came as a nice surprise.

• But I must thank you for your own comments on the subject which I (and I hope others) find particularly helpful.

I have now been contacted by two Renton brothers, one of whom in particular has been very encouraging. He has arranged for me to receive copies of all their ministry publications.

• Interestingly, both contacted me as a result of my posting on Dick Wyman's site. Both were somewhat depressed by the general tone of what they found there.

In recent weeks I have managed to join with the brethren meeting at Selsdon in Surrey for their reading/prayer meeting, which I have much appreciated.

• Fellowship meetings in these parts are few and far between, at least, ones that I've been made aware of myself,
  • although one of the Renton brothers has mentioned that they have plenty of fellowship meetings, but I don't suppose I would necessarily have the liberty to take part, even if I was directly extended an invitation to go.

• However, in the last few weeks I have been to Kelly Lowe Glanton fellowship meetings in St. Nicholas at Wade in Kent,
  • and to meetings at Strood and Coulsdon where there are companies similar to those I met with in Edinburgh. That tends to be the full quota until autumn.

• I have been made aware of 'soft' Frost fellowship meetings at Coulsdon fairly soon. I would think there would be more liberty with these brethren.

As you probably know, the 'reunited' Kelly-Lowe-Glanton brethren have just split. I know brethren on both sides of the 'divide.'

• I would assume that you are aware of the details as I notice Nick Fleet is known to you.

Are you aware of the Gospel Hall discussion forum? I have made one or two contributions just recently but think I went a little over the top with one of my postings.

• No substitute at all for bible readings, I agree, but I have found some benefit from an occasional involvement.

I trust that this finds you well and knowing our dear Lord's blessing. I hope very much, too, that He will be pleased to give you light with regard the future for your much appreciated web site.

I think from now on I may take to printing out my emails just in case something else goes wrong.

• Isn't it good to know that our communications with divine persons can never be erased or lost – there is a throne of grace and a God of grace and we don't even need to make an appointment to come before Him.

With love and prayers in our dear Lord Jesus, Murray.

To: Murray Linton
Tue, 8 May 2001

Dear Murray,
I sympathize with you in your email problems. There seems no accounting for some of the things that occur. If you wish, you can copy your letters to me – except any marked 'Private' – from the Guest Book and the Mailbox.

It is disappointing that there was so little response to your question as to readings.

• I'm sure that Phil would appreciate hearing from you as to his comments. His new email address is rgasstonATihug.co.nz.

Thanks for the news of your recent contacts. I trust that some of them prove profitable for the future and I would be glad to hear further of your experiences …

No, I had not heard of the "Gospel Hall discussion forum". I do monitor the pblist – an 'open' discussion group – but there is little of profit on it.

• It is through some inquiries by others on that forum that MB came under recent attack.

• See Guests: My Stand 3: Opposers of MB.

Thanks for your interest in the future of MB. There are some encouraging prospects for help and continuation but I'm not quite ready to announce this as yet as there are numerous details to work out.

• Your continued interest and prayers are appreciated. Yes, there is certainly great comfort in knowing "there is a throne of grace and a God of grace".

Please keep in touch as time allows. You and your exercises are carried in prayer.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Murray Linton
Fri, 18 May 2001

Dear Gordon,
When I was first with brethren in Edinburgh I became accustomed to a brother giving thanks for the emblems near the beginning of the meeting to remember our Lord.

• Having since moved down south and met with 'open' and 'Kelly Lowe Glanton' brethren I have now become used to this being done toward the end of the meeting.

• Obviously there can be a marked difference in 'flowing out from' and 'building up to'
  • and I have also heard an explanation that as we are gathered to remember our Lord the 'going to the table' should be the first thing we do.

• But are there any scripture verses which would help us see one practice preferred to the other, or are we merely following well-established traditions?

With love in our Lord, Murray.

To: Murray Linton
Tue, 29 May 2001

Dear Murray,
Your question as to the timing of the actual breaking bread, whether "near the beginning of the meeting" or "toward the end of the meeting" is an important one.

The balance of this letter is in Guests: My Answer 3: Breaking of Bread.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

To: Murray Linton
Wed, 05 Sep 2001

Dear Murray,
Perhaps Phil Gasston and I missed some email from you. I'm copying below some of our recent correspondence to explain [not shown here].

If you have any comments we would both be glad to hear from you, and to know how you are getting on.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Murray Linton
Sat, 15 Sep 2001

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I shall be sending an email to Phil, too.

I have moved twice in three months which has thrown me out quite a bit. I have also suffered two illnesses, one of which keeps me off work now, not too serious in and of itself, but more annoying and restricting.

The computer problems have continued and indeed I have now lost my emails several times, so that I have nothing more than 6 weeks old and some of those were only reinstalled this morning. My computer constantly freezes and occasionally crashes.

Other than that, the Lord is good!!

I am in fellowship with a very small number of 'open' brethren meeting at Alexandra Hall, Hornsey, North London, sadly only presently for the Lord's supper, but I get to 2 bible readings with Kelly Lowe Glanton brethren during the week.

• I am seeking to start perhaps a reading here in my home in North London but my current condition makes that difficult. However, two of us have started meeting on a Friday for prayer and fellowship and perhaps things will grow.

I trust that things have become clearer to you with regard the future of 'My Brethren', which I continue to value very much indeed.

• I wonder if anyone had ever thought of online bible readings, where, in the form of one of these 'chat rooms' or 'discussion forums' brethren could log on at a pre-arranged time and look at the scriptures together? Just a thought.

Well dear brother, I trust this finds you and your wife well and knowing our dear Lord's blessing.

Yours in Him, Murray.

PS: Ever heard of or from a brother from North London, England called Chris Humphreys?

To: Murray Linton
Tue, 25 Sep, 2001

Dear Murray,
Sorry to hear of your health – and less importantly, of course – your computer problems. News of your contacts is also of interest and your desire to start a reading in your home as your health permits.

No, I have no knowledge of "a brother from North London, England called Chris Humphreys", but I've posted a 'Bulletin' asking for information.

Yes, things are a little clearer as to the future of MB. Two brothers of similar convictions seem ready to help when the time comes.

No, I've never considered "online bible readings". As the guests of MB are so widespread in time zones, I'm not sure that a satisfactory time could be arranged. Such an arrangement might best be workable in a more compact area such as the UK.

I would still be interested in your thoughts on 'My Answer 3: Breaking of Bread: Should it be at beginning or end of meeting?' I suppose your present 'open' connection practises having it at the end of the meeting.

You will be in our prayers, especially for your health and employment.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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