Voluntary resignation as an acting rule elder, in an old school Presbyterian church at the West : and calculated to prevent causes leading to such events, in our newly formed churches

^v OF PRUVCflgi
JUl

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2011 with funding from

Princeton Theological Seminary Library

http://www.archive.org/details/voluntaryresignaOOfort

h 'rt jh*

ty*(J%H§9U*>ft, fug***

m#u£v

£sfr*4 ,~> •

' — ^

j

t >fc-V x\ YjttA

« % !?

* .' .

^"rTi'-scei'wrvec »cvme V.

27 1915

1/

VOLUNTARY RESIGMIJP^

As an acting Ruling Elder, in an Old School
Presbyterian Church at the West : and cal-
culated to prevent causes leading to such
events, in our newly formed Churches.

So grave and serious a step, as voluntarily to give offi-
cial notice of an unwillingness to act as a Ruling Elder in
the Church of God, seems to require reasons in some
measure commensurate with the act itself. Whether these
reasons should be well founded and known only to the in-
lividual himself, to the Session from which he withdraws,
br given to the public at large, must in some measure de-
pend on the peculiarities connected with the transaction.

I became connected with this Church in 1843, by a cer-
ificate from a Church in the East, known as moderate
New School, and more nearly allied to what is termed
noderate Old School, than any other designation, and
vhich class of Churches harmonize in most, if not all, that
onstitutes the fellowship of Christ's people in the Pres-
byterian Church.
" Let all things be done decently and in order," is a Divine
njunction impressed on me, both by the Bible and the re-
igious influences under which I was trained and brought
nto the Church of Jesus Christ.

Soon after my connection with the Church, I was elect-
id the Superintendant of the Sabbath School, and wheth-
er it was conducted with as much order as it had been,
nd with as much success as could have been expected un-
ler the direction of any other member of the Church, is
ot becoming in me to say ^ but when events induced

2
,e vol»„,anly,<V-esiSn that office and |ve n^sons

ablicly in the Sehooi.-the rastoi k,,.e5sed thc

rh0Uy Unapprised of my n tent on tore >, . ^

ichool .explaining that although 1 ^ ted with tho

f interference and act on, be% Superintends^, yet
onsnltation cut co-operation oi tli e I thatinhis

,0 was ^»»l'» 'SS " ,U have acted as Super-
,pinion no one in the Chun* cou ^^ ser_

Pendant with more ^«j r ,t v to prosper ; and that he
,ices the School was m ore ke ly o p P* wMldlllw

lesired me seriously to ™n»uto t he s j ^ res

my resignation. I ^weighed "/eLhis request, or the
ieW^he0ST^uCfgVrrffimittee, to resume my

office- u- ♦•«„. measures were taken to build a new

that object I was chosen ch~ bei tttken on

During the meeting, a vote ^as h enterprise-the

^business ^nsacflon t ^^ therewitPh-and as

location, purchase ot lots, 01 cu . rson enquired

-Do the ladies vote I i » incl as soon as

This was the ^^^^e'Tiriho^t of rising, the
presented, and as *« ^te™<Jfvre. Suffice it to say. that
decision was prompt and d^e* d am t0 this moment
for this decision I am responsible, an resp0nsible

fully satisfied of its eorrectnes .but I am H^

for the several discussions ha have a in noin.

gational meetings since OT*^*8?Jg^tIiiy--an any way
ftance-uve.he.last ; .^^^enain" persons 'in our
introduced the sj ^Je^a loss e her for argument, rhetoric,
meet..,, have been at a ^««g and have appealed to
or eloquence, to secure then P? f , ^
the Ladies to exercise their ™» d enforced at each
I have de nde I my «r^aH^Vaccordance with the
stase, by nev evidence, lbaf * "."^hich felllale influence
sp4 of*the ^ble m ^sj^-wnch^ ^
should be exercised-the practice m ^ ^

institutions-thereasonand com«aon 8 u ain

looking at the undue influences that may

an erroneous expression of the female vote,— from the
practice in many, if not most of our churches in the older
parts of onr country where this subject has been matured
more fully. And in order to add a little testimony here on
this subject, I submit the following, to wit :

1st. From a work on the office of Ruling Elder in the
Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., of
the Theological Seminary at Princeton, which will be gen-
erally deemed good authority in the Old School Church.
On page 2G4 he says —

" In this choice the votes may be given either viva voce
or by ballot. The latter method, however, is by far the
most common, and is evidently the most proper for a vari-
ety of reasons, some of which will readily occur to every
enlightened and delicate mind."

