John Long’s Journal ~
John Long was a Go-Preacher (worker) for ten years – from January 1897 to 1907—until the 2×2 church became too exclusive for him. After Irvine made it mandatory that the workers believe and preach that all clergymen outside their group were unsaved, a belief which John Long could not accept, Irvine forced John to leave the Go Preachers.
John Long was the one who, along with Wm Irvine:
“…being the two instruments used of God at the origin of that movement.” (1907)
“…namely the right of fellowship in the Mission I helped to start.” (1907)
“…having to leave the Go Preacher fellowship; which God used me so much in, FROM ITS BEGINNING, ten years ago. (1907)
Since John Long was forced out of the Go Preachers when they changed their belief system to be exclusive or “sectarian,” as he calls it, it is not surprising that his Journal for this ten-year span traces in detail the changes in the group’s perspective in this particular area. He clearly shows their beliefs at the beginning, where their converts were won to Christ and then left with “the option of their own will as to where they worship and get the most spiritual food.”
In other words, the new converts were left to attend the church of their own choice. Separation from other Christians was not a part of their teaching. They did not set up meetings in the homes, did not RE-baptize, or keep themselves separate. When the Go Preachers began to “unchristianize the Christians” outside their group, this troubled John Long very much, as it went against his beliefs.
There are many details found in this Journal that were helpful and informative; and some information provided verification and fuller details for things reported previously. This Journal was hand-written, and some words were faint or illegible. Proper names were particularly hard to make out. Every effort has been made to accurately type it just as it was originally written.
January 20th, 1923
Letter by John Long:
For many years I gave up the intention of keeping a Journal, however, as I grew older in years I changed my mind and decided to keep a select account worth remembering for my own interest as well as others. While I had not the privilege of an excellent education like others, very few has had such a training in the school of experience; however, I have tried to improve on what I did get, so as to return my talents with increase and usury.
In this record there is only a brief sketch of what did happen; every mission, meeting, and journey is not mentioned. On my first mention of doctrines believed and taught by me, I have quoted once for all the plain Scriptures defending them; also, I have given the meaning of Ecclesiastical terms and words, using the very best Lexicons and helps that can be found. The poetry found in this book are mostly my own composition, and are scattered throughout the pages to make it interesting, also to serve as a definition of subjects. I have also gone through my writings and crossed with a red pencil every verse of poetry not my own composition. In alluding to hymns, I have only quoted the first line. I have used the title Pastor instead of Reverend, as applied to the clergy. Thus I have tried to adhere to the Word of God.
An interesting part of this Journal are some true accounts of the origin of the Faith Mission, Go-Preachers, Welsh, and Pentecostal revivals, gathered from personal experience and observation. Some warnings are thrown out here and there, like floating buoys on treacherous waters.
Though I did not begin to write this record till 1918, great events, also a good memory, together with principal dates noted in my Bible, enabled me to give them accurately; this is a revised and enlarged edition of the original copy. It is a condensed embodiment of Christian Theology.
“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,” Ephesians 3:8. “Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5-6.
P.S. I hope the feelings of other missions, or persons will not be prejudiced by any friendly criticism contained in this book. I have tried to be just and charitable as well and only alluded to mistakes where I could not help it, considering that I have a right to my opinion, and so has every child of God.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7.
JOHN LONG
Oldstone, Muckamore (Ireland)
Click Here to read John Long’s Journal on the website Telling The Truth