CONCISE HISTORY OF THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Part 7.

The Apostles met opposition everywhere. All kind of enemies fought against them, with which all sorts, also ignoble weapons, were used. Most opponers did not know the work completely or only from writings from opponents.

Others had been blinded by prejudices. Malicious slander was even spread of which I want to inform the following sample. When we realise that it appears in the most important magazine of France because only very famous authors and their publications saw themselves placed in it, we can understand the impredictable damage, which the following untruthful communication had to bring about.

It is through the hand of Alfred Maury who wrote about the religious sects of the nineteenth century. To start with he mentioned the work of the Lord "The Irvingism,a sect of American origin" (!!!!).

For the convenience of those who do not understand French,I therefore translate it.

"Their divine worships remind of those of the Quakers and Methodists. The inspiration plays a great role. Suddenly one of the prophets feels himself,in the midst of the service,touched by the Holy Spirit. "See the Bridegroom comes," he calls loudly--(that is their beloved wording)-- and now he starts to prophecy. Another time a believer speaks in tongues and the miracle of Whitsuntide repeats itself fairly often.

Often there are also less edifying scenes.There is for instance exorcised an evil spirit from one possessed. Lately it happened in a village in Pomerania, in Klein-Schweizen,on Easter,while the 40 sectarians were assembled in their house of worship and were occupied with prayer and singing,that one of them called that he felt himself possessed by the evil spirit.

He begged the bystanders to release him as soon as possible.His co-religionistsj being seized by horror,provided themselves immediately with cudgels and started to beat up the imagined madman tremendously with these.The unfortunate underwent the sound thrashing with a really stoic courage,and when half an hour long the beatings of the exorcists on the upperpart of the breast and the part of the back corresponding with it had come down,he called:" Everything goes well? the evil spirit, dislodged by your beatings,he still goes up further;he is already in my throat.You have only to squeeze the throat and he will escape through my mouth".

As such they did and the unfortunate gave up the ghost.His co-religionists not touched after which at all,carried the corpse into another room, after which they resumed their prayers and singing.

How scandalous this slander is,becomes even more evident,because there does not exist in entire Pomerania a village with the name of Klein-Schweizen.After examination by another opposer to this matter it appeared to him,that in the village Klein-Schweizen in Pomerania such a thing had happened with a sect which had originated from the Baptist in Hamburg.

When clergymen joined,then they were always accused having preached heretical ideas or that they,for instance,left the statechurch due to disappointment that they had not been promoted to a higher rank or better place.Such people have suffered a lot and not always a convert was strong enough to fight the spiritual struggle,and he who returned was received with cheers.

It is a significant fact that in spite of much dishonest struggle the caracters of the English Apostles and their co-workers were never injured. A Dutch opposer who devoted his thesis to the work of God,Dr.Kohler,praises the character of all the servants of the Church,with whom he came in contact.A bitter enemy,Dr.Botger,has moreover still to admit that many keen heads have been seduced to serve the Church.

It already appears from such remarks from opponents how far the Cath. Apost.Church is superior to the various sects of which such favourable pronunciations can usually be done.

We meet among those servants of the Church many ministers of whom various were doctor in the Theology and others had distinguished themselves in many different fields.We also meet among them highly placed government officials,higher officers in the army and navy.We read in writings from opponents of various among them:"the talented one"," the favourable known one",etc.

That all makes us feel deeply grateful and takes away from each one the prejudice: "Oh,it will be there in that Church only simple fanatics".

Where mostly the children of God are found among the little ones of the world,and mostly also the servants of the Lord are called from them, it is,however,remarkable that the Lord in the first period after 1830 has acted so different.We can see in it the wisdom of the Lord who by this takes away all the contradicting people a beloved shuffle and does not leave any excuse to the despising people and mockers.

I want to mention of the many servants some of the most wellknown ones, for instance Charles Bohm,a Dane from birth who lived considerable time in England and settled down thereafter in Germany. Kohler says from him that he was a man with,for a layman,exceptionally theological knowledge, of strict morality and sincere devotion.

