Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1883-04-28
NORTHERN TRIBUNE.
SATURDAY. APRIL %, 1888.
Observation-Disclosures.

Hercsy --Mndepemdence.
Last fall Rev. Reed Stuart, of Battle
Creek, belonging to the Lansing Presby-
terry, was complained of as being un-
sound in doctrine. There was report
made IN his favor, and the case was
dropped. This spring the matter was
brought up by theI'ollOwing letter:
BATTLE CREEK, Mich, April 9, 1883.
To the Members of Lansing Presbytery.
DEAR BRETHREN-We, the undersigned
members of the cOmmitte Of the Congregation
al and Presbyterian church of this city, beg
leave to submit to your consideration the state
ment that the pulpit teachings Of the Rev.
Reed Staurt are not in accord with an under
standing Of Presbyterian doctrine, and that,
after another six months trial, we have be-
come fully satisfied that 1t Is impossible for us
to comply with your request and harmonic
our differences and work tOgether-the differ
ence OF opinion upon fundamental dOctrinal
points being altogether too wide for such a
state of harmony to exist. In view of this con-
ditiOn Of things and with no prospect, as far as
we can see, OF its being bettered, under exist
ing relations, we submit to your consideration
this whole matter, trusting that you will favor
us with your counsel and take such action i'm
our behalf as i'm your wisdom you shall deem
best
(Signed by five members Of the church,
A committee of Investigation was ap-
pointed, before whom Mr.. Stuart would
not appear, but requested his name to be
taken from the roll Of the presbytery.
This could not be complied with, until
he pleaded his ill health prevented him
from passing through trial for heresy,
and then he was dropped. A committee
was appointed to confer with the MEM
bersat Battle Creek, in regard to form
ing distinct Presbyterian church. On
Sunday, the 18TH, Mr.. Stuart preached to
a full house at Battle Creek, explained
what had been done, and by an almost
unanimous vote the following resolu-
lions were adopted:
Whereas, This congregation has been in
formed of the proceeding had in relation to the
Rev. Reed Stuart at the late meeting Of the
Lansing presbytery at Mason, Mich, and
Whereas, this congregation wishes to ex-
press its sentiment and feeling in regaad there
to; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That the communication pre-
scented to the Lansing Presbytery at its late
meeting at Mason, signed by w. II. Skinner,
IL
and G. A. Powell, is, in view OF all the facts
and circumstances, an unwarrented use by
petitioners Of their official positions as men,
bers OF the church committee, inasmuch'as said
communication in its manner and matter pur-
ports to be an official utterance Of said church
committee, whereas the framing and presenta-
ti0n OF said communication was entirely UNI
known to the minority members Of said COM
mittee and is prejudicial to the Christian har-
mony, peace and good fellowship Of the church
and society.
2. That we recognize no right in the presby..
terry of Lansing to exercise any ecclesiastical
jurisdiction over this church.
3. That we do hereby reaffirm our confidence
in our PASTOR the Rev. Reed Stuart as a man
and as CONSTANT preacher Of the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
4. That we recognize the present status Of
our pastor and the present legal relations be-
tween our pastor and this society.
Resolved further.
1. That the Rev. Reed Stuart is now an in
dependent Presbyterian minister, without
present ecclesiastical connection.
2. That the legal relations between pastor
and society are such as We're created
by contract in October, 1852, and that such re-
lations are unimpared by the late proceedings
of the Lansing Presbytery at Mason.
Heresy cases are always coming up for
Decentralization of ecclesiastical bodies.
who haveIthe rightsto Ostracize those who
are not in accord with the polity or doc
trines of the denomination identified
Herewith. Those expelled have no right
to complain, but should be careful to ex-
emplify superior spirit and practice.
There is ample room to do good any
where on earth.
THE Detroit Free Press ia becOming