New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-15
THE PROCEEDINGS.

The Free Religious Association called 10 order
by Oliver johnson. who made the following remarks
before introducing tho Chairman, Charles StorB VI
Brooklyn:
REMARKS OF OLIVER JOHNSON.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: have been requested by
those In authority in the Free Religious Associations Ia
call this meeting order to introduce you the
gentleman who has been selected preside upon this
occasion. In fulfilling this simple duty forbear
a single word here regard the character Of this
Association. I wish to call attention W single
feature OF It, by virtue OF which 1t differs from
almost all the religious associations IN this community
mean In the breadth and catholicty OF It's platform.
This Association presents 10 creed no body Of doctrine
to whchhose who JOIN II labor in II required Ia
give assent II invites Christians aud inndels, NOLAN
medans and in short all classes OF In al parts OF
the world invites them the simple ground OF their
humanity to consider questions which are OF common
interest to all rational beings. i am giad to
say ladies and gentlemen. that shall have the pleasure
Of Introducing you the chairman OF this meeting,
gentleman who has an honorable name as a mer-
chant of this city, who is himself member Of the
Evangelical Church. Charles storrs Of Brooklyn. lAp
lause.l
Mr.. Storrs then came forward and introduced the
Rev. 0. b. rockingham in the following words:
REMARKS OF CHARLES sroRRs.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN Having been informed that
all cordially invited TO participate 20 the
meetings OF tins Associaon am nere not 70 address
you, but to listen and learn understand II 10 be
OF the cardinal principles Of this Association
that no one is bound by the creeds actions
Of another; that each has the right OF private
Judgment thus being Protestant indeed It perhaps
but right / should that belong TO orthodox
Church, and have intention OF leaving H. Early
| associations and circumstances may have thrown
us into different churches; being there, let ,us
NOT be restive too hasty TO change. As
are impressed and permitted 10 the
light we may enabled to enligten Others Churches
have changed or modified their ereeds amt views in
times past and doubtless will again. Nevertheless,
see valid why should not be TO eonyic
aud superstition stimulates charity and good works, apd
tends TO better life from whatever 1t
II criticism be raised for thinking actingthat
am in the wrong company or place = think II would be
sufficient answer and precedent 10 refer TO the
seets commingng this city during the past weeks In
friendly and doubtless profitable Interchange OF views
II needed, much older precedent could be named IL
Jesus OF Nazareth associated with pubcans and Sinners
surely i need not hesitate 10 meet with tho
learned aud good. Wherever Jesus found man.
there he found and recognized brother. With tbss
precedent aud in that sprt cheerfuly accept the po-
sition assigned will not trespass further
time but congratulate this Association upon ts eminent
speakers and thinkers give way Its distinguished
President the Rev. o. B. Frothingham.
The Rev. O. B. rockingham then made the fol-
lowing address: