away from Ebrington Street, and teaching substituted for it—the gospel being banished to Raleigh Street, where some thirty or forty went. It was said in so many words they did not want the gospel—it was a bad sign to wish for it; they ought to be going on to more complete knowledge. It is not astonishing if a great body of the Christian poor were thoroughly miserable—they understood Mr. Harris only. He was their visitor and friend.
But to return to the letters. I spoke to Mr. Newton about them—(I refer to about 5 or 6 years ago)—though I had no idea then of the assiduity with which they were circulated, and the views pressed. It was done by letter out of Plymouth, and I had been abroad. I read the letters, and I told Mr. Newton that I could not see that the Spirit of God had led to, or guided in them. He told me thereupon, that all friendship between us was at an end, and that he should have nothing more to say to me in the way he previously had. I replied that this would not change me towards him or others, and I walked up and down the street with him till I got him to give me his hand; and save writing to him to soothe him, buried it all. I wrote, at his request, some of my objections to the views in the letters; and this furnished subsequently to a sister, formed together with his answers the famous appendix, of which so much has been said. But I speak of an interview, six years ago, or thereabouts. Since then the letters were constantly copied and circulated. From that time, I was a good deal abroad, though I visited Plymouth. I saw Clericalism creeping in; but at first thought it was merely from circumstances. The deaf people were placed round the table, and consequently the speakers were to stand at it. That soon evidently defined them. I saw the tendency, and sat in the body of the congregation, and spoke thence when I spoke. I was remonstrated with, but retained my position. On the last visit before the present one, finding the teachers always breaking bread, I urged some other doing it, or this union of the two things would soon be a regular
