and I have only to add, that I was confirmed in the resolution not to swerve, because I found that the system of untruth and finesse, was undermining the probity and truthfulness of mind of others, and demoralising God’s dear children. And is. I have refrained from the private facts, which yet operated of course with equal force on one’s mind as to the state of things, though not as fit to be publicly brought forward.
It has been alleged by Mr. Newton himself, and received by some, that it could not be with an intention to deceive when refutation was so easy. Those who receive this do not know how these things worked. This last letter is the proof. Nine-tenths of the saints out of Plymouth would take the statement as true: and I should be very sorry to think that they would suppose it possible to be otherwise, until forced to it. I have yet a difficulty myself, in believing the things I know to be true. At Plymouth the majority were Mr. Newton’s party at all cost. If any separated themselves from it, they were not spoken to, nor owned as Christians. Even their temporal interests, injured as far as possible. In private statements, it was a similar case. An untrue one suppose was made. Probably the person believed it, a gracious mind is not the most suspicious. The effect was produced; the prejudice excited, and the person fell under Mr. N.’s influence. If not, in general persons, particularly females, who were especially subjected to this, do not like probing into evil and discreditable things, nor getting into conflict with persons who act in this way. If they took the trouble of enquiring, and stated what had been said; the statement was denied, and it was a question of their character and Mr. Newton’s. Few liked this. Perhaps their husbands did not. If it was proved, then it was said, it was not meant so, and it was uncharitable to fix on a man what he did not mean. If they were disgusted and left, no one was to speak to them. This was the operation of the Monday evening meetings, held after the brethren were gone for Mr. N. to explain every thing.
