agreed to sign a paper, which was in fact printed with their signatures, Sir. A. Campbell, Lord Congleton, Mr. Rhind, Code, and Potter. Some refused, and, I think I am authorized in saying, that, Mr. Potter was glad when the paper was withdrawn, as being more favourable than his conscience really permitted. It stated that Mr. Newton had read a paper which convinced them that he had no evil motive in the papers on which the charges were founded, but that he had given occasion to them by what he had printed. Before the document appeared, Mr. Newton came with Mr. Dyer and declared in great earnestness that he was ruined if this came out, and that he should go to Canada. It was accordingly suppressed. Immediately after a declaration was communicated, that, as the brethren had been able to come to no conclusion the brethren at Plymouth itself had drawn up and signed a document declaring their conviction that he was completely cleared. This was signed Soltau, and the names of Clulow, Batten, Dyer, ......, were added as concurring. I am informed on the authority of Mr. Dyer, by a brother to whom he stated it, that it was he drew it up, not Mr. Soltau. However that may be, being the parties concerned in the charge, it certainly was a strange document; more particularly as Mr. Dyer, to excuse Mr. Newton, had declared that he had suggested the addition of the matter to the letter printed as six years old, and Mr. Clulow present at the April meeting had had the other printed and circulated. So that two of them were personally concerned in the things they professed to examine and clear Mr. N. of. I had done nothing save be ready for every call of the brethren who came, and answer their questions when they came to question me. Mr. N. declined to meet me as I was in the position of an excommunicated person. At that time it was a common subject of triumph that I was so, and therefore could bring nothing before the Church. In connection with this I may proceed to mention what passed as to this bringing before the Church. Mr. Code, Mr. Potter, I think Mr. Rhind, Lord Congleton, as well as others, as is known by their letters, felt that this was
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