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peace of the congregation , that he should preach no more , and that his contiuuauce with them would cause a division in the society . " A crisis of this sort was what he had been
always desirous to avoid . Indeed , through the whole of the transaction he discovered great moderation , candour , and a desire for peace . After several attempts on his part to procure a reconciliation , but without
effect , he acquainted his people that he should give them no further trouble , and therefore desired them to provide for themselves . Thus , after an acquaintance and service of more than ten years , the connexion between Mr . Tom kins and
the congregation at Stoke-Newington became dissolved by one of those occurrences which have been more common in modern times . Upon the merits of the main question that
divided the parties , it is not the intention of the present writer to pronounce any opinion , A difference of sentiment is to be expected upon a subject so little known as the nature of the
Deity ; nor is it attended with any ill consequences , wheti it does not influence the passions to the injury of our fellow-creatures . With regard to Mr , Tomkins , his conduct in withdrawing peaceably from a people to whom his preaching and sentiments did not give
satisfaction , must be applauded by every consistent Dissenter , let his opinions be what they may ; and it holds out a striking contrast to some modern preachers , who have shewn less regard to principle than to the emoluments arising from their station .
After the differences with his people had subsided by his withdrawment , Mr . Tomkins published a narrative of the circumstances that led to it , under the title of « The Case of Mr . Martin Tomkins : being an Account of the Proceedings of the
Dissenting Congregation at Stoke-Newington , upon occasion of a Sermon preached by him , July 13 , 1718 . Lond . 1719 " This tract , which extends to 135 pages , contains the substance of both the offensive sermons ,
with a copious narrative of the subsequent proceedings . Also , a ' Confession of his Faith upon the point in dispute , Which h « s drew tip with a view to an accommodation , awcl which is strictly Arian . It appears
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from this work , that Mr . Tomkins . had lopg forborne to use the Trinitarian doxologies to which he had been accustomed at his first setting put in the ministry .
After his retirement from Newington , Mr . Tomkins proposed to return as a private member to the church with which he had formerly communicated . This intention he intimated
to the minister of the society , who , after taking some time to consider of it , declined to receive him . So high did prejudice now run , that lie was denied the common rights of Christians ! Those who are acquainted with the state of public feeling
amongst the Dissenters at that period * will not be surprised that , with the stigma of heresy upon him , Mr , Tomkins could not gain footing again as the pastor of a congregation . He , however , did not wholly lay aside the character , nor drop the studies of a
Christian minister . Having fixed his residence at Hackney , he attended public worship with the congregation in Mare-street , of which the Rev . John Barker was pastor , and to whom the Rev . Philip Gibbs , until he renounced Trinitarianism , was assistant . During his retirement , Mr . Tomkins
preached occasionally for his brethren * and employed himself in composing and publishing several treatises on theological subjects , chiefly relating to the Trinitarian controversy . It does not appear , that he had any concern in the disputes at Salters' Hall , which happened soon after he withdrew from Newiugtori .
The first publication by Mr . Tomkins , in the Trinitarian controversy , was a volume of considerable size , but without his name , entitled , " A Sober Appeal to a Turk or an Indian concerning the plain Sense of Scripture , relating to the Trinity : being
aii Answer to Dr . I . Watts ' s late Book , entitled " ' The Christian Doctrine of the Trinity ,, or Father , Son , and Spirit , Three ' Persons and One God asserted' and proved by plain Evidence of Scripture , without the Aid arid Incumbraiice of Human
Schemes . ' 8 vo . 1722 . " Witty . the merits ' of the argijmewit on eit-Uer si # e » it vyill not be necessary to interfere . Perh a ps t ^ ie ! difference b et ween tl * e par ties was really less than tney wera willing to allow . Be " this as it ma y *
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Sotne Account of the Rev * Martin Tomkins * 655
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Nov. 2, 1819, page 655, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1778/page/3/
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