The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-02-15
PLYMoUTH's COUNCIL.

IT'S ORGANIZATION To-DAY-wHAr IT CAN AND
WHAT 1T CANNOT DO.
The largest Congregational Council that ever assem-
bled in this country with exception will meet in
Plymouth church. Brooklyn, at two O'Clock this after
noon, to advise that much tried body whether or not
had violated Congregational poty its own rules in
dropping from its roll the names OF those who were
mainly instrumental In bringing the great scandal be-
fore the public and who continue 10 still keep the mat
ter agitated II will be remembered that the call for
this Advisory Council issued while negotiations for
a Mutval Council in progress with
Mrs Moulton. The committee appointed TO
prepare for the Advisory Council we're the pastor
Or. Edward Beecher, Robert r. Raymond, H. W. Sage
Augustus Storrs, William Mckay and s. V. White
These gentlemen signed the letters missive and
attended TO all the preminaries One hundred and
seventy-wo churches ali Of them outside of BROOKLYN
and New York, were invited. OF these l26 have
accepted and elected delegates, twentysix have
declined and twenty had not been heard from last
night although the delegates may appear to-day. The
reason assigned by the majority Of the churches which
have declined the invitation is, that revivas are IN
progress among them which render the presence the
pastors Indispensable number, however, declare
themselves opposed TO the Council and few assign no
reason whatever for their defamation. New England
VIII be very largely represented, there will be
present delegates nom six churches OF Name three
New Hampshire four Of Vermont wenty-six of Massa-
chusetts twenty-seven Of Connecticut and two OF
Rhode Island Eleven CHURCHES Of this State will send
delegates and the entire humber OF tho latter present
will probably reach 500
THE ORGANIZATION THE COUNCIL.
Henry Ward Beccher will call the body 70 order
and make an address Of welcome A permanent organ
ization will probably then be effected or temporary
organization may be formed and a committee on per-
manent organization appointed Immediately aiter
these prelImnaries believed that the
OF Plymouth church will DO presented
by Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, DR.. Edward Beecher
Thomas w. Sherman ana Rossiter w. Raymond
written statement VIII probably be submitted which
supplemented SpcCcncS ID Ia
committee. The Council will then proceed to consider
the with view Of advising to the proper
10 be pursued by the church While the case Of the
church being stated the session will DO open but
when the Council comes TO adjudcae upon the matter
the will probably be closed There probably viii
be three sessions held daily and the Council is likely TO
conclude ts abors during the present week Ample
arrangements have been made by Mr.. Beechers con-
gregation for the accommodation of the numerous
delegates who arrived last night aud for the
greater number who will reach Brooklyn to-
day Those who have not personal friends
In the city will call upon Mr. Halliday the assistant
pastor oi the church. when they arrive and that gen.
ueman will supply them with cards introducing them
70 members OF the church who have offered the hosp
taties Of their homes
THE QUESTIONS FOR rHR COUNCIL.
me council, as its name implies e simply one for ad
vice. ana can take cognizance only Of the questions
upon which It's advice has been asked SIX nterroga.
torres have been propounded by Plymouth church Tor
l.s CONSIDERATION They all relate the discipline Of
tne enurch ~ us dealings with OF its members
lbe council may take wide range but cannot be con
verted INTO court Of law can Il touch the evi.
oence whlch was submitted 10 a jury. Il may advise
new rules OF church membership and IL NAV cenS,re
the church for action inaction but Il is sara ~ those
conversant with Congregational usage that IL can nave
power 70 reopen the scandal