Page:Darby - A narratives of the facts.djvu/86

 Mr. Soltau’s name appears the first in the list of signatures. He had been free through the earlier scenes, from the want of candour which existed. I must sorrow that at the close, why the Lord must judge, he has placed his name first on what, on the whole, I must judge to be the worst and lowest of all the sad series of this unhappy history. I am aware of the influence which Mr. N. exercises over many minds, but I do not hesitate to say, that I had rather see my child die, than be under the moral influence that rules at Ebrington Street. Wherever its direct influence reaches, moral integrity is gone. I know it has been stated, that it is a mere personal question on my part. Now I appeal to this single assertion just as a proof of the destruction of integrity. Has not Mr. Newton, have not others stated in public and in private, that we deny the gospels, and I know not what else, and that the foundations of Christiany are gone, if our doctrine is received. Is that a personal question? The fact is where it is hoped that consciences may be alarmed, it is stated we deny the gospels, &c. When a soul is getting uneasy at the state of things among them, or it is thoroughly known that all this is false, then it is stated to be mere personality. Mr. N. is named because he has been the public actor in this matter. And I am not writing here to give my private opinion as to who else may be as guilty really as he, it would be quite out of place. I give the brethren at large the facts which led to my leaving Ebrington Street.

I have omitted to speak of the fasts. In doing this I add a circumstance, early in the history, which I omitted to mention. There was very assiduous teaching from Rev. i., on the stars, Christ holding the stars of ministerial authority in his hand. After a time, during which I had ceased attending the prayer meeting, I think after the first fast I am not quite sure, I thought there was some softening, and returned. The first thing I heard was one of the persons whose name appears in all these documents, earnestly praying that Christ would uphold