Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-01-22

be sounded. It is also time for a
call 20 arms
IF am any Judge OF such matters,
there Is a merciless political machine
that attempts 20 dominate the con-
ference. IL brushes opposition and
rules by trickery and by force. II
is in order now TO turn on the light
The Wesley Church trouble has be-
come a burning issue in the Whining
ton Conference. Methodism is on
trial. II I am TO be turned out of
the ministry no one Is safe who Is
honest and loyal TO the church.
THE charges against me have been
published broadcast over the PENN
sula, and are signed by six ministers
OF the Wilmington Conference, Rev
Robert Watt, DID, district supsrin-
tendent OF the Wilmington district
Rev. Thomas r. Van Dyke. pastor Of
Mt. Salem NJ. d. Church; Rev. J.
Howard Gray pastor OF Epworth NJ
70. Church; Rev. John L. Johnson
pastor Of Scott NJ. r. Church: Rev
V. p. Northrup. pastor Of Brandy
wine M. e. Church and Rev. Edward
w. Jones, pastor OF Silverbrook NJ
p. Church.
'1f these brethren knew what they
were doing and signed those charges
| in good faith. they are to be com
mended for what they have done. II
they signed without knowing the facts
or in malice. this should be known
20 the Methodist public. Malicious
prosecution r. serious offense
against the law OF the church and IL
is also civil onense. It will not
do for them TO take refuge under the
J plea that they did Il in the interest
! Of the church 20 protect the church
/ OF Its ofiioials from my exposures. The
church does not recognize wrong
doing or wrong doors In any other
! light than az q hindrence, and a mem
ace TO Ito progress. n am guilty
OF the charges brought against me
I should be exposed and expelled from
the church. II am innocent and
these charges are an instance OF ma
| licious prosecution. then a public out
rage is being enacted.
Il 1T Is impossible 20 treat this sub
iect fairly 70 the public without crit
icising the administration OF DR.. Rob
srt watt. He was my chief accuser
He accuses me OF slandering him In
3 hbelous publication in which ex.
poeod his official administration in
connection with Wesley Church dur.
ms this conference year.
In my report to the first Quar-.
t0rly Conference, June 20. 1916, hac
this to say: AS this Is the beginning
OF q new administration on the vii
mington district, Il is fitting that W,
should express our appreciation and
1 our welcome TO Rev. Robert Watt
DID,. the new superintendent OF thu
district. Il a. his special duty TO SCI
that the discipline of the church 4
enforced throughout the Wilmington
district. As this Is not an easy task
and never a pleasant one. IL will re
/ quire much wisdom and grace 4
carry the work TO a successful issue
We believe IL Is the duty OF all pas
tors and other church officials to co
operate cheerfully 70 the end tina
there may be a new era in the historl
OF Methodism in this city and on thi
district. Wesley Church is in diff
cult field and has passed through
dark days. BY the grace OF God W.
can truthfully say that we are no
IN a bare struggle for existence a
this time. but are on the up grade
During the summer upon observ
ing signs OF renewed activity by the
agents Of Pastor Russell, j set out 4
expose that deceptive anti-Christiar
: system OF doctrine. This exposure
. caused several officials in Wesley
Churoh 70 squirm and nght in such
a way as 10 convince me that Wesle,
Church had been a resting place III
\ That sect. The light had been t,irnes
on and the wolf began to show hi,
o tssrh.- ''o" n''