The effects of these statements, so plain, so solemn, and so scriptural, were immediate and great. They found an echo in many a Christian's heart. Earnest men in various places, feeling it all but impossible to go on with the existing state of things in the professing church, welcomed the truth thus brought before them, and left their respective denominations. Pamphlets and books, with still more clearness and fullness, followed in rapid succession. In those days of virgin freshness and simplicity souls grew rapidly in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and His truth. Many wondered whereunto all this would come. But the Lord was working, and numbers followed His leading.
"Amongst those," says Mr. Mackintosh in a letter to a friend, "who separated from the various organizations were some men of considerable gift, moral weight, intellectual power and intelligence-clergymen, barristers, solicitors, military and naval officers, physicians, and men of high position and property. Their secession, as you may suppose, caused a very considerable stir, and drew forth much opposition. Many a link of friendship was snapped; many a fondly cherished companionship was broken up; many sacrifices were made; much sorrow and trial were encountered; much reproach, obloquy, and persecution had to be endured. I cannot attempt to enter into details, nor have I any desire to do so. It could serve no useful end, and the record would but give needless pain. All who will live godly-all who are determined to follow the Lord; all who will keep a good conscience; all who, with firm purpose of heart, will act on the authority of holy scripture-must make up their minds to endure trial and persecution. Our Lord Christ has told us that He came not to send peace but a sword. ' Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division. For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.' And He tells us that a man's foes shall be they of his own household.' " Luke 12
Many thought that the movement would soon come to nothing, as they had no definite organization, no clerical order, no confession of faith, no visible bond of union, no president, nor ordained minister. But the Lord Himself was with them; true to His promise, " Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." And there the Lord was to the joy, blessing, and edification of His beloved people. If we allow Him His proper place at the table, He will not only take it, but His presence will fill our hearts with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Thus were the Brethren strengthened, and thus the good work of the Lord went on. The gospel was preached with a clearness, fullness, and power, unknown since the days of the apostles. Books and tracts were written, and widely circulated. The grand doctrines of the church, the operations of the Holy Spirit, the blessed hope of the Lord's speedy return, were brought out with great freshness and power to the uplifting of many hearts, and to the eternal blessing of hundreds of precious souls.
But we must return for a moment to our true starting-point, Fitzwilliam Square.
When these things became noised abroad, great interest was awakened in many minds as to the real character of this movement. Those who ventured to -their meetings were struck by the fact of hundreds of people assembled together without a minister so called, and yet there was no confusion but " all things were done decently and in order." One and another, becoming affected by the truth, were, after due examination as to soundness of doctrine and holiness of life, received into communion. The numbers so increased, that in little more than a year the house of Mr. Hutchinson was found to be unsuitable for the meetings.