The Christadelphian, February 1904

“The Revival of the Truth in the Nineteenth Century”

Speeches at a Tea Meeting of the South London Ecclesia

The meeting was held on Thursday evening, January 7th, 1904, in the Gresham Hall, Gresham Road, Brixton, S.W., and the following programme of speeches was arranged: “The Eclipse of the Truth,” brother G. F. Lake; “The Revival of the Truth,” brother H. Eastwood: “Recollections of Dr. Thomas,” brother C. Meakin; “Recollections of brother R. Roberts,” brother J. M. Evans; “Our Privileges as Co-workers,” brother A. J. White; “Our Duty as Custodians of the Truth,” brother A. T. Jannaway. Brother F. G. Jannaway presided, and by the cooperation of a sister, sends the subjoined report.

Introductory

By the President—F. G. Jannaway

The unique importance of that which is called, in the Scriptures, The Truth, is most manifest by the prominence it there obtains.

The Bible, a concordance and a discriminating mind, will do wonders in opening our spiritual understanding.

Contemplate the following selection, and arrangement, of Bible gems:

“I am The Way—The Truth—The Life” (John 14:6).

“Everyone that is of The Truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37).

“Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of The Truth” (2 Thess. 2:13).

“The Truth of the Gospel” (Gal. 2:14).

“The Truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

“Be established in The Truth” (2 Pet. 1:12).

“They shall turn away their ears from The Truth” (2 Tim. 4:4).

“To them . . . who do not obey The Truth . . . indignation” (Rom. 2:8).

“They received not the love of The Truth that they might be saved” (2 Thess. 2:10).

“Men who hold The Truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18).

“By reason of whom The Way of Truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Pet. 2:2).

“We can do nothing against The Truth. But for The Truth” (2 Cor. 13:8).

Eclipse of the Truth

By G. F. Lake

One of the great features of the truth is that it brings before us things which are not pleasing to the natural mind. The doctrines of the apostacy are far more attractive; consequently there has always been a tendency to depart from the truth. The Bible is largely a chronicle of men’s apostacy from the truth. When in affliction they have turned to God, but when the trouble has passed they have forsaken Him and His truth. Jeremiah rebuked his people for this. He said, “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.” The nations whose gods were no gods had them in sight, and they were more attractive to the mind than the God who is not seen. But the mind has to be transformed—we have to be changed from children of the flesh to “children of God,” and hence we have constantly to “crucify the flesh.”

People say that as a body we are unattractive, cold, and have no sympathy; they compare our work with the work of popular Christianity, and say it does not compare favourably: but we have many predictions of the apostacy in the Bible, and we learn that it is sin to depart or swerve from the truth. We read, “The spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith.” The spirit referred to here is Christ. “The Lord is that Spirit,” and Christ said, “Take heed that no man deceive you, for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many.” The word “deceive” here means “cause to sin,” so that if we are led away from the truth we are caused to sin.

Dr. Thomas refers the commencement of the apostacy to the dogma of the Nicolaitaines in the first century. The Gnostics introduced the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, a doctrine which had been believed long before the Apostles’ time, and which came to be regarded as an established truth. They said that the real Son of Deity was the immortal soul of Christ: the part of Christ which died was only the body, the son of Mary and Joseph. Thus they made out that the Son of God had no humanity, and that he had “not come in the flesh,” and so destroyed that beautiful truth. But let us not be led away as so many have been. There is need for constant watching and meditation. Let us heed the words of Peter in his 2nd Epistle, 3:17, 18, “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” We have the truth as our foundation, and on that we have to build. It is, however, not simply a matter of knowledge of doctrine, but how this knowledge affects our character and conduct.

Revival of the Truth

By H. Eastwood

We cannot think of the revival of the truth without thinking of the instrument in God’s hands by which this revival was brought about, namely, Dr. John Thomas. God never works by chance, neither does He use miracle when His purpose can be carried out without it. God had previously arranged this revival of His truth, and had been preparing the world for it. There had been several revolutions which had resulted in greater freedom of thought, and at the right moment Dr. Thomas came upon the scene. He was an Englishman, born in North London in the year 1805. His father was a clergyman, but Dr. Thomas followed the medical profession. The emigration fever was then raging, and his father determined to emigrate to America. He sent Dr. Thomas forward as a pioneer, and the latter sailed from London, 1832, being 27 years of age.

