Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-10-08
WHAT'S AFTER DEATH,
Is a Subject on Which the Congrega-
tional Brethren Differ.
STORRs WANTS NO NEW DOCTRINE,
And Insists Changes Shall Not Be Made il
He Takes the Chair.
PRAYER BOOK AND HYMNAL CHANGES

| CHICAGO, Oct. i.-Peace did not hastily
descend upon the American Board of Mis-
sions to-day. The tellers reported the elec.
| tion of the entire ticket voted on last night,
but the partisan discussion which caused
such dissension in the board yesterday made
| it doubtful whether DR.. Storrs would ac-
cept the Presidency. When the result was
announced he'said:
zone Of the brothers present yesterday
said that certain proposition put him in a
dilemma feel so this morning. have
the kindest and friendliest feeling for the
board, and my desire is to help it in every
! way in our power. Our administration un-
der the New York and Minneapolis rules
has been successful We have held that it
is not advisable to send men into the
foreign field who believe in probation
after death. do not wish to teach the
God. I do not believe in that doctrine. but
do desire to see a liberal catholicity in the
board.
He Wants No Change In Policy.
"My definite, absolute and final position
is this: That young men who are not GER
tain whether there is to be a future proba-
tion, who neither affirm nor deny it, but
who are willing to leave it to God, and who
have all the other qualifications for mis-
sionaries, should be considered suitable for
foreign missionary service. I wish to know
distinctly right now whether the board re-
afirms the rule of policy set down-in New
York and Minneapolis, or whether the board
wishes to modify or change that policy.
GAS for church representation in the
board, my position is that the church is the
r o-1 nf
afraid of the churches; but before accept
the election to the Presidency 1 want to
know positively and definitely whether
this board wishes to depart from its position
on the subject of future probation, or
whether it wishes to reafirm that posi-
tion."
The following resolution was then intro
duced:
Resolved, That tho board reafflrms the
rules OF administration laid down by us at
our annual meetings in New York and M1nne-
apolis and expects them to be applied in a
spirit of liberality, as expressed by the
President in his letter of acceptance to can
didates for missionary appointment.
An Andover Professor Defends Liberalism.
Prof Smyth, of Andover, the leader of
the Congregational Liberal movement, i'm
mediately rose to debate the resolution. He
declared that the rules had not been inter-
preted literally, and that it is impossible
for liberal influence in the Prudential
Committee to exist
"The thing for which we stand" said he,
SIS that these liberal men who are fitted to
be pastors of the churches shall not be e1-
cluded from missionary service. The rules
Of the board are not literally interpreted.
You are shutting out consecrated men by
your Interpretation of The rules You may
raise money, but what good is 1t to you If
you can't get men to go abroad-if you shut
out good young men by illiberal interpreta-
tion of the rules? If you do not get men
you will fail. You have been steadily low
ering the standard of service in this board
for years"
Joseph Cook followed. virtually accusing
Prof. Smyth and the Liberals of teaching
that men who died in their sins might be
saved. This was resented by DR.. Quint,
who used exceedingly strong language to
the Boston divine.
Doctrinal Questions Don't Figure.
Dr.. Webb, q member Of the Prudential
Committee, denied that the committee was
unduly governed by doctrinal consider
atious, and declared that in future he would
freely tell the grounds upon which the
candidates we're rejected.
The resolution was unanimously adopted,
and to the intense relief of all, the Presi-
dent said: '"Then. gentlemen, I accept the
election. Arthur Little retueed to accept
the election to the Prudential Committee,
and DR.. f. E. Clark was elected to fill the
~
After a little routine business and fare
well address by Rev. E. P. Goodwin. the
board sang hymn, and the SD annual
meeting of the American board was over.