been conversant with it, recal what the ways of Popery are, and they will easily find the same there. It is not because there are no saints among them, but because there are many, and very dear ones, that I speak of it.
But having stated these general principles, a statement which I leave to work its own effect, I shall briefly narrate what I may call the public facts which have come under my knowledge; for much never has. I have never done so hitherto. I did not feel led to do it, and certainly had no inclination. I do not think a mind for which holiness has any charm at all, will ever love the detailing or publishing evil: and, if one has any heart, most surely not what has passed among those he loves: but God’s truth and his Church are sacred things. I shall still endeavour to pass over in silence the private facts which seem to me to be evil. They might be called for in a case of discipline; but here they would only aggravate, without increasing intelligent apprehension of the evil. I will not detail the origin of the brethren, but certainly that which characterized their testimony at the outset, was the coming of the Lord as the present hope of the Church, and the presence of the Holy Ghost as that which brought into unity, and animated and directed the children of God ; and they avowed their dependance upon it. The distinct condition of the saints of the present dispensation, as filled with the Spirit abiding with them, and risen with Christ, marked their teaching, while the great truths of the Gospel were held in common with other true Christians, only with the clearer light which God himself directly, and these other truths, afforded. The distinct heavenly character of the Church was much insisted on. Though, the brethren insisted on a spiritual ministry, and the recurrence to the original principles of ministry were urged, they did not, for the same reason, pretend to appoint ministers, nor organise any Church or special membership; for they held the unity of all saints. Themselves outside the camp, whatever saints had faith to follow them, were companions in their position, and they were not separated in life, love, nor essential unity,
