Henry Varley's Tribute to B. W. Newton.

Mr. Henry Varley was contemporary with C. H. Spurgeon and the many stalwart Gospel preachers of that day. He was a business man and the God-honoured Superintendent and Pastor of a most successful Mission Church among the people of Notting-dale, West London, and an Evangelist by life, lip and literature to the ends of the earth. This testimony to Mr. Newton is therefore of great value:
The passing away from us of that faithful and highly gifted man of God, B. W. Newton, was to me, in common with many others who knew and loved him, a great sorrow, nevertheless of joy and confidence concerning his entrance, at the ripe age of ninety-two, into the sphere of incorruptibility and eternal glory. I know of no living servant of Christ, nor of any amongst the great company who have passed into the presence of the King during the last forty years, for  whom I have a deeper reverence or a more profound regard.
‘Unknown and yet well known’ may indeed be said of this man of God. It is not surprising that he was misunderstood, and spoken of by some as dogmatic and severe. He was an uncompromising opponent to all error. His faithfulness to the Word of God, coupled with his profound intelligence, both spiritual and intellectual, made him mighty alike in the setting forth and defence of revealed truth. His varied writings, so clear and luminous, have enriched the whole Church of God. Far and away beyond any power or influence recognised by men, his sphere of influence has continually increased.
He was pre-eminent in seclusion, wielding for years, both in writing and public ministry amongst select circles, marvellous power. He shrank from the public gaze that he might drift into the deep and great currents of God's mind. Faithfulness to God marked his daily walk with Him; his mind was constantly girded with truth. Truth was to B. W. Newton sovereign and supreme. That which the beloved John wrote was indeed true concerning him whose loss we mourn: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." His "narrowness" , so-called, always meant loyalty to God and His eternal Word.
How well I remember, more than a quarter of a century ago, listening, amongst many others, to his wonderful teachings in Bayswater, week after week. Instructed and comforted, I sought interviews with him. They were always readily granted. I told him of some of my difficulties. How helpful his assistance! how clear and conclusive his testimony and answers! What light and information streamed from his utterances! If ever a man was faithful to the whole platform of evangelical truth, it was our honoured brother. His views upon and knowledge of the prophetic Scriptures was simply wonderful. He was, in a divine sense, "a man of light and leading," eminently fitted for these difficult times.
His presence was constantly sought by many of the most devoted and intelligent of the Lord's servants, and never more so than during his latest years. Let me commend to my readers his remarkable volume, Aids to Prophetic Study, and his Plain Papers on Gospel themes. Amongst so much that is admirably written, I may mention his striking pamphlets on Justification and Regeneration. I am greatly mistaken if any more powerfully written papers on these great subjects exist.
A great man has passed from among us. In no other spirit save that of chastened grief do I adopt the language of Elisha, when the chariot of fire carried away Elijah: "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." Oh, that the mantle of this prince in Israel may rest upon some of our younger brethren! Farewell, beloved and venerated man of God. For more than ninety years, thy pilgrim walk has been extended, and now thou art home for ever, meet through grace for the inheritance of the saints in light. For all thou wast and art, we give God praise.
(Mr. B. W. Newton died in June, 1899.) 
“Watching and Waiting” 1944