That which characterized the ministry and testimony of those called the brethren, however feeble (and feeble they were) was, with the accompanying revival of assurance by faith in the simple testimony of redemption, the bringing out and walking in the faith of two doctrines: namely, the Holy Ghost in the church, and the coming again in person of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this ministry was blessed both in gathering many into a simple position by it, and extending the happy influence of these truths among many who were not so gathered. With this connected itself the unity of the church as the body of Christ by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, and that, separate from the world as bride of the Lamb. A comparison of what the church was at first when filled with the Spirit led them to the sense of our present ruined state, and to seek in earnest devotedness more conformity to its early path, and that nothing should be owned that was not of the Holy Ghost. And they waited for God's, Son from heaven. If the presence of the Spirit gave them the consciousness of being the bride, He made them also earnestly desire the coming of the Bridegroom, and the joy of that day when Christ should come and receive them to Himself, and take the kingdom and glory. They entered in spirit, in their little measure, into that word, “The Spirit and the bride say, Come"; and they were happy and blessed.
Now the presence of the Holy Ghost in the church was (with the waiting for Christ's coming), the grand doctrine on which the whole testimony of those so-called brethren was founded. There was blessing enough to cheer and help us on in spite of much weakness and infirmity; and if we have failed in maintaining or in using the blessing, are we to humble ourselves, or to deny the blessing? I shall not deny God in His truth and blessing because man knows not how to use it, if it even be so; but I do not believe it. We may be humbled; but God will help and meet us according to our faith. I own a ministry, have always owned it: but I cannot deny the blessed truth of the Holy Ghost dwelling in the church, and acting as so present in the various members of the body as He pleases. And here I will add, I do not say among the gathered brethren only. The difference as to those is, they have acted together on this truth.
The Holy Ghost in the whole church may own a brother's gift elsewhere, e.g., in a chapel where he is minister; only he denies a blessed doctrine, which God has taught, and, I fully trust, will maintain among us. And let it be here remembered, that stated ministry has never been denied, but always in exercise amongst us—always owned in principle. In half or more of the services, one who has gift has exercised his gift on his responsibility to Christ. This is known to every one. And for my own part I recognize it fully, be it one or two, if they agree together to do it. The teachers have waited on their teaching.
It is an utter untruth or sheer prejudice to deny or lose sight of this. It is only in the meetings for worship, when the saints assembled as such, that this has not been the case. The profit of a stated ministry, all that is true in a one-man ministry, has been in the fullest exercise among those called brethren.
In their worship they have not sought sermons, but the presence of God—the accomplishment of that promise, that where two or three are gathered together to His name, he will be in the midst of them. I avow I do not go there to hear a sermon; nor do I like to hear one. I go to worship, to find the Lord, and worship Him. And I judge that if brethren are become incapable of enjoying this, it is a very bad sign. I do not go with my ears there to hear man, however gifted, but to worship God; and I beg to press this on brethren. I feel thankful if any one be led of God (I trust we may be forgiven for still thinking this possible, in spite of the efforts to rob us of it) to give a word of exhortation or comfort.
I know that the flesh has abused this, forgetting the word “swift to hear, slow to speak,” — “my brethren, be not many teachers.” But I add, most decidedly that, though I have seen liberty used for license (and “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty"), I have found, where God was owned, incomparably more of His presence and blessing than where man's arrangements have taken the place of God. There might be evils to deplore and to correct; but there was God to enjoy, because God was owned.
Elsewhere I have found decent things of man, a fair show in the flesh, but a sepulcher. The God I found my delight in was not there. For even God's grace or gift in teaching is a wholly different thing from God's presence in the way of worship. But I add that where in worship this latter is slighted, I never found even the former. It is written, “Cursed is the man who putteth his trust in man.”
Correct the evils, brethren; but let us not disown God nor His goodness. If you cannot know His presence in worship, nor what the blessing of this is, humble yourselves. You have suffered great loss, you have spiritually declined. Forgive me! But if (which I cannot believe, for I at any rate have found it among you) you have forgotten this joy—pardon me here also—I, poor as I am, and I feel this unfeignedly, I have not forgotten it. I shall, with His grace, continue to trust Him. I will, if need be, begin afresh, and am not afraid of not finding His faithfulness and love, and of enjoying with a despised remnant that sweet and blessed fellowship with Him which He has granted us in times past. And, if I am to take my place among you, I shall freely exercise, when the just occasion offers, the ministry with which I believe God has entrusted me in my weakness, the gift of His grace; and, when we meet as saints, I shall be glad often to wait, not merely to compose my spirit, to gather up my strength from the Lord, before I enter on His work, or open my mouth to speak in His name, but to wait in the hope to gather up strength through the blessing conferred upon some other beloved one of God, or by our joining together, whoever may be used as our mouth-piece, in thanksgiving, and prayer, and praise. For the joy of the Lord is our strength. I do not expect to be edified if the flesh act amongst us, and we shall do well to own where it has been so. But I do expect the Lord's presence, and His acting amongst us, if we wait upon Him, to guide, to use, and to bless us. And to Him, and to that hope I cleave.
J. N. D.