Mailbox: RS –3: Nov. 1998 – present

Agnes Smith

To: Agnes Smith
agnes.smithATblueyonder.co.uk
Locality unknown – UK
Fri, 26 Apr 2002

Dear Agnes,
Thanks for replying, and for visiting 'My Brethren'.

I can understand your interest "in other denominations" although those know as 'brethren' refuse denominationalism as unscriptural.

• Yes, true believers "are all children of God" as John says,
  • "Every one that believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God; and every one that loves him that has begotten loves also him that is begotten of him. Hereby know we that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments", 1 John 5: 1-2.

You are quite welcome to ask questions. You may have noticed the Guests: My Answer and Guests: My Stand pages. Please check Guests: Policies: Site Standards first.

In the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Victor Smith – "With Christ" September 12, 2003

Victor Smith
victorbsATsympatico.ca
Oshawa, ON, Canada
Mon, 24 Jul 2000

Dear Victor,
Thanks for visiting MB, for your kind words of encouragement, and for your telephone call on Saturday which was cheering indeed. It was good to hear from you after so many years.

• Your use of the computer and internet at 81 years of age, and with your physical limitations, is certainly a model for all who are baffled by modern technology.

• But your continued commitment to Christ is far more important.

• I hope you will visit MB again and find items of interest. If the Lord will, we look forward to being able to visit face to face some time.

With love in our Lord Jesus to you and your Betty from me and my Betty. Gordon.

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Maher Sobhi

To: Maher Sobhi
maher_fawziATyahoo.de
Vienna, Austria
Tue, 20 Mar 2001

Dear Maher,
Thanks for your message and for visiting 'My Brethren'. As you speak of yourself as a young brother, I particularly suggest you look into the Ministry' and Studies groups which I believe you will find edifying.

As you, we are waiting for our Lord Jesus to come, to be with Him and all His own! In the meantime we seek to serve Him and His people.

Yes, thank you. My wife and I are reasonably well for 72, just recovering from 10 days of influenza.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Antony Solomon
antonysAThowes-percival.co.uk
Northampton, England
Sat, 8 Jun 2002

Dear Antony,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for sharing some details, and for your brotherly spirit.

Yes. "While we do not see everything the same way as far as scriptural doctrines are concerned",

• we can happily recognize each other, and many others of differing convictions, as our brethren in Christ.

• Indeed as one of His brethren you are certainly one of mine.

I am not well acquainted with those with whom you are connected but understand we share, among other matters, a deep belief in, and conviction of, the sovereignty of our blessed God.

• The name of your Mr. J. C. Philpot is only vaguely familiar to me – although I have just found numerous references to him through am internet search.

• If you are able to provide it, the reference to him you mention in one of JND's biographies would be of interest.

It is good to learn that several of you have benefited from Mr. Stoney's ministry.

• This is of particular interest as most other groups of so-called 'brethren' look down on him and consider his writings too subjective.

• A number of other guests have found MB in searching for information on JBS.

• If you have not already noticed it, you will perhaps be interested in Biography: J. B. Stoney, and that a cd-rom of his ministry is now available.

Thanks again for visiting. I'll be glad to hear from you again on matters of common interest at any time.

May the Lord bless you in your own soul, and in your service to His own.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Antony Solomon
Mon, 10 Jun 2002

Dear Gordon,
Thankyou for your reply and 'right hand'.

As far as the reference to Mr. Philpot is concerned, I think it is in the biography of Mr. Darby by Weremchuk, although no reference to original material is given there.

• I have read Mr. Philpot's letters and have found no further reference, but before his conversion he was a tutor in Wicklow at the Pennefathers around the time JND was in the area.

• JCP was replaced in his post by Francis Newman – sometime friend of JND, and brother of the more famous John Henry Newman, whom JCP had a passing acquaintance with in Oxford (he was a fellow of Worcester College).

• JCP became Vicar of Stadham church in Oxon, and his curate, Charles Brenton joined with the early brethren, just as JCP himself seceded to the Strict Baptists.

• My interest in this matters was triggered off by a recognition that the early 19th century seemed to be a time of much soul- and scripture-searching about what constituted a biblical assembly of Christians,

• and also the fact that the three main movements – Strict Baptist, Brethren, and Anglo-Catholic, involved men all known to each other to some extent. Yet how different the outcomes!

As far as Mr Stoney's ministry is concerned, it is that very 'subjectivity', called 'experimental' in our own circles, that commends him to us.

• It is only when doctrine gets into the heart and becomes truth that it serves any purpose in directing our love, service and worship!

• How well we know amongst ourselves that one can be a letter-learned Calvinist, yet not know the heart 'strangely warmed' and drawn out to Christ.

• How sad that many calling themselves 'Brethren' – when they aren't hiding under the name 'evangelical church' – know nothing of this earlier ministry, or despise it.

• The only 'exclusive' group in Northampton are followers of JTJnr.

As for ourselves, we are 'strict' because we fence the Lord's table.

• We do not pack men off to seminaries and Bible colleges but look for the Lord's teaching and confirmation.

• We are one of the few groups where the ladies still cover the head and do not teach mixed congregations – and that is something that is being actively preached against in the 'Bible believing' evangelical churches these days. We use the KJV.

I cannot hide our differences either; yes we are Calvinists, descended from that earlier 'recovery' the Reformation;

• our group of churches tackled the Sonship issue in the 19th century and there was a separation, with our own group affirming his 'eternal generation'.

• You might find a tract by JCP on this matter on the web, though I say that not to tackle the issue, but merely to inform you.

What we have in common, I believe, as you say, is the sovereignty of God in all things, including our conversion to Him;

• the radical fall of man in sin and consequent need of the Holy Spirit in regeneration that we might receive the faith which is the gift of God, and turn to Him;

• a desire to 'come ye apart, be ye separate' from the world, the flesh and the devil, and unto the Lord Jesus Christ and his people;

• the 'experimental' knowledge that without him we can do nothing, that in us, that is in our flesh, dwelleth no good thing, and that we are called to walk by the spirit, avoiding all worldliness, and the carnal mind.

Though we are denominated Calvinists, yet scripture is our only sure guide, with the unction we have received of Him.

• Charismatics, of which I was one ten years ago, call us a dead church, yet we have had ample confirmation since our pastor left last year and the church asked me to provide the ministry, that God is with us, and continues with us, to His glory.

• I pray that it may so be amongst yourselves that there is a continued recovery, not only of truth, but of life, though it be only the two or three gathered together here and there, as it is amongst ourselves.

• We have realised that the smaller our numbers – and we are basically two families with three friends – the greater our thankfulness to God in maintaining His own cause in us and through us.

Yours, apologising for the length of my epistle,
with Christian regards in Him, Antony Solomon.

To: Antony Solomon
Mon, 10 Jun 2002

Dear Antony,
Thank you for your prompt and full reply, with the many interesting details. There is no need to apologize for its length.

• MB's guests, though most of different backgrounds than yours, will appreciate and sympathize with some of your concerns, as I myself do.

We too are few locally, only 3 brothers, 2 sisters and 2 children. What we lack in numbers, we are concerned to be able to make up in spiritual quality, especially in the service (worship) of God.

You say that "The only 'exclusive' group in Northampton are followers of JTJnr". Perhaps they would not call themselves exclusives -- we too abhor designations – but you might note some correspondence with Malcolm Jackson, in Guest Book No. 1, and Mailbox JKL.

Thanks for pointing me to Max Weremchuk's biography of JND. That is undoubtedly where I saw Mr. Philpot's name.

