Darbyism: Its Rise and Development/Preface
PREFACE.
I feel it necessary to say a few words on the origin of this Pamphlet. When I landed from India about three years ago, my steps were directed to Bristol. From various quarters questions relative to Bethesda were asked in connexion with the original grounds of the separation that had taken place. I felt the need of, and sought for, some publication that would answer the questions put, and prevent the effects of the many misrepresentations made, but I sought in vain. This led me to take up the subject, and two years ago the present Pamphlet, in its original form was written. Wishing to be satisfied that my statements and facts were correct, I read it to Mr. Craik, who, while agreeing with what was written, urged me not to print anything till Mr. Müller had seen it. The course pursued by Bethesda had been all along studiously to avoid anything that might appear like self-justification, seeking to leave everything in the hands of the Lord; and I was anxious not to implicate any of the dear brethren in anything I might write. This led me to act independently of them. At Mr. Craik’s request, however, I sent the manuscript to Mr. Müller, and after a week or fortnight, met Mr. Müller and Mr. Craik together by appointment with reference to it. Mr. Müller’s judgment was strong against the publication of anything, lest it should appear indirectly like an act of self-vindication; he urged also various other considerations, of which, perhaps, the strongest was the evil effects of these controversies on Christians generally; but particularly on the young, many of whom by this matter had already been driven into the world. His opposition was so strong that I hesitated, shrinking from the responsibility of taking a step in the matter in opposition to the judgment of those who had been all through the sorrowful events alluded to. The result was that I ultimately determined to let the MS. remain for the present unpublished; and, notwithstanding various solicitations on the part of others, it would probably never have seen the light, but for the arrival of a brother in the Lord from Ireland, who, in passing through Bristol, called, and on hearing of the MS. from one who had read it, asked for a perusal of it. It was returned a few days after with an urgent request for its immediate publication, and a strong representation of the need that it would meet, as felt by very many who desired to know the facts connected with the Bethesda question. This led to the reconsideration of the matter, and of what had been written; which, with such alterations as were thought desirable, and such amplifications as further development of the system under review rendered necessary, is now given to those whom it may concern in the household of faith, with the earnest prayer that the Lord will make that use of it which He sees fit, and prevent its being made a handle of by the enemy, to the sorrow or detriment of the weakest of His little ones. It has not been written for any but for those who are already involved in, or acquainted with, the matters under consideration; and may all others remain in ignorance of what has caused so much dishonour to the Lord and sorrow to the saints!
Those who discern the signs of the times, will not be slow to perceive that Darbyism is but another form of the high-church ritualistic movement of the day, rising among those called “brethren,” which, though less gross and less outward than much which bears that name elsewhere, is not the less real. It has its high-church ecclesiasticism, its exclusive claim to ministry, and its superstitious regard for the ordinance of the Lord’s supper, in which its advocates demand for themselves, their ministry, and their ordinances, an especial sanctity, and an exclusive privilege, resting on some absolute claim which none can make without usurpation. Such claims are put forth when weakness and degenerancy have taken the place of real spiritual power and life. It was so in the church of the second and third centuries, and has been so ever since.
No trouble has been spared to make the statements of facts as exact as possible in tracing out the real character of Darbyism, and at the same time to explain the course pursued by Bethesda. These pages are commended to Him who is the “Healer of the breach,” and who is ever ready to hear and answer the believing prayer of those who walk obediently, and who sigh and cry for the sins in the Lord’s house. May all be brought in lowliness, and in mutual confession before the mercy seat; and may each be careful to maintain not his own ways, but the ways and will of Him who has told us “to love as brethren, to be pitiful, to be courteous.”
Bristol, 27th December, 1866.