The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-22
SUSPENDED FROM THE MINISTRY.
The Reformed Presbyterian synod Objects to
the Conduct Of one of II. Members.

In the meeting of the General Synod OF the
Reformed Presbyterian Church, yesterday. the
Moderator announced that the special order Of
business was TO take from the table the case OF
the Rev. W. j. Clark oil Lisbon St. Lawrence
county. who was accused Of immoral and un-
ministerial conduct" The chairman Of the
committee appointed to investigate the matter
reported that tho accused having been found
guilty and sentenced TO suspension by his own
local Presbytery. in u regular manner. the Gen
oral Synod should confirm the action Of the
lower body. The complaint by the Roy. Mr..
Clark that his presbytery had treated his cnse
in an informal and Illegal manner the COM
mittce claimed was not we'll grounded. There
lore the committee recommended that his ap-
peal or complaint hc disrrgurdcd. that the ind
ing 81 the lower body be- affirmed. and that the
Kev' Mr.. Clark continue suspended from the
a brother arose to endorse the rccommenda.
ton Of the committee, lie said that the Roy,
Mr.. Clark had not only been condemned in
church trial. but that civil court had convicted
him OF thecrlme OF assault and baticry upon
young lady, and fined him for tho offence. The
accused had claimed that he only playfully laid
his hand upon the womun's shoulder. and that
there WIS no real assault. The fact that he had
thkcn another woman On n carriage ride was OF
no account; but assnultng the other woman
was grave matter. Brother Clark 5 usefulness
In the ministry had been impaired. Perhaps a
mrnt. IT, AT the expiration Of the year. he WAS
of 4 conirte heart ana willing To- conduct him.
his past prnte.
A venerable clergyman said: Let Justice be
tempered with mercy. We should in this case
adopt the Divine Masters rule Of doing unto
others rs we would have others do unto us. We
should exercise u forgiving spirit
The Moderator remarked that all discussion
WAS out Of order until the Rev. MIR. Clark. the
accused had been heard in reply 10 the report
Of the committee.
Tho Rev. Mr.. Clark said that he was Of the
opinion that there WIS conspiracy to crush
him. brother who was member OF his own
Prrsbytcry had been heard Ia make remark
t. the effect flat he must be put out Of the min
istry so that his mouth would be shut Tho
action of his prcsbytery had been very un-Pres-
bytorian in its character.
Another Brothcr-l move to amend the report
and recommendation Of the committee 10y
resembling his suspension from the ministry,
and administering Ia him mild reprimand.
tn" Amendment did not prevail.
A member Of the committee exclaimed; We
suspended Brother Clark on his own confession
of wrongdoing."
Brother Clark again obtained the floor and
sad: MY enemies huNo mndr me the victim OF
their holllsh Vaccinations. They caused me to
be invited to visit nm improper place, whore |
ought not to have gone. | went to the place (;
but got out as soon As | saw its bad character
After further discussion vote was taken, and
the General synod almost unanimously resolved
that the action of the local Preshytery be sus-
tanned. and that the Rev. Mr.. Clark be suspend
ed from the ministry one year.
Tho Synod adopted II resolution discounte-
nancing Sunday amusements. running railroad
trains not necessary to bc run on Sunday, and
other needless desecration OF the Lords Day"
Summer understands and drawers, 25e, SIC, SOC; six
j. w. Johnston go Grand It,, also i27 9th ay 29th
EL-AdU.