Page:Neatby - A history of the Plymouth Brethren.djvu/250

 meaning. When Darby’s fiat ceased to be law, the party was broken; when Darby was dead, it was scattered like dust. On this the baptismal controversy has a significant bearing. In the existing disagreement on an important question, a manly independence and freedom of speech would have afforded the only happy augury. Instead of this, Darby’s opponents, with hardly an exception, submitted to be almost silenced; or, if they expressed their views, expressed them in a semi-apologetic manner; and this though they could claim the high authority of Mr. Kelly. The story goes that a theological lady once asked Darby what Mr. Wigram held as to baptism. Darby, though probably annoyed, had the wit to answer, “Madam, he holds his tongue”. The incident illustrates the whole attitude of the Baptist party among his followers. The consequence was that after holding an immense majority they dwindled away to such an extent that the opposite party was ultimately able to cast them forth beyond the pale of Darbyism altogether.