Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-10-30
NAY CAUSE A SPLIT:
COvenanterS Discuss the Acquittal Of
Drs. Milligan and Carson.
PROF. WILSON HAS LITTLE TO SAY.
The Action of the New York Presbytery Did
Not Surprise Him.
YOUNG MR.. MILLIGAN VERY JUBILANT

There was much qualification in the Re-
formed PRESBYTERIAN congregation upon
reading exclusively in THE DISPATCH
that the New York Presbytery had yester-
dav acquitted Revs. DR.. j. c. K. Milligan
and Dr. J. +. Carson. The charges are
well known, and the case was interestingly
watched by both the Covenanters and the
branch of the q. P. Church which has at
its head Rev. J. r. j. Milligan. of Alle-
gheny, vino is a nephew of the New York
divine. The gentleman was seen st his
home on Irwin avenue, and the broad, satisfied
smile of a winner adorned his handsome
face.
''Of course we are elated over the result,
but you know it does not affect matters out
here, as thev have been settled con-
clusivelv," he said 1.-THE great source of
satisfaction we get out of the New York de-
cision is the fact that our views as expressed
last June have practically been upheld and
Endorsed by the Presbytery in the East. No
doubt the Coyenanters will be disappointed,
especially Prof D. B. Wilson and Rev.
David McAllister, both of whom took such
an active interest against me, and finally
compelled nv stepping down and out to-
gether with about $50 of the old congrega-
tion.
THE OPPOSITION PRONOUNCED.
'In New York the endeavor to oust DR..
Millgsn was most pronounced, as he above
all others was most Objectionable to the
convention. His articles which were pub
lished regarding that denomination, and
their rights and privileges, stirred up an
animated buzzing among the members only
10 be equally by hornets nest agitated at
the hands OF a misehievous boy. As far
back as 1888 Prof Wilson introduced
church against DR.. Milligan which
was considered quite ibelous. DR..
McAllister in 1889 offered an amendment to
this, the subject of which subverted the
very fundamental position of our church.
IN 1890 the new school of Covenanters took
sides with MS, and advocated the right of
suffrage. This was the beginning of the
serious trouble. We were branded as Civ
ing up our position in the church, and
endeavoring to overthrow its princi
ples. Then came the famous EAST End
platform" which you all know resulted
in my removal, etc.
1--WE would have been glad to take up with
DrS Milligan and Carson, and render any
help possible, but, unon signifying our will
InTnesS to do so, the New York Presbytery
said they could take care of themselves.
have been in communication with my uncle.
lie wrote me some time ago that 1t was his
intention to leave the Church, but now, if
both gentlemen go or stay, the verdict of
the Presbytery will give them clean records
by virtue of its decision. / had telegram
stating the result before it appeared in The
DISPATCH, and also that Rev. T. NJ. Foster
lad filed complaint against the Presbytery
in thus acquitting the two ministers. This
I ho, i,51
them, but it is brought against the body col
lectively.
THEY LACKED THE INFLUENCE.
ct strikes me that the Covena7te.s down
East did not have the influence that char
acterized the Pittsburg. Presbytery or
they would have succeeded in retiring the |
two ministers in like manner as L was. The |
Covenanters have their own ideas as regards |
church rules and observanceS, and L would |
not say one word to impute any motive of |
theirs If they think it is their duty to /
continue as they are doing, well and good,
hut We took exceptions to them and have
had the courage TO stand by our convictions
"Our church now embodies $50 members.
and 1t is moving along most pleasantly. The |
decision in New York will, perhaps, have |
some effect to further increase it in number /
We are now looking for site to build a
church, and at present have two under con-
sideration."
After Re-. Milligan was seen a short |
whirl around the corner to Buena Vista |
street brought the reporter to Prot. D. B.
Wilson. He does not take THE DISPATCH,
and consequently had not seen the decision,
but had heard of it incidentally on the street |
and at the Park Institute,
He expressed himself as not caring to be !
on the subject He, however
said that the result was rather expected |
one, and was no surprise to him. 'It don't
affect us out here, as we are still moving on
without rupture or dissatisfaction in the
church, " he said. "0f course we were some
what demoralized when the split was made,
and the majority of members followed Rev. |
j. r. J. Milligan, but we are like the man
who has been i'll and fully recovered There
IS always some way to recover from misfor-
tune, providing one has the right basis upon
which TO start"
Rev. David McAlilster was out of town
Yesterday, and his views were not gotten,
but it is understood that he concurs with
Prot. Wilson On the matter.