Updated comment on The Exclusive Brethren web site in November 2006:-

            A comparison of the web site as it now is with the original site shows that some formatting corrections have been made. Further, the word Exclusive has been placed before the word Brethren in most cases where the word Brethren appears. This does make it clear who is being spoken about and distinguishes Exclusives from other Brethren companies, though it does become rather repetitive. It might have been better to have made a statement at the beginning that Brethren as spoken of on the site refers to what are now known as the Exclusive Brethren and left it at that. It may be noted that the word Exclusive does not appear in the AV or J N D translations. Further, Mr Raven said: “We have not an exclusive fellowship. It may be called that, but we do not seek to make it so” (New Series Vol. 11 page 3).

            It is noted that Exclusive Brethren schools now take children from ages 11-17 rather than 12-18 as heretofore. Perhaps the ages are a bit flexible so one would not make too much of this.

            It is noted that on the home page in the quote: “all ye are brethren” the ye has now been put in italics, presumably to accord with the J. N. Darby translation. At least one other quote appears to have been similarly amended.

            There is some repetition. The number of Exclusives given on the Home page of over 40,000 is repeated again on the next page and the reference to their business and community activities is also spoken of on both pages. Numbering the people is not a good exercise (2 Samuel 24) particularly as numbers settle nothing. “The usage of the multitudes cannot settle anything.” (J. T. Letters Vol. 1 page 390). After all, if we went by the numbers of a church’s or fellowship’s adherents we would find ourselves under the Pope in Rome.

            Testimony to Government Speaking of testimony to Government is all very well, but trying to influence voters with leaflets is only a means to get the party one wants voted in. The object is the same as voting oneself, though Brethren to date do not do the latter. How is this inconsistency justified ? The matter is not mentioned on the web site though it is common knowledge that leaflets are produced to influence voters in such countries as New Zealand.

            Hymnology One notes that John Nelson Darby has now been put first as a hymn writer. Presumably this is to give him pride of place. Previously he was put last, presumably because he lived after the other hymn writers mentioned.

            Open Air Preaching This is said to be Monday though Saturday. Presumably this was meant to be Monday through Saturday.