Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-09-18

Letter q Resignatisn u the Rev. n. =
| Mott
| To the Members of the South Congregations,
| Church and Parish.
MY DEAR FRIENDS: Somewhat more than
a year ago / was called TO be the pastor and
teacher of this church and congregation.
Since that time l have endeavored 10 meet
| in full the obligations of the Office. Among
the things entrusted to my care was the duty,
as ! conceive it. of suggesting as occasion
should arise, any notifications in point
of doctrine or practice which &C.
| Cured to me as tending to promote the
efficiency of this church. In seeking to es-
tabllsh the kingdom of Christ in this COM
munity, local incidents drew my attention to
the practical working of one of the articles
of faith; and in aiming at the utmost eficien-
CIV of the church, suggested its modification.
This was simply that, while in nowise dis
cussing theologically the dogma of an end
less retribution, affirmed that assent to this
doctrine ought not to be an essential pre-
requisite to membership in an orthodox church.
The articles of faith of this church
have been from time 10 time subject
to change and Improvement and l
have had no reason to deem that their
present form was final, when sufficient cause
should be shown for modification. 1t has
never been made plain why now, more than
few years ago, these articles should be con-
sidered infallible, and all suggestion with
reference to them supertiuous. Nor is II
customary for one, in accepting the pastorate
of church, to pledge himself that he will never
entertain or bring to the notice of the church
questions respecting its faith and polity.
am now informed by certain members of this
church that quote their language-"when
called TO be our pastor and teacher you had
the articles of faith of our church in your
possession, and ample time to acquaint
yourself with our doctrinal views, and if not
in accord with your own. your duty was to
inform us of the fact; but neither to the
church nor council did you express dissent
from any one of them. For these reasons
you cannot claim the right to modify or throw
doubt upon any one of them while you re-
main pastor and teacher of this church; and
it would be inconsistent for YOU to retain
your present relation with us, il you intend
preaching contrary to its articles Of faith -
in short, that when came here the articles
of faith had arrived at that perfection-whicb
they had never attained before, which those
of other churches had not reached-where
they are not only the best possible, but
where any suggestion with reference to them
by one who occupies the position of teacher,
is forbidden. With the Evangelical
thought and worship of this church,
am in strict accord; but for that very rea-
son should seem to do less than my duty
did not suggest whatever would appear
to me to enlarge and strengthen its influence.
Thus it has been sought to impose upon me
restrictions not required at my installation,
and which would take from the pastor the
-. g al I'll
corning the interest of his church. And,
therefore, while regretting so speedy ter
mination to our relations, and being grieved
to part with many who in this short time have
become endeared to me, must beg to tender
you my resignation of the pastoral office, to
take effect Nov. LIST. Whatever the future
may bring to you and me, the bonds of
Christ cannot be broken.
Very affectionately yours. in Christian love,
HENRY f. MOTT.
Augusta, Me-. Lords Day, Sept. 10, 1882.