The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-04-19

COLUMBUS, April 16.-[Specisl. The
Rev. J. Gorton Miller, who has been the
pastor of St. PauPs episcopal church here
for the last two years. informed his con-
gregstion today that ne had concluded TO
cast his lot with the Christian church
The announcement has caused sensation
In religious circles.
He stated, in taking leave o. his con!re-
cation, that the doctrines OF the church
did not possess the broad. liberal ideas to
be found in the disciples OF Christ or
Christian churc h and hence he bad driited
from his episcopalian bearing. The Rev.
Mr. Miller is an able minister. lie has
been sixteen years in the pulpit, is the
president of the city ministerial associa-
ton, q knight tenn plar, aud also a member
of the g. 4. r. 1t is the biggest surprise
ever sprung in religious circles in this
CITY.
Mr.. Miler's full remarks were as fol-
lows:
As said before. this is probably the last
tine that shall lie a.e in this church, and 50
/ have asked my frionds or at least those Who
care TO know something about my plans and
purposes Tor tie future. to remain, as have
lev words TO say to them in conc usiOn.
Of my lie to tie ministry OF the episcopal
church, and eau t-uIy say that have had
fair measure o. success therein. Is services
and customs have. through long and familiar
usage, become TO me almost second nature
Ead woven into the texture OF my life. And
so, il is only alter long
aud painful ami prSyerful struggle
between habitude and conviction that | am
enabled 20 speak as [ shall today. Bui have
for some time felt myself to be drifting from
the position held by the church in some OF its
DISTINCTIVE points and especially ms regards the
methods CT its administration. CoDceIying as i
do that the apostolic succession is rather
thing OF the spirit than of histoTis
pedigree | feel bound TO say thai
I am fully in line with the church on this
point. Not that there IS any TnyeriDg on my
part in the essentials Of the Christian faith.
Dn; that faith is really very simple thing aud
my hold upon the Christ is stronger and
clearer today, Ii possible. than ever before.
would only lay ss,de those things which are
supposed 10 be props and buttresses TO faith,
that the Christ himself may be more manifest
as the rad sui center Of the souls devotion.
God forbid taat should say word today
in dispaTagment OF that grand historic church
Rt whose attsfs have for 30 many years been
permitted - minister and 10 which yau have
given your allegiance under my ministry. But
for me the time has come 90 MAKE eppeOl
10 first principles. ! crave freedom OF
thought aud action that is not com patable with
M present position; and Ia casting about 10
get my true bearings / find myself strangely
1rsCn 20 tie position held 10y the people
sailed deoipies OF Christ. or simply Christians.
Eith no master hut Christ. with 40 Jaw but the
Aw CT Christ as revealed in His words
md in apostolic pTecep', example
and Institution, with no restraints
Of traditions. of metaphysics, with no trammels
VI sceies!astIcism 70 hinder the free course OF
he spirit; there seems breadth Of view and
1renzth OF life in tn Elf position which entirely
Ieeords with my conception o. truth. and L
lave therefore decided to cast in my lot with
hem.
Now in saying all this 1 speak for myself
Hone, aud am only one out Of millions OF tine
ace. beg TO invoke upon this church Gni
congregation the blessings OF God in ali your
lndesyoTs. pray that you may soon have q
9astor, that you may bs united and earnest in
Us support, and that you may be prosperous
Ar beyond the measure OF former years.