'•Concerning the persons who are properly entitled to
vote in such an election, there has been some diversity of
opinion. That all the male members of the Church, in
what is called " full communion" have this right,_ there
can be no question. In this all are agreed. But it has
been maintained, not indeed with the same unanimity,
yet it is believed by a large majority of the most judicious
and enlightened judges, and probably on the most correct
principles, that all baptized members of the Church, who
must of course be regarded as subject to the government
and discipline administered by these rulers, are entitled to
a voice in their election. And where there are female
heads of families, who bear the relation of membership to
the Church, in either of the senses just mentioned, and
who are not represented by some qualified male relative on
the occasion, it has been judged proper to allow them to
vote in the choice of Ruling Elders, as is generally the
case in the choice of a Pastor. "

M There seems, however, to be some good reason for re-
stricting the right to vote for Ruling Elders within narrow-
er bounds than are commonly assigned in the choice of a
Pastor. In that choice, in most congregations, all pew-
holders, and all 6tated worshippers who are stated contribu-
tors to the support of the Pastor, in their just proportion,
whether baptized or not, whether willing to submit to the
exercise of discipline or not, and whether of fair moral

character or not, are considered entitled to vote. But, in
the election of a Pastor, there is one security against an
improper choice, which does not exist in the case ot a Ru-
ling Elder; namely, that the call must be submitted to
the Pr-sbytery, and receive the sanction of that body, be-
fore it can be prosecuted. Whereas no such security ex-
ists in the case of a Ruling Elder. " nu„rX
« Accordingly, the General Assembly ot the Church
which met in 1829, in answer to a question solemnly re-
ferred to it by one of the Western Presbyteries, adopted
and sent to the Churches the following judgment m rela-
tion to the subject : " Ought an unbaptized person who yet
pays his proportion for the support of a congregation to be
permitted to Vote for Ruling Elders !" " It is the opiniot
of this general assembly, that the office of Ruling Elde.
is an office in the Church of Christ: that Ruling Elders
as such, according to our confession of I aith, Book 1, or
Government, Chapter 5, are the representatives ot the
people, by whom they are chosen, tor the purpose of ex
ercising government and discipline in the Kingdom of on
Lord Jesus Christ; that the discipline lawfully exercise,
by them, is the discipline exercised through them by thei
constituents, in whose name, and by whose authority the;
act in all that they do. To suppose therefore that an un
baptized person not belonging to the visible Kingdom
the Redeemer, might vote at the election of Ruling El
ders, would be to establish the principle, that the childre
of this world, might through their representatives exercis
discipline in the Church of God ; which is manifestly ur
scriptural, and contrary to the standards of our Churc
Resolved, therefore, that the question in the said overtut
be answered in the negative, " .

2d. From a work of Rev. Thomas Smith, Pastor ot tl
Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston, S. C, exnil
iting the rules and regulations in that Church. On pati

"Rule 5. By the resolutions in the Preamble, the ele
tion of Pastor, Clerk, &c, devolves on the mate pewholae
generally. In all such elections, two thirds of all the mo
pewholders shall be present, and four-fifths of that nur
ber shall be required to make an election."

"Rule 7. The spiritual affairs of the Church, sucli as
the election and ordination of Elders, and all matters and
things growing out of the same, shall be governed exclu-
sively by the Pastor, Session, and male communicants in
good standing, when not in contravention to the established:
forms of the Presbyterian Church in the United States."