• I have found references to him on pages 42-44, 50, 233: note 41, 234: note 46.

• I don't know whether you have noticed the interesting correspondence with Max in Guest Book No. 3, and Mailbox W.

Yes, I understand that in the UK many 'open' meetings now style themselves as evangelical churches.

• No doubt they wish to avoid the opprobrium caused by JTJr's conduct and legal practices.

• At the same time it may merely be an excuse to show their true colours as they quietly slip in the back door to the denominational mainstream.

It is sad indeed that most 'open' and many 'exclusives' know little of their history, and less of those ministries that would both convict and warm their hearts, drawing then to Christ from the dead forms of 'brethrenism'.

• One of the objectives of 'My Brethren' is to counter the prevailing ignorance and indifference and awake souls to their rich inheritance.

• Such ministries as that of JBS speak to sincere believers of various backgrounds, as witnessed by a number of guests.

• It was his interest in Mr. Stoney's ministry that led Jeff to MB and to personal correspondence, frequent telephone chats, and a recent visit here.

• The hand of God has been wonderfully evident in providing, almost from the stones, this much needed young man who has now joined with me in the editing of 'My Brethren'.

• Jeff and I are engaged in the extensive work of putting the long out of print ministry of Mr. G. R. Cowell (1898-1963) on MB. I believe you would find it personally worthwhile to explore what is now on MB and to watch for additions.

We all have many hindrances to continuing correspondence, but I will certainly be glad to hear from you from time to time, and thank our Lord for the brotherly contact.

In our Blessed Lord, Gordon.

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Frank Somoah
frank_somoahAThotmail.com
Ashaiman, Ghana
Sat, 3 Jul 2004

Dear Frank,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren'. As a web site we only have computer files. But I'm sending your inquiry to my friend Malcolm Withell of Kingston Bible Trust in the hope that he may be able to direct you to a source of Bible distribution.

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Daniel Soukoreff is on a separate page. Access from menu.

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Jim and Susan Soukoreff – See "With Christ"

From: Jim & Susan Soukoreff
WesternNameplatesATbigfoot.com
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Sun, 6 Jun 1999

We are so pleased to have found your Website and your positive view of the recovery and the precious ministry from our Lord.

• We hope that your Website will be a means of bringing scattered brethren together

• and at the same time spread the truth to both those who have been connected to the recovery and those who have not.

Please be assured of our love and support of your exercise.

To: Jim & Susan Soukoreff
Mon, 07 Jun 1999

Dear Jim and Susan,
Thank you for visiting "My Brethren" and for your words of encouragement and support.

It is good to hear from those, like yourselves, who value our spiritual heritage.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Susan Soukoreff
Thu, 08 Jul 1999

Hello Gordon and Betty,
I got home safely and would just like to thank you again for the nice time I spent with you.

I'm going to try and get someone to show me how to send things to your site via the email so I can help you with input.

• I'll type up that reading of FER as the first thing I send.

Susan.

From: Jim Soukoreff
Wed, 14 Jul 1999

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your encouraging email and your careful analysis of current issues.

• You must feel like a lone voice crying in the wilderness when in the past the majority of the brethren would have fully agreed with you.

• You are only stating principles and applications that were held in the recovery and confirmed in the ministry.

Your offer to "fine tune" my circular and shorten the title to "What is True Assembly Ground?" is gratefully accepted.

• History: Wrong in Principle? : What is True Assembly Ground.

We certainly would like to maintain an ongoing link with you and your wife and to assist in anyway we can the "good work" you are doing.

• I think Susan mentioned to you that she could do some typing for you as she is a fast and accurate typist.

I will speak to Daniel and will arrange a three way phone call with you.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Jim Soukoreff.

From: Jim and Susan Soukoreff
Subject: Your Anniversary
Sun, 29 Aug 1999

Dear Gordon and Betty,

Congratulations and Best Wishes on your 48th Anniversary (August 28th).

Jim and Susan.

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Susan Soukoreff

To: Susan Soukoreff
suesoukATaxion.net
Subject: Jim Soukoreff with the Lord
Sun, 28 Nov 1999

Dear Susan,
Just to let you know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers constantly – both by day and in the wakeful night hours – and also of the brethren here, including the children.

"God works in a mysterious way" indeed and often hard to be understood. "But we do know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to purpose".

We value the links in the truth we have had with Jim and with you, and look forward to renewed contact as the Lord enables.

Be assured of our love in the Lord Jesus,

Gordon and Betty.

From: Susan Soukoreff
Wed, 16 Feb 2000

Dear Gordon
Daniel had some bad heart pains in the early hours of Lord's Day morning and went to emergency at the Delta Hospital.

• Paul and I went there about 3:00 a.m. They decided to send him by ambulance to VGH where they could provide the necessary treatment. Kerstin and Nathan flew home from Villa Grove that evening.

• The blood tests showed it was not a heart attack, but severe angina. They are doing an angiogram at 1:30 p.m. today, all being well.

• They may have to put in a stent because they think the problem is in the same artery as before. This is a reasonably risky procedure and 2 out of 100 people die as a result, so we would greatly value your prayers.

• They really won't know the exent of the problem until they go in in the angiogram and then will decide if angioplasty (balloon treatment), stent (an artificial 'tube' put in to support the artery) or heart surgery is necessary.

• I will keep you posted. I am at work trying to "hold the fort" while Dan is incapacitated".

From: Susan Soukoreff
Thu, 17 Feb 2000

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your message and for sending along my email so that others could pray for Daniel. Our prayers have been answered.

• Though the doctors considered bypass surgery, they decided against it and put a stent (a sort of wire) into the artery that was 99% blocked.

• Although there was blockage in other arteries (but not as severe), they left them alone as they said the least intervention they do in the heart the better.

• What they have done will help his angina, but now it is up to him through diet, exercise, medication and any natural products that help to reduce or prevent build up of plaque in the arteries to work towards a healthier heart.

• He has heart disease, so could still have a heart attack sometime later.

Thanks again to all those who joined us in prayer for him. He got out of hospital this afternoon.

Love in our Lord Jesus, Susan.

From: Susan Soukoreff
Subject: Daniel's Health
Mon, 28 Feb 2000

Dear Gordon,
I regret to say that Daniel is back in hospital.

• He was staying with Paul and Esther while Kerstin went back to bring the children home on the train from Villa Grove.

• Paul took him to hospital early this morning with chest pains and shortness of breath.

• He is in Delta Hospital at the moment, but they plan to send him to Vancouver General as soon as arrangements for another angiogram can be made.

• They seem to think something more should have been done last time, but won't know for sure until they look again.

We will value your continuing prayers. Kerstin and the children leave tomorrow and should be back in Ladner by Thrusday, d.v.

Your sister in Christ, Susan Soukoreff.

From: Susan Soukoreff
Wed, 1 Mar 2000

Hello Gordon,
Thank you for the message from Karl and Peggy Paluga. We appreciate their concern and prayers.

Dan is sheduled to be transferred to Vancouver General tomorrow morning at 7:30am for an angiogram and probably angioplasty (we hope not anything more serious).

• I will go down to be with him, as Kerstin does not arrive in Seattle until 10:00 am and then has to drive to Vancouver.

• They expect to transfer Dan back to the Delta Hospital at 2:30 pm all being well. I will keep you informed.

Love in our Lord Jesus, Susan.

From: Susan Soukoreff
Thu, 2 Mar 2000

Hello Gordon,
Just a quick update. Dan had his angiogram (they didn't need to do angioplasty) and is home from the hospital.

