Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-05-27

views and helping the doubtful and
/ troubled TO a better understanding of
/ Scripture.
But without any intention on my
part il became such an occasion; and as
a few were out of accord with the doc
TRUE and there were symptoms that if l
remained the church would be attacked
by all the denOminatiOnal papers, with
possibly two exceptions, l resigned.
As have said, it was not simply out of
regard for the handful of diSsenters,
but that my people might not be as
sailed and condemned because of their
loyalty to me. l had, however, no idea
that this would be the issue when the
sermon was preached.
INDEPENDENT COMMUNITIES.
Baptist churches are independent
communities. 1t is claimed on behalf OF
their polity that it allows private judg-
ment beyond what is tolerated in other
cOmmunions. or course. there is gen.
eral understanding that the churches
must be in harmony with the orthodox
Christian faith and be in accord as to
the subject and method of baptism. If
any one of these should be untrue to
Baptist traditions and practice council
could be called by the local association
of which it is a member to decide
whether it should be retained in the
fellowship of the Church.
80 minister is subject to the same
method of discipline. But there may
be such an assumption of authority by
certain theological teachers and relig
iOuS editors and such violent assertion
of it that the whole denomination seems
Subdued to their will. Word has come
forth from Rochester that unless man
believe the doctrine of endless torment
he is no longer to be recognized as
Baptist minister, and except the Christ
ian Inquirer, of this city, and the
National Baptist, of Philadelphia, every
other UNCONVENTIONAL paper is ready TO
enforce such a medi9val doctrine"
Here the Doctor paused to read an
other letter addressed to him by one of
the foremost Baptist divineS in the land.
The letter ran:
Theoretically and ideally | have al
WAYS held that our denomination is the
freest in the world. Sadly has it fallen
short of its ideal. We have had Phari
sees and POpes. We have felt the tyran-
ny of creedS-that very tyranny against
which the existence Of the Baptist
Church is an historic protest.
ADMIRED EPIscoPAIIANs.
''Why did you select the EpiScopalian
Church in making your changer"
I'm the first place." replied the Doc
tor, Il have always been an admirer OF
the liturgical service of that Church.
1t insureS to the attendant dignitied and
comprehensive prayers and tends also
to create spirit of reverence and wor-
ship. Second, the historic attitude of
the Episcopal Church attracts me, its
history reaching back TO the Apostolic
time and representing in it's solid
strength the imperishable truth COM
pretended in the formularies. Third,
It's catholicity wins me. 1t embraces
three schools of thought, and in the
administration of its affairs the rights
of each are respected. While giving a
clear statement of essential truth it al
lows for diversity of Interpretation, and
therefore, better than all other
churches, keeps itself in such attitude
as to be adjusted easily to the demands
of the thought and scholarship of the
times. Fourth, tho earnest spirit which
it seems to express in dealing with the
several problems of the day appeals
strongly TO me-"
1t is very generally understood that
the Madison Avenue Baptist Church,
deserted by its old pastor, is in any
thing but satisfactory shape. Many of
the prominent men have openly an
nounced their determination to with
draw and follow DR.. Bridgman where
ever he may rear his altar. Some OF
the most Influential men in the church
strongly advocate sale Of the prop
erty and a move to the uptown west
side district, where new congregation
could be gathered together.
As matter of fact, the church prop
erty in quiet way, is for sale.