Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-05-17


RICHMOND, VA, July IS. 1901.
First Baptist Church:
To Brother John Mitchell, Jr.:
Dear Brother:
You are hereby summoned 70
our next church-meeting the first Mon
day night in August, 1901. to show
cause why the hand of fellowship
should not be withdrawn from you, upS
on the following charge:
Brother John Mitchell, Jr., is hereby
charged with publishing the private
letter OF Rev. johnson to the church.
ana the business of the church in disre-
gard OF the church Poity and the auth
orlty OF the Baptist Church, same an.
pearing in the Planet of July 6. 1901.
NELSON WILLIAMS. JR, :"
Done by order OF the church July 10,
1901,
Rev. I. II. BRIdGs, Chairman;
B. J.. NANDERvALL, Church Clerk.
THE CASE EXPLAINED.
Editor Mitchell explained that he had
obeyed the church, although this action
was IN violation of the Gospel Rule, and
contrary Co the explicit provisions of
the Baptist Polity.
The scenes of disorder Mt the alleged
trial were portrayed and the ruling of
Chairman Tom III. Briggs explained.
When Editor Mitchell told of his al
legged exclusion by vote of 90 to-64 and
the Unprecedented act of the chairman
IN urging such action, although the
Editor held the floor in his own right
and no motion to exclude could be legal
ly entertained, the council was amazed.
THAT PRIVATE PUBLIC LETTER.
Editor Mitchell then read the alleged
private letter of Rev. w. It. johnson.
1t was as follows:
LEXINGTON. VA, June 2, 1901.
To the First Baptist Church of Rich
3 mond, Va
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Your letter notifying me of
the unanimous call to the pastorate of
your church is now before me. Permit
me to say to you, that 1 have the call un-
der prayerful consideration. Whatever
shall be the prolnptir gs and headings of
the Holy Spirit shall be my course to
pursue. u 'geD fJ/fI { Z
TO PRAY AS DID MOSES. x Il
y l feel TO pray as did Moses on onesocS
caslon, Lord suffer one not to GO MP
hence unless thy presence go with me. I"
The work of the church of God is sup
etior to all other work and consequently
u tirmly believe that the Holy Spirit
should influence the decision of Gods
called servants in the performance of all
duties involved an on the account of said
work.
aati HoPEs 1T DID. a5it 81!
1 truly hope that the Holy Spirit ac-
tuated you in unanimously extending to
me the call to pastor of your church.
have no fear whatever Of placing this
entire matter ID Gods hand and abid-
ing his decision. sI
Well do / remember that Gods word
teaches us, Without Christ we can do
nothing, but with Christ we can do all
things"
Now, 1 recRest that you would pray
that the Lord will guide me in making
the decision in this all important mat
ter.
lH' A QUESTION OF FUNDS.
/ take for granted that you will AM
PLY provide for your Shepherd, although
you did not say in your letter of June 4,
1901.
Trusting to hear from you soon, / am
Your servant in Christ Jesus,
w, T. JOHNSON.
P. S.-I will have,to give my people
here three months notice should come.
80 you see how important il is for me
to hear from you.
Sr WITH. e
Moderator George w! Lee called upon
the Editor to- read the private letter,
referred to in the charge, and seemed
amazed when it was explained that the
aforesaid letter had just been read.f r
ITO whom is that letter addressed
Ito the First Baptist Church Of Rich.