right. But it was not only resisted but effectually resisted. Mr. Code, with whom was Mr. Rhind, went and pressed it on Mr. Newton, and alleged, Matt. xviii.. Mr. N. answered, the Church could not deliberate nor hear any question. Mr. Code quoted, “tell it to the Church.” Mr. N. said, the Church might hear it but could not act. Mr. Code quoted, “hear the Church.” Mr. N. replied that they might come as individuals and express their conviction, but that was all. Lord Congleton, Messrs Potter and Code, took it in hand. They came to me, and Lord C. stated that they could not get over the impression produced by my charges in the minds of others: would I meet the assembly if they could get it convoked, and undo the impression as to the charges. I said they must not ask me to state that my impression was not such, as I could not go beyond my conscience, but I would gladly meet the assembly, and urge upon them not to receive any impression from me, that I could do it with all my heart, as I earnestly desired that the conscience of the brethren should be aroused. That there was no good done, whatever judgment they arrived at, unless it was: that I thought the grand evil was that it had been deadened and dulled, and that they would be there to see whether I did it cordially. And that if these three brethren honestly brought before the assembly what they now admitted to be facts, and the assembly acquitted Mr. Newton of any evil in it, even if my individual judgment were not satisfied, I should acquiesce, because, being done as I should trust uprightly, the Church’s conscience would be clear before God. I left Plymouth to preach elsewhere that this might be accomplished. Nothing was done. Sir Alexander Campbell made a subsequent attempt of which he has given an account. The Church could not deliberate nor judge. Nor could elders be judged by it. There was no person in the position of Timothy to do it. Since this has been formally denied (and persons authorized to contradict it) it was repeated amongst the poor[1], and put to a person
- ↑ It is now held amongst them avowedly to my knowledge
