A few years ago, a book named “Roots” took the country by storm. It was about an Afro-American who traced his roots back to Africa. This exploration gave him a sense of continuity with history and changed the way he lived. In much the same way, each of us can trace our heritage back a few generations and discover things in our histories that cause us to stand a little taller and may even change the way we live.
This can be true of our ecclesiastical heritage as well. To explore the great men of the past is of great value and can affect the way we live today. John Nelson Darby is a name with which most who read this column will be familiar. But how much do we really know about him? Unfortunately most of what is written today, even in the circles of people who would follow much of what he taught, is in a critical vein.
However, there is a new book being released this month that is supposed to be a balanced and positive biography of his life. The book is called John Nelson Darby and the Beginning of the Brethren. Written by a German author, Maksym S. Weremchuk, it has now been translated into English and is being distributed by Loizeaux Brothers of Neptune, NJ. A review of the book by brother David Dunlap was sent to my attention and the information I have concerning the book is from that source.
William Kelly would write to a friend in 1901 and say, “Mr. Darby was an individual of exceptional learning, and highly gifted in almost every area; he possessed unusual knowledge of the moral and metaphysical sciences, not to mention his literary ability in the classics as well as in modern languages.” Concerning his linguistic ability, he was proficient in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, along with French, German, and Italian. He also had a working knowledge of Dutch and while on his visit to New Zealand he learned the Maori dialect well enough to minister to the native Indians from the Scriptures. He was not the sort of scholar that cloistered himself away from people in the ivory tower of academics, but one that would much rather be found laboring among the poor and common man as a pioneer evangelist, sensitive pastor, and humble servant of Christ. In spite of his accomplishments, Mr. Darby remains unknown to most in the church today. Yet his life and teaching has shaped the theology of the evangelical church of our day possibly more than any other modern scholar.
The late professor F. F. Bruce has said, “This book reaches a level of research that in consideration of this subject is thus far unequaled.” After beginning to write this book in 1980, his subsequent eight years of research led the author to make extended visits to England, Ireland, and Canada.
The book is in three parts. The first consists of an extensive history of the Darby family and his early life. The second part concerns itself with his character and ministry. Noticeably absent in this discussion are references to the controversy associated with assembly divisions during Darby’s life. Concerning this omission the author writes, “Many could criticize me for giving a wrong impression because of my decision not to go further into the controversy and divisions of the later years. I have done this with purpose. It is much more important to concern ourselves with the positive truths. Negative discussion often proves to be interesting and satisfying to the flesh, but often evidences a failure to have any further benefit.” The third part consists of a supplement of twelve essays, charts, and sermon fragments.
The book will become an excellent resource for those interested in the life of J. N. Darby and the history surrounding that period. His dedication and zeal for the truth of God’s Word and his unrelenting conviction to be obedient to it will serve as an example for many years to come.