• They say that the pain is not the heart. There may be something else causing this, but we are thankful that all that they did with the heart two weeks ago is alright

• and whatever else may be causing his discomfort, at least it is not life-threatening like heart pain can be.

Many thanks to you and all who have prayed for him.

Regards, Susan.

From: Susan Soukoreff
Mon, 16 Oct 2000

Hello Gordon and Betty,
I haven't written in for a while, but I notice you have several articles which you would like to put on MB which you say require typing or scanning. Maybe I can help enter one of them for you?

• Perhaps you can suggest which one you would like me to do and I will see if I (or Dan) have the original.

Also, I have a copy of a very prophetic address given by Mr. A. Wellershaus of Germany in 1939 which I could submit it you would be interested.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Susan Soukoreff.

To: Susan Soukoreff
Tue, 17 Oct 2000
Dear Susan,
It's good to hear from you. We have wondered how you are getting on, and remember you in prayer.

Thanks for offering to do some more typing. I'm interested in adding some of JT. There are 2 items – at least – which I think are distinctive and are not covered in other ministry.

• I leave it to you to choose which one you would like to do, as I'm sure you or Dan will have the New Series. The items are:

• The Worship of God Himself, Vol. 68: 94-112

• Names of Divine Persons, Vol. 68: 426-52. This is rather long and it doesn't seem to lend itself to abridgement.

Yes, I'm very interested in the address by AW but would not ask you to type it as yet.

Betty joins in love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

To: Susan Soukoreff
Thu, 15 Mar 2001

Dear Susan,
Kevin Pearson writes: "My wife bought me a new all-in-one printer-scanner-copier for my upcoming birthday so I thought I'd try the scanners optical reader. It works pretty well but between the scanning, cut and pasting, and editing the scanning mistakes it takes about an hour and a half to two hours to do one reading. I have no idea if a good typist could do it quicker or not".

I'm letting you know as this is one of the items we discussed some time ago and I wouldn't like to think you started it without knowing. Kevin must have seen it on my list of items in "Looking Ahead".

The reading is about 21 pages in the book. Could you estimate roughly the typing time for Kevin's guidance.

We heard you had been in Germany – a world traveller, but not of the world! Had a nice chat with Kirsten when she phone from the airport on her way to Germany.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Susan Soukoreff
Mon, 26 Mar 2001

Dear Gordon,
I am almost ashamed to communicate with you as I have still not done any typing for you! Please forgive me.

My daughter, Carolyn, called in January to say she was really missing home and wanted to see someone from home and offered to send me a ticket to come. It was an offer I couldn't refuse … so I went. I was there when dear Opa Schubert passed away, but came home in time for Kerstin to leave for Germany. I have been very busy with babysitting and working … (about six hours a day five days a week earlier in the month).

I tried typing a page of J.T. (Vol. 60 page 350) which is almost all one long remark by J.T. and it took me nine minutes typing as fast as my fingers would move and then going back and making any corrections the 'spell check' underlined. Therefore, I would estimate 21 pages would take about 189 minutes at least and that is not using the format needed for your setup. So we are looking at 3 hours and 9 minutes for 21 pages. So it appears Kevin's scanner is a much better way to go if it only takes an 1 1/2 to 2 hours to do. I'm sure as he gets more proficient it will take less time. (Maybe I am only trying to find an excuse not to type! But why use a horse if you have a car?) I could talk to my son, Paul, about it. He has a scanner that he uses for his graphic art business and I think it works very fast and efficiently. I also believe that Waldemar Shubert uses a scanner in his translation work and production of ministry in German.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Susan.

To: Susan Soukoreff
Tue, 27 Mar 2001

Dear Susan,
Thanks very much for the information of typing time which I have forwarded to Kevin for his guidance.

Don't feel guilty about typing, although I will always welcome any help you can give when time permits.

You have been very busy indeed! I suppose Daniel still needs assistance in the business and it's good that you are available for this.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Jeff Staley

To: Jeff Staley
staleyjlATjps.net
Bothell, Wa, USA
Thu, 7 Mar 2002

Dear Jeff,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I hope you found something of interest and will come again.

I regret that I have no contacts or information to help in your search for family information. But your message has been posted in MB's Guest Book and hopefully it will attract some information from another guest.

I would be glad to hear of any results.

In our Lord, Gordon.

From: Jeff Staley
Thu, 7 Mar 2002

Thanks! It was a long shot!

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Peter Stanbridge

To: Peter Stanbridge
home_stanbridgeAThotmail.com
Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire, England
Sat, 10 Aug 2002

Dear Peter,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I'm glad to learn that you have found MB interesting and plan to return.

Your confusion as to various groups of brethren is quite understandable, and I will attempt to clarify the situation.

• Of necessity, my answer may be somewhat lengthy. It will be posted on 'My Answer' as it may be of interest to others.

The whole of this letter is in Guests: My Answer 4: Major Groups of Brethren in the UK

I trust the above will be of help to you, Peter, and look forward to your comments and, possible, discoveries as to Stow on the Wold.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: Peter Stanbridge
Tue, 20 Aug, 2002

Dear Gordon,
Thank you very much for your reply. While I find it complicated, your explanations have helped me considerably.

• Unfortunately, I am currently working at a client's site in Brussels and cannot get to the site again for a couple of weeks, but I can make this short thank you reply.

I do not attend a Brethren church, but I was keen to understand it a bit more, but I do appreciate the obviously wonderful Christian spirit in your web-site and replies to my question,

• and I certainly understand where the Brethren fellowship is coming from in its love of obedience to scriptural teaching and the Lord.

Regards, Peter Stanbridge.

To: Peter Stanbridge
Tue, 20 Aug, 2002
Dear Peter,
Thanks for your reply and generous remarks. I only regret the very real difficulty of simplifying an admittedly complicated situation.

After your return from Brussels, I look forward to hearing a little of your own background and exercises.

Thanks again. In our blessed Lord, Gordon.

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Michelle Starr

Dear Michelle,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for your inquiry re the JND Bible.

• I too have used it for many years and value it and the notes, as you do. Many of those whose ministry appears on MB also used it as their main translation.

• I'm not aware of any "e-text versions" which have the notes. Such a version would be valuable indeed. If such a version comes to my attention I will let you know.

As JND's Bible is not widely used as a main translation, I would be very interested to hear how you came to use it, and any details of you own background your might be free to share.

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Katie Starr

Katie Starr
katie.starrATgmail.com
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sun, 27 Nov 2005

Hi Jeff, My apolgies for taking so long to get back to you. I really appreciated your reply and I agree with so much of what you have said. I haven't seen or spoken to – since he went back to the EB's, but I have been tempted on a number of occasions to write to him, just to try to help him see that life doesn't need to be terrifying outside of the EBs. But, as you say, there often isn't much point in the 'action' itself. I also agree with you that our best weapon in a case like this is prayer – prayer that these people will learn to really love the Word of God again, and actually try to read an understand rather than adhering to all those directives.

I found an interesting site at www.peebs.net. The site is in many ways an angry one – I guess that's very understandable given the EBs history – but I did find it most intersting in many aspects. There is some rather disturbing evidence against J.T. Jr. in regards to the so called Aberdeen Incident. The thing I found so hard to come to grips with was just how far this group of brethren has come since the starting of it in the 1800's. Jeff, I have absolutely no question that there were certainly noble and godly reason for the starting of such a church, however, this mutation of the EBs has fallen so far into disrepute to have earned the name 'cult'. Whilst I may not agree with all theological views of the 'open' brethren, I certainly still consider them my brethren in Christ. The EBs on the other hand, well I can only pray that God will open their eyes.

