The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-12-02
THE SPIRIT Of
ANANIAS ABROAD
Rev. William Tubb Replies
to the Structures of Rev.
Loyal Writ.
PunotuateS His Remarks With
Very Pointed Assertions
and Observations.
Says He Has Not Tried to Win Mem
bers Because Of the Mixed Con-
dition of Church Affairs.

The brethren do not ''dwell together in
unity" so far as the Bethlehem Congre-
gational Church is concerned. and from
the way acrimonious assertions and
charges are made it looks as if there
might be another interminable contest to
be settled in the ecclesiastical courts.
The Rev. Loyal Writ was rather Sc
we're in his structures on the Rev. William
Tubb in an interview published in The
CALL OF v sterday morning, and when
seen Yesterday afternoon DR.. Tubb was
equally as severe in his structures on the
yonng man who had presumed 10 criticize
his church work. In this connection Mr..
Tubb said
"Mr. Writ is a young man and has
much to learn. Mr.. Writ really knows
the condition of things at present exist
ing. 1t seems TO me very dangerous
ground on which he is gliding. His own
utierances, gwen TO the public, Will re-
fresh his memory and reveal a condition
of Things decidedly unsavory. The re-
ia ming OF his position has not been due
10 his II fiuence here, ami is not due to
his winning OF souls.
The spirit of Ananias Is abroad in the
Iand, and my congregation or Mr.. Writ
has been visited. My congregation do
stand by me and Congreg ationaIism, or
their words are wind. On account of the
mixed up state of the matter, on which |
may throw some light, have not even
given any person an opportunity to join
Bethlehem Church for nearly two years.
A mum Der have ex ressed a wish 10 join,
and will in good time. l have not been
unmindful OF my duties as pastor. | en-
gagged the services of Revs. Butler, Hen
derson and Flawith at one time. Good
meetings were held and much good done
/ Over year ago Rev. j. b. Orr OF Park
! Cuurch cond ucied meeting of two weeks.
The influence of that meeting is felt to-
/ day.
| Il am daily engaged in soul winning
/ In AIN shouse, hospital and prisons. l do
not use tiies, drums, or visiting cards |
challenge comparison with Mr.. Writ, who
| ha- gwen me his word that he would con-
duct special meeting for me at Bethle-
hem, commonc'n second Sunday in
January, 1895. - not insist on that
| promise.
LAS TO the SIS monthly, once relieved OF
the debt, We can ray prom pity. l sent
the Dece m Der amount to Dr.. Pond this
morning. My labors in connection wit h
tue pflson and hospital are exacting. /
desire, therefore, to give my whole time
to that service. l stated TO the Bay Con-
ference, held al Park Church, that when
Bethlehem could stand alone 1t mus
stand without I;s pre ent pastor. the
work among the needy i'll this city l con-
! slder paramount.
Il cannot, however leave my loyal peo-
pie. who seem to be a unit. Their gener-
Gus labJrs prove this. The Church Ex-
| tension Society has made a printed pub
lie appeal fo- Bethlehem. for Park Church
and Tor Fruitvale. They ask $500 for
Bethlehem. Has any money been col
lecteGP Ii so, wnere is jt2
| '1t seems 10 me that the fathers of Con-
| gregaiionalis m would shift in their graves
| IL they knew OF the high-handed measures
attempted by the new-school Congrega-
tionalIsts. There is no doubt as to my
| resignation when the time comes. If the
| Extension Society gives Bethlehem m the
$500 voted it must be without conditions
Tae plain common sense of the church
! must comprehend that this matter, INFO
which have been forced, is not for $500,
| but for COngrega tionalism itself. A few
! men may arrogate to themselv powers
not delegated TO them. Self suff1ciency
and self-im portance are not distin guish-
ing characteristics of true Christian
minister"