The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-29
THE BAPTIST MINISTERS.
THE ACTION OF THE CONFERENCE.-THE. FULTON s
POSITION DEFINED BY HIMSELF.

THE ACTION OF THE CONFERENCE.-THE. FULroNs
POSITION DEFINED BY HIMSELF.
To THE EDITOR THE HERALD:-
The article in the HERALD, of January 70, enttied
ministerial Discourtesy Rebuked is from its stand
point, an embodiment of just sentiment. But be-
cause believe you and the ministers of the Confer
utterly misapprehend this question desire the
use of your columns to state the case as view it,
In replying to or in criticsing an essay we are
entitled to but FIVE minutes. Other brethren have
refted the positions taken by references to Scrip
ture. sought to call attention TO danger that had
been overlooked by them and to tendency which
thought explained the motive of the course pur-
sued best could in brief way referred to the
fact that despotsms bolster up each other. The SER
want one despotsm is ready to help another.
The South sought to build up despotism whose
corner stone should be slavery The government. at
the head of which was Pho Mono, gave the Southern
Confederacy its recognition In spirit and in purpose
these governments In accord. Both sought to
build mp central aristocratic power at the expense
of the interests and the liberties of the
common people, DR.. Samson before the
war and during the war known to
be strong pro-slavery man. He sympathized with
the South as against the North. He ministered to
the Confederate sick and the prisoners from the
South He was consistent in his conduct Be it
known, then, that Baptist minister has been sis-
pended, unheard, from the Baptist Ministers Con-
ference not for recreancy to principle nor for be-
traying UNCONVENTIONAL trust, but for intmating
that member who gave his support to Southern
slavery is predisposed therefore to give his support
to the dcspotism of Rome DIR. Samson admits that
he did not speak behalf of liberty and that he is in
sympathy with Roman Catholics. as he is in sympa-
thy with the best everywhere. In this morn
ing's Sun find this language from him, in which he
declares his loyalty in 1s65;-
As to my politics. am not and abo
litionist. i have warm friends in the South, and
did have during the war. Certainly, was shut out
from some Massachusetts Baptist churches, but not
the most prominent. Once was near being arrested
for spy when crossing the army lines. but it was
when, under Secretary Stewards instructions and in
his confidence 1 went missionary among the
negro Baptiss. 1t q shrewd notion OF the Sec
rotary to increase their religious fervor, they
numbered in Georgia out of six, in South
Carolina the same, and. in North Carolina one in
seven. When explained my mission was let CO.
In the beginning of the war, when the Baltimore
affair took place, it suspected that was signal
ling to the Southerners in Alexandria from my col
lege windows with kerosene lamp. II was absurd
and Mr.. Lincoln saw 1t My interfering with 800
citizens OF Virginia who were to be sent South be-
they would not allegiance to the state
of West Virginia. has been misunderstood. showed
the President that they conscientousy chung to the
old State of Virginia. and offered for them their oath
to 90 parole. They, consequently, were allowed
to keep their property aud stay ut home. As to my
words 1 exhorted the Fifteenth Connecticut volul-
teers the second Sunday in September 1865, when
in their camp near Washington to uphold one of the
best governments under the sun.
FOR WHAT I SUSPENDED?
For telling the simple truth. which has been admit
ted by the one of whom spoke and because would
not stutfy myself and take back uterance founded
ON fact and on common we'll, ut the request
Of who listeners to and not sharers in the
condemnation. For Dr. Samson personally share
with my brethren in their love and in their desire to
commend. He is courteous Christian gentleman
While he pro-slavery in sentiment. Southern IN
procvity. he was the embodiment OF the spirit OF
fraternal kindness and good will to all. In the
in the daily prayer meeting. in the college and in his
church he was brother beloved. For him a
have only love. For his principles, opposed. in
my opinion, to the spirit of Christianity and
as al to saG %
the hearing of my brethren. This being denied Inc,
seek to say It in the hearing OF the worli. 1t will
brethren had nothing but rebuke. 1t must be re-
membered that this war not the begin
running through years one Of the stoutest Of
my opponents was, until he surrendered to
and became the slave OF .pen communion. one OF
been persistent, not always fair, opponent 1t was
he who reported in al incorrect manner conversa-
tiun which occurred between company OF clergy
men in my study aud was rebuked for 1t before the
Conference. Yesterday was field day for my oppo-
nent. Backed up by allies kindred in spirit and SEN
tinient. he prevented my saying what believed
would have shown the Conference that while de-
sired 20 be true to truth did not desire to be untrue
treated not alone They cast out my Master as un-
reasoningy and raised claor about Paul at Ephesus.
who WIS more fortunate than his admirer in havinga
town clerk to appease the people, saying Seeihg then
these things cannot be spoken against yc ought to be
quiet, and to do nothing rashy" The ministers are
Justified in loving DR.. samson. but hardly In claim
ing that lie il nallible They should have permit
ted me to have made the point which believe is
well akenthat it is legitimate to trace influence.
while character Is left unassailcd On the questions
of slavery and Romanisin Dr. Samson and myself are
antagonists. On almost everything else we in
accord The time will come when we shall learn to
be tolerant toward those who differ from without
feeling compelled to indorse utterly reject all the
opinions which may be entertained.
IT, then, the Conference had permitted me to state
the difference between my entertaining the opinion
THAT because member favored slavery lie naturally
favored dcspotsm." without wishing to insult or
to injurc the feelings of brother whom re-
spect, as respect thousands more who believe in
human slavery. the Conference would have voted
wisely and should have been saved tho rebuke
administered in the article referred to- Thanking the
HERALD for its fairness remain. with sincere re-
spect, JUSTIN ID. FULTON,
No. 255 Carlton avenue, Brooklyn.