New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-12-12
MATTHEW HALE SMITH AND THE BAPTIST
COUNCIL.


About six weeks ago the Rev. Matthew Hale
Smith received call from the Laightst Baptist Church,
which then without pastor, TO supply their pulpit
which he accepted Previous to his accepting their pas
torate, each succeeding Sabbath showed falling OIL III
the congregation until there many vacant pews;
in fact 1t the rule rather than the exception Last
Sunday every seat occupied and very evident
that the eloquent and learned clergyman the magnet
that drew together so large congregation The chuic
being satisfied with the reverend gentleman reguesed
the Baptist Council OF this city, which is composed or the
pastor and two delegates from each Baptist church TO
examine Mr. Smith for settlement as pastor OF the IAs
st. Baptist church, in order that he might be
ordained Fifteen members of the church issued pro-
ineligible, but did not make any specific charge Ihe
right OF minority to issue protest was questioned ny
which met on Thursday last at the Laghtst Church.
largely attended. An animated and even exciting dis
ell The discussion took very wido range, and fire.
queny the speakers in their zeal depressed from tho
question In debate. The Council seemed unwilling TO
take any decisive action In the matter and resolution
was offered, declaring that the Council deemed lefpe
dent to take any action from the faGt tat the meDes
OF the Church unable 10 reconcile their dnerences
Several Of the Council maintained that TO defGr the eA
animation would be Sinking their responsibility Bow
era points Of order raised and the debates were as
exciting and bitter as those OF secular b9ues ~ being
apparent that no vote could be reached, motion was
made that the reverend gentleman, who was present III
ante-roOm be permitted 10 address the Council To
this proposition there were few objections but no mem
Der made formal protest. ono OF the brethren went
after Mr.. Smith While proceeding MP the aisle the ais
again occurred several Of the members remark
ing that they hoped there would be 10 objections made
Church had rights which should be respected so had
greater minority, which was the gentleman whose illness
Ofciate minister Of the Gospel was still subject
OF discussion the members OF his congregation
In the mean time Mr.. Smith bad halted whcr hall way
up the AISLE wishing approach while his right to
be heard still being discussed. number OF ladies'
who present to witness the proceedings heTeupon
greeted Mr. Smith, extending to him their hearty WISHES
for speedy release fr his present trouble on being
invited Ivy the Chair io forward, he compiled, ana
addressed the Council rCmariug that rome time ago lie
received q call from the Church 10 supply their pulpit.
He had not sought the position, nor had lie ever had
him call lie thought tho field well suited TO his abi
and felt that he equally capactated TO perform
the duties required OF him He was very dcsirous that
there should DO thorough and searching examination
should be found that he was not sound on the doctrine
which the Baptist doctrine or that there WAS any
thing against his religious moral character no should
certainly hope that il should be publicly stated ana that
whatever II might be. He also assured them
that he would give them every AID IN ms
power, and would extend 10 them every faCihiy
10 assist bringing facts that would throw light
on gressons that he might be accused Of He be-
ey he about well acquainted Win MS Ire as
any other person. and no willing that his career from
childhood to the present date should be fuy inquired
into. He concluded by suggesting that the fufheT con
sderntion OF the matter question be postponed Tor SIX
months from date and that before tho council adjourn
committee he appointed TO examine whatever charges
may be brought before them. He concluded ~
Informing the council that he bad no feel,
ing I'm fine matter whatever, his principal
and only object being fun and complete investigation
After tho reverend gentleman had CONCLUDED he was
amendment the original motion was offered 10 the
effect that when the Council adjourn 10 adjourn 10 meet
at the call Of Committee TO be appointed to eAanlue
into the alleged charges. The Council seemed 10 D. u
decided as to what course 20 take. large majority
would vote ono way or the Other, ana the 'ounCI
adjourned Internationally for six months from date.