THE DEADLY COBRA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8988, 28 February 1888, Page 5

THE DEADLY COBRA.

Tiik following letter to the Secretary of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle (Mr. S. H. Matthews), received from the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, of London, was read last evening at the Tabernacle :—" Mentone, December 31, 1887. To Mr. S. H. Matthews. Dear brother in the Lord, —Your own hearty words, and the kind resolution of the Church in the Tabernacle, Auckland, have tended much to cheer me. I thank you, and the church most sincerely. Will you please say to the brethren that to leave the Union seemed to me my only way of calling attention to the presence of persons in it who are far removed from the old faith. There are some of them open enough in their avowals, and there is no need of prying into any man's secret opinions. But the Union has no creed whatever. Baptism is the one requisite for membership so far as I can see. Ido not believe that the Council win pass even a declaration of principles such as could satisfy lovers of the gospel; if they did it would not be binding on anyone but themselves. I have never raised the question as to Calvinist or Arminian, or any other minor points ; but tho matters involved are vital to Christianity ; and I .cannot be in a professed fellowship which would not bo true. Possibly the brethren who hold the teaching of Scripture may prevail and purge out the new leaven, and if so, I shall greatly rejoico in tho Union. If not, you will understand that I shall bo none the less, but all the more, a truo Baptist to the marrow of my bones. I thank you from my heart, and I beg your prayers that I may be wisely led. Continue to cherish my dear son with your love, sympathy, and co-operation. To God I commend you all.—Yours, most gratefully, C. H. SrURGKON*."