Page:Groves - Darbyism - Its Rise and Development and a Review of the Bethesda Question.djvu/3



it necessary to say a few words on the origin of this Pamphlet. When I landed from India about three years ago, my steps were directed to Bristol. From various quarters questions relative to Bethesda were asked in connexion with the original grounds of the separation that had taken place. I felt the need of, and sought for, some publication that would answer the questions put, and prevent the effects of the many misrepresentations made, but I sought in vain. This led me to take up the subject, and two years ago the present Pamphlet, in its original form was written. Wishing to be satisfied that my statements and facts were correct, I read it to Mr. Craik, who, while agreeing with what was written, urged me not to print anything till Mr. Müller had seen it. The course pursued by Bethesda had been all along studiously to avoid anything that might appear like self-justification, seeking to leave everything in the hands of the Lord; and I was anxious not to implicate any of the dear brethren in anything I might write. This led me to act independently of them. At Mr. Craik’s request, however, I sent the manuscript to Mr. Müller, and after a week or fortnight, met Mr. Müller and Mr. Craik together by appointment with reference to it. Mr. Müller’s judgment was strong against the publication of anything, lest it should appear indirectly like an act of self-vindication; he urged also various other considerations, of which, perhaps, the strongest was the evil effects of these controversies on Christians generally; but particularly on the young, many of whom by this matter had already been driven into the world. His opposition was so strong that I hesitated, shrinking from the responsibility of taking a step in the matter in opposition to the judgment of those who had been all through the sorrowful events alluded to. The result was that I ultimately determined to let the MS. remain for the present unpublished; and, notwithstanding various solicitations on the part of others, it would probably never have seen the light, but for the arrival of a brother in the Lord from Ireland, who, in passing through Bristol, called, and on