The voyage was fraught with great consequences. One cannot but see the hand of Providence in it. The ship was 28 days on the voyage, more than double the ordinary time. The weather was tempestuous, the ship got out of her course, and the passengers went through a time of terrible anxiety, reminding one of Paul’s experiences. It was Dr. Thomas’ duty, owing to his professional appointment on board, to conduct the worship on board. Being brought face to face with death, as it were, he began to wonder whether he was ready for it, and resolved that if ever he reached land, he would make it his duty to find out what God required of him. Many people have made similar resolutions, and when they have reached safety have cast them to the wind. But it was not so with Dr. Thomas.

He had with him several letters of introduction, and on reaching land proceeded to the house of a Mr. Scott, who was a “Campbellite.” In the course of conversation Mr. Scott asked the Doctor if he were a Christian. The Doctor replied: “I never knew the time when I was not.” Mr. Scott then asked him if he had been baptised, and showed from the scriptures that baptism was not merely sprinkling but an immersion in water. The evidence was so clear that the Doctor was convinced, and was baptised that evening in a canal opposite the house. We thus see how ready the Doctor was to submit his mind to the teaching of God. Many of the “Campbellite” views are similar to ours, and were no doubt the stepping stones to the Doctor in making manifest that “form of faith” so clearly set forth in the Bible, and now most surely believed by us as the “First principles” of the “Truth as it is in Jesus.”

Recollections of Dr. Thomas

By C. Meakin

It may be thought that there is nothing in the Scriptures about a revival of the truth, but Paul, in 1 Thess. 4:17, mentions, “those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord.” It was necessary for there to be a revival of the truth in order that “a people might be prepared for the coming of the Lord.” This revival brings to our memory the instrument used by God for this purpose. It is not many who have had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Dr. Thomas. It has been my privilege to do both. I first came in contact with him in 1862, when he was on his second visit to England during that year. I was in Birmingham at the time, and saw a placard advertising a lecture on “What is Truth?” to be delivered by Dr. Thomas.

My brother had heard him in 1848, and had been charmed with him, had studied his writings, and had watched the political state of things, beholding them developing as the Doctor had said they would. I regret to say that I was bitterly opposed to such doctrines, but, seeing the placards, determined to go and hear him. I had pictured Dr. Thomas as a determined creature, a sort of lion; nor was I disappointed, for I saw before me a man with a lion-like mouth—a man of determination and independence. He was a man cut out for the work he had to do, and he won my admiration and affection. In the lecture he spoke about the parable of the rich man and Lazurus. I did not like his explanation at all. After hearing the lecture I obtained Elpis Israel and first volume of Eureka, and read them with voracity.

In 1864, I came to a knowledge of—and obeyed—the truth, being immersed in Liverpool. In 1869, Dr. Thomas came to England for the last time, and I again heard him lecture and exhort. He used to keep his audience spell-bound. There was something about him which held one. He lectured one night until 9.30, and not one of the audience had risen to go out. One exhortation I have never forgotten. The Doctor spoke on “God manifest in the flesh,” and the “Mysteries of Godliness.” He said he would not advise his hearers to devote their time to this subject until they had mastered the “first principles.” Again, there is one lecture, on “Predestination,” which I always regret has never been published.

Dr. Thomas said, “Brethren, whether we like it or not, this doctrine is clearly taught, but not the doctrine of Calvin. We read, ‘Known unto God are all His works,’ and we are the work of God; our name has been written before our existence. God has brought us into a position wherein we are not saved, but have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.’” One of the greatest pleasures was to hear the Doctor read a chapter from the Bible. It was worth going twenty miles to hear. The way he emphasised his reading could not fail to make the meaning clear. Never have I had such delightful times as when the Doctor was in our midst.

Recollections of Brother Robert Roberts

By J. M. Evans

It is indeed a grateful task for me to give my recollections of brother Roberts, for it was he who introduced the truth into my family. Some of my earliest recollections are of brother Roberts. He stands out in my memory from early boyhood. I was constantly hearing of him, and thought him a most wonderful man. My father went to a lecture he delivered in Swansea, and was astonished at the wonderful way in which he could turn up passages. Although at first prejudiced, that lecture resulted in both my father and mother being immersed in the cold waters of Swansea Bay in winter, for there were no warm water baths for immersion then like we have to-day. I do not think I can better convey to your minds the fact that brother Roberts’ life was bound up in the truth, than by reading two or three extracts from private letters to my mother, which date back some thirty-five years. He wrote thus:

“Your earnest appreciation of the truth is very gratifying. It is the only reward that labour for the truth at present affords, but it is a very sweet one. I have only been instrumental in bringing the light within your reach. I got the truth myself from the reading of Dr. Thomas’s Works, fifteen or seventeen years ago. That event put me in the track of Bible study, which I have ever since followed. I discovered nothing myself. Dr. Thomas, I found, left nothing to discover. Having fallen in with the truth, I early felt impressed with the duty of disseminating it, and my efforts in that direction have succeeded to an extent I never dreamt of; your own among other cases being illustrative. But the first cause, so far as human agency is concerned, was Dr. Thomas, whom I hope to see before many hours have gone. All things are of God, but the actual relation of things (established by Him) is never to be ignored.”

