INTRODUCTION
The letter of our brother Pinkerton given in the following pages of this paper, it is hoped will prove very helpful to many at the present moment, when not a few are wavering and in doubt as to what is the truth in regard to certain questions that have been raised of late. It is hoped also that the few remarks appended will at least be helpful to some as a corroborative testimony. The paper is intended to call attention to a few points only, connected especially with the foundation of the system, and is in no way a review of the whole book. The book has been somewhat elaborately answered by others. But it is thought a short paper, such as the simplest reader may understand, might reach some who would not be reached by larger papers.
Many have passed through much exercise of soul as to the ecclesiastical phase of the trouble; but this in many instances has been without any clear understanding of the doctrines in question. The book is thoroughly misleading in its character, owing to a systematic perversion of Scripture in the effort to establish the doctrine. When the real character of the book is seen it greatly simplifies the ecclesiastical question by showing that the Montreal judgment was just. I speak not of details connected with the action, but of the judgment itself. There may often be failure in the manner of carrying out discipline when the discipline itself is needed and just, a humbling thing in itself, yet true. We must remember also that at Montreal the difficulties were great. Had it been some obscure and uninfluential brother that had been called to account and dealt with for the same offense, it is doubtful if a single question would have been raised by any. But this was not the character of person they had to deal with at Montreal. He was one well known and esteemed far and wide as able and gifted, and was supported by a powerful and determined party. This made it no easy matter, and this we ought not to overlook. It is not that I would make light of failure, if such there were. If we have failed, we need to clear ourselves, so as to be fully approved of the Lord. But I make no accusations.
How deep the exercise of heart I have passed through, the Lord Himself knows, and how nearly all courage was gone. But He who casts down, raises up again, blessed be His name! The sorrow has been great to many, but even now the clouds are breaking in blessing, and the Lord will bless. But this will be as we humble ourselves before Him. Humbling is surely called for, and exercise of heart before the Lord. He has allowed a breach, and it is not without a purpose. May all hear His voice and learn His mind.
I must add yet a word as to two former papers I had written in connection with these troubles. I feel it is due to the Lord, and to my brethren, to say I now believe they were faulty in their bearing on the N.H.H. judgment. I would remark in explanation, not excuse, that the first was written in reply to a private letter from one of Mr. Grant’s supporters, with whom I was in correspondence, and whom I greatly esteemed; and what was said as to “intolerance,” “human will,” etc., was said rather in the way of admitting charges than of making them. This I think any one would discern by carefully reading the letter. Yet I believed then that what I wrote was true. Time however has wrought a change, chiefly through seeing more clearly what the doctrine is, and the fixed purpose and determination to hold, defend and teach it. But I make no excuse for the past, and now withdraw all that might be construed as a charge against those who sought to stand for the truth. In doing this, I do not thereby affirm that there was no failure in the manner of the action. I believe now the judgment was righteous, yet I may perhaps be pardoned if I suggest that if there had been more patient waiting and laboring in grace, the heretical doctrine and course would have become more palpable to the saints, and there would have been more unanimity and power to throw off the incubus. But I do not accuse my brethren, and count on the Lord’s grace both for myself and them.