disavowal of the purpose―the “objectionable if taken irrelatively,” was all that could be obtained. I then stated that perhaps I had better leave and ask for Raleigh St. Mr. Rhind said that very great good had been done, that I ought to be uncommonly thankful, and urged me not to press any further disavowal then, least it should produce a rupture with Mr. Newton, but wait and see. I said it was a sorrowful position to be in, but it was all that I was then doing, and acquiesed in the wish, and I continued to minister on the general topics of the grace of the Lord Jesus.
But I must now relate what my journey to Somersetshire, further opened to me. I went there quite unconscious of it all, to evangelize where none of these questions were. These circumstances were important as to Plymouth, as unfolding the working of the plan there. As at Plymouth they treated what wonderfully blessed new light they had got as to their Church position, so here it was taught that, as the brethren had first learnt brotherly unity and fellowship, now they had been, as fresh instruction, led to Church order. This Church order was the authority of the teachers, who were exclusively to judge of, and recognize or the contrary, others as teachers.[1] This was founded on
- ↑ The doctrine decidedly taught there was that the Holy Ghost, who was sovereign, wrought in the body by members, and that these members were the gifted teachers. I am aware that the five brethren who signed the circular letter say, “we do not hold that the Holy Spirit resides only in the teachers.” I am aware they do not. But they did teach that it was by gifted members he acted in the body, that is by teachers. And every one knows, that any one’s taking a part in the meeting as led of the spirit to do so, was denounced as “impulse.” Moreover I know, that since this has been under press it has been pressed at Plymouth, that it was by instruments prepared before they went to the meeting, that God acted in it. And long ago, when praying and hymns were urged as not being gifts, it was admitted, but answered that only gifted persons would take part in either. It will be remarked in the statement referred to, that it is carefully avoided saying, that the Holy Spirit acts in the assembly. But on this hereafter.
