The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-10-31
RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSIES

controversy. IL, III Inc malni partdkes vi
iuouirylinto the conduct of those who are
tinctured with the liberal philosophy OF
the times. In all the cases thus far re-
ported the methods of inquiry and disci-
plne have been rigid against which neither
eloquence nor learning can prevail, If the
doctrines of the church have been set |
aside. Everything that does not conform
to the standards of the denomination no
matter how excellent it may be in itself, or
how beautiful in the eyes of the world,
must give way to the uncompromising
spirit of orthodoxy that has been inherited
from the fathers. If church, or a clergy
man shows disposition to disregard the
teachings of the UNCONVENTIONAL fathers
upon points which may be considered non
essentials, they are cited to answer the
charge of hercsy, because of teaching doc
trnes which the liberal theologians think
too severe for the nineteenth century.
The Baptist church is not escaping this
general disposition to arraign those who
depart from the standard orthodoxy of the
denomination. Though the prevailing
opinion of the denomination is still
largely in favor of what is known as close
communion, many ministers and laymen
are known to be theoretically in favor of
the relaxation of the rules and the adoption
of the English practice, which is generally
open communion. Among churches
which have given expression to liberality of
views upon the communion question is
that Of Lee avenue church, Brooklyn, N.
Y, of which Rev. J. Hyatt Smith is
pastor. This church is open communion
to the extent of giving no invitation to
anyone to partake of the sacrament, leav-
ing it to the communicate 10 judge of his
own fitness. None but believers baptized
by immersion are eligible to regular men,
bership. The rule is the same as that of
Spurgeon's church in London. The Lee
avenue church has been expelled from the
Long Island association on the ground that
restricted communion is an essential
element to the Baptist church and
that its pastor and people have
repudiated this element. The pastor
protested against the action as tyrannical
usages. AT the same meeting the question
came up whether another church, of which
Rev. DR.. Jeffrey is pastor, should be adj
mitted. A violent opposition to its admis-
sion appeared, led by Rev. J. d. Fulton,
d. d., formerly of Boston. lie asserted
that it was well known that the tenets held
by DR.. Jeffery's church in regard to COM
munion were contrary to the principles of
the Baptist church, and that these elements
of dscord should not be admitted into the
association to disturb the harmony of its
proceedings A long debate followed, but
finally DR.. Jeffrey withdrew his applica.
ton, though he said his faith and the
belief of the church of which he was pas
tor was the same as that of the regular
Baptist denomination, and declared that
his church was in full communion with The
members of the convention, although de-
barred from it. These are but two recent
instances of the discussions in the Baptist
church. There are large number OF
churches, scattered especially through thu
west and south, who are breaking loos,
from UNCONVENTIONAL lines on the clos
communion question. There are indica
tons of heated controversy, and wide re
pudiation of the doctrine which will
eventually lead to separation in to opei
and close communion classes.
Another and perhaps more noted instances
of controversy is found in the Presbyterian
church in the case of Prof. David Swinl
of Chicago, who is charged with setting
aside the doctrines of the shorter catechism
He is a brilliant young man, full of relig
ious zeal and singuiarly gifted as pulpi
orator, who tempers his sermons in accord
ance with the liberal tendencies of tn
prosperous congregation !; his people wer
attached to and would naturally sympathiz
with him. They are prepared to share hi
fortunes in or out of the church. He pc:
|
of formidable schism. The press G
Chicago and the west were on his side, hi
: preaching was in harmony with the spir
:, of the age, and every man whose belief
the old dogmas has been shaken was h
friend. But notwithstanding all this, he
: not allowed to go on with his modernize
doctrines. Rev. DR.. Patton of the Chicag
D Theological Seminary preferred the charg
= of heresy against him, and appeared befol
: the Chicago Presbytery as prosecutor, il
y curing therefor great deal of odium. Il
y had the law and facts with him. III
: Presbytery, putting liberal constructic
on his alleged heretical opinions, refuse
70 to sustain the charges. DIR. Patton toe
y an appeal to higher body, who, at his +
Nc quest, dropped Prof. Swings name, still
=, higher ecclesiastical body has ccnsur
= them for not expelling him. The case no
seems to be finally adjudicated.
Rev. Mr.. Swing having distaste Il
controversy, knowing that the verdi
would be against him, withdrew and a
- nounced himself as an Independent min
:, Ter, holding Presbyterian views, but n
~ amenable to the discipline of that churc
" He, like DIR. Jeffrey, did not want
" disturb the peace of the church, and won
:. accept verdict unjust to himself, ratl
~. than go into controversy that might lead
~ schism. An eloquent and popular divi
" of pure life has been lost to that churc
- but her orthodoxy has been vindcatt
=" 1t is not necessary to allude to the.great &C
~ troversy now going on in the general &C
~ vention OF the Episcopal church, as it
-. before our readers every day, and its mer
~ fully understood These controversi
:. serious as they oftentimes are, will pos
~. ~. bly, result in good to the denominations