LETTER FROM SCOTLAND.
Doings in Glasgow among “the Reformers”—Their leader, Mr. Paton, deserts the flock, carrying off a faction with him, being unwilling to listen to “the things of the Kingdom of God”—A Mr. Riddell, the representative of the Paton faction, remains in the Church and becomes its evil genius—He is left to himself and an empty place—The Baptist church at Paisley in an awkward fix; their preacher repudiates the gospel of the kingdom—The Lord’s coming in his kingdom becoming a test question in Britain—The fables of the clergy the parent of infidelity—Baptism of an “infidel” into Israel’s Hope—The probable conviction of another.
GLASGOW, Dec. 13th, 1850.
MY DEAR FRIEND:
After a patient waiting I was very much gratified by receiving, yesterday, the American newspaper, the address on which I at once recognised as your writing. I assure you I feel happy thus to be assured of you and your daughter having crossed the stormy Atlantic safely, and am now expecting every post to bring me a letter. Your many acquaintances here have been often enquiring if any tidings of Dr. Thomas’ safe arrival had been received. The fact of your arrival will confer general satisfaction, and I intend that it be intimated on the evening of Sunday first. Since your departure from Glasgow changes of an extensive kind have occurred. I do not pretend to be able to tell you them all, but I shall be as minute as I can: There is first, that of Mr. Paton, who left the church here along with some others, principally females, numbering ‘tis said from twenty to thirty; they have been meeting together first in Simeon’s French Academy, and latterly in the side room of the Tradeshall, Glassford street. The reason of their separation was really because of their decided opposition to the teachings in connection with the kingdom of God. However, like all opponents to the truth, they professed another objection, namely: The second baptism of two females; and when this was proved to have no ground they then said, they had been baptised into a Jewish hope—namely, the hope of the kingdom of God; which they condemned as the hope of Israel. When pressed on this objection it also vanished, and because they were forced to it, they then honestly confessed that their real objection, was their objection, or rather determined unwillingness, to hear any of the brethren teach concerning the kingdom of God.
After an unfinished and oft-repeated discussion, characterised by fierce and intolerant action and speaking on their part, Mr. P. and these parties withdrew, professedly until the church was cleansed of his opponents, whom he styles by the general term of “Millenarians.” Since then about ten weeks have elapsed, during which time very unhappy scenes occurred, got up by a Mr.Riddell, who, although favourable to Mr. P. and his dissenting friends, remained in the church, professedly because he could not see it his duty to leave; but it has since been proved, for the evil and base purpose of exciting and keeping alive the disorder, in order that by any means the “Millenarians” might be expelled. The result was, Mr. R. was at several meetings openly voted to be guilty, by his brethren, of causing and keeping alive disputes. He defied all reprimands however, and up till this week has kept up the same fermentation. Well, the “Millenarians” have had two meetings this week and they have determined to meet in a separate place, namely, in the old meeting place in North Frederick street, where our Sunday evening conversation meetings on prophecy are held. They have drawn up a minute wherein they express this their intention, stating as the reason, the continued opposition and unchristian conduct shown by Mr. Riddell and a few others of the church; they also state they do not by separation intend to unchristianise either their brethren they leave or themselves, but express their willingness to receive and be received as brethren in the separate places of meeting. The Paisley church is in an awkward position; it seems they pay a Mr. Bannister to preach to them; this worthy has found his influence over their minds to be affected by the teachings of a few of the church in connection with the kingdom of God. So at the last re-election of him, or rather a few weeks ago, the vote was put to the church as to his being dispensed with or retained; the majority voted in favor of his being retained. Well he immediately intimates that he would only accept office on the understanding that this other gospel (of the kingdom of God) should be squashed and his become the only teaching. It was about to be voted on, when, some how or other, it has been put off indefinitely, and strange to say, Mr. B. has, it seems, published a book, in which he plainly advocates much of the very truths he officially protests against; it is therefore anticipated that the next judgment of matters will find him occupying the defendants box. It is generally expected a separation of Millenarians from anti-Millenarians will also take place in Paisley. We had a visit from a Mr. Bowes of Manchester, a few weeks ago, who set up a church professedly on the principles of open communion and liberty of teaching; it has also been all but divided upon the same question. The same state of things exists in another meeting house in Glasgow; also, near Falkirk, &c., &c., so it seems the truth of the Lord’s coming is destined to be the test of the Christianity of the churches; so truly will the prophecy uttered in Luke 18: 8, be fulfilled.
