HWGA 10

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Section 10 – Period from 1875 to 1885

This is a period marked by large numbers and numerous new meetings started throughout the United States and Canada, and many laborers being in the field. One account says that from 1849 to 1879 might be termed the flowing tide of the exclusive movement. Though attacked and assailed on every hand they steadily increased in numbers. In 1866 was the height of the attack on Mr. Darby’s “Sufferings of Christ” but his views were eventually adopted and the dispute died down, save for the loss of Mr. Dorman and a few others.

In 1876 at Ryde, Isle of Wight, Mr. Finch, an ex-clergyman who had broken bread in London, would not identify himself with the meeting at Ryde, on account of its state upon his return from London broke bread with some others apart. In 1879 aged Dr. Cronin while in Ryde broke bread with the Finch party, which brought matters to a climax as Mr. Kelly supported the Finch party, and after two years of much conflict, resulted in the separating of about 125 meetings and many leading brethren in England particularly.

One writer says that about 1873 there appeared among them inclinations and influences which some seem to have felt were somewhat subversive of the principles of church administration hitherto generally accepted. It is an open secret that Mr. Wigram, who passed away in 1879, felt that the distinctive testimony of brethren was over and that he ceased editing the valuable periodical “The Present Testimony”.

An aged brother in Toronto, Mr. Moore, advised me about 1920 that in 1885 there were about 500 brethren breaking bread in Toronto in one place. Mr. H.M. Hooke was much used in gathering out souls, as also had Lord Cecil. So many were gathered out that did not know their right hand from their left, and were leaving systems of man on account of the financial claims made upon them in many cases. He recites the fact that with so large in company in Toronto the small rental of $15.00 per month for the hall could hardly be met.

Mr. Darby writes about the Malachi Taylor separation in Brooklyn in 1880. This was largely due to a difference of opinion regarding the addressing of the Lord in the morning meeting. This independent meeting continued for many years, with men such as Mr. A.T. Pierson coming under his influence. Mr. Kelly attempted to unite with this party by a visit to this country.

Mr. Darby also writes about many American laborers coming to England to a conference of laborers at Croydon in October 1881 and visiting with profit about. Dr. Wolston suggested the idea and Mr. Darby felt unusual blessing resulting. He writes of one young clergyman, just out, fearing for the future of brethren, and he was right. The laborers were Messrs. F.W. Grant, who spoke at Park St. several times, Timothy Loizeaux, Paul Loizeaux, J. Lawrence, A.H. Rule, W.G. Heney, C.C. Crain, E. Acomb, according to Mr. John Boyt, who lived near London at the time.

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