I suppose I have witnessed first hand the appeal of religious systems that you described – I was brought up a Roman Catholic, and not the 'Christmas and Easter' variety either. I went to a Catholic school and attended Mass every week, more often during Lent of course, and attended confession on the urging – well, let's call it forcing – of my mother. I could recite the Mass from beginning to end from hearing and responding for every weekend of my life, even the different liturgies they used for different events were no match for my rote memory! If I was a good girl, I'd be fine, and in the end, I had never murdered anyone, so I'd probably be ok in the end. There's no two ways about it – religious systems have a way of building apathy and comfort like nothing else. You believe you are unable to be touched and you pity the poor souls who are 'lost' – the Protestants were the lost ones back then!! – and you exude an arrogance that simply isn't afforded you. One of my greatest saddnesses is seeing my mother still attending the Catholic church. However, I do belive she is a Christian, and there is much of Catholic doctrine that she doesn't believe – heaven forbid!!. But she believes that she is a creature of habit and it would be too hard to leave now. Especially when Dad is basically agnostic, and would never really support her one way or the other. She would be on her own, and I think that is scary for her. At least when she goes to a Catholic church, it is familiar, she knows all the correct responses, she has a few friends that she's bound to be able to see and chat to afterwards, and then she can leave knowing that she's done her duty for the week.

I suppose the biggest thing I have learned since becoming a Christian is that the only one who can truly be God is God Himself. No priest or pastor or minister or learned brethren will ever be able to simply be taken on his word, and not weighed against Scripture. I attend a Baptist church at the moment – although, I'm hardly what you would call a Baptist in the true sense of the word – I'm a Christian and try to attend good, solid, Bible teaching churches – and one of the most refreshing things is knowing that if I'm not completely sure that my pastor has been faithful to the Word, I can approach him and ask him to explain himself. I guess it's a kind of open forum. This is a church that is not only supportive, but it is functional, and you can never be 'comfortable'. By that I simply mean that we are challenged every single Sunday as well as during the week to live godly lives and to preach Jesus to everyone. We should never reach a point where we are not challenged in these things. Not because we need to reach perfection for salvation, Jesus has done it all already anyway, but because we are giving our lives in worship to the Lord, a living sacrifice to God given in thankfulness for what He's done for us.

You are very right Jeff – God is sovereign, and he knows – and He loves – . He will open – 's heart if it is right, and help him to see the truth of the matter. I pray that He will. Although I praise the Lord for actually saving me from that marriage – mind you, I didn't at the time of the break-up! I wish nothing but the best for – , and I just don't think he'll ever find contentedness within the EBs prison. I do pray that he'll get out, he and his wife and child. I pray that he will find freedom in the Lord. Jesus "has the words of eternal life", and until – sees that again, I fear that he will remain trapped.

Jeff, you and your colleagues have done a great job with the website, and I applaud you for that effort. Also, thanks for that website you sent – it was a truly moving story and I'm so glad for Trevor Hill and his family. He sounds like a man who really was led by God to the truth and I am amazed and encouraged by his sheer courageousness. He was also very loving and godly in the way he went about addressing his concerns and putting them before the group. I hope that many more like him make the same step as he did and ask the question, "Is what I am being taught correct?" Oh Jeff, it saddens me immensely to see the ruin of so many families. But I will continue to pray, as I trust you will, and I hope that one day there may be reform to the former glory for which it was originally started.

Yours in His service, Katie.

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Glen Steen

Dear Glen,
What a pleasant surprise that you found 'My Brethren'! Betty and I both appreciate your thoughts very much.

We're glad you found Memorabilia: John and Mary Steen well deserved by their exemplary lives among the brethren.

• Yes, we can believe that to read our perspective on John and Mary would understandably seem strange in view of our somewhat different relationships and histories.

• Of course we had opportunity to know Mary even better in her later years. She very much appreciated and often spoke of the affection and care you and your family gave her and never suggested she was "stuck" with you.

We were honoured to be of service at her burial, and only regret the vastly changed circumstances from earlier years that limited attendance.

Our two dear young friends, Jeremy (now 11) and Rachel (8) – who have both trusted in the Lord – still have good memories of times with Mary, and we often speak of her together.

Yes, we can understand some of the correspondence on MB would bring back memories both good and not so good, as they do for us too.

• Through circumstances, we were not aware at the time of harsh and unconscionable treatment you received from some, or the great suffering it caused you and your parents.

• Unfair and unjust accusations and betrayal by friends are among the most severe sufferings. Our Lord experienced such Himself and has true sympathy with those who thus suffer. We too know a little of such things.

You have gone on with your life, as we have. We have proved that the Lord Jesus is still the same, yesterday and today and forever.

• Of course you know that your grandparents on both sides of the family, as well as John and Mary, experienced this as well. May it be your portion, and your family's.

Our love to you and Darcy, Meghan and Kelly. We'll be happy to hear from you at any time.

Gordon and Betty.

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Joseph and Florence Stephen

To: Joseph and Florence Stephen
joeflorenceATdove.net.au
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Mon, 27 Dec 1999

Dear Joe and Florence,
Thank you for visiting "My Brethren" and for linking it on your site [later removed!?].

• I am glad you learned about "the distinction between the Lord's table and the Lord's supper", although one of the articles on your site confuses them.
  • Note: See Studies: The Lord's Supper for the distinctions.

As "relatively young Christians" you are to be commended for the great effort you have put into your web site and your attempt to cover a wide range of important subjects.

• On some subjects there are major differences with the position of "My Brethren" but you will doubtless come across these if you continue to visit.

• You may then wish to raise some questions with me. Please don't hesitate, I'll be glad to hear from you at any time.

Your site is quite attractive. Congratulations.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Joseph Stephen,
Tue, 28 Dec 1999

Dear Gordon,
Thanks for your message.

Also, to speed up investigation and possible correction, can you please let us know on which points you differ?

I'll fix the Lord's Table message when I can, I may have to consult the author in order to change it, depends on which article you are referring to.

Thanks again. Joe.

To: Joseph Stephen,
Tue, 28 Dec 1999

Dear Joe,
The article to which I referred in which there is confusion of terms is "The Lord's Table" by J. Ayoub.

• Before you approach the author, as you suggest you may do, it would be wise to go over the matter yourself so that you have no doubts as to the distinction and how such matters should be expressed.

• I do not know the author, but wisdom will be needed as some authors might be unduly sensitive regarding what they may see as mere criticism rather than brotherly concern and help.

As to "Also, to speed up investigation and possible correction, can you please let us know on which points you differ?"

• This might involve more time than I can afford just now, and I don't want to just be a critic.

• Perhaps we could just let such points come up as we explore each other's sites. I'm sure that many will be quite obvious to you. without me pointing them out.

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

From: Joseph Stephen
Tue, 28 Dec 1999

Dear Gordon,
I have a short query on eternal sonship …

Note: See Guests: My Answer 1: A Child Born – A Son Given, Isaiah 9: 6 for Joe's query and my reply.

Thanks. Joe.

From: Joseph, Florence & Caleb Stephen
Wed, 13 Sep 2000

Dear Gordon,
It has been sometime since we corresponded. I just wanted to let you know that we've been reading some articles and booklets on reception to the assembly vs the Lord's table and are beginning to see and adhere to this view.

