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The Assembly of God

Matthew 16.13-18

Prominent Brethren

THE SEVENTY WEEKS (Daniel 9.24-27)
By William Kelly (1821-1906)
Chapter Two. 36 pages. £1.95
ISBN 1 85307 168 4

KINGS AND PRIESTS (Hebrews 9.24-28)
By William Kelly
Chapter Two. 40 pages. £1.95
ISBN 1 85307 186 2

THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD (Matthew 16.13-18)
By C.H. Mackintosh (1820-1896)
Chapter Two. 48 pages. £1.95
ISBN 1 85307 178 1

These three attractively produced booklets in the publisher's 'Fountain Series' are the latest re-issues of lectures originally given in the 19th century by prominent and much-respected Bible teachers among the Plymouth Brethren.

In 'The Seventy Weeks' William Kelly offers an interpretation of the passage in Daniel which has been described as 'one of the most difficult in all the Old Testament' (E.J. Young). Kelly's interpretation is one of at least four different views which at different times have been the popular understanding. Readers should be aware of this.

In 'Kings and Priests' Kelly expounds Hebrews 9.24-28 in defence of the Plymouth Brethren rejection of all forms of ritual as practised in the worship of many churches - robes, ceremonial actions, priesthood separated from laity, etc. He argues that Christ has superseded Moses and the ceremonial patterns of Old Testament worship.

In 'The Assembly of God' C.H. Mackintosh presents the Plymouth Brethren understanding of the nature of a New Testament 'assembly' - a word he prefers to the common term 'church'. For example: 'There is no such thing in Scripture as being a member of a church. Every true believer is a member of the church of God - the body of Christ, and can therefore no more be, properly, a member of anything else than my arm can be a member of any other body' (p.14). Again: 'Why set up human authority, in any shape or form, in the house of God?' Mackintosh argues for the real presidency of Christ to be practised in all activities of the assembly - 'What more can we possibly need?' (p.24).

The booklets have preserved the vocabulary and style of 19th-century language of the authors, which probably means that the average church member will not find them easy to read. One doesn't often hear the word 'rodomontade' used today! The lectures are argued with conviction, are often challenging and relevant to much behaviour in some churches, but only if the reader is prepared to make a brave attempt to read! Perhaps a more contemporary style of presentation would be easier for today's readers?

John Appleby, Banbury