The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-11-15
What Societies and
 Churches Do
SHELTON REPLIES
DEMANDS CHARGES REFERRED TO
 HE INVESTIGATED.
Wants Public To Reserve Opinion Un- til Charges Are Aired Before Im- partial Jury of the Bap-
 tist Church.

Reading in The Advertiser of reso- lutions passed by the Baptist State Board of Missions. in which the con nection of Evangelist ". J. Ray in the calling of Rev. John Bass shelton to the Adams Street Church was re- pudiated. MT. shelton dictated. over the long distance telephone Saturday afternoon, the following letter. in re- ply to what he considers an implied att tack upon himself:
 Brantley. Ala, Nov. IA. 1908. Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery,
 Ala.
 Gentiemer:-My attention has been called to an article in today's issue of The Advertiser, in which certain gem tlernen of Montgomery have seen fit to come to the defense of Evangelist W. J. Ray. apparently, for a supposed in- jury that might have come to him by virtue of my call to the Adams Ave nue Baptist Church. However, any one can see that the real purpose of the action of the gentlemen was in- tended as a shot at me.
 All have to say is that I am not a member of the Montgomery County Baptist Association. and any right tn hiking Baptist understands that in the matter of discipline, 1t is for the local church. and not for the associa- ton to act. My membership Is in the Gienwood Baptist Church. of G1enwood. Ala. This church has Investigated the charges, and Is satisfied. for the truth of which refer to N. L. Mount, clerk of Gienwood Church.
 The attitude of these gentlemen and their confederates has been. all the time. condemnation, without allowing me a hearing. Only last Thursday morning, I telephoned to pr. Charles A. Stakely, asking him for an inter- view in regard to these rumors, and he refused
 I have before me a letter, signed by George c. Miles, dated November 4, and written to the Glenwood Church, and stating that the matter had been referred to the said church. had handed to me today. on my arrival at Brantley. an unsigned letter. mailed in Montgomery yesterday. and addressed to the postmaster of Brantley, or any Baptist preacher of the town, in which there are serious charges made against myself, giving as authority for same pr. c. A. -Staixely, W. J. Elliott, G. O. Miles and William l.. Chandler
 Now, ip conclusion. allow me to say that I am sorry to bring this matter before the public, but I have. on two occasions, asked for an impartial coun-
  the gentlemen only proposed to sit as Q jury themselves. on case which they themselves have worked up. Such is Illegal, by the laws of the country, and certainly will not be admitted by the Divine law.
 am ready. and now demand. that be allowed an impartial council, com posed of representative Baptists. who will have no connection with the case.
 This letter is written to the public. with love toward all. and malice to- ward none. am engaged in a re- vival meeting at BrantIey. and ask for the sincere prayers of all preach CTS. that we may have a great gain for the Holy Spirit in this vicinity.
 I wish that my friends, as we'll as my enemies may not render verdict on the persecution which I am receiv- ing, until the evidence is all in, and now stand ready. as aforesaid, to meet any charge that may be made, provided that I can have an impartial council to pass on the same.
 John Bass Shelton.