Page:Neatby - A history of the Plymouth Brethren.djvu/153

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"“But I must yet further say, that when I speak of a position which has been assumed, I do not mean that which was held by the gathering, as a congregation of saints—but a position which has been practically slidden into by those most active and influential in that gathering. …

“The name of the Lord Jesus was the alone gathering point and foundation; the sovereign will of Christ, the Church’s glorified and blessed Head, and the energy and guidance of the present Spirit, the acknowledged source and power of all ministry. But still, within all this, and often practically more powerful than it all, an influence was felt, and a course pursued, which I now see was sectarian and intolerant.”"

On the 10th of January, 1848, a reply to parts of these Confessions appeared under the title of A Statement from Christians Assembling in the Name of the Lord, in Ebrington Street, Plymouth. It was probably drawn up under Tregelles’s guidance, and is certainly a sufficient guarantee of the substantial orthodoxy of the remnant of the Ebrington Street Church. To the calmness and patience of Newton is added a certain tenderness of charity singularly attractive in men that had endured the stormy vicissitudes of the previous three years. It will scarcely excite surprise that they allege that the great majority amongst them were wholly ignorant of the very existence of the specified errors; but it is a very important circumstance in view of the subsequent developments of disciplinary operations against them.

The doctrinal statements are simple and explicit. “We desire to disclaim any and every statement of doctrine which would impute the guilt of Adam, or the curse of the broken law, to the Lord Jesus,—either by federal Headship in Adam, or by birth.” “With regard to the curse of the broken law attaching to the Lord Jesus by birth, we believe that this was not held by any amongst us; whatever indefinite thoughts any individuals