3d. From a report of the proceedings of a congregational
meeting of Rev. T. H. Skinner, D. D's. Church in the
citv of New York, in the New York Observer of Feb. 26,
1848—

''Moved by the Hon. B. F. Butler : The Rev. Thomas
H. Skinner, *D. D., pastor of this Church and congrega-
tion, having been appointed Professor of Sacred Rhetoric,
&c, and having expressed his desire to resign the pastoral
office ; and the male members of this Church and congrega-
tion being now duly convened in public meeting, for the pur-
pose of acting on his request, and having implored- on their
deliberations the Divine guidance and blessing; they have
unanimously adopted the following resolutions."

These must suffice for want of room and access to
other proper proof on this subject ; but I trust enough will
be gathered to shield me from having, in the decision re-
ferred to, given any just ground for offence, or for the
subsequent evil effects in our society, growing out of
this and other, as senseless, causes.

Besides these differences in our congregational meetings
there were Sessional differences — probably in some meas-
ure influenced by, but not necessarily connected with the
other.

A religious excitement of considerable extent was expe-
rienced in the church referred to, some two years since,
when the question ot qualifications lor membership was a
fruitful subject of argument, and unfortunately for unanim-
ity, I was obliged to differ with my brethren as to the ex-
perience young converts ought to pass through in order to
their admission to the church, both as regarded the safety
: of the convert, and the church ; the experience since, may
have produced a change of opinion on this and kindred
1 1 subjects. I objected to the admission of persons under the
I excitement in a revival, on the next da}' after they enter-
tained a hope, or at any very short period thereafter —

maintaining the necessity of a reasonable time, that the in-
dividuals might have anop port unity to test their own feel-
ings, and whether they had indeed experienced a change
of heart. Hasty admissions I objected to as unsafe to all
concerned, but was overiuled.

The question too, of frequent communion seasons in or-
dei to admit any one who might entertain a hope, I objected
to as uncalled for, either for the good of the church, or the
convert, or to secure the person to our church— for on the
latter point I maintained the principle of letting every one
be fully persuaded in his own mind, where he wishes to
join God's people. The morbid sensibility that would urge
any one, to extraordinary means to get into the church, and
partake of the communion, ought in my opinion to be en-
lightened on that subject. However delightful and profit-
able it may be to engage in this command of our Saviour,
"As oft as've do this, do it in remembrance of me," there
are other acts of devotion, and means of spiritual comtort
to the enlightened pious heart to which it can resort, until
in the regular and proper order, an opportunity is afforded
to partake of the emblems of our Saviour's death.

Within a few months past a most serious procedure
was in the course of consummation, which I allude to here
for the double purpose of showing how I have been brought
to differ with my brethren, and as a warning to such other
church sessions as may see this narrative, and have like
cases to adiust. ,

1 will first quote the directions given in the Book oi JJisci-
pline of the Presbyterian Church, then give the case.

" Chapter 4, Sec. 5. When a judicatory enters on the
consideration of a crime or crimes alleged, no more shall
be done, at the first meeting, unless by consent of parties,
than to give the accused a copy of each charge, _ with
the names of the witnesses to support it; and to cite al.
concerned to appear at the next meeting of the judicatory.
to have the matter fully heard and decided. Notice shal;
be given to the parties concerned, at least ten days previ
ously to the meeting of the judicatory."

" Sec 10. When an accused person, or a witness, reiu
ses to obey the citation, he shall be cited a second time
and if he still continue to refuse, he shall be excluded iron

the communion of the Church, for his contumacy, until he

repent." . . .

'•Sec. 11. Although, on the first citation, the person
cited shall declare in writing, or otherwise, his fixed deter-
mination not to ohev it; this declaration shall, in no case,
induce the judicatory to deviate from the regular course
prescribed for citations. Thev shall proceed as if no such
declaration had been made. The person cited may after-
ward alter his mind."

