much acceptance that it was reprinted, with additions, and for ten or twelve years the Brethren, without a note or expression of disapproval, circulated it in hundreds almost throughout the world. But there were some unguarded expressions in that paper. There were two or three sentences which seemed to imply a federal relation on the part of our Lord with Adam. Thus he says, “The Lord Jesus was as free from indwelling sin as from actual transgression; yet, nevertheless, He was a member (so to speak) of the exiled family, and was, therefore, born subject to their penalties. But He was made under the law, and, being essentially holy, He was able to fulfil the law, and so to rise above the penalties to which He had become subject on account of Adam’s guilt.” There is one other sentence of like import. These were now after the lapse of twelve years, and after the publication of the “Propositions”—laid hold of and denounced as heretical. Mr. Newton’s attention being called to the expressions, he at once saw that they had been somewhat carelessly written. He immediately withdrew the papers for re-consideration, confessing that erroneous deductions might have been drawn from his statements, although he himself had never made those deductions. He even went so far as to publish a confession of error, and to confess it as sin—at the same time reiterating his belief in all the doctrines concerning our Lord’s person and work which have ever been held orthodox in the Christian Church. But nothing availed. Separation was determined upon, and it was accordingly effected. Meetings were held to attempt, after explanations, reconciliation—but in vain; and from that day to this Mr. Newton has been considered and denounced as the arch-enemy of the Church of Christ—and of the Brethren in particular. Thus Mr. Darby said in one publication, “I have not the least doubt, from
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