The Portland daily press., 1876-02-16
THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
MIR. Beecher's Address of Welcome
The Organization Completed and the
Work Commenced.

NEW YORK, Feb. 15.-The auditorium and
galleries of Plymouth church were thrown open
at o'clock to-day, the former to membe rs of
the Advisory Council of Congregational
churches, and the latter to the general public.
There was no crowding and the galleries filled
very slowly. Fully twO-thirds of the audience
were ladies of the Plymouth church congrega-
ton. The delegates are for the most part ear
nest, intelligent and cultivated 10 appearance
AT o'clock Mr.. Beecher ascended the plat
form and spoke substantially as follows 1t is
my duty, brethren and fathers, to welcome you
You have come from great distance some of
you, and all of you from occupations that could
ill spare you, and we appreciate your fidelity to
the great principles of sympathy and fellowship
by which the churches are united together, and
by which any that are unfortunately necessi-
tated can feel themselves at liberty to call for
Lelp from their brethren 1t is a matter that
requires no explanation that Plymouth church
has been for the last four or five years making
voyage on stormy sea.
The difhculties within, however, have been
more than were known without. Nevertheless,
during this troubloas and stormy period, you
will join with me in thanking God that this
church has stood and stands to-day as one
man Though it has been set upon by adversely,
it has pleased God to be among us. Many
have been awakened and quickened in their
labors, and it has been perpetual summer
among u.s. There are more things worthy Of
notice than policy. You are called not to a
personal question, not to church question but
to joint question. The roots of the question
you are to consider run back TO personal
question. 1t is not for me to suggest anything
to you. We desire you to make all enquiry of
every sort you may think best and whatever
investigation you may think it wise to pursue
and adopt or reject. L beg you to understand
that you will act according to your discretion
and not under any restriction in spirit or letter
on our part. For myself l fear no investga.
ton.
After few concluding. words Mr.. Beecber
suggested that temporary, chairman be chos-
en- with view to perfect organic alton. Rev.
DIR. Leonard Bacon was then chosen tenn pora-
ry chairman, Rev. Mr.. Clark of Boston, scribe.
and Messrs. Rowe of Newark. N. j., as assist
ant scribes. Rev. DR.. Bacon was unanimously
chosen moderator, and Hon. Nelson Dingley
assistant moderator. Several others were nom
mated for additional assistant moderator, and
finally Mr.. Bates of Illinois, was chosen. The
tempory scribeS were then chosen as perma-
nent scribes and the meeting formally opened
by reading of the letter missive.
Verses from to IL inclusive of the 10th chap
ter Of the I'd book of Chronicles were read, af-
ter which DR.. Bacon delivered the ope ening
prayer. He prayed for guidance to the council,
for the pastor of Plymouth church, that he
might be wholly blessed and his ministry be
would be harmony in that church and loving
cooperation of all the churches.
The moderator then said: 1t is proper to re-
mark at the outset;
First, That we are not here to whitewash
either this church or its pastor. Ii it needs
whitewashing it should have called others than
us to perform the services of that character.
daughter and applause.)
Second, We are not called to revise and cor
rect the judgment Of any former council. Such
suppositlon contravenes the very idea on
which the Congregational councils meet.
r6 a ord ,of to hn y,I,II liz h.
drawing their attention to any side issues or
questions merely incidental. 1t would be a
disrespect to this church to suppose it convened
us for any such intention.
Fourth, We are not to decide or try the main
question which has agitated not only this city
but the entire country aud all English speaking
chrstendom for the past three years or more.
We have nothing to do with that question
the main question. 1t is not submitted to Us
and it would be preposterous to submit such
a question as that to any assembly like
this. Why, we are more numerous than the
Presbyterian Synod, and more unfit for any
judicial function than the Presbyterian church
itself. (Laughter.) We are not here for the
trial of such a case as that Let it be under
stood at the outset that even if this church by
its committee should invite us to try and decide
that question we have nothing to do with it.
We ars incompetent, or as once heard law
yer say, why appeal to the poor house, and you
wouldn't have more unfit trial.
Fifth, We are here to advise this church
concerning the manner in which it has dealt,
and how it ought to have dealt, with what is
well known as the great scandal; to revise all
proceedings Of this church in regard to it.; to
act on principles not facts.
In conclusion he asked for solemn silence and
that all abstain from manifestations of applause
or otherwise
The moderator named as business committee
Lyman Abbott, Dr. j. p. Warren, Dr. Fair
child, Judge Witty, and President STURDY of
illinois College. The moderator then announc-
ed that he had been thandedia written protest
from William f. West (laughter). The COM
munication after discussion was referred to the
business committee. The pastor and commit
tee were next called upon to make statement.
Mr.. Beecher then read the statement of Ply
mouth church annexed to the letter missive.
The statement rehearsed the history of the
church, described the rapid growth of its men,
ship and strong attachment of members of it,
so that it was their dream when they went out
from it to make money enough to return to the
church, regarding it as the Jews regarded Jeru-
salem. Then was explained the difficulties
which gradually arose about giving letters Of
dismission to those departing, some having un-
dergone change of belief.
Amongst the cases mentioned was that of
Pere Hyacinthe's wife, who was a member, but
after her marriage Joined the Roman Catholic
church and sent word back to that effect. In
1865 the rule was made to provide that men,
bers might be dropped either upon their own
application, or if they had abandoned the
church, on the application of any other person
confirmed by the recommendation of the exam
lining committee, by vote of the church.
After discussing the question of excommuni.
cation as harsh and impracticable, Mr.. Beecher
dropped the printed report and went on to talk
in reference to the decision of the committee in
1874 finding the accusations against him un-
founded. He said the committee did not con-
slider their decision approved by the church as
final thait host for fr-o tha 81,
find out the facts. Then the report was adopt
ed by 1900 members rising as one man. 1t had
been said that the committee were the pastor g
friends, but what others should he find when
all were his friends. Who else was to try him
but his church, and who had such an interest
in finding out whether their pastor was pure ?
Speaking of men who insinuate ISLANDERS BY a
shake of the head and with the eye, he describ.
ed them as periodically coming to the surface
with miasmatic bubbles that poison the air.
Breaking off at another place, he said that it
was the Intention of the church at first to deal
with Mrs. Moulton chivalrously and let her
name drop as nOiseleSsly as possible. Finally
the condition of things became intolerable.
Every man wanted to call council. There
never, on the honor of man and the faithof a
christian, was more honest desiresfor mutu-
al council than on the part of Plymouth
church. But at last this advisory council. 60
large and influential was called to brush aWay
the swarm of mosquito councils people were
proposing.
Again taking up the question of Plymouth.
church's relation to other Congregational
churches, he said he had held species of radi.
cal Congregationalsm; had urged Oh the
brethren complete independence as adapted
to the church and its pastor. He did not
want his brethren to father whatever he might
say in his sermons but the church was so Con-
gregational that it overIuled, and he was SC
Congregational that he knew when he was
overruled and submitted. (Laughter)
The business committee then reported for
adoption the following resolutions:
1. That six committees be appointed, seven
on each committee, that the six questions in
the letter missive be referred each to one OF
such committees, to consider and report min.
ute thereon for the consideration of the coun.
Gil; that each member of the council be request.
ed to submit to such committees anyIauestiops
propositions or suggestions pertinent to the
questions before them.
2. That such committee be nominated by
the moderator, by and with the advice of the
assistant moderators and subject to the ap
proval of the council.
3. After the election of such committees
that the council proceed to hear from the
pastor and church any statement they NAV de-
sire to make.
4. That all communications from all ont
side of the council be presented through the
business committee only.