Now for the case. Two members of the church, and
both from among the young converts, hastily admitted
some two years a^o, weie charged with a violation of the
rules of the church, and subject to citation under the above
ecclesiastical law. It was 'deemed by some members of
the session that it was highly important an example should
be made before the then approaching communion, when it.
was proposed the example should be made, in order to de-
ter others who might become guilty of like offences.

A committee to\vait on these persons was proposed, as
a first step in order to bring them to repentance, or such
promise of a reformation as should prevent the necessity of
a citation at all.

I proposed that the minister in charge should be one ot
the committee, that by his ministerial influence .we might
more likely produce the change desired; but the pruden*
tial policy of avoiding so faithful a discharge ot duty,
lest he might become unpopular with the young persons,
prevailed^and he was excused. I am sorry to say, his
own views were in accordance with this course,

A committee of two were appointed. Their report in re-
lation to one of the accused was such that the promises of
amendment made, caused the case to be dismissed.

The other case was more embarrassing. No satisfactory
promises were made, nor did the individual feel worthy to
«>w«o;r, as a church member, and would prefer a dismis-

remain
sion.

On this report of the case, several members. I think all
that were present, except mysell, were disposed-to proceed
at once, without citation, trial, or further effort to restore a
backsliding member— to dissolve the membership— or to
suit the after part of this narrative, to cause an arbitrary
unlaioful, and unsafe "Resignation* of membership,

8

;I opposed it on several grounds — among them,

1st. We were expressly prohibited by our constitutional
book of tli*cinlinp.

•2d. That the character of the young member — the feel-
ings of the relatives, and above all the eternal interests of
the member, called for further effort to bnn<x about a re-
formation, if the member was only a backslider ; and upon
the principle that the member never had been converted,
the occasion should be used as a means of grace to bring
about such a change of heart as to rende- the member a
true christian. Strange as it may seem, neither the con-
stitutional law, nor all these serious considerations weighed
to alter the determined wishes of the committee, or minis-
ter present. It was urged that, at least, two of the absent
members agreed in the opinion that it was lawful and best
to cut off the member. I objected to the reported opinions
of members who were absent, as influencing those present,
for, those absent might be induced to change their views in
a consultation with, and in, an organised session for so se-
rious an object. I suggested a postponement to another
time, when a fuller session might be present, but was Op-
posed in this, as unnecessary, as the decision must be the
samo, with the known opinions of those absent.

It was with much reluctance a postponement could be
secured ; and only, or at least, after I had stated I should
solemnly protest against their act, that it was effected. —
Well, trace the issue. At the next meeting, with two ad-
ditional members, the minister asked one of the members
absent at the last meeting, his views of the case. He gave
them ; and no two men could scarcely go over the ground
in review of the law, and necessity of citing the member,
than I had done previously. Not a lisp, was it necessary
for me to make, nor did one of the three, who were present
at the former meeting, interpose one objection to the cita-
tion. It was ordered, and instead of condemnation, with-
out trial, the opportunity was open for the use of means for
■the restoration of the member. Trace the result: The
first citation was not obeyed : a second citation was served,
and while the session were considering the case, and about
to determine it by a vote, the member actually appeared.
The interview was such as to suspend a decision, and hopes
were entertained of a favorable issue. Up to the time of

ny ceasing to act, the case, so far as I had any knowledge,
vas likely to result favorably.

So much I have thought proper to say on this case, ia
>rder to show some of the causes by which we differed,
tnd the danger of acting without a careful consideration of
he nature of dealing with the character and spiritual in-
erests of members by a sessional court.

About four months since a meeting was called to elect a
Pastor, and the candidate not being much known, and an
opportunity of hearing him being too limited to satisfy all,
;hathe was the most suitable person we could procure; on
i motion to elect a Pastor, I was so far successful in sug-
gesting several amendments, as finally to prevent an elec-
ion as Pastor, but securing an opportunity to employ him
>ix months.

At this meeting the ladies were again appealed to, to
/ote — and a motion made to that effect, which I had not
ihe slightest agency in intreducing — but when brought for-
ward, I maintained my former position on that subject —
i-vhen the vote was taken, by acclamation, instead of by
aallot, no one, not even myself, voted against it, and it
was recorded unanimous ; but it is far from the fact, that
it is the unanimous opinion of the congregation.

