The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-02-02

THE following Is the letter upon which my
sccusers base their charge OF factious opposi-
ton 10 the Kings Daughters
"'Rey James Little: Dear Pastor. Fin view
OF the fact that in the ladies' society OF our
church there has long been unpieasaht isei-
ing between its members. partly CONSCIOUSLY,
We believe, upon rnlsunderstandlngs,W when IN
our judgment. if continued, will seriously III,
Jure the spiritual welfare of our church' ana
earnestly desiring TO maintain Christian M,
fection amongst us we. the unuelsigheu
mem oers otsWestminister church, ask Una, 10
ladies' society DO organized. ana tnat
instead thereof. at stated periods during
the year. the ladies II the church ana otner
friends. who may be disposed to unite with
US. he called together 10 devise such means
for raising money for church purposes as
they may deem exDedieut. hoping by this
means TO remove all occasion for dlssatisiac-
ton to any member OF the church thus en-
deayoring TO keep the unity OF the spirit IN
the bonds Of peace
This letter is signed by twenty eight mem
bers OF tie church. When evaugelstlc ser
vices were proposed suggested that differ
ences existing between certain members OF
the church should be settled first giving as
nv reason did not believe blessing would
attend them without 1t. This was AL the op-
position ! made. The pastor mad circulars
printed. | circulated them. and gayo the time
of one in my employ 10 carry them through
the neighbOrhoOd. I attended every service
but one when ] had an engagement IN the
city: and yet I am charged with opposing
eyangehstc services.
When the pastor and Mr. Stern charged
me with being the cause OF the trouble IN
the church / asked Tor a. investigation
privately. The session mot seyernl times but
il was evident the end could not be accom-
piisned In that body. ! insisted on proof OF
charges and soon learned that iudici"i pro
ceedings had been instituted against me. WIKI
William H. Beverage rs my prosecutor.
found myself arragned before court WIN
ny accusers 70 sit rs Judge and jury.
Il challenged TIE right OF MIR. stern TO SIT
in the case / had preyl uslv asked advice
on the subject. and WAS told II the challenge
was decided against me 20 t.a exceptions.
and ask the court TO adjourn until ! could
appeal to presbytery T. decide the point.
then retired quietly. and without the les5s
intention 10 treat with contempt or dis-
courtesy even what 1 believed 20 he an llegal
court. ! was not clt9d. Is your article states
q second time 10 appear before tie sessl a.
which book # church order requires before
suspension and for this ohense which igno-
Tautly committed / stand suspended rom inc
communion of the church. Finding they had
construed this net as one o. contumacy. 4
wrote the session that / meant nothing
oil the kind aud was willing 10 return ana
submit 10 the trial answering fully 10 tie
charges against me. They have refused 10
40 Oh witt the trial and nave publicly from
the pulpit announced my suspension from
the sealing ordinances OF the church. the
church | love. tue church OF my father IN
which / have tried 70 q faithful for more
than generation. by an act / must be permit
ted 20 say under the circumstances as totally
! opposed TO the genius and spirit OF the Cos
PEI aud of Presbyterianism az It u TO that
Of the Commonwealth and the nation.
That have In every way in my rover
sought the purity and welfare OF the church.
! refer tho public 20 at least three-f0urths OF
the membership OF the church and the entire
community H. which 1 liye.
ID. r.. +. BURROUGHS