circumstances I have heard lately, of the authenticity of which I have not the smallest doubt, that Mr. Newton received his prophetic system by direct inspiration of Satan;” and, speaking of his teaching concerning our Lord, he says, “I reject Mr. Newton’s doctrine as blasphemy, as I ever did.” I do not propose to lead you through all the controversy—if controversy it can be called, for it all proceeds from one side—for I confess that after some little knowledge of the disputes that have arisen in the Church, I have never met with language so strong and harsh, so uncharitable and rancorous, as is found in connection with this subject. And there is this remarkable feature in the case. Mr. Newton withdrew the expressions complained of, and has never repeated them, yet to this day he is dealt with as if he had stood by them, and declared them to be in accordance with his views. His confession is treated as null and void; and the Brethren have not only refused fellow ship with him, but they refuse to allow any one to break bread with them, unless they repudiate Mr. Newton and his supposed doctrines.[1]
We pass now to the second division. The names of Müller and Craik are familiar to all—as familiar as household words. These saintly men had been led, in the providence of God, to minister at Bristol, and, from the very first, God abundantly blessed their work.
- ↑ We cannot express too strongly our sense of the injustice with which Mr. Newton has been treated on this question ; or our admiration of the manner in which he has borne his lengthened persecution. Assailed by false charges as to doctrine, maligned on all sides by “the Brethren,” he has never once been betrayed into an angry expression, but has calmly endured for righteousness’ sake. Avoiding all controversy, he has contented himself with expounding the truth on the questions involved. We may refer our readers to his “Suffering Surety,” and “Foundation Truths,” as among the clearest and ablest statements of the verities of the Gospel that have come under our notice.