On the evening of March 13th, another meeting was
called for the election of Pastor — the candidate being the
same as before.

An informal vote was taken by ballot, -simply to teet the
state of feeling previous to any discussion or exciting oc
mrrence. The result was 68 for, and 24 against going in
;o the election. Males present about 30 to 35.

The minority being so large, a pause ensued; the meet
ng apparently not discerning whether to go forward or
backward. At this juncture, without questioning the right
of ladies to vote, I suggested, as this was informal, and
merely for information, that the sense of the males be ta-
ken separately. The moderator, a clergyman, and an-
other who was favorable to the candidate, thought it prop-
er if desired, and saw no objection to it; but others thought
differently and opened a debate, about the rights and qual-
ifications of ladies to vote. I adduced the cases of the
Church in Charleston and New York as evidence of the

10

practice there, and that the ladies were probably as much
respected in those places as here.

The person who made the motion at the former meeting
was slightly excited that the question was raised after the
motion he had made — it will be observed that the question]*.'
of the right to vote was not touched — but in this incident- J
al way, I was instrumental in its introduction into discus-
sion, but never before since the first decision. So I cannot
be chargeable with agitating this question.

I took the liberty ot saying to the person referred to,"
" that his having made the motion that ladies vote, consti- ''
tuted no reason why I should not allude to it if I saw pro-
per. " This, with the remark that when he made the mo-
tion, the only argument he used in its favor was, that "in
some parts of the country it was advocated that ladies
ought to vote at all our popular elections, " which seemed
as though he favored Fourierism, which he probably would!
not like to admit, may have led to my being charged with
a "high handed dictatorial course, " by one whose letter
I probably shall copy in this narrative.

The subsequent votes on the election of Pastor was as
ibllows, viz:

Shall we proceed to elect a Pastor ? On rising— Male aj
Yes, 18 ; no females up. Against the election, Males 11 :
no females.

On the final vote by ballot, the candidate ieceived 74
Totes ; against him 31 votes— a minority of one third— and
only about on« third, to one half, of the congregation being
present.

This minority being so large — and I believing it unsafe?
to settle him — announced how I voted, and took occasion
to direct the attention to tile peculiar state of the interests
involved in further action. The feelings of a majority
were to be respected — the interests of the candidate were
to be suitably protected — and the rights of the minority
were to be considered ; also, the church in its varied in-
terests was to be contemplated with solicitude and mode-
ration. 1 then took a review of some of the events refer
red to here — gave some suggestions about the duties o
Elders to the people, and of the people to them— complain
ed that events had been allowed to exert such an inftaj

]•;

nee among some of our members— of the improper ex-
citement on the subjects on which we entertained differen-
ces of opinion ; and that my own religious feelings had
>een wounded, and my official relation in some measure
ndangeredin its proper usefulness, by the misguided ac-
1011 and prejudice arising from the incidents referred to, in
hemselves not sufficient to excuse it. In this review of
he past, I proposed that one and all should endeavor to
mbibe the true spirit of Christianity, and overlook all past
lifferenccs ; and having left our old church and for the first
ime met in the new one in a congregational meeting, we
hould endeavor to act under the present emergency in a
pint of Christian compromise.
I therefore suggested to the majority not -to urge prose-
uting a call under so large a minority, and gave reasons,
nd examined the separate interests involved ; and then
lso suggested if a motion should be made, not to prose-
ute the call, that the minority should unite with the ma-
>nty and invite the candidate to remain a longer period—
ne year from the time he was originally invited. This
3urse was acceded to, and then the way was open for
aim reflection, neither party had entirely lost their wish-
i; a submissive, teachable, humble spirit, exercised by
I, might have resulted in unanimity, p-ace and prosper-
But alas ! I had been the speaking instrument of the
unority, and the leading ones in the majority were badly
jap pointed ; what had failed under majorities was gain-
i by the minority, under the wise provision of the consti-
ttion of our church. The case had now assumed an as-
fct that decided me to cease acting as Ruling Elder. I
id previously decided it desirable, and should have done
' or eft the church for mv own peace of mind, but for a
sinchnation to change or take the novel course of ceasing
act in my official relation.

