Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
CHARGE OF HERESY
Against Prof. Bovine Of the
Boston University.
The Counts, Five in Number, Brought
by Rev. G. A. Cooke.
~L ,t.......:x.y. n.>.:1>n$;aI Elaetion
The University's Presidential Election
May Be Important Factor.

Boston. Dec. 1.-Papers have been
served upon Prof. Borden D. BOVINE.
OF the Boston University, the noted
writer on philosophy, calling him to
tria, before the ecclesiastical court of
the Methodist Episcopal church to
answer to the general charge of heresey
in disseminating doctrines which are
contrary to the articles of religion, or
established standards of doctrines in
the Methodist Episcopal church"
4 copy. of the charge has been sent
to Presiding Elder Charles S. Wing, OF
the New York East Conference OF
Brooklyn, who Is the presiding OIL
Ger of the ecclesiastic court in which
the trial will be held.
The specific charges, which are five in
number, are brought by the ReV.
George A. Cooke, of the New England
Conference and the present pastor OF
Trinity church at West Medford. Mr.
Cooke is the author of pamphlet is
sued several months ago and widely
circulated throughout the Methodist
church which criticised Prof. Eowne's
teachings
1t Is claimed that a large number Of
1lctUOuISl CitTSJ IIieIl 'tlN iittlS''Neu a.
the present charges and it is also stated
that Luther r. Townsend of Brookline,
wf,o was professor in the theological
department of Boston University for .,
years, assisted in preparing the speci-
ncations Of the present charges.
The first specification claims that the
philosophers views concerning the
Deity are contrary to the plain teach
ings OF the Scriptures, while the second
accusation states that his views OF the
inspiration and authority of the Scrip
lures are also contrary to these Scrip
lures.
The third charge is that his notion
of the Announcement is contrary not only
to the Scriptures but also the ritual OF
the Lords supper in the Discipline of
the church.
The fourth charge refers to his
teachings OF eschatology, which, it is
declared. are directly contrary to the
Scriptures and the Methodist standards
Of faith.
The last specific charge is that Prof.
Bovine disseminates views of Christian
experience that are contrary to the
plain teachings of the Holy Scriptures
and contrary to the established doc
trines OF Methodist Episcopal church
In speaking of Prof. Bowne's views,
the Rev. Dr. Cooke said that he con-
silered them to be extremely and dam
gerously railroads.&c..
However. a church trial will give
him an opportunity to defend his
teachings before a tribunal composed
of his peers"
Referring to Professor Bovine s
standing in the church, and Methodist
circles generally. the speaker said that
Perhaps the philosopher was one OF
the most distinguished ministers in the
denomination. but the more distin-
guished he is the more harmful his in
tluence becomes if mis- teachings are
subversive OF the vital doctrines of
Christianity. Denominational pride
inpels us to overlook his teachings for
the sake of retaining in our ranks Il
man of his distinction. But love of the
truth should be stronger than denomi-
national pride
1t is believed by many that the cleo
ton of q president of Boston University
1nay be fected by the charges brought
against Prof. Bovine, and some thought
that the charges might have been the
outcome of the contest for the presi-
dency. Prof. Bovine has been strongly
opposed to the election of Rev. Frank
lin Hamilton to the place. The intlu-
ence of Prof. BOVINE Is strong element
in the contest, and 1t is the opinion of
many prominent Methodists that the
charges were brought at this time TO
weaken. if possible, Prof. Bownes in
iluenCc