words. But it is probable that with the gradual alteration of his standpoint came a corresponding modification in the meaning he assigned to his watchwords, with the not unprecedented result that one and the same set of formulae was applied to the sanction of two opposite courses of action.
Under Darby’s influence meetings sprang up rapidly. The first meeting in London, though not indeed planted by him, was the work of his trustiest lieutenant, G. V. Wigram; and the meeting at Rawstorne Street, Camden Town, ultimately became the nucleus of Darby’s metropolitan system of administration, which will occupy a considerable place in the sequel. Of this, the first transient indication occurs in 1838, when Wigram addressed (evidently to Darby) the following letter:—[1]
“My dear Friend and Brother,—There is a matter exercising the minds of some of us at this present time in which you may be (and in some sense certainly are) concerned. The question I refer to is, How are meetings for communion of saints in these parts to be regulated? Would it be for the glory of the Lord and the increase of testimony to have one central meeting, the common responsibility of all within reach, and as many meetings subordinate to it as grace might vouchsafe? or to hold it to be better to allow the meetings to grow up as they may without connexion and dependent upon the energy of individuals only? … truly, provided there be in London some place where the wanderer can find rest and communion, my desire is met; though the glory of the Lord will of course be still to be cared for.
“I am, dear brother, yours in Jesus,
“G. V. W.”“Oct. 6, 1838.”
This is particularly interesting as containing the first proposal for a federation of the little meetings of the Brethren.