• We are treading carefully but we just wanted to let you know that you and others have challenged us and caused us to search this out a bit deeper.

• You should start to see some changes on our page over time.

Joe and Florence.

To: Joseph Stephen
Tue, 19 Sep 2000

Dear Joe,
How good to hear from you again. I enjoyed our earlier contacts but feared that we had come to an impasse on certain basic matters.

It is encouraging that you have been challenged to search out some matters.

• Without knowing what you have been reading it is difficult to comment, and perhaps that is not what you want at the moment.

• Still, I am concerned because some common views as to "reception" whether "to the assembly" or "the Lord's table" ignore the public situation.

• If you have not already, I suggest that you have a look at Ministry: C. A. Coates: Present Conditions in the Christian Profession.

You are quite right to tread carefully. Even when our views may need some correction, or possibly a more drastic change, it is always right to move cautiously lest we be carried away.

• We are not to be tossed and carried about by every wind of teaching.

• The example of the Bereans is always important, as is that of Apollos who was humble enough to accept adjustment through Aquila and Priscilla.

I look forward to hearing from you as your exercise develops, and will be watching your site for "changes".

• In view of your commitment on your site to "the faith once delivered to the saints" you should find a paper of that title on Ministry: J. N. Darby of interest.

With love in the Lord Jesus to you all, Gordon.

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John P. Stewart

To: John P. Stewart
jstewartATcafes.net
Bell Buckle, TN, USA
Fri, 14 Jul 2000

Dear John,
Thanks for signing the "My Brethren" Guest Book. I trust you found some items of interest although you doubtless noticed a somewhat different perspective.

I hope you will visit again. You are welcome to share any experiences and exercises.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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Percy Struthers

To: Percy Struthers
bildad68ATyahoo.com
Alexandria, VA, USA
Mon, 30 Jul 2001

Dear Percy,
Thank you for visiting 'My Brethren' and for your question as to the permissibility of an unbeliever being present at the the breaking of bread meeting. I hope to reply in the next day or so.

• In the meantime perhaps you would share something of your background and, particularly, what prompted your question.

• I'm sure other guests who check correspondence will be as interested as I am.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Percy Struthers
Wed, 01 Aug, 2001

Yes sir. I have no problem divulging such information and I am sure it will give you greater latitude in answering me.

I was a member in good standing of the so called "Open Brethren" and fellowshipped with them for well over ten years.

• However, through the readings of the scriptures and of various Plymouth Brethren writers, most notably Mr. C. A. Coates,
  • I began to see inconsistencies in the worship meeting and an overall lack of diligence in government on behalf of the leadership in the assemblies.

• I and another likeminded brother subsequently attempted to start a meeting more closely based on early Plymouth Brethren principles but without the stringent requirements of the latter-day Exclusives.

• However, we had a falling out over the issue of who should be in attendance at the Breaking of Bread meeting among other things.

• I would like to get your opinion on this matter.

Thank you. Percy Struthers.

To: Percy Struthers
Wed, 01 Aug, 2001

Dear Percy,
Thank you for your question and the further details as to your interest in the question

• "whether it is permissible to have an unbeliever attend the breaking of bread meeting, that is to be in the same room as believers. I am not talking about partaking of the emblems, but to attend the meeting at all. I look forward to your comments and if you could tell me also the Plymouth Brethren stance on this question I would be much obliged".

This reply has become somewhat lengthy because of various ramifications and I ask your patience …

The complete reply is in Guests: My Answer 3: The Breaking of Bread: May an Unbeliever Attend the Meeting?

There are doubtless points that have not been covered, but I trust this will be sufficient to answer your inquiry.

• I hope to hear from you, not knowing what your own position is on the question or your current connections.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Percy Struthers
Wed, 8 Aug 2001

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your answer. It is in line with my own beliefs and practices. I would like to know of a meeting in my area (Washington DC metro) in which the truth is upheld. Perhaps you can help me?

Yours in Christ, Percy Struthers.

To: Percy Struthers
Thu, 9 Aug 2001

Dear Percy,
Your acknowledgement is appreciated – some who ask questions don't do so – and I'm interested to learn that we are in general agreement.

• It is unlikely that there are many who share our views on the subject. I regret that I can't be of help to you as I'm not aware of any in your area at this time.

• The few here know what it is to be isolated and sympathize with you. The character of the times requires individual faithfulness which the Lord is sure to bless in His own way.

Don't hesitate to write from time to time.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

PS: Have you noticed the Guest Book and Mailbox for Cecil Weston? As you are 'relatively' (?) close to him, I wondered if you might be able to encourage each other. If you make contact I would be interested to hear from you.

From: Percy Struthers
Sat, 2 Mar 2002

Dear Brother Rainbow,
I just wanted to let you know that Brother Weston and myself have indeed collaborated in meeting together at his home in fellowship. The little meeting has been going on for some time and I believe has received the blessing of the Lord. Thank you for the suggestion.

To: Percy Struthers
Sat, 02 Mar 2002

Dear Percy,
Thanks for the note as to you and Cecil Weston, which I was very glad to receive having just heard from Cecil.

Page Top

Timothy Stunt

To: Timothy Stunt
tstunt257ATearthlink.net
Newtown, CT, USA
Wed, 02 Aug 2000

Dear Timothy,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. It's always a pleasure to make contact with those interested in the history of the brethren. You may find something worthwhile in the other menu groups as well.

Thanks for the notice of your new book "From Awakening to Secession" which I hope to see some time. I am posting the information you provided on
Guests: Site News: Bibles and Books: Timothy Stunt.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Wed, 02 Aug 2000

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your welcome. I have indeed read much of your web-site, which is very well done and very useful. I congratulate you on its presentation.

I am delighted to see your inclusion of George Wigram's account of his conversion. Biography: G. V. Wigram

• I have quoted from it and referred to that early experience of his in Geneva more than once in my book so I am glad that your readers can find the complete account as it is in the original.

• I have also included another reference he made to the event in Gleanings p. 104.

Of very great interest to me is your quotation from JND's first impression of GVW, which I have never seen before. In it he describes GVW as 'not more than 22'.

• In the introduction to his Englishman's Greek Concordance (pp. vi-vii) GVW says he went to Ireland 'unexpectedly' in September 1830.

• If JND's guess as to his age was a good one then it seems that GVW went to Ireland a few years earlier.

• Certainly JND didn't visit Oxford until July 1830.

• May I ask from where you obtained 'JND's first impression'?

• It may well be from 1827 because the reference to GVW visiting JND twice and sitting with him for one and a half hours leads me to think this was during JND's enforced convalescence –late in 1827 after a riding accident.

• The young JND was very energetic and not one to sit at home and wait for people to call on him.

• I would love to know who was the saintly Miss F. who introduced JND to GVW. Hence my interest in knowing where you found this account.

Thank you again for your work

Yours in sincerity, Timothy Stunt.

To: Timothy Stunt
Thu, 03 Aug 2000

Dear Timothy,
'My Brethren' is a service to the Lord Jesus and His approval is everything to me.

• However, words of appreciation from others are always very welcome, and especially valued from one like yourself who can appraise the format and presentation as well as the spiritual content.

• Being an accountant by training, I possess no literary qualifications. However the accounting disciplines of accuracy, order and clarity – and the concepts of layout and presentation gained in my years in the printing industry – have proved useful.

Regarding JND's first impression of GVW: It was sent to me by Nelson Joyce of Sydney, Australia – of my background – and I also have the same item in my files.

