Soon after the year 1845, when the numbers at Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse had
reached about a thousand souls, troubles arose which caused the first breach among the Brethren;
but it was not until 1848 that what had been strongly suspected by some came to the light and
brought matters to a crisis’ at Plymouth. It was discovered by Mr. Harris_through copious notes
of Mr. Newton’s lectures accidentally falling into his hands_that he had been diligently and
systematically teaching, not only that which is ecclesiastically, but that which is fundamentally
heretical as to Christ. When this became known, Brethren in all parts were deeply affected by the
sad tidings, and numerous meetings were held in different parts of the country to investigate the
charges. Nearly all were agreed, after much prayer and confession, that the doctrines which Mr.
Newton had been teaching were not only false, but utterly subversive of all that is essential to
Christianity.

But though they were thus agreed as to the character of the heresy, they were divided in their
judgment as to the principle of separation from it. One part thought that the poison of the
doctrines_which had been insidiously taught for some years_might have infected more than
were yet manifested; and, therefore, they could have no fellowship with any who sympathized
with the doctrines, or had fellowship with their author at the breaking of bread. Others thought
these terms of communion were too strict; that each one applying for fellowship should be
examined, and if it were found that they neither understood nor had imbibed the false doctrines,
they should be received, even though they came from Mr. Newton’s meeting; that every true
Christian should be received on the ground of his individual soundness in the faith, no matter
from what meeting he came. But many strongly objected to this way of dealing with so grave a
matter. They maintained that the glory of Christ was in question, as well as the purity of His
assembly; that, on this principle, the door was left open for the heresy to come in, and that it was
giving up the unity of the church of God, as the ground of action, and going back to
independency.