The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-11-04
ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL.
Case OF Rev. Mr.. Mott-The Result
Reached.

Pursuant to letters missive from the South
congregational church in Augusta, an eccle-
siastical council convened at Augusta, October
5lst, 1882, for the purpose of determining
whether, under existing circumstances, thu
pastoral relation between the church and Rev.
K. Mott, should not be sundered. The coun-
Gil was composed of representatives OF the
churches as follows; Congregational church at
Hallowell, Rev G. A. White, pastor; Litch-
held, Rev. j. I. Halves, pastor; Richmond,
Rev. W. G. Curtis, pastor; Waterville, Rev,
r. N. Smith, pastor; Winthrop; Rev. W. T.
ODear, pastor; Gardiner, Rev. e. L. Davis;
pastor; Monmouth, Rev. j. B. Carruthers.
pastor: Winter street church, Bath, Rev. J. O.
Flske, D. D., pastor; High street church, Au-
burn. Rev. A. +. Tinker pastor; High street
chrcuh. Portland, Rev. W. FL. Fem. pastor;
also the following individual members: Pref
Lewis Z. Stearns, Bangor Theo. Seminary;
Prof. G. Campbell, Bowdoin COLLEGE; Rev.
Henry +. Harding, Hallowell; Rev. Henry v.
Emmons Hallowell,
1t was organized by the choice of Rev. W.
n. Fem of Portland as moderator, and Prof.
q. Campbell as scribe. After prayer by the
moderator, the parties calling the council pro-
ceeded to lay before it the matters upon which
its advice was desired, especially the pastors
teachings concerning future retr button. Dur
ing the private session, Rev Mr. Fem being
obliged to return to Portland, Rev. II. v. Ev-
ans was chosen moderator in his stead.
Alter protracted deliberatisn the council ar
rived at the following result: "The council
after having made a careful examination of
the case are gratifed by the explicit declara-
ton on the part of Rev. Henry e. Mott of his
adherence to the doctrines of eternal retribu-
ton, and his denial of belief in probation be-
yond the present life; nevertheless, under all
the circumstances, hereby concur in the de-
cision of the church and parish, and advise
that the pastoral relations be now terminated
I'll. Y. EMMoNs, Moderator.
G. CAMPBELL, Scribe.
Augusta, Oct. 81, 1882.
What Mr.. Mott Has to Say.
Mr.. Mott was interviewed by Journal re-
porter in regard to the Council, and its action
with the following result:
care you satisfied with the decision Of the
Council in doctrinal matters?"
II think the Council performed kindly a
difficult task. The reading OF the decision,
however, does not convey to my mind the i'm
preston which think my answers 80 their
questions warranted"
"It has been said that they had further
person al examination Of you after the public
one of the me rning.
II was asked no questions and was not aD-
preached on the subject after the morning ses-
sion"
"Will you please give me such a statement
of your views on this subject as you think was
drawn out by the questions of the Council?"
ut is difficult to bring into a compact state
ment the substance of my replies to so many
questions. Three points seem to have been
dwet upon in this examination"
t.Will you give me the first question and
your answer in brief?"
''The first question raised was as to the con-
dition of the heat hen in the future. / answer
ed that believed all who are saved will be
saved through CHI list, and that the Gospel will
be brought home to all; whether in this age or
another
s.What was the next question:
"The result was brought out through several
questions. / said that in reference to future
punishment accepted as ultimate authority
the words of Christ, and that / believed them
to convey a total impression of the fnality of
the judgments passed at the close OF this life.
Rut, at the same time, may have personal
speeulations to the contrary, and l believe
some hints are found in Paul's teachings of a
time when sin will be eliminated do not at
tempt to reconcile the apparent difference"
What was the last point?''
1.-THE question was asked whether believed
in 3 probation beyond the present life."
"What was your answer"
II said that a future probation is not part
OF my dogmatic belief. | consider the Bible to
be silent on the subject, and / do not know
whether there will be such probation or not.
But find no warrant from the word of God to
declare hope of another standard of judg-
ment than that of the deeds done in the body"
"Have you changed your doctrinal views
since your installation one year ago last Sep
tember?''
"No; have not changed them in any re-
spect."