THE CHARGE OF HERESY AGAINSTIAN NACLAREN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10425, 24 April 1897, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE CHARGE OF HERESY AGAINSTIAN NACLAREN.

A despatch in an American paper says The Rev. Dr. John Watson, otherwise " lan Maclaren," author of" Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush" and other works, is too liberal in biß views for the Scotch Presbyterian?, and he will be tried by a Synod convened to meet at Sunderland at the end of April, for holding unorthodox views and general worldlines?. His "sinful work" in writing novels which have a unitarian tendency is particularly objectionable. The Rev. Dr. Kennedy Moore is the moving spirit in the proposed synodical trial. Dr. Watson's attitude on the question of his orthodoxy is unregenerate and even contumacious. He proposes, if kicked, to kick back, and if the worst comes to the worst, ho will leave the Church, of which he is not considered fib to be a member. As far as can be learned, Dr. Wat soft's own congregation at Liverpool, with a few exception?, is perfectly satisfied with him as a pastor, man, and Mother. The doctor was the principal speaker at the Mansion Houso mooting, London, March 23, in aid of sailors' homes. In an interview after the meeting he said : " I have ignoted the charge of heresy brought against me, as it is simply vexatious. I shall not notice it in any way, unless the matter is referred to in the Synod, which will undoubtedly reject tho charge. If it is sent to the Presbytery I shall, of course, dofend myself to the bitter end with counsel and otherwise. I wish you would thank my many friends in America for their kindness. Say to them that they need not be alarmed about my orthodoxy."" The Synod will open on Sunday, April 26, and will last a week, Watson has decided that not only will ho not keep still, but also will carry tho war into the enemy's camp by attending the Synod, and lecturing and proaching in the biggest halls he can get in the North of England. This vigorous policy rather frightens his accusers, and there is some talk of mercifully ignoring " lan Maclaren'e " doctrinal unsoundness.