by

A. J. Gardiner (1884 - c. 1972)

BBM Editor's Introduction

The history of the Plymouth Brethren is one of brilliant scholarship, deep spirituality—and brutal self-destruction. Many are familiar with their wonderful written exposition, but few are aware of their record of judgmental behavior and unbiblical over-reaction that began to fragment the movement in the mid 1800's. That knowledge is vital for anyone today who has or seeks fellowship with a Brethren assembly—"Open" or "Exclusive"—because the same mindset continues to define them today. The lives of countless godly men, their families, and associates have been irreparably damaged by distortion, exaggeration and vindictive action taken against faithful servants of the Lord—whatever one may think of their views—because of what are often little more than personality conflicts, misunderstandings, or simple differences of opinion.

"The Recovery and Maintenance of the Truth," written in 1951 by A. J. Gardiner, replaces and extends the earlier work of G. W. Ware, entitled “A Review of Certain Contentions for the Faith” through 1920. In 1997, a third book, entitled “A Further Review of Recovery to the Truth and its Maintenance (1827-1997)” was written by B. W. Burton to document, from the "Exclusive" perspective, the primary divisions of the Brethren, and extend the record beyond that of its two predecessors. Burton's book is still available but deliberately excludes certain information found in "Recovery" because it was considered unnecessary by the author.

Here is the Preface from Burton's book:

The material for this book has been drawn from several sources, but principally from two earlier histories. The first of these was by G. W. Ware, entitled A Review of Certain Contentions for the Faith. This book was published privately, had only a limited circulation and took the history as far as 1920.

The second book was by A. J. Gardiner, entitled The Recovery and Maintenance of the Truth. This took the history as far as 1951, the date of publication. Neither book is now generally available. In attempting to fill the gap left by the non-availability of these books and to bring the history up to the present date, the principles followed by the earlier writers have been adhered to.

The stated intention of the two former authors was to concentrate on the moral issues of each conflict for the truth, rather than to dwell on the personalities involved. Much use was made of letters written by persons used of the Lord in those times of conflict. Mr. Ware, in particular, drew attention to the fact that, in every attack of the enemy since Pentecost, his intention has been to displace the presence of the Holy Spirit amongst the Lord’s people. On the other hand, the Lord, in allowing each sifting, has been calling attention to the state amongst His people. Mr. Ware also reminded his readers that the seed of every departure from the truth is in their own hearts. It is thought well to restate these points in introducing the present volume.

BWB
Taunton, January 1997

We have been fortunate enough to obtain one of the few remaining copies of "Recovery" by AJG, and we are not aware of anyone who has published it on the Internet, so we are posting it, not because we are necessarily sympathetic with the author's perspective, but because we feel it is an important document that should be available to everyone who wishes to refer to it in their research.

For a parallel record from a non-Exclusive perspective, we also recommend reading Neatby's "A History of the Plymouth Brethren" (1901).

Alfred John Gardiner was born in London in 1884—about the time of the Raven division—and was affiliated with the Raven/Taylor Brethren in his early years. He was personally acquainted with James Taylor and spoke at the funeral of C. A. Coates. Some of his ministry was published, and he also wrote some hymns, one of which was included in the hymn book used by that branch of the Brethren. In 1948 he became a trustee of Stow Hill Bible and Tract Depot—later, Kingston Bible Trust—which published his book, “The Recovery and Maintenance of the Truth” in 1951.

As those who are familiar with the the ruthless history of the Brethren might expect, in 1971, according to information posted on the web site of Gordon Rainbow, at the age of 87, dear Brother Gardiner was “withdrawn from” (a euphemism for excommunication), probably for his alleged criticism of G. R. Cowell during the Aberdeen division. An unconfirmed report states [that AJG] was buried with the burial of an ass, his coffin being dragged over the ground in the cemetery to his grave (Jer. 22:19). Such is the perspective of grace among those who, more than others, should know far better.

RO
2004

"They shall put you out of the synagogues... whosoever kills you will think that he does God service."
John 16:2

"Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence...casts them out of the church."
"Beloved, follow not that which is evil..."
3 John 9-11

*     *     * 

Comments? Questions? Contact us...

Table of Contents