(That is worth reading and re-reading, especially by those who are inclined to lightly regard the work accomplished by Dr. Thomas. What an example of the real modesty of our dear brother Roberts, and his ready and unsought appreciation of the means by which he obtained the key to the Bible.—F. G. J.)

Twenty years ago, when “Partial Inspiration” was being introduced into the brotherhood, brother Roberts wrote my mother thus:

“I am grieved at the contents of your letter, but not altogether surprised. I have not heard or seen the particular lecture you refer to, but enough has come under my notice to make me uneasy. We must be patient and not despairing. On one thing you may rely, that from whatever quarters, and in whatever form treason may arise against the truth of God on which we stand, I shall, God helping me, make war without compromise or quarter. I know no man after the flesh, and least of all will I parley with Dutch and German drivellers who understand neither what they say nor whereof they affirm. But let us do nothing rashly. Be patient and firm with courtesy, and the clouds that threaten may blow over. If not, we shall double reef, cut away loose spars, and, by God’s kindness, weather the gale.”

Our Privileges as Co-workers

By A. J. White

Speaking from twenty-five years’ experience, I can say there is no greater pleasure than being associated with the truth. It is indeed a privilege to be co-workers. The work may bring much weariness, for the labour in the truth has to be done after the ordinary labour is over. But though one is tired in the work, one is never tired of the work. The work which is being done now will bring rest in the future, when recognised by Christ. Why is the work a privilege? Think of it! We are labourers together with God. God, by His truth, is taking out a people for Himself to bring to a consummation the work He has intended from the beginning. He is bringing out a people from the darkness into the light of the Gospel, and it is our privilege to be working with Him. What is each one doing towards this work?

It does not simply consist in speaking from the platform, for often more is done in the quiet word spoken when the opportunity arises. We are engaged in a great work, for we are pulling down strongholds of error, and building up the structure of the truth. It does not consist only of first principles—they are only the foundation—the rock on which to build. What are you and I doing in this work? There is always work for us to do in helping the natural man to come out of the darkness into the light. We shall not fully recognise our privilege as co-workers until we get beyond the Judgment Seat, and see that great throng clothed in white, the result of all the work of past and present days, for they will be the people brought out. When we think that in some small measure we have helped to bring some of them into that glorious position, surely that will be worth all our work now! So let us endeavour to do our very best towards furthering the work of the truth.

Our Duty as Custodians of the Truth

By A. T. Jannaway

The truth is the sweetest and most precious thing on earth. Is that our mind in relation to the truth? If so we shall love it indeed, and show by our conduct that such is the case. We shall be prepared to make any sacrifice for it. We shall be prepared to fight loyally for it. The truth is God’s gift revealed in the Bible, made plain to us by Dr. Thomas and brother Roberts. Let us ask ourselves the question—Do we love the truth? Remember Christ’s words: “If any man loves me he will keep my commandments.” Are we faithful with regard to this? If our conscience condemn us, we are not true lovers of the truth. It is the gift of God, let us prize it accordingly. If we do so we shall not see it mutilated in any way without fighting to preserve it in its purity. Jesus cried—Peter cried—when it was trifled with. Could we cry when we see God’s truth tampered with? We ought to be able to.

What is the object of the truth? True, it is to save us, but there is something which ranks before our salvation, it is to bring glory to God; after that our salvation. We shall not be saved if we do not glorify God. It is our duty to honour and glorify Him by all our sayings and doings. The truth brings obligations and duties. It is sent for an object, and if it is to achieve that object with us we must keep sensitive in relation to the truth. We shall do that by our daily meditation of the Word of God. Are we faithful in this? We have just entered upon a new year. Did we commence to do our readings? If not, let us repent and start now, and do not let us grow weary therein. Do we read the Works of Dr. Thomas and brother Roberts? And, do we rightly esteem them? There is a liability, especially among the young, to forsake these writings and listen only to brethren who have received their instruction from them. Let us go first to Dr. Thomas and brother Roberts. One of our duties as custodians is the appointment of brethren to lecture and preside. Let us see that it is faithfully done. Let us find out the men who will glorify God and not man. The one thing essential for performing our duties aright is a thorough love for the truth. It might be said, that we have no control over our love, but we can educate ourselves to love the truth, or we can show ourselves wilful unbelievers. But let us train ourselves in the right direction, even to love and value the truth above all things.