he could read his bible at home, and that he hindered the ministry. He read no more. In another of those cases, Mr. Newton himself interfered, and when asked whose ministry had been hindered, and having stated, the brother went to that person who replied that it had only been hindered by Mr. Newton.
As to the teaching I heard in Ebrington Street from Mr. N., the one undeviating object, seemed to be to teach differently from what brethren had taught, no matter what, so that it set their teaching aside. This was so marked in many cases as to draw the attention of others, besides myself.
And now, as to the circumstances connected with rule and authority. It is alleged that we are radicals, and look for democracy. I trust brethren will seek nothing but the guidance of God’s blessed Spirit. But what are the facts? There was a meeting from the earliest period called the Friday meeting, where those who laboured habitually among the saints, and were occupied with their concerns, met to consult together, instead of acting apart or isolatedly; and where many little things, such as arise every where, were settled in the fear of God, while what became matters of public discipline, were presented to the assembly at large. There may be trouble between brethren, happily terminated, without the need of shewing them up in public before a whole assembly. If public discipline be needed, then it is clear from Scripture, the assembly must judge, and act to clear the consciences of all, their own consciences. But then this is a very painful case. However, such a meeting there was; and with the difficulties and trials incident to all things, went on with the confidence of the saints. Latterly, but after the lapse of a good many years, when Capt. Hall, Sir A. C. and myself were no longer at Plymouth, Mr. Newton absented himself: only when any case arose on which he had formed an opinion, and wished to interfere, he came down at the close of the meeting enquired how it was settled, and insisted on its being judged his own way; setting aside what had been done where it did not accord with his mind. Mr. Hill remonstrated once or