That my official relation had not suffered in any res-
fct, except from the few referred to, I am fully satisfied,
e^en UP t0 the time of my resignation of active ser-
fc, I have no idea or belief, that in my official oharac-
r 1 had become unacceptable to any considerable num-
r, even with all the influence a few could use to effect

12

such a result. But I assure the few to whom I refer that
I was no longer willing to exercise the office ol Kuling
Elder, and sent the session the following notice, to wit :

March 16, 1848.
S H Esq.

My Dear Brother :— . ^ f

The prayer meeting last evening I enjoyed a, one ol

rather more than usual interest, and thought brother H s.

remarks very good, but on some points unusually em-

Phfextremely regret that past occurrences in our church
have had a tendency to disturb the kind relation and sym-
pathy that ought to exist among the ™?*^*"™*
and in the congregation. My own religious feelings have
been grieved ; and fearing a continuance of similai results,
and desiring peace of mind, more calm enjoyment in my
rectus exigence, and a deeper spiritua h ty it has been
impressed on mv mind very strongly, that I could bettej
secure the results desired by omitting to meet with the
session for the present, or taking any responsible actio* r
our church affairs, except as a private member, until a dil
ferent state of things shall appear to render it moie clear.

^Be^ood enough to convey this conclusion to the othe
brethren of the session, and allow me to assure you I hav
no feelings towards any one of the session or any membe
of the church, inconsistent with the truest Christian M
lovvship, however I may disapprove of the wrwpjH
and opinions held on various subjects, the discussion c
which has tended to the present state ol things.
Very respectfully, lours,

J J H R

About a week after this notice, the member of sesskj
to whom it was sent, called and conversed as to .the . eztri
I viewed the notice. He also informed me hat a ^
was sent to the session some days after my notice, reqiitt
ing my resignation. The following is a copy— the * nter
nameyi omit out of delicacy to his feelings, trusting
will in due time see cause for Christian fellowship .in I
feelings to me. as he may be assured I have to him.

13

believe he has no valid ground for any thing short of it nor
do I view his letter as a bar to my respectful regard to him
as a Christian brother whenever he shall manifest a simi-
lar sympathy :

Copy of his Letter.

" To the Session of the Presbyterian Church of

»• Gentlemen : — The course pursued by Elder J— —

H R at our congregational meetings, in attributing

improper motives to members of the church— his high
handed dictatorial course— destroys his usefulness. Many
of us think we cannot be profited by him as a leader. He
is in my opinion unacceptable in his official character to
a majority of the congregation. I have therefore to ask
that'vou renuest him to resign his office of Elder which
he holds in the church. I am firmly convinced the peace
and harmony of the members depends upon his compliance..
Respectfully Yours,

" A H

March 16, 1848.

I make two remarks on this letter —
1st. The charge of my having " attributed improper mo-
tives to members of the church at our congregational meet-
ings, " is wholly erroneous. I never entertained the belief
that dishonest motives were impelling any member ; but
only improper action and management, in securing their
wishes, without a proper christian regard to the wishes,
feelings, and rights of others. ' To this end 1 did intend to
complain, and at the last congregational meeting did so, in.
as proper a manner as I deemed my official relation to the
church called for ; hoping a reference in that manner would
answer to correct a censurable practice with a very select
few in the church.

