John Nelson Darby

Although not published until 1864, this collection of letters between Rev. Kelly and J.N. Darby commences in 1839 and the views of Darby are therefore significant in the light of his later actions and attitudes.

Topics covered include Darby’s own feelings regarding the Roman church as well as the C of E.

Darby outlines his belief in the importance of having one (Darby-approved) church in a town – an aspect of the Exclusive Brethren that remains to this day.

Darby used this principle notably in the English town of Plymouth, from where the Plymouth Brethren gained their name.  Following a doctrinal dispute with an old friend, Darby forced a split in the Plymouth congregation by setting up a second communion table.  This action precipitated a chain of events that led to the entire Plymouth Brethren being ripped apart during the mid 1840′s … an event known as the Bethesda Division.

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