ground of being the Church, and then you must recognise succession and apostolic authority in the Clergy.
Under these circumstances, on the departure of Capt. Hall and myself, this question having been raised, I stated to the assembly that Harris, Newton, and Campbell, who were labouring and visiting, as is well known, already, would still remain, and be under the responsibility of continuing the visiting. I refer to this only because it has been frequently referred to lately. It was really avoiding the question, which none could have solved, calming the minds of others who were uneasy at those who had first laboured going away. And this I desired. I remember being blamed by some who desired something definite; and there were those who had difficulty as to Mr. Newton’s being so named, from distrust of his ambition. I have been told lately that some brethren were dissatisfied at my having done too much. It is of course possible, though I never heard it till lately, nor have I the smallest ground for thinking so. I merely relate the fact, without comment. Mr. Newton, indeed, has stated that Mr. Hill advised me to leave Plymouth on account of the feeling it produced: but this is without a shadow of truth in it. Of this, Mr. Hill is equally certain with myself. It has no sort of foundation whatever. Mr. Hill had nothing to say to the matter, good or bad.
On my returning from abroad, about six years ago, I was spoken to by brethren well known amongst all as to certain letters written by Mr. Newton, and circulated in MS. far and wide,[1] begging me to read them, as it had excited the feelings of many brethren, and made them very uneasy. I replied that I did not want to enter into these questions, that I had hitherto acted as a peace-maker, and sought to link and unite by going with all, and I had rather now keep out of the question. It was urged upon me that I must take a part in it, as
- ↑ These letters have been sent to Ireland, India, Canada, and wherever an opportunity was afforded, as Mr. N. avows, and I may say boasts of.
