Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-14

Gan's retention and the dismissal of the libel
contained at least three-fourths of the names
OF the membership They demanded positive
proof of the charge. and nothing short OF 1t
would satisfy them. He urged that the prose-
cution was the result of the schemiug of some
people, and denounced the action of the
Elders Convention, concluding with the state
ment that to deprive the congregation OF Its
pastor was crime and scandal
James Magaw agreed with all that had been
said by other petitioners.
The libel was then taken up again, and Rey.
A. Fitzpatrick opened for the prosecution. He
stood on the broad ground that while the Bible
did not in express words denounce the keeping
OF saloons, speakeasIes, ETC.. it did by its gen
eral teachings. and gave gauge by which the
right and wrong of all actions could be meas
ured. He quoted from the practice of the apos-
tolIc fathers and the primitive church to show
that church authorities must be recognized as
arbiters in differences of opinion on church
pollty. In reference to the United States Con.
stiuution, Rev. Fitzpatrick said that all Chris
tians would not agree that it was immoral, but
neither will all Christians admit that saloon
keeping is wrong, but there is no uncertain
sound given forth the subject by the Re-
formed PreSbyteri Church.
Prof. ID. B. Wilson, the other prosecuting at
torneX followed. He held that DO hardsbips
had been imposed on the offending ministers by
demanding as basis of settlement that they
withdraw from the Objectionable organization
that Illuminated the East End platform. DR..
Wilson held that the Deccm Der trial and what
that however painful the ordeal might be there
was no chance now for compromise, and less
Tor retreat on the part of the Presbytery.
Harmony Not to Be Had.
Harmony has been found impossible. "Can
two walk together unless they be agreed" in
matters fu ndamental, and the difference here is
fundamental Paul exhorts to mark carefully
those who cause divisions. He contended that
full faith and credit must be given subordinate
Mr.. Miligan objected to DR.. Wilson ranging
over the whole of the East End platform when
but one specification from it was contained in
the libel, but the Moderator ruled that the
whole structure might be occupied. He said
the accusation made by Presbytery was that
the teachings of the platform were subversive
of the doctrines of the church, and expected
to make it good. We are told tnat the doctrine
of the church on the subject of political dis
sent is that 1t is mere difference of private
opinion. Both cannot be right. Either Synod
is right or these brethren right and
former declares itself on the subject with no
uncertain sound. The Lord Jesus Christ is the
supreme head of the world, and must be so
recognized by civil governments ii they are to
receive the support of Covenanters, as other
wise they are immoral, as passed on in the testi-
mouy of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
$500 and in 1860. In the former year the church
purCed itself of Shareholders. The law of the
church ruled, and for 60 years no Shareholders
communed IN the Covenanter Church. The
fathers testimony is applicable to all lands and
to all constitutional governments. AS the ma
t1ons are now copying the Constitution of the
United States, Dr. Wilson holds that the action
of the Reformed PresbyterIans in demanding
the recognition of Jesus Christ as the head of
TINS nation is OF more Importance than at any
previous time.
The seceders of 1898 held that the African
slave trade having been abolished the institu-
tion would die, and that the protest no
longer necessary, but the events of 1876
showed how far they were wrong. But the
seceders of 1888 did not take the ground occu-
pied by these Drethren-that the principle was
right but should not be enforced. (The ac-
cused of 1880 deny this assertion OF DR.. Wilson).
DIR. Wilson held that there was no option in
the matter. The Church was forced to move in
this matter whether it would or no. The parties
to the East End platform agreed, said he,
agree to maintain these principles" printed
their declaration and circulated it for sigma
tures. and they do not manifest any regret
therefor. All the Church asks is that the min
listers retract but they refuse and say they are
not sorry for their act [Cheers, soto voce, OF
the uspended-"Thats sor'1
Cut Themselves Adrift From the Church.
Dr. Wlson-Thereis is but one alternative: To
abandon their position or to be cut OFF from the
church. The church is Presbyterian, and these
men have cut themselves adrift.
Referring to the East End movement as an
organization banded together, Rev. Mr.. Millj-
gan made the point that they were not charged
with being an organization.
DR.. Wilson-T'll not answer that question.
Rev. Mr.. Miligan-All right
God will never use a backslid1ng church to
do His work. He will raise up other men to
do il. The question is forcing itself on the
minds of men. The attempt to force the Bible
out of the public schools and declarations of
supreme courts that Christianity is only sect
are working in mems minds, and they will do
the work that GOD requires and 4 backsliding
church will have no nand in ii. AS Charles
Sumner once said when asked to look on the
other side of a question. replied: why, there
&c m 0fb sir 10 Is M nth cir do
case. The Republican party is to-day suffer
ing because it lack men among its leaders who
have the courage of their opinions. Convic-
tlons accomplish. not opinions.
Rev. ]. r. J. Milligar began by compliment
ing the Moderator and one of the counsel, Rev.
Mr.. Fitzpatrick. for their fairness, and stating
cutting counsel, Prof. Wilson. He then asked
the clerk, Rev. w. r. Laird. to read the basis
of the agreement between himself and the
committee,
then had could not be recognized by the Pres
bytery. Mr.. Milligan then made a statement
in which he said he had been misrepresented
in statements made by the clerk and publish ID
by the prosecutor to the effect that all had been
done looking to settlement that could be done
and without effect. He said those publications
are not applicable TO my case. will not say
they are untrue He then rehearsed the pro-
ceedings between himself and the committee
which gave him the night hand OF fellowship.
Thought Two of Them Were Free.
He held that there was 4 full unders landing
of the matter at that time. He understood
that the five young men were to be tried, but
thought he and Rev. Mr.. McClurken were free.
He complained that his statement was twisted
so as to convict him, and said: II am not yet so
imbecile as to let other men put words into my
mouth and use them against me-"
Rev. Miligan said he agreed with all the
ground taken by Rev. Fitzpatrick and most of
that occupied by Prof. Wilson. However, he
would not agree that the fundamental princi-
pie of the X. z. Church was political dissent
and held that while not defending the East End
platform, yet it was not opposed to the doc
trines of the church. He asked to be tried on
his merits and not on statements published in
the r. z. Banner. or made By any one else
He asked for consistency and said he'd as soon
vote with a man who votes for an officer to exc
cute law as with one who votes for an amend
ment to the State Constitution. He said some
Covenauters acted as though they thought if
they could oust few liberals from
the church they could then get the action OF
1889 which allowed them to vote on the amend
ment rescinded. He believed the church to
be on an inconsistent basis, as it should not ask
a man to vote in one way and not in another.
lit is the church that is changed, not l."
MIR. Milligan reminded his hearers that
covenanters sometimes encourage Prohibi-
tionists in their course, and wanted to know if
that was held TO be following a divisiye
course. Assuming all the charge to be true he
said it amounted TO nothing. He said he had
been charged with one thing and did not pro-
pose to be convicted of another without pro
test
In conclusion Rev. Milligan rubbed down the
Elders who held the convention, his language
verging on harshness. and pausing moment
he added that he wanted them to absorb what
he said. The conclusion of the argument was
eloquent and it was followed by clapping of
hands and stamping of feet which action
Moderator McAlisteT reproved sharply
Professor Wilson replied briefly. holding that
Rev. Milligan's charge of Inconsistency was
no argument. He allowed but one basis of