IX
The Epoch of Exclusivism—The Supremacy of Darby
The Epoch of Exclusivism—The Supremacy of Darby
The ruin of Brethrenism was complete. Ought that to be a subject of regret to us?
The question is not so simple as the partisans on either side might think. In the early days of the movement there were men who, while standing aloof from it on principle, could yet profoundly feel its fascination. In the year 1840 Dorman received a letter from a clergyman who had attended, apparently by his invitation, a meeting of the Brethren. From this letter Dorman published extracts, without indicating the hiatuses; and I have to follow his text.
“I have for some months known a little of you; but it was not till yesterday, at your, I would say our Pentecostal festival (for a feast it was to my inmost soul), that I duly appreciated the character of the Brethren who did me so much honour, happiness, and service, by inviting me to attend it, that I know not how to express my gratitude to you and them. My not approving of all things amongst you, does not at all obstruct the current of my Christian love for you and many others whom I need not name. But why do I write to you? It is to say, and that with real affection—Alas! that so beautiful a theory cannot long subsist; it is too unworldly and sainted for our polluted atmosphere. It will do—it has done much good; but it will fall (Acts xx. 30). ‘Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.’ Woe, woe unto them through whom it shall fall! Mine shall not be the hand to detach even a pin from so goodly a tent; rather, like my namesake of Arimathea,
