The Tabernacle Disturbance.

Observer, Volume X, Issue 623, 6 December 1890, Page 6

The Tabernacle Disturbance.

Monday's meeting at the ' Tab.' passed off comparatively quietly, and Pastor Birch, by virtue of his superior strategy, stiil holds the fort. He refused to put to the meeting a vote of *no confidence ' in himself unices the previous resolution was rescinded, and he pleaded for the former resolution being allowed to remain, because he felt the benefit of his restriction in keeping him clear of political topics. After a long and warm discussion, the previous resolution was endorsed by 122 votes to 88. Only four people in the meeting refrained from voting. There appeared to be a strong desire for peace, and that the pastor should finish his term of engagement without an open rupture. Though the church revenue is recovering, it cannot yet stand the immediate paying off of the pastor, so it was thought best to bury the hatchet meantime. In ten months' time there may be no need to dig it up pgain. The supposed discrepancy in the money transaction between the ''lab.' treasurer, Messrs Birch and C. H. Spurgeon, was satisfactorily explained, and Birch was shown to be above-board in his dealings. There was a bit of a dramatic scene in the course of the discussion. When Mr Jbldiniston, the mover of the 'no confidence ' resolution, was speaking of the errors of Mr Birch, he adduced as one the refusal of the pastor to shake hands with him on one occasion. ' See, brother, I am ready to snake hands with you now,' said Birch, extending his hand with every appearance of cordiality. Edmiston had his revenge, for he coolly declined I the proffered shake and went on with his accusations. Perhaps he suspected that the offer was simply made for the sake of effect.