New-York tribune., 1875-11-16
MRS. MoULroNS DEuiyD FOR 4 COUNCIL.

VIEWS or THE REV. DIR. BUDGNGToN-HE BELIEVES
TIE DEMAND A PROPER oNE-wHAr IHE COURSE
OF sUCu A COUNCIL WOULD BE.
A reporter of TIE TRIBUNE called upon the
Rev Dr. Burlington OF the Clinton Avenue Congrega-
tonal Church. Brooklyn, last evening to learn what,
in his opinion would be the result OF Mrs. Emma
C. NIoulton, demand for "A council Of churches
TO decide II she had been rightfully dropped
from the roll of membership OF Plymouth
Church. Dr. Burlington said that Mrs. Moulton was
perfectly justified in demanding trial from Plymouth
church; failing in that ~ she IN fact had-the church
refusing to entertain her charges against her pasotit
was her privilege ana duty as a woman Jealous OF her
standing a. Christian TO ask Plymouth Churcn 10 join
with her in calling mutual council. II the church
accepted her challenge then each party TO the Issue
poulI select an equal number Of churches 10 sit IN
colucu and pass upon the truth OF her supposed
grievance. If Plymouth Church refused to ac-
cept a mutual council, Mrs. MoultOns last recourse
open to her by the principles ANA usagcs or he church
would be to call an er pore council lie said her right to
do this could not be questioned, ana the laws Of the Con
grcgaonal Church made plainly the duty of those in
fellowship 10 accede to her demands. lie thought there
would be- no difficulty In her securing council whose
decision, whatever it might be, would com
mand the respect Of tho religious community
There could be doubt about Mrs. Moulton's
having been uuiusy dropped from the rolls, and this
Affected the right Of fellowship Of Plymouth Church
I'M l-1l a council called 10 decide IL lheutorc Intun
had laSiy been dropped from Tie Plymouth roll. -lr
ErecLef~ church claimed fan fellowship AMI NJ u was
decided that the action IN Mr. lOn5 ease was IN viola
lion of the principles OF Tie church. the Plymouth BODY
was continued IN fellowship ON probation, 20. Dr. But
mgon eXpes scd II, for tie reason a. stated IN tc
* suit oil Council" But the communication from
Plymouth Church thl- council makes professions ana
declarations which Justify the nope that such deviation
from the ordinary course OF discipline VIII not Dc re-
peated. , .... -, .. ........ a, .
csrly IN Of Mrs Moulton Tor IN the same Rc-
.ult Of Council l. LAID down principle that vol
mutary absence OF resident nltmhtr iom me founu
mon of the church and from lis public worship doe. not
dissolve the covenant. but Is reasonable ground or
admOuiton; and persisted %, OF nha ccnsbfc Nrn
"A REGULAR complaint 10 made against s1ch member lhdt
iu some other respect hc violates IN" law OF thilst
and e,pecally hen the complaint II thd he ha- clict
lated aud promoted scandals deruSaforJ to Tie CHRISTIAN
integrity OF the pastor aut ur"hs 10 the reputation p
the Church the consideration tnat h" hts long ago ior
s,u the church II only agstaNdilou Oi hls alleged
Iaulf But Plymouth Church has Jailed 10 lceoS-
uile either OF the above principles IN dropping
/ Nr. Noulton from the rO without lh0 usual
rrurse or discipline. lf her letter mssiye to
be Council ask. merely that 10 bc decided II she has Oec
dr,pu,d uusiy from tur rolls u Viii place the question
.t issue inst wherc 10 before the Council OF 1874
that s tau Plymouth Church be received IA lu fellow
,hpl II her r,tcr ml-siNc rcptai, ih" charges "i
adultery against her pastor, Il viii bc the duty OI the
Council TO inquire into their truth Or talsity.
If Plymouth Church should declare itself an infepend-
ent church the Council would have no responsibility
rr-tng ON il ~ regards the moral standing OF Nj.
Bercier and would probably give MIS- Mouton .eittr
reiustating her Ia the Congregational Chufeh.