The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-12-30

that they are larger now than they have
ever been. Responsibility for small con-
gtegations, he said, could FAR more read
lily be ATTRIBUTED TO church members VINO
were careless about church matters and
about their attendance.
Il have found in Savannah a great
lOOseness in fidelity to church obliga-
tions," he said, land I preached on that
subject not long ago professional
gentleman, member Of another church
IN this city, told me that he paid his
church dues regularly, but did not feel
bound 10 attend his own church regu-
larry. He went where he pleased and
when he pleased. That was glib ana easy
talk. but il was not Christian faithful
ness to duty"
II is true, Dr. Vass said. that the night
services are poorly attended, but that Is
chronic in America. He mentioned in
stances of prominent northern diVines in
this connection. A pastors responsible
ties and duties, he said, are large and
Weighty, but a pastor cannot be charged
with all the sins and failures of his peO-
pie is he 10 be blamed and asked to re-
sign because certain members fail to
grow in grace or perchance may not feel
under his preaching DR.. Nass asked
some very pertinent questions in this con-
nectiOu of those members OF the church
VINO had made the criticism or joined IN II
as 10 whether they could say they had
done their fun Christian duty IN cOnnec-
ton with their church.
A higher spiritual life he said, is need
ed, but should be attained rather by faith
dul work and prayer than by picking flaws
where they do not exist or magnifylng
them where they are. In conclusion Or.
Nass spoke Of the object of the cOngrega-
tional meeting. IL being his desire to Sc
cure an expression from a full cOngrega-
ton with regard to his resignation, which
was stll before the church. AT the an
nual meeting there were only eighty-two
members, and he did not consider the vote
there a fun and satisfactory expression
of the wishes of the church. There should
be at least $50 or more to express their
opinion. He said he desired this informa-
ton, and so did the people and he trusted
that all wished TO act In calm and Chris
tian spirit. Such paper, he said, was
calculated TO iniure the cause of Christ.
and now that he had placed before the
congregation full denial and refutation
by documentary evidence OF the state
ments made, he said he hoped God would
guide the congregation, after a fun and
fair consideration OF all the facts, 10
wise conclusion and one that would be
for the spiritual welfare of all in the
church.
Dr. Vass retired at the conclusion of
the services, and Mr.. II. +. Train took
the chair as moderator, he having pre-
sided at the former meeting. II was fin
ally decided to take a vote by ballot on
the motion that DR.. Nass be requested to
withdraw his resignation. Just 142 votes
We're cast and on being called the result
was 107 in favor of the motion and S5
against it.
1t will be seen that there was just one
more vote for the resignation to stand
than at the former meeting at which 81
members were present. so that
it would appear that about the same
members wanted to accept the resigna-
ton. The meeting comprised the mem
bers Of the church who give most atten-
tion to its workings.
The result has not as yet been officially
communicated to DIR. Nass, so he has
given no indication whatever as to how
he will consider it. Many expressed the
hope and belief, however, that after such
a result as that there would be no doubt
about his remaining with the church.