• My copy is a xerox of a typed/mimeographed sheet entitled "Mr. J. N. Darby's first impression of Mr. G. V. Wigram, about 1827" and has a note "copied at Reigate 6/4/66."

• Not having examined the account critically, I had accepted the conventional wisdom that JND and GVW had first met at Oxford in 1830.

• As a result, I omitted the 1827 date, assuming that the copyist had merely arrived at 1827 by adding JND's estimate of "22" to GVW's birth year of 1805.

• Your conclusion that the meeting actually took place "during JND's enforced convalescence (late in 1827 after a riding accident)" commends itself.

• I appreciate your thoughts on this point and will make necessary changes and quote your remarks.

"Such a saint" seems to refer to GVW rather than the unknown "Miss F." I too would like to know more about her but it appears that her identity will remain a tantalizing mystery!

You mention "another reference he made to the event [his conversion] in "Gleanings" p. 104.

• I have Heijkoop's edition, apparently a reproduction, but can't find the reference on page 104, or elsewhere after a search of nearby pages.

• Are you using a different edition, is the page number correct, or am I just dull? ;-))

Your further comments on any 'problems' you discern in the other biographical or historical accounts will be welcome.

I hope we will be able to keep in touch from time to time.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Sat, 26 Aug 2000

August 3, 2000,
Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your very prompt reply. With a mail-bag like yours I don¹t know how you keep up!

Needless to say I am delighted that my 'guess' from the internal evidence about GVW and JND is in fact confirmed by a date. [Mental note: resist temptation to vanity!]

You are quite right that the conventional wisdom [based on William Kelly's much later account] assumes that Wigram only met JND at Oxford.

• On the other hand we should perhaps have guessed [but I certainly didn't!] that there was an earlier encounter from one or two indications in the "Interesting Reminiscences".
  • See History: Early Years – Recollections.

• In these JND (in his addition) wrote: "It was subsequently after July 1830 I went to Oxford (where Wigram was at Queen's) and joined him and Jarrett".
  • Joining (rather than meeting) Wigram perhaps implies that he knew him already.

• Similarly Edward Cronin (in his addition) says: "About this time G. V. Wigram paid us a visit from England, having some intention of joining the Mission party going to Bagdad. From that time to my leaving Dublin (1830) there were continual additions of evangelical Christians".
  • This definitely suggests that Wigram came to Dublin some time before August 1830 when the Baghdad party set out.

You asked about my other reference to Wigram¹s conversion. This is from G. V. Wigram, "Gleanings from the Teaching of G.V.W.", 2nd series (London, no date) page 104 where he says:

• "Can the Gospel suit a person who does not feel he is a sinner?" It suited me! I found by it that God had given Christ, and that Christ … was revealed to my heart. The effect was to bring a flow of affections towards Him; the rest came afterwards, and I had to learn all my sinnership".
  • See "Gleanings from the Teaching of G.V.W.", 5th Edition, H. L. Heijkoop, page 248.

This (my) letter is dated 3rd August and I thought I had completed it and sent it to you before I went on holiday. Now on my return I have found it incomplete and unsent! I shall post it this morning (26th August).

Best regards, Timothy.

To: Timothy Stunt
Sun, 27 Aug 2000

Dear Timothy,
Your further deductions as to the year of the first meeting of JND and GVW are confirming and most welcome. I have included them in a note on Biography: G. V. Wigram. Thanks for your further – and perhaps not last – help!

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Mon, 14 Jan 2002

Dear Gordon,
It is quite hard to believe that it is nearly a year and half since we corresponded on the subject of the circumstances of JND's first meeting with GVW.

• In the intervening time I have more than once referred to some of the historical and biographical texts which you have so usefully assembled on your excellent web site.

I was looking over the reminiscences of JGB the other day – reminiscences, which have a warmth of spirit and affection to them which I find very reassuring.

• There is a transparent innocence about them, which makes them very valuable for the historian.

• However, may I ask you about the provenance of the text you have used?

I am sure you know that the letter circulated in MS form for quite some time before it was printed – with the added comments of JND and others – some time after 1871.

• I am wondering whether the copy from which you took your text carried any date or not and whether it was a MS copy.

• My reason for asking is that there are a couple of interesting variations in it, which I think are the result of MS mistranscription.

1. The first is in the paragraph:

   In a private room he [Cronin] had the Lord's Supper, with I believe, three others, while I was still going to Stamford Chapel, and J. N. Darby was still in County Wicklow, as a clergyman.

   The reference to Stamford Chapel is curious. I suspect that this is a misreading for Sandford Chapel but I may be wrong. Just because I haven¹t heard of a 'Stamford Chapel' doesn't mean there wasn't one. Certainly my printed version of the letter gives Sandford, but another copyist may only have preferred Sandford because [like me] he knew of Sandford Chapel (outside Dublin) where the saintly Henry Irwin ministered. [There is a brief paragraph on Irwin at Sandford on page 165 of my book, which you so kindly listed on your web site.]

2. The second variation that interests me is in the paragraph:

   In the year 1834 many more were added and in that year J.N.D. being in Dublin, it was a question with him whether he should come and help us at Aungier Street as God might give him grace, or preach as he had been invited to do at the Asylum in Lessor Street. He was all but detached from the Church of England.

   Now, I think that JGB was sometimes a little confused about dates and therefore this paragraph almost certainly refers to 1830 or 1831 rather than 1834 –as JND's first visits to Oxford and Plymouth were definitely in 1830. But of greater interest to me is the reference to "Lessor" Street.

   Stephen Hesterman in his transcription calls it "Lemon" Street but I can find neither a Lemon nor a Lessor Street in Dublin. My printed version of the letter has "Leeson" Street, which is an important Dublin thoroughfare. There may of course have been a Lessor Street or even a Lemon Street, which no longer exist.

   One reason for my interest is to find out about the Asylum that had invited JND to preach.

Now I shall quite understand if you feel that there are more important and more pressing demands on your time.

• However if you are able, I wonder if you could have a look at the source from which you took your text of the JGB reminiscence to see if it casts any light on these two queries.

Trusting that you are well and that the year 2002 will be a time of spiritual fulfillment for you,

Yours in sincerity, Timothy Stunt.

To: Timothy Stunt
Wed, 16 Jan 2002

Dear Timothy,
How good to hear from you again. You, and other guests, are often in my thoughts. Would that I had time to follow up, but the demands of MB do not give that luxury.

• As editor, researcher, correspondent, counsellor, web master and occasional apologist and expositor, I'm usually quite occupied. So when someone like yourself contacts me again it rejoices my heart.

• I especially value your input as an historian. While most of the items – especially ministry – on MB are reasonably straightforward, the 'History' group poses peculiar problems.

• When more than one edition of an item is available I'm thrust into the role of a textual critic.

But to answer your inquiry. JGB's reminiscences in History: Early Years come from 2 sources:

1. 'Early Days' a booklet published by Loizeaux Brothers (LB) which I have had for about 50 years. Its sub-heading is 'A series of letters showing how the Spirit of God led in the recovery of various great truths relating to the Church, some ninety years ago'. This would seem to place the original publication date as 1827 + 90 = 1917+, say c. 1920.

2. 'A Review of Certain Contentions for the Faith' by George W. Ware (GWW), published privately with only a limited circulation. I have – but can't lay my hands on it at the moment – a photocopy of a very old typescript. Internal evidence – date of an article "which has just come to hand" – places original issue date as 1928.