Heinrich W.J. Thiersch: He was brought by Bohm to the Apostolic Church. He was doctor in the philosophy and the theology and professor in Marburg. He had an European name among the Theologians,and was a fierce opponent of the "Thubingse school".like the first German doctors have been named who have made by their biblical criticism for many people the word of God invalidate.Thiersch wrote against this persuasion a.o.a publication which has been translated in Dutch.Also very well known is a collection of lectures about the Catholicism and Protestantism--(also translated in our language)--,in which he shows of both persuasions the good and the wrong things,in order to come to reunion.After his calling to servant in the Cath.Apost.Church,he resigned as a professor.Later he tried still once to give lectures in the philosophy as a private teacher,but because exactly in that period the Prussian government gave a very hostile opinion about the Church in a ministerial utterance which they did not want to reckon unconditionally to the Christian Religions,the governors of the university in Marburg did not dare to nominate him to this.

C.Rothe: assistant minister of the St.Elisabeth Church in Berlin,thorough theologian who had his interest of the pinch of the Christianity at heart very much and who after his conversion had to bear a lot of persecution.

Albert Koppen:minister of the Bethlehem Church in Berlin.He worked very diligently in the vicinity of Liegnitz,and had been expelled by the government.

William Renny Caird: a Scotchman,who was married with the already in the beginning known to us Mary Campbell.After her death in 184O he went to South Germany and worked there very much among Roman priests,various of them converted to the Church,sometimes after a lot of persecution and long-lasting lawsuits.Among them belonged for example Pastor and Deccan: G.Lutz who wrote together with Caird an important publication: "About the decree of God with mankind and the earth" ".Other Roman priests who joined,were Spindler,Egger and Fernsemer.

Mr.Isaak Capadose Referendary on one of the Ministeries in The Hague who was brought to the Church by a German: M.von Pochhammer,of whom is said that he possessed a real talent to found parishes.

Dr.E.Roszteuscher who wrote a rather extensive publication about the initial history of the Work of God,the already mentioned book: "Aufbau der Kirche Christi".

We would be able to extend this list still very much with the mentioning of many diligent and talented workers in the vineyard of the Lord.When we consider this untiring and thorough working of so many competent men, it has to surprise us that they have made relatively so less progress. When we also count England,we still only come in Europe to a number of about 450 cities where parishes were founded.All kind of sects with the most foolish human outgrowths,find everywhere a very large number of followers,but the Church which only preaches what is written in the Bible, without human additions,was able to foster so less followers.Unquestionable, however,her preaching has thrown a very clear light on many,so far not understood words of the Scriptures,which is being used gratefully by many] opponents,mostly without mentioning of the source. Even the in his time generally acknowledged authority in the dogmatic field,Dr.Martensen,praises the clear look which the Apostolic Church throws on the times of the beginning and of the end of the Christian Church.

Till so far we have with gladness and gratitude written the history of the Church.Preferably we might lay down the pen here,however,the task which we have undertaken to do forces us to go further.So far we wrote about much struggle which the Church had to experience,but this came from outside.

Now we have to write unfortunately about schism,and later even about apostasy and decay by which our heart is sadly tuned and the outsiders can jubilate.The Church which had put as objective of her preaching:summon to unity,so that the distraught body of Christ would be healed,had now herself to experience,how she also felt a prey to schism,and what even is the worst because her leaders have left their own foundation,laid with so much enthusiasm;only founded on the Scriptures.

The great principle that the Church of Christ only has to be guided by the Fourfold pastorate was made powerless by human considerations.The disastrous consequences of this we will have to demonstrate henceforth, although we also wilt observe always clearly,thanks to God,that the disloyally of mankind does not nullify the loyally of God.

In 1855 three Apostles passed away: January 26, MacKenzie-(ho had laid down his office)---; January 28 Carlyle--- (the Apostle for North Germany)--- and November 4 William Dow--- (the Apostle for Russia)--- .

Two days after the decease of Apostle Carlyle, Apostle Cardale spoke in the assembly of the seven parishes in London these words: " Many a man had thought;and I confess myself to have belonged to them,that the till the office of Apostle called ones,when they remained loyal,would not die until they would have taken in the guests of the Lord into the Heavenly heritage,WE HAVE BEEN MISTAKEN".

Ludwig Albrecht,from whose sermon I quoted these words,adds to this: "Here the pillar of the Apostles for God and men points out with all seriousness and emphasis that we have to free us from all own, ourselves chosen ideas and opinions. The Lord alone knows when and how He will complete His Church".