Many enquiries are being made for your monthly periodical, I hope you will be able to advise soon about it. Your last parcel of tracts are nearly all sold, also a few copies of Elpis Israel. I have sold a good many of the pamphlets published by Hudston, containing your farewell address.
We have very well attended meetings in the evenings, all of an intelligent and inquiring mind; no triflers or gapers, but really men and women earnestly seeking to know “what the truth is.” We have been greatly benefited ourselves, and have been the agents to others of the same. Among several baptisms after a confession of the gospel of the King and Kingdom, occurred that of an infidel—a young man—who confessed his infidelity arose from the false teaching of the clergy had induced him first to laugh at and then to doubt the truth of scripture. He is now rejoicing in the truth which every page now displays.
Another case, a friend of my own who has in the same way had been made an unbeliever. I saw him lately and our conversation fell into the subject of the divine authority of the scriptures. He sneered and doubted; during the evening I happened to say that the gospel taught by the scriptures was the “Restitution of all things lost,” or “The destruction of the works of the devil.” This excited his interest, and I proved to him that his infidelity was the origin mainly of the fabulous teaching of the pulpits. I offered him the loan of Elpis Israel which he accepted; and I am informed secretly by a mutual friend he is diving into its contents with vigor, so perhaps this will be infidel No. 2, convert.
But I must draw to a conclusion. I was very seriously disappointed by your not dropping me a line before you left, saying name of ship, &c. I ascertained this from Mr. Tickell of Liverpool. You must tell me in your first letter all about your health, &c. I have forwarded the Christian Times regularly. I hope they are all to hand. We have great agitations here in connection with Popery and Puseyism. I suspect the Pope and his Cardinals have found themselves in the wrong box. There have been large meetings held in every town and village over Scotland and England, all for the purpose of protesting against Popery and Puseyism. Lord John Russell has written a denouncement of the election by the Pope of Cardinal (late Dr.) Wiseman of Oxford. The Queen has delivered a speech, and all the other Protestant dignitaries. So I doubt if Pio Nono. will not yet require to remain in his old quarters, old Rome, unpleasant as they are. Another European war is being threatened, between Austria and Prussia, evidently excited by Russian interests and agents.
Yours in hope of the Lord’s glorious coming, R.
From the Gospel Banner.
LETTER FROM GLASGOW.
21 Gloucester st., Glasgow,
21st Nov. 1850.
Dear Brother—I heartily approve of your whole course towards Dr. Thomas. You have maintained throughout, the Divine principles of justice, love, and meekness. You are not only approved but applauded by the intelligent, and the good, for your independence and impartiality. You must have a good conscience, and I doubt not God is pleased. * * *
Though I am no convert to the peculiarities of the Dr. yet I am constrained to state, that he has conducted himself with more Christian dignity than his opponents.
On the evening of the first day, the 10th current, a man about seventy-three years old, and a young man about twenty, were immersed into Jesus and added to the congregation, now assembling in the under Hall of the Mechanics’ Institute, North Hanover street. Besides the two mentioned, five who were formerly baptised were added on the 10th.
I hope the Banner will live long and thrive.
Yours in the hope of eternal life,
R. SERVICE.
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A gentle heart is like ripe fruit, which bends so low, that it is at the mercy of every one who chooses to pluck it, while the harder fruit keeps out of reach.
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