Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1889-08-01

voting upon the evidence without argu-
ment, but would not deny to any brother
the privilege of freeing his mind -
hence protracted discussion often de-
ferred the vote an hour so late that some
families were compelled to leave before
the vote.
It was also observable, certainly in
most cases; that even those who defend
ed Bro. Martin did not agree with him
in the matters involved, but were in
fiuenced in their course by quite other
reasons, honorable ones, and deemed
! sufficient by them.
Let 1t also be noted that whatever may
be the merits of that question, no issue
was raised by the church against Bro.
Martin on re-baptism per Sc. There is
nothing in the charge or in the specifica-
tions to that effect. Such issue was not
only directly disclaimed, but it was dis
tinctIy stated in the presentation of evil
ueRce that a part, though much the
smaller part, of the denomination had,
in rare and exceptional cases, after much
care and prudent delay, practiced re-
baptism, though never re-ordinatiOn, so
far as remembered.
But the charge sustained against him
was that by a new and ficticious test of
conversion he had caused a proclamation
of baptism and ordination until the evil
was without parallel in our denomina-
tional history.
Nor did the church in any way arraign
or assume to pass Judgment on the action
of other sovereign Baptist churches. We
confined ourselves strictly to Bro. Mar
tin 8 relation to the facts and his respon-
sibility to this church.
There was no charge against Bro. Mar
tin for trying to awaken and save uncon-
verted church members, but for design
eddy bringing about mental perpleXities
in the minds Of the most worthy, living
without reproach, with a view to their
re- baptism or ordination leaving IN
awakened the class whose lives might
well argue their unTegene rate state.
Moreover, the trial was every way fair;
Bro. Martin was not only heard in his
own defence, but was assisted therein on
the floor by three able Baptist lawyers,
no lawyer taking the floor against him or
assisting in the preparation of the case.
Again, the defence, by one or the
other Of Bro. Martin s friends, covered
every technicality of verbiage in the
specifications and testimony.
And yet, again, it is noteworthy that
no specification whatever was voted
down.
The one on sanctifcation was GEL
eTously withdrawn on his statement that
his plea would be that when he wrote the
Objectionable article on sanctifcatiOn of
the spirit he did not mean to write about
Baptist doctrine of sanctifcation of the
spirit.
One important specification at the con-
clusion was not pressed, solely because,
as was clearly stated, enough had been
proven, and the church was worn out
with five long conferences.
It should also be borne in mind that
the most convincing proof on every
proposition Except one, relating eXclu-
sively to practical results) was drawn
from his own journal, and in his own
words, and declared by him to be his
own matured thoughts.
These quotations were fairly made,
and IL proper connection, chapter,
page, column, (and even line, when
necessary being announced, he holdin G
one file of his journal to verify each quo
tation, and a brother defending him
holding another file, the one from which
the quotations were being made.
In one instance, indeed, he COM
planned, not of the quotation itself, but
of the Interpretation placed hpon it,
which matter, however, was for the
church to Judge after his explanation.
Then, on each specification proof con-
firmatory of his published utterances was
submitted in the written evidence of the
pastors with whom he labored, and whose
testimony he had previously invoked,
and which testimony was written after
due notification that it must not be con-
fidential, and would, if necessary, be
oTov -,
name being given in every case.
This testimony was strong, direct, I'M
equivocaI and overwhelming; where any
pastor gave favorable testimony it was
voluntarily given to the church.
Three of the specifications were sus-
tanned by vote of more than two to one
And one, perhaps the most important, by
unanimous vote. We refer 10 the one on
prayer and the forgiveness of sins.
On this last specification the proof was
so direct, so express, so unambiguous,
and so overwhelming, running far be-
yOnd the specification, that, though sub
mitted without argument except q state
ment by Bro. Martin, not even one in
the whole church would vote to declare
it not sustained.
Here, for the reasons before stated the
evidence closed and the case rested.
= Whereupon a motion prevailed, by
More than three to one, that the general
charge, so far as based upon the four
specifications considered, be declared
sustained. Immediately thereafter fol-
lowed the motion that his credentials be
recalled.
Before voting the church bowed in
fervent prayer for divine direction.
Many rose in tears; deep and holy awe
pervaded the assembly.
Short speeches, in subdued and broken
followed.
The credentials were recalled by about
the same vote as the la st.
This was followed by motion to grant
him letter as q Iayman, and it in turn
by n substitute that the fellowship of the
church be withdrawn. But this last.
though seemingly the most logical, at
the earnest solicitation Of the pastor,
was Withdrawn, and the letter granted.
Many kind expressions of personal good
viii were extended to Bro. Martin by
those who voted against him.
One additional observation should be
added. There is in the church as con-
sequence of the trial, so far as we know
and believe, no bitterness, no factious
spirit and no division. None was mani
tested by Bro. Martin himself at the
time, and so far as we know and believe,
none since. Our custom is to heartily
cOncede to each other, without suspicion