Page:Groves - Darbyism - Its Rise and Development and a Review of the Bethesda Question.djvu/95



The following letter, written by Mr. Müller in September last, to a brother in Ireland, was sent to us the other day, and we would call particular attention to it, as shewing his views relative to the Letter of the Ten, and we trust that all may consider it, as he does, as that which has “passed away.” Henceforth as a ground of contention let it be forgotten by those who have a present race to run, and a present conflict to be occupied with, too earnest in its character, and too important in its results to themselves and to the world to allow of strife and contention among brethren. The Lord lead his people into the paths of holiness and of peace, and keep them from falling out by the way, when their Lord’s enemies surround them on every side.

21, Paul Street, Kingsdown, Bristol, Sept. 18th, 1866.

,

With regard to your letter respecting a paper commonly called “The Letter of the Ten,” I send you this as my reply.

As a body or assembly, we have no standard but the Word of God—no code of laws, or regulations, or Church principles, but those contained therein. We desire in all things to be subject to the Word of God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The paper to which you refer was never intended to be more than a mere statement of facts and explanation of reasons for pursuing the course which the labouring brethren thought to be right at that time, under the peculiar circumstances of the case. It is to be regarded as having passed away with the occasion which gave rise to it. That paper was never intended for publication, and was read to the Church with explanations. It should not have been published without our consent, or without the explanations which accompanied the reading of it.

I am, my dear Brother,

Yours affectionately in the Lord,

(Signed)GEORGE MÜLLER.