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: