JND
Letter 1
57
(b) Six letters by Mr. J. N. Darby, two written in 1845 and the others
in 1846, 1849, 1851 and 1864 respectively.
Plymouth,
November 12th, 1845.
BELOVED BROTHER,—I
answer, of course, your letter without delay. You probably do not know
that Mr. J. L. Harris has declined further ministry here (though he
has not left communion) and proposes to leave the place, and this on
two points out of three on which I have acted; he is ignorant of the
third. This, of course, modifies naturally the surprise which my step
might occasion, though it is neither reason nor justification; but it
is so far a proof that there was nothing hasty, and that there were
serious grounds for it.
I now proceed
to tell you why I did so. I felt that God was practically displaced,
and so I told them,
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and then stated the three following points: the subverting the principles
on which we meet—this, I think I may say, is not denied now by
any (unless the doers of it on principle); at least, it is admitted
that brethren (teachers) were intentionally kept away, and Soltau urges
Mr. Harris to stay and resume his place in order to help him to resist.
Some say that they were only tendencies, and not a purpose, but the
fact is not denied. I cannot here enter into all the facts, but I am
perfectly convinced there were purpose, doctrine, and fact; and you
have no idea of the extent to which it had gone. It was, to my mind,
as bad as bad could be in other aspects. Secondly, there was actual
evil and unrighteousness unconfessed and unjudged: this Harris does
not enter upon. And that thirdly, a meeting which has worked in the
guidance of the details of the body and service of the saints, has been
not only set aside, but refused to be reinstated. This last was what
finally decided Harris before his return here to decline further ministry.
I had proposed publicly, as he had laboured in private (and I had also
spoken of it) at the re-establishment of this meeting; and the rejection
of it occasioned a stay of all moral discipline, unless on the summary
judgment of two or three who took it on themselves. This deprived of
remedy, for the existence of evil would not in itself be a reason for
leaving, but evil unjudged and really sanctioned would, when it could
not be remedied. I have only to add, that I have felt the unclouded
approbation of God since I have done it. I had not before an idea of
the mass of evil, and how many knew it. Yet I believe the great body
wholly ignorant of it, and so I stated when I announced my withdrawal.
But they almost all felt that there was something which had destroyed
spirituality and love. In my judgment it was very bad indeed. I waited
eight or nine months before I did this, and till every step was taken
to remedy the evil; and I should
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have felt the Lord against me had I waited longer. I believe it has
done very much good; the conscience of a vast number has been awakened,
evil acknowledged by some who were immersed in it fast, I believe, with
evil intention, and I hope more blessing may thus come from above. When
I say it, I believe the withdrawal of Harris from ministering had as
much, and perhaps more effect, than my withdrawal from communion, from
his having been much more here latterly, and the only one who visited,
and whom the poor really knew and loved. All the poor, I think I may
say, have felt the evil. I told them that I did it with unmingled grief
and sorrow, and only wished it might be remedied; that I loved all and
valued many very much, that I believed the great body quite innocent
of it, but that there was one Table and one bread, and they were all
responsible, and that my feeling was that—as evil was not remedied—I
could not identify myself with evil that I knew.
It seemed
to me you acted quite wisely, having no information as to the sister
coming here. I trust the Lord may restore you all, and it is all I desire
for this gathering too. I thank you, dear brother, very much for your
prayers, and feel that I need them, as I trust you may be enabled to
continue them. It has been, I need not say, a time of great trial to
me. Still, I have felt the Lord with me, and have been with Him, however
feeble; and I am quite in peace since I left the gathering. Already
many have separated between good and evil, and graciously; up to this,
people had gone away, or held their tongues hopeless.
Kind love
to all the saints. Very affectionately yours, dear brother, and praying
God that light and peace and strength may be with you and all His beloved
ones.
I have no
desire but that all should be restored in peace here, and it would be
much greater joy to return than even to have cleared my conscience in
leaving;
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I wait upon the Lord, and in the enjoyment of the light of His countenance
about it. I have avoided everything which would have the appearance
of party or lead to it. I do not believe even that the enemy has ventured
to charge me with it. I have no feeling of the kind—God forbid
I should. You are not aware that many brethren elsewhere feel as strongly,
or more so than I do about it. I do not pretend to say they would therefore
necessarily (have) taken the same method, but of that I have no regret.
I may just add, that I have refrained from breaking bread apart, though
many have stayed away, hoping they may come through grace to set all
right.
J.N.D.
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