The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-03-14
The Crumbling Walls of Congregations
nj I'm.


The Rev. Or. SToLRs does not too soon
on too strongly warn ougrogationalists of
the disastrous results TO their religious
system that are involved in the formal or
tacit acceptance of the doctrines laid down
by Mr.. BEECHERs Advisory Council As
we have repeatedly shown, and rs the
learned and iudicious pastor of the Church
of the Pilgrims showed on sunday night,
the decisions Of that council establish n
sort of Congregationalism which must be
rs repugnant IA the teachings Of free
lovers to men of reason and morality.
They grant practical immunity TO every
pastor of n Congregational church accused
of RIGHTEOUSNESS, by rendering his fair
trlal and just punishment, il guilty, utter
ly impossible. They give him the right to
drop from his church without trial all
members who may accuse him of wrong
doing and that, not for so accusing him
for SANDER, baokbiting, ana falsehood-
but because they refuse to listen TO his
preaching and TO take the communion at
his hands. The extraordinary rule il laid
down that even though a Congregational
church member says and swears his minis
ter is a confessed adulterer and blasphe-
nous perjurer, he il bound TO go 10 hear him
preach, and to sit with him at the commun-
ion table and partake Of the sacred elc-
ments, as DR.. STORRs puts II, from a pas
tor whose hands he believes TO be stained
with unconfessed lust" Well may DR..
SroRRs add. that if this is CONGREGATIONAL
ism, then will the Christian mind of the
country come to the conclusion that
"we've had about enough OF It,"
This Advisory Council went further. II
justified, approved, and applaudcd the
course taken by Mr.. BEEcHER in selecting
his own committee of investigation, and
packing it with his intimate friends, men
who had unresorvedly committed them
selves TO his side of the controversy, some
Of them not even members of the church.
1t approved his course in appearing before
such committee by legal counsel, who were
allowed to manipulate witnesses and work
up his case for him, while his accuscr was
not so represented and neither personally
nor by attorney had the advantage Gu
joyed by the accused Of summoning ana
cross-examining witnesses. II this is Con-
gregationaism, surely every man who
knows ana respects justice will not be long
in saying we've had about enough 1 it,"
The Advisory Council approved the right
of an accused minister 10 veto the selection
of members OF a mutual council made 10y
his adversary, on the ground that they
were dangerous TO his interests. Under
such rule every advantage is given to the
accused, and he Is practically allowed the
privilege Of naming his own council, aud
of null yilg all imputations OF the con-
4
more The Congrcgationalst ministers
hereafter charged with crimes can laugh
their assailants to scorn drive them out Of
any ecclesiastical court, browbeat them,
shut them up from g. hearing before any
council in whose choice they shall have Il
voice, and then call their own &c pdltc
council, ana proceed without any refer
ence to their aocusers. II this Is Con-
Rregationalism, "a deceptive rogue, ms DR..
SToRRs well says has as perfect a security
in ite ministry as that surrounding n
Turkish harem. lie might have added
that CongregatiOnalist minister can turn
his church into harem, and yet be exempt
from any ecclesiastical penalties.
When he has got his advisory council,
the minister, though IL is not called to
consider the accusations against him and
the acousers are not admitted TO its dis
cussions, may again ana again deny their
charges md protest his innocence, without
presenting or being asked to present any
proof to sustain his dramatic and mpas-
stoned declarations. This council, COM
posed Of the minister's friends, their ex-
penses paid by. his church who are fierce
in pnrtlsanship for him, dwelling In the
atmosphere Of that unreasonns partisan
ship, instructed by his attorney and
swnyed by his own magnetic eloqucucc,
not only has the right 10 shut of a call by
another church for a mutual council, to Dc
convened for his actual trial, but to lay
down plan for the invest cation Of the
charges against lin Which practically