3. Now available for comparison 'A Further Review of Recovery to the Truth and Its Maintenance' by Brian W. Burton (BWB), published in 1997 by Kingston Bible Trust, which draws heavily on GWW.

In general LB seems less reliable than GWW with obvious repeated errors, e.g., "H. Hutchinson" and "Angier Street".

• I did not retain notes of differences between LB and GWW but had the impression that LB had been over-zealously edited. My present 'Editorial Note' – which also refers to the remarks of JND, EC, JBS and GVW – says:

• • • Editorial Note  • • •

A typescript of G. W. Ware's 'A Review of Certain Contentions for the Faith' exhibits evidence of being most faithful to the originals of the first five items. It has therefore been followed, except for a few minor emendations based on other editions. Those who compare such things will find many variations – in the first five items – from the text of some earlier publications which appear to have been over-zealously edited. The editors may have intended to make matters clearer and the documents more readable but some of the editing changed the meaning more than a little.

Regarding the 2 interesting variations to which you draw attention:

1. LB (page 9, lines 9-10) has "Sandford Chapel", while BWB (page 11, para. 2, line 4) following GWW has "Stamford Chapel".

   In view of your comments but realizing there may still be some doubt, I am changing my text to "Sandford (Stamford?) Chapel".

   It is difficult to understand "Sandford" being mistaken as "Stamford" in an original manuscript, although they might be misunderstood in speech – understandable to any like myself who have a hearing problem.

2. Yes, JGB may well be wrong as to some dates and I have remarked on this problem in the 'Introduction'. Max S. Weremchuk has suggested some corrections to various dates in his biography 'John Nelson Darby'.

   LB (page 12, line 1) has "Lessor Street", while BWB (page 12, para. 2, line 4) following GWW has "Leeson Street".

   In view of your comments but again realizing there may still be some doubt, I am changing my text to "Leeson (Lessor?) Street". If taken from an original manuscript it is easy to understand the handwriting of "Leeson" being mistaken as "Lessor", or vice versa.

My query this time concerns one of JND's early associates. In JGB's recollections as you give them, the account of Ennis is interesting:

• "But I should mention dear and honoured J. Mahon as another instance of the independent action of the Spirit of God of which I have spoken.
  • a. I remember E. Cronin visiting him at Ennis, it might I think be in 1828, and on his return to Dublin, telling us about him.

  • b. And I have reason to believe that even before we had any table in FH's house there had been one in his, somewhere in the town of Ennis, by means of one of his family, if not by himself".

• I think it is reasonable to assume that this is the same "Mr Mahon" referred to by JBS as being at Powerscourt in 1833. For myself I am also inclined to think that he may also be identified with the "Thomas Mahon" [referred to in Andrew Miller's 'Last Chapter' of 'Short Papers on Church History'] who 'went on with' the work begun by JND. There is also a letter from T. Mahon to JND (1841) referring to a conference planned to take place at Parsonstown, in the Christian Brethren Archive, in Manchester.

• From all of which I am wondering whether a 'T' in JGB's original MS has been misread for a 'J'.

• There is also an interesting reference in the 'Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser', Wednesday, Feb 14, 1827, where the Quaker prison reformer Elizabeth Fry is reported to have stopped at the house of Thomas Mahon Esq, prior to visiting the prison in Ennis.

Forgive my bothering you on such an insignificant matter, but do you know of any Mahons with a name beginning with 'J', or do you think that my conjecture about 'T' being misread for 'J' is a reasonable one?

Trusting that the new year of 2007 has been one of fulfillment and blessing for you and yours.

As ever, Timothy Stunt.

To: Timothy Stunt
Tue, Jan 30, 2007

Dear Timothy,
Hardly an "insignificant matter" to those of us who value accuracy – I was an accountant – and I certainly don't feel bothered.

As always your reasoning is irresistible. I agree wholeheartedly with your conclusion, and have posted your findings at the reference to "J. Mahon". If JGB's original was most likely hand written a capital 'T' and 'J' might well be easily confused by a copyist who was not familiar with the primcipals.

Please contact me at any time. I do enjoy the interchange.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Sun, Feb 4, 2007

Dear Gordon,
Many thanks for your reply. It is a little strange, I confess, how on coming back to the Interesting Reminiscences of JGB et al after some months (or is it years?!), I notice things that had previously never caught my attention.

• On the other hand your reproduction of Miss Anna M. Stoney's and Miss Frances J. Elwood's accounts are particularly valuable for me because I never had access to them before I encountered your website.

• They are useful recollections though we must remember that the writers were very little girls in the days of the earliest Brethren.

• On the other hand I think that Max Weremchuk is a bit severe on Miss Stoney when he says (letter 20 March, 2004) that her account is "riddled with errors" though I agree she was misinformed about the Vaughan family.

• Personally I think there was something a bit severe and perhaps 'Puritan' in the outlook of the Unitarians with whom JND's mother was associated in her early days, though they couldn't be described as Puritannical.

• However I particularly like her account of the Darby household at Leap which is fascinating. I wish we knew a little more about WHD's work in Germany.

• When she writes that: "when J.N.D. wanted help in the translation, E. L. Bevir lived with him at Pau at Monsieur Shlumberger's pretty little place among the trees" which she visited in 1882, I'm pretty sure that she is referring to Pierre Schlumberger-Berthoud (1818-89) of Guebwiller, Alsace to whom JND addressed many letters that were later published in the Messager Évangélique.

• I am very interested to know that he had what was (presumably) a little holiday cottage in the South West of France. His family were a respected Protestant family from Alsace and (although it is probably of little interest to your readers) I think that the brothers, Conrad (1878-1936) and Marcel Schlumberger (1884-1953), distinguished pioneers in the petroleum industry, were the sons of one of Pierre's nephews.

• You may perhaps want to correct Miss Stoney's spelling of the name.<>

With warm Christian greetings, Timothy Stunt.

To: Timothy Stunt
Thu, Feb 8, 2007

Dear Timothy,
Words of appreciation are always appreciated and encouraging!

Your positive comments on Miss Stoney's work are certainly in order, and I have posted your notes at the appropriate spot. Thanks very much.

I have just added another item which you may not have seen, 'Recollections' of JGB by his daughter. See his biography. Your thoughts will be welcome, as always.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Thu, Dec 13, 2007

Dear Gordon,
You will probably think my work is very hap-hazard … and you may well be right! I probably have too many lines of enquiry going at the same time, and then, as I am still a full time teacher of fifteen year old boys and girls, everything gets put on 'hold' for months at a time …

• Curiously enough however, I have only recently seen (or taken on board the significance of) Max Weremchuk’s reaction (made some four and a half years ago!) to my suggestion about when JND first met GVW and this has led me to look more carefully at the account you have provided concerning GVW. May I make a couple of suggestions?

In the section HIS BACKGROUND, where you mention that GVW was the 14th child of his mother, you ought to remove the statement that she was the aunt of the late Charles Stewart Parnell. This is a slip arising from a confusion as to whose second wife is under discussion. In fact it was GVW’s second wife who was an aunt of Charles Stewart Parnell. [corrected]

• [In fact, though I’m not suggesting that you need to add this, GVW’s mother was Lady Eleanor Wigram [née Watts] (1767-1841) and there is an account of her philanthropic work in Walthamstow, in the entry for her in the recently published Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.] [added]

In the Section HIS FAMILY, you could usefully remove the first two words “Around 1831” as on the next line you have given the exact date of the marriage (March 23rd 1830… Weremchuk is quite correct on that.) [corrected]

• Also in the first line, the second name of Fanny Bligh’s father was Cherbury not Cherburgh ( - on this Weremchuk has misled you.) [corrected]

• If you choose to make these adjustments there is absolutely no need to acknowledge my help or to draw attention to Weremchuk’s slip. I have no wish to be seen as a controversialist or a corrector of other people’s mistakes. It’s simply that I value your web-site and would like it to be as accurate as possible.

