Hi folks Can anyone lay claim to the Mr WESTALL [of Newbury?] who features in the following extracts from a letter written by Stephen LEACH, found in a register of Romsey Independent Church, amongst correspondence relating to the opening of a meeting house in Newbury, and about his [Stephen LEACH's] acceptance into the fellowship there? Newbury August 12th 1846 Dearly Beloved Brother in Christ The first part of this Epistle will be rather of a painful nature which I desire to communicate to you, for your advice and opinion as to the Steps which I considered it was my duty to take_ In my last I wrote you some account of my correspondence with Mr. WESTALL which I thought was in a fair way of opening a door for my being relieved from my solitude, and of being made useful in the vineyard of the Lord_ We had taken the Room for meeting and Mr WESTALL appeared very friendly until I shewed him your last letter, which was a few days before the Meeting house was opened when he wrote as follows: "My dear Friend You having sent to your Friend my note to you evidently for his opinion not being satisfied with your own judgment in the matter, and your having handed to me his letter for my perusal: that the views therein contained are virtually your own views, as such I unhesitatingly say my dear friend I could not meet with you on the Lord's day morning in the way I have stated we are *accustomed to meet; for however great may be the value I attach to the opinion of a Brother in Christ, I certainly attach infinitely more for the written word offered as a rule and guide for my actions and conduct it being with God we have to do." a.. They eat what they term the Lord's supper every Sunday morning. [There follows a lengthy discussion followed by the next paragraph.] The primitive Brethren are more exclusive than any other Sects, for I believe from what Friend WESTALL informed me, that they permit no one to speak or pray among them but such as are in strict Fellowship with them_ notwithstanding I often attend Mr. WESTALL's preaching feeling some satisfaction that on many important points we see eye to eye_ such as our mutual rejection of hireling preachers - the doctrine of the Trinity - the Sabbath day as commonly accepted; and their Bond of love existing between their Brethren without any antichristian distinction. As to Baptism, they are rather dark. Friend W. said he considered it an outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace!!! I told him that I considered the outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace consisted in a willing and an affectionate obedience to the commands of Christ our Lord and any imitation of his blessed and meek spirit, and I believe he is convinced of its truth. And now my dear Brother having written a fair Statement of the things which have happened to me at Newbury ..... But I must draw to a close. Greet Brother GREEN beloved in the Lord and all the Brethren and Sisters in Christ_ Say to him that I am getting on with the Exposition but I want him at my elbow, but it will undergo his pruning hook, and this I must be contented .... Stephen Leach.