John Nelson (J. N.) Darby (1800-1882) was thrown from his frightened horse against a doorpost. The accident in 1827 required an extended convalescence at his sister’s home in Dublin, Ireland. J. N. had earlier given up a lucrative law practice to pastor a small, rural church. His study of Scripture during his recuperation revived his interest in eschatology (the study of last things). Christ will someday return to establish God’s kingdom on earth. He became convinced that Christ would soon rapture his church to accompany his return. Given his growing disenchantment with the Church of England, the rapture was the church’s only hope. Upon his recovery, J. N. began to preach Christ’s second coming with greater urgency. He began meeting with several like-minded men who decried the division of believers into categories of clergy and laity. They had little use for clerical titles and preferred to be known simply as brothers. When the Church of England bishop decreed that all converts to the church swear allegiance to the king of England, J.N. resigned to lead this assembly of brothers. He traveled as an itinerant evangelist to foster assemblies in other towns. Since the most prominent group met in Plymouth, they became known as Plymouth Brethren.
I was nineteen before I heard the news of Christ’s second coming. A good many Christians today are convinced we are living in the end times. The sorry state of the world has convinced many that his return is imminent. Jesus taught that his return would come like “a thief in the night” (Rev. 16.15). In the words of Augustine, “That day lies hid that every day we may be on the watch.” J.N.’s prayer that follows here expresses hope in Christ’s return to make everything right again:
J. N. Darby
Good and precious Savior, we do indeed rejoice that Thou, who has suffered so much for us, has now fulfilled all things, and are now at rest with Thy Father, whatever may be Thine active love for us. O, that we knew and loved Thee better! But still we can say in fullness of heart, “‘Come quickly, Lord!” Leave once more the throne of Thy rest and of Thy personal glory, to come to take us to Thyself, that all may be fulfilled for us also, and that we may be with Thee and in the light of Thy Father’s countenance and in His house. Thy grace is infinite, but Thy presence and the joy of the Father shall be the rest of our hearts, and our eternal joy.
John Nelson Darby, Plymouth Brethren Archive
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.