When reading these true words we sigh: "Indeed,had people yet done so in future.!!" Albrecht himself has not understood that already shortly thereafter the Apostles would draft own opinions which were contrary to their own principles which had been founded entirely on the Bible.He namely continues and writes: "In the summer,after the passing away of the Apostles Mac Kenzie and Carlyle,the Apostles considered the question whether steps could be taken by them to fill up the posts of the two Apostles.They however came to the conviction that in the Scriptures there could not be found any authorisation for such a step.Therefore they had to leave the matter entirely to the Lord and to be content to work much harder themselves in order to be found by the Lord at His return as faithful,loyal servants.We see clearly here how the Apostles as from the beginning have rejected each means to help themselves,and how they wished to act only in the light of the Lord and entirely under His guidance".

That this way of consideration went completely against the Testimony, they did not appear to see.And even Albrecht who shows in his afore-mentioned sermon,how the work completely dies out,still does not understand in the year of 1925,that human opinions are speaking instead of the clear testimony of the Scriptures and of their original standpoint. We,however,remark that they consequently did not yet oppose against the completion of the Apostolate;they did not want,however,do any steps themselves,and leave everything to the Lord.We will see that they soon deviate still further from the right path .

In 1859 Apostle Spencer Perceval---(of Italy)---passed away and in the same year Apostle Drummond---(of Scotland and Switzerland)---followed him into the death.In 1862 died Apostle Tudor---(of Poland and India)--. In this way already six Apostles passed away.In many hearts lived the wish,to ask the Lord for completion of the twelve.

In 186O an Apostle assembly was held in Albury whereby Apostle Woodhouse had also invited the Prophet Geyer who accompanied him always on his official journeys.In this assembly the Evangelists Bohm and Caird were through the mouth of Geyer called to Apostles for North Germany and France--(The latter I find mentioned,although it does not completely appears correct to me,because Dallon,the Apostle for France died not earlier than 1871.According to Kohler Caird would therefore be called as successor of Apostle Drummond--(Scotland and Switzerland)--,who passed away in 1859.In any case,these two callings were immediately accepted by some of the Apostles,but after some time it was communicated that the Apostles would not accept new callings to the office of Apostle,and that the two,now called ones,would be acknowledged as Apostle assistant- (so-called Apostle-coadjutors)--.

Understandably the opinions among the members of the parishes were divided about this,and with many the consideration of the Apostles did not find undivided approval,because they had been brought up in the conviction that there would always be living servants of the four offices till the Day of Return.

When Apostle Carlyle had passed away,the Assistant-Angel-(Overseer)-- in Hamburg, F,W.Schwartz said in a speech for instance:"of course we have lost by the death our brother,but not the office", to which words nobody took offence and which conviction was therefore openly preached by him and others.

Even in a publication about the Apostolic work,published in 1863 by Apostle Woodhouse,this standpoint is still maintained.

The prophet Geyer who had spoken the calling prophecy for Caird and Bohm,came on his journey from Albury to Berlin in the house of the Assistant-Angel--(Overseer)--Schwartz in Hamburg and informed him about the strange attitude of the English Apostles.Schwartz,who of course could not agree with what has happened,however,advised Geyer,to acquiesce in the matter,because the responsibility came for account of the Apostles.And thus the prophet returned home and remained serving faithfully.

Through his mouth still many persons were called to the office--(as he accompanied Apostle Woodhouse on his journeys)--for England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France,in the years of 1860/1861 and 1862.

In the autumn of 1862 Schwartz received a letter from Geyer in which he informed him that the Angel--(Overseer)--of the parish in Berlin,Mr. Rothe,had suspended him owing to a difference of opinion about the way on which the antichrist would reveal himself for the parish.

In a morning divine service Proverbs 26:24-28 had been read out. After this reading prophet Geyer brought a prophecy in which this passage appeared:"The enemy,the lawless one;in whose mouth there are seven horrors,will be revealed for the parish". Rothe was of the opinion that this word could not be out of the Holy Spirit,because according to him the antichrist would reveal himself not earlier than when the Bride would be taken up.Geyer said that he believed that the antichrist-would reveal himself certainly to the parish,but that, when his power would increase;then the parish would be saved according to Revelation 3:10,11 and 12:1-3 from the hour of the large oppression. Schwartz wrote back that Geyer had to submit himself to the Angel Rothe, and also sent him a letter in which he asked him;not to cast off Geyer about this matter.

