New-York tribune., 1873-12-19
AN INDEPENDENT CHURCH.

RELATIONS OF PLYMOUTH CHURCH TO OTHER RE-
MGIoUs BoDIEs-vIEws OF THE REV. DR. BUD
ISGToN AND THE REV. DIR. EDWARD BEECHER
The Rev. DR.. Burlington of the CliDtOn-ave.
Church, Brooklyn said to a reporter recently relative
10 his position and that OF his church toward Pynouh
Church. that urthest from his wish to dispute
the night Of independence OF any church whatsoever
The independence OF each local church was principle
OF the Congregational body which he would insist upon
as srenuously as Mr. Beecher his church could do
All OF the churcnes rules almost identical with the
first and second of the Plymouth Manual adopted in ls4S
which are now cited as special significance az proving
what has ever been disposedto to deny
The Congregauonaiss, however have never claimed 10
he independently (which involves isolation from all
other organizations but have maintained the closest
Christian fellowship toward each other; and the ques'
ton is, in regard to Plymouth Church, whether
their idea OF independence goes far to destroy that
fellowship which is thought by other churches not 10
conflict with the independence OF church IL is tha'
fellowship which leads TO inquiry into the night or
wrong course OF individual churches In this case, Dr
Budingon said, do not wish IN any way 10 interfere
with the independence OF Plymouth Church, but we
simply want to know II we can walk with them a. ln
the past whether they have in effect cut loose from
the Congregational body and intend to break fellow
ship. 1t has been the custom to call councils to con-
slider the actions of churches, which might seem con
trary TO what the body as whole regards as right.
These councils are, and can be- only advisory. and
never claim right OF dictation in matters OF dis
cipne. Plymouth Church. in the present instance
asks for the points that will be brought before such
council If one be called. and they will doubtless be
mentioned in the communication about to be sent tha
church The most open and Christian course is desired
I'm this matter and nothing has been or will be done IN
any other spirit
Dr Edward Beecher stated TO reporter last evening
tbst no new position had been assumed by Plymouth
Church The rule OF independence now insisted upon
NOT different tina: of 25 and the churcl
has no desire thought OF withdrawing it's fellowship
or of separating itself from the Congregational body
has not in the least degree violated any principle oi
Ougregationallsm. departed from the customs OF
congregational Churches in general. Had thost
churches thought that they had reason Tor reino
strating with Plymouth Church. adopted the GOspe
rule the outset, instead OF making an open attac
without having first made proper inquiry, the dlcuy
which has followed might have been avoided; ana now
should churches mention the matters which they
wish 10 bring before a council. Plymouth Church Will
then be able give them direct answer one way OF
the oner, whether not II will be party " council
A new feature OF this discussion Is the opposition
within churches OF Drs. St0rrs and Budlngton 10
the action OF those bodies This is already assuming
the aggressive; in Of them meeting Is soon 10 pe
held by those who object to the measures auopteu te
give expires their feelings and In the other thert
Is mucn aud very free comment, some thhhlng tha'
the churches have far enough anu others uat TOO
much has already been said and done