On the other hand it does seem that Weremchuk has misunderstood what I wrote about GVW going to Ireland. In his RESEARCH NOTE he writes:

• ‘Wigram writes of “unexpectedly” having to go to Ireland in September 1830 in the introduction to his Englishman's Greek Concordance and Timothy thought this might be a mistake for the year 1827.’

• In fact I do not question the accuracy of GVW statement of going to Ireland in September 1830 and I’m pretty sure that Weremchuk is right in assuming that it was in connection with the death of his father-in law.

• Bearing in mind that his wife was a cousin of the 2nd Lady Powerscourt, it would have been natural enough for him after the funeral to have been staying at Powerscourt House which, he tells us, is where (sometime between September 1830 and March 1831) he met Mr. W. Burgh, who gave him such important help in the early stages of the production of the Englishman’s Greek Concordance.

None of this conflicts with my suggestion that GVW may have been in Ireland before that. After all we are told that his first wife had been a childhood friend, and it would be surprising if he had not visited her family before his wedding in March 1830.

• Given too that she was a cousin of Lady Powerscourt, there would have been a significant chance of GVW visiting Powerscourt some time during his courtship or engagement, thus increasing the possibility of his meeting JND, who was convalescing in the Pennefather household in Delgany, very near to Powerscourt.

I’m well aware that these are conjectural but I think they are a plausible. I make no comment on Weremchuk’s further suggestions about the authorship of the document under discussion.

As ever with warm Christian greetings, Timothy Stunt.

To: Timothy Stunt
Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Dear Timothy,
Thanks for your continued interest in 'My Brethren' and especially in the biography of Mr. Wigram.

I appreciate your notes and have happily made the indicated corrections. Your suggestions, and those of Max Weremchuk, are extremely valuable, especially as I haven't your research expertise.

That you find time from such a demanding occupation to search out these important details is a cause of thankfulness, and also a challenge to me, retired for many years that I find little strength to pursue all the needs of MB.

Thanks again, and I look forward to further contact.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

To: Timothy Stunt
Mon, April 13, 2009

Dear Timothy,
At the close of one on my responses to your inquiries, I find;

"Wed, 16 Jan 2002 "I'm glad to learn you visit MB occasionally, and appreciate having your observations. If you have anything further to add, now or in the future, be assured that I will welcome hearing from you. I'll be interested to learn whatever you may discover as to the 'Asylum'."

This has continued to be a mystery until I recently came across a reference leading to the Wikipedia article "Magdalene Asylum". I would be interested in your comments.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Tue, Dec 18, 2007

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your e-mail of April 13th. Yes the Asylum in Leeson Street was a Magdalene (Magdalen) asylum but not a Roman Catholic one. I did quite a bit of research but before I could share it with you Max Weremchuk wrote to you (June 3, 2003) with several references to it including the following:

See the information from Max Weremchuk and further information from Timothy Stunt in History: Early Years - Recollections..

Best regards, as ever, Timothy Stunt.

To: Timothy Stunt
Mon, April 20, 2009

Dear Timothy,
Thanks very much for your full reply and for reminding me of the info from Max. My memory fails often now.

I will be posting your email shortly and am glad of the additional info which clears up why JND would consider preaching at an "asylum"! How the meaning of words change!

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Fri, Apr 8, 2011

Dear Mr Rainbow,
It is some years since we corresponded. I wonder if you can help me.

• I know that Henry Anthony Hammond (12 June 1829-5 - December 1910) in whose home (Sundridge House, Bournemouth) Mr. Darby died, had been an Anglican clergyman before he worshiped with Brethren.

• I also know that he had two sons, Harry Deacon Hammond who died in 1870, and John Maximilian Hammond who died of wounds at Salonika in 1917; he also had two daughters Katherine Mary (died 1897) and Dorothy Egerton.

• H. A. Hammond also edited an edition of JND's Spiritual Songs.

What I have often wondered (and am now hoping that you may be able to clarify) is whether the publisher C. A. Hammond was a relation of H. A. Hammond. Do you have any information on this?

I still find myself browsing in your biographies - they are very edifying...

With warmest greetings, Timothy Stunt.

To: Timothy Stunt
Sat, Apr 9, 2011

Dear Timothy,
An interesting, tantalizing and perplexing question, indeed!

I do regret I have no information on this to be of help.

• But I have posted your question on our 'Site News: News Bulletins' in the hope that it may elicit an answer. (Removed re following.)

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Timothy Stunt
Sat, Apr 9, 2011

Dear Gordon
I now find that my request for help was premature as I have now found the answer to the question. Almost certainly there was no connection between Henry Anthony Hammond and C A Hammond.

• Using the International Genealogical Index and the British Census returns I have established that Cyril Alfred Hammond was born just outside Portsmouth in 1877. His father, Joseph Hammond was a brewing manager.

• Cyril Alfred was a commercial traveller dealing in drapery. He married a girl called Florence Annie in c. 1902 and in 1911 was living in Clapham with a son called Joseph Lawrence and two daughters Hilda and Grace.

• I think these would have been the "Misses Hammond" who managed the 'C.A. Hammond' bookshop in Little Britain at the back of St Paul's Cathedral, when I used to visit it as a boy.

Timothy.

To: Timothy Stunt
Tue, Apr 12, 2011

Dear Timothy,
Thanks for the information, As a former accountant -- by training and nature -- all details are important and significant to me, if only to clarify now obscure history.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Graham Sutherland

To: Graham Sutherland
thevoiceATnetrover.com
Windsor, Ontario
Subject: Dick Wyman's Guest Book
Tue, 15 Dec 1998

Dear Graham,
We certainly do remember Windsor-Detroit – and correspondence with you re the Windsor meeting room ownership.

Betty and I would be glad to hear how you are faring. You can leave a message in the Guest Book at the "My Brethren" web site.

Affectionately in the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

Following is the substance of a welcome telephone call from Ann Sutherland on Monday, Jan. 4, 1999 in response to a follow-up when no reply was received to the above e-mail.

Graham Sr. has been with Christ for several years.

• The message was from Graham Jr. (31 and single) who lives upstairs in the family home.

• Ann's sister Bea who lives in Troy, Michigan – 1/2 hours drive – is also widowed, Dr. Bert Waskey being with the Lord for some time.

Harry Colman now resides full time in a cottage on Lake Erie south of Windsor.

• He had a bad accident some time ago and also cataracts, so is unable to come to Windsor.

They still hold the old meeting room, but are very isolated with no visitors.

To: Ann and Graham Sutherland
Subject: Your recent telephone call
Tue, 19 Jan 1999

Dear Ann and Graham,
It was a real pleasure to hear your voice Ann, after so many years. Thank you for calling.

• We feel for you and Graham and Bea in your lonely situation and hope we can keep in touch occasionally.

Please say hello to Harry Colman when you speak with him. We remember him well.

And Graham – keep trying to reach my web site. I don't know what the problem could be.

• Keep up your commitment to the Lord. He is not limited by numbers and comes down to "two or three" – He never fails.

With love in Christ from Betty and myself, Gordon.

Your guest entries and messages will show that the continuation of My Brethren is important to you.

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