Year: 1870

Resign from the Church-A Spirited
The New York Methodist Conference East)
convened yesterday in New York city. In the
course of the proceedings, the eleventh disciple
nary question, 'Are all the preachers blamelesss
in life and conversation 2" was called up, and
under this head the case of the Rev. Horace
Cooke was considered. The church was crowded
in anticipation of 1t. The feminine portion of
the congregation was unusually large and the
most eager interest was manifested as the name
of the recreant pastor was called.


When Bishop Ames asked, in conformity with
usage, was there anything to be alleged against
him, the Rev. II. T. Pease, as his Presiding
Elder, responded


In this case, brethren, which you all under
stand, will simply say that Mr.. Cooke has sent
me his parchments, with letter requesting the
privilege of Withdrawing from the conference.
1t has been our custom to allow ministers to
withdraw and, as believe our only object is to
keep the Church pure, and not to punish men
for their sins, move that he be permitted to
The Rev. Mr. Ross-I would ask the Presiding
Elder if he had not sufficient evidence to arrest
him, so that his withdrawal should be impossi-
bic object to this case being slurred over or
Whtewashed.


The Rev. DIR. Pease-There was sufficient
opportunity to arrest Cooke and arraign him
before a committees; but it was so near the ses-
sion of the conference, had no disposition to
exercise any of the functions of the ministry in
the case After taking counsel with men high
in the ministry, we concluded no good would
come of bringing the case before committee,
which, at most, could only suspend the Of
tender; so l concluded to let it lie over to the
session of conference.


The Rev. Mr.. Ross-That answer is not salts
factory, because you pronounce it a crime for
suspension.


The Rev. Mr.. Pease-I said committee of
inquiry could only suspend.


The Rev. Mr.. Scudder-Is this withdrawal
from the Church or the conference?


The Rev. MIR. Pease replied that one was
equivalent to the other.


The Rev. Mr. Boole-This motion strikes me
unfavorably. l have a sympathy, conscience;
and my conscience tells me it is not right We
do not desire to punish men; nevertheless, there
is prerogative that conference holds of expel-
ling man who pleads guilty. The public are
looking anxiously to know what the conference
will do in this case. Mr.. Cooke, If he has made
sion. Allow him to withdraw, and the public
will never receive that decision. / believe he
ought to be expelled. ! do not believe the con-
ference will be approved by public sentiment if
The Rev. Mr.. Woodruff-This has been to
Methodsm the saddest trial of her life. We are
humbled in the dust. think he ought to have
come to the bar of this house and said:-
Brethren, if may call you brethren, 1 come
before you to acknowledge my error. Expel
me. Turn me out from among you. 1t is not
for us to move that he be expelled it is his to
come and ask. But the Elder is right. Let the
reporters take down that we take notice of the
withdrawal only because we have no wish nor
desire to infict pains or penalties, but only to
clear the Church of all responsibility in this
thing.


The Rev. Mr.. Scudder-I will vote for the
motion. But one thing perplexes me- When
ever this man wants, he can come to the same
church, any other church, and be immedi-
ately admitted without confession or contrition.
am afraid 1t may be dangerous, Brother Pease.
There is a great deal of the dramatic about this
whole affair. do not believe that putting on
mourning for the matter, according TO the sug-
gestion of Brother Woodruff, is going to make
us any better in the community. Such things
have happened since the time of Judas. 1t does
not shake my confidence in God or the Church
in the least.


The Rev. Mr.. Mallory-If the brother wants
to withdraw, let him go peaceably. Ii man
comes into my house without business, and
desire him to leave and he does so, there is nc
use in thrusting him out forcibly. 1t makes
tremendous breeze in the Church to kick man
out.


plies by his representative at the bar and ask
the privilege of withdrawing, he confesses all
alleged against him to be true. Brother Scud
der is afraid to find him trying to enter the
Church again. / am not afraid of that; hope
he will. a voice-"And get to Heavenly He
has committed deep disgrace, and probably
irreparable damage to his reputation in thi
world but hope he will be saved that his sou
viii be saved. If were pastor and he in my
jurisdiction, should be glad to see him conn
back humblng himself. We read in sacred
writings that even harlots shall enter heaven
and hope this man will come back some time


The Rev. Mr.. Ross-I think there is some
thing due to the Church. There has not beel
one word of reproof or condemnation of th
injury done to the Church. Allow him to with
draw, and he may put what interpretation Ia
likes upon the permission. hope it will no
be granted.


The Rev. Mr.. Pease said it was customar.
with some denominations in such cases to ALLOW
the withdrawal, and direct the Secretary T.
enter minute of the circumstances upon tn
official record. He thought this would NEE
the eXigency of this case We cannot censure
said he, we cannot expel brother member @
this conference without trial. And l see n
good to the Church or TO the injured family b
holding one.


The Rev. Mr.. Roche-It may not be questio
whether expulsion is condign. 1t may be nt
rited, but he cannot be expelled without beln
tried. Are we prepared now to try him? IN
idea of whitewashng is worn out. The end !
view is not punishment of individual crime, bl
the purity of the Church. This is simply que
ton what the purity of the Church demand
May we not allow the person to withdraw?
conclusion, view the case from any standpoin
it is not without embarrassment. / have I
theory to account for this case On the pri
ciPle of depravity of insanity, or OF ment
imbecility, we are alike embarrassed. But v
cannot expel him. / blush when j walk Il
street. 1t Is not with us as in Rome where thu
excommunicate and anathematize. Though Il
crime be of Ethiopian blackness, though Il
criminal be a leopard with all it's spots, If '
may spare his wife and family, my impressi,
fa nuOht IN do IL