Still before this event Apostle Woodhouse stayed in the house of Schwartz in Hamburg with whom he was very friendly.After this visit the Apostle went with prophet Geyer to Konigsberg,and at a certain evening, when Mr.Woodhouse who stayed with Geyer in the house of elder Rosachaski-- (whose name I find spelled in different ways)--had gone to bed,the two others still remained together to discuss the situation of the Church. During this discussion the prophet called the elder Rosachaski to Apostle for Russia.Owing to the unexpected and peculiar of this calling both kept this matter secret for the time being till the suspension of the prophet by the Angel Rothe gave occasion to the first mentioned one to reveal the matter.He wrote about November 1862 as a reply to Schwartz on his exhortation to submit himself to Rothe,a letter in which was mentioned that the writer had to communicate great things.

When Schwartz asked him by that,he obtained the report of the calling of Rosachaski who was a bosom friend of Schwartz,and had been brought to the Apostolic Church by him.In view of the mystery of this matter Schwartz asked both Geyer and Rosachaski whether they could swear for God and justify for the judgement seat of Christ that this calling had been from the Holy Spirit.

Both responded this question affirmatively.Schwartz now admitted this calling the more so as Geyer as a prophet had always enjoyed the fullest confidence like we already did come out beforehand.After he for himself had taken this decision,he prepared the parish in Hamburg about one month by preaching,as had always been taught,about the continuation of the offices.

January 1863 Geyer and Rosachaski were invited now by him,to come in the parish in Hamburg.Both came and in an assembly of the parish Schwartz put the question to her,whether they wanted to accept Mr.Rosachaski as Apostle of the Lord.Except five members all accepted him,and Schwartz at the same time laid down his office of angel and as such he placed himself now under the leadership of the newly called Apostle.Shortly thereafter Rosachaski returned again to his residence and was brought in doubt of his calling by his wife,with this consequence that he directed himself repentantly to Apostle Woodhouse,and after penance was restored again in his office as elder.

Now the parish of Hamburg remained without Apostle.It was decided to come to a reconciliation with Berlin and Schwartz was delegated with some others,to do their utmost by efforts to this.Through rumours they had learnt that they could return but on the condition that the case in Konigsberg would be declared as develish work.And thus Schwartz and his companions got the expressive order,to do everything possible to come to reconciliation,but never to avow that,what has happened with Rosachaski had been develish work.

Schwartz was received by the Angel Rothe,and when he read to him from the Testimony and other publications published by the Church,in what way the Biblical standpoint of the continuation of the offices had been taught.Mr.Rothe could not answer otherwise than: "The still living Apostles have decided,that as long as they live,no new Apostles would be taken up anymore in their groupie.".Although Schwartz could very difficult agree with this standpoint,he did not want to speak further about this,as the reconciliation was the main point.At his question what had to happen further,Mr,Rothe replied: "What has happened in Konigsberg have to be avowed as develish work". Schwartz answered:"For what others may take this work,is their matter,but the parish in Hamburg and we can never consider this matter for develish work,because we fear to commit the sin against the Holy Spirit.Therefore do not cast off the parish in Hamburg for this case".Mr.Rothe remained with his demand,and thus Schwartz went sorrowful after having said still to travel home that same afternoon. Before his departure he received from the pastor Thiersch the invitation to attend with his companions in the afternoon in the sacristy before Apostle Woodhouse. Full of joy Schwartz complied with this,as he hoped that Woodhouse as former-lawyer would hear both sides,but to his great disappointment the Apostle readed only their excommunication,their expulsion.

As such schism had been come about;and the rather great parish in Hamburg became the beginning of a new work.After some time,one of the priests,Preusz was called to Apostle and on Whit Monday of the same year--(1863)--,Schwartz as Apostle for the Netherlands,with as starting city Amsterdam.Some time later he was ordained to his service,and in this way he set foot on the Dutch territory on September 24th of the year of 1863.

Before we follow him now further,we want to inform firstly something about the work of the English Apostles.