THE BAPTIST UNION.

Evening Star, Issue 7405, 28 December 1887, Page 2

THE BAPTIST UNION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin—Will you kindly allow me a reply to my friend the Bev. A. North ? He first of all asserted that the account of the discussion in the Baptist Union, as published in your columns, "bristles with misstatements," though, when challenged to proof, he simply speaks of " six mis-statements." What arc the six? 1. Mr North says: "It is stated in this account that at the first session the president moved ' That Mr Browu at once withdraw from the Conference.' The president did not present any such motion." Answer: The account does not state that the president did present a motion, but that he moved one. There was no seconder to the motion, and so of course it was not formally presented. But it is a fact that on the first day of the Conference, immediately the roll had been called, tho president moved in the exact words as above recorded. He had already privately intimated to the secretary (Bev. J. Standing) his intention of so doing. A short discussion at once took place, and the matter was referred to the Executive for inquiry. 2. Mr North says "The last-named resolution was an amendment upon the Committee's resolution, and was diseussed'as such." Answer: This is what is gained by the correction? Especially as Mr North adds "Then it was put as' a substantive resolution, and carried without dissent." ' 3. Mr North continues: "The fact is I voted for the amendment as against the resolution, the amendment that defeated the resolution." Answer: Then Mr North as -private member voted against what Mr North as Committee-man had recommended to the Conference. In his speech he oeriainly advocated the "severe measures," though during the debate he might have changed his mind, and judged it inexpedient to adhere to his first determination. 4. Mr North says Mr Brown's "letters of recommendation read by me did not state his doctrinal position." Answer: Mr North's memory is at fault. Let me refresh it by two quotations—(l) Letter from Kev. B. White, London : "Our friend has embraced thedoctrino.of life in Chtist only, which.so far as my experience goes, always leads ministers to dwell with double conviction on the central truths of Christ's gospel." (2) Letter; from Dr Thain Davidson, Presbyterian minister, London: "Mr Brown I have found none the less true to the essential doctrines of our svangelioal faith, though he is catholic and liberal,in his sympathies and dares to think for Himself on subordinate questions. He has preached for,.me with acceptance." This will suffice. I could quote further to the same effect from other ministers' letters, if your space would permit. 5. Mr North continues: "Words are attributed to Mr Dick that he never used." Answer : Did or did not Mr Dick make a public appeal to Mr Brown to quietly retire from the Union, and Mr Brown immediately rose and declined ? It was a singular coincidence that another member of the Union was fat that moment privately urging upon Mr Brown the desirability of so doing. • ■ 6. In reference to the L 25 conditional grant, Mr North knows perfectly well that I do not: make and have not made any complaint as to its withholding. The Union has undisputed right over its funds. In conclusion, I cannot congratulate my friend upon his note. If these bix quibbles (by what other word can I characterise them T) are. all that can bo advanced to substantiate the most sweeping charge that the account of discussion as published by you "bristledf with mis-statements," it was hardly worth Mr North's time and trouble to make challenge. His letter is a virtual acknowledgment Jof its accuracy. As a matter of fact, he is obliged to receivo the camel though he strains at a gnat Mr North's position in this controversy Us an enigma to me; for he no more believes in the eternal suffering of all who die unsaved, as taught by Augustine, Buryat Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, than do I. Will he to this orthodox "confession?"—"ln fire exactly like that which we hav6 on earth *hy body will lie, asbestos-like? for .fever uncousumed, alltby veins, roads /for. the ieet/,of pain to travel on.', It is against this teaching that some of 'us in' the Baptist • Urion are protesting. Let the Union, pass a resolution, pledging all its. ■members to this' orthodox teaching, and Mr North,.equally with mykelf and others, will be. bound to retite from its ranks. Months before the last Conference I uhallengid a pronjinent ministerial member of; the Union to propose such resolution. He did not; do so; and, as I i think, for 1 very obvious reasons.—l am, '' . r- ')j ; ' : . . ;0. C Beown.'' ; Timaru, December 24.' '" l ■*'■ • ' '"> ■■--'"--■*