2d. It is surpassing strange that the writer of this letter
should think he could not " be profited by him (me) as a
leader." One who rarely — scarcely ever, enters our
prayer meetings, either on Sabbath morning, or during the.
week, and who was never known to take the least part m
those exercises, to my knowledge — it is strange, I repeat,
to understand how he could mean to apply his thoughts on

14

this point. If he rarely came within the influence of the
leaders in our religious meetings — how could it be said that
he could not be profited by any one leader, the one to whom
he refers having been delicately careful not to lead in those
meetings as often as a regular rotation would have caused
him 1 but does he mean my leading the mind in prayer to
the throne of Grace would be unprofitable ? of this he could
better have judged by more experience in the exercise. I
had supposed a truly spiritual feeling in a christian could
forget trifles when it was endeavoring, with kindred spir-
its to unite in childlike supplication to the Throne of Grace
for the descent of the Holy Spirit on the waiting worship-
pers.

But perhaps it was in our congregational meetings he
thought he could not be profited— for~be it remembered, he
made the motion that " Ladies vote, " and to which I had
incidentally caused a reference. If this was intended as
the unprofitable part of my official relation to him, it may
be well to apprise him that the resignation he seemed rathe'r
" dictatorial " in demanding, even if secured, would not
have in the slightest degree interfered with my relations to
him, or others, in our congregational meetings. When he
meets me there, it is not in my official character as Elder
-^-although on my part it is ever becoming to consider that
character — but he meets me as one of the congregation. and
if I have a better cause to maintain than he, or think I can
suggest any desirable modification in any thing he or oth-
ers propose, I shall feel a perfect right to act accordingly.

A member of the congregation informed me that, some
days after my notice to the session, a lady effort for names,
to petition for my resignation was making, but they met
with so little encouragement on calling with their petition,
that he supposed they had given up the enterprise, and I
am led to infer this is the case, for a committee of two from
the Session calling on me on the 27th March, said none
had been presented— they thought it had been given up.

This committee called to know my views as to the ex-
tent and meaning of my notice of 16th March, when I de-
livered them the following letter prepared to send the ses-
sion, viz :

15

March 27, 1848.
S H , Esq;

[For the Session.]
Dear Brother : —

I return the volume borrowed of vou. " Miller on R«-
ling Elders. " He says, on page 274, an elder may, "Front
ill health, or for other reasons, cease, if he think proper, to
perfonn the active duties of the office. "

On page 298 : "When an Elder thus wishes to resign-
his station, he is to give official notice of his desire to the
Session ; they are to declare, if they think proper, their ac-
ceptance of his resignation : the whole transaction is to be
distinctly recorded in the Sessional Book ; and report made
to the Presbytery, that the individual in question has ceas-
ed to-be an acting member of that Session. "

Further directions in the same chapter, and to the same
end are given, which clearly indicate the simple course to
pursue in relation to ray notice of 16th of March, that I
had voluntarily ceased to act tor the present as Elder.

Allow me in conclusion to say that, this volume ought to
be read, and studied by the Eldership, and its heavenly in-
culcations urged on the members of our church, by the
moral power and influence that a Session ought to possess,
and exercise. My desire is that your councils will in fu-
ture be guided by union, wisdom, and grace, and' so mani-
fested that the people may feel there is a moral influence
at the head of our church affairs, that ought to be looked to
as a guide for all movements, in which the spiritual or pe-
cuniary interests of the church are- concerned.

With these principles, and qualifications to carry them
out, with the energy the spirit's influence is calculated to
inspire, when there is union and harmony in council for the
best welfare of Zion, we may hope for better results in the
moral and spiritual condition of our church than seems to
have been the case fur some time, and tending to worse in
the future.

The charge of a " High handed dictatorial course '* in cur
congregational meetings contained in a letter sent the ses-
sion, signed by one individual in relation to myself, I pso^

1G

test against as wholly fallacious ; and object to other parts
as unsound and containing a request strongly spiced with
•dictation, giving his opinion as evidence to sustain so seri-
ous an act as he desired.

That I ha-ve been, and am in my feelings and principles
strongly opposed to such a " course " I frankly admit, and
also admit that the mind, of loose observers may have mis-
-construcd an opposition to arbitrary and dictatorial move-
ments, as the very essence of dictation itself! My feel-
dngs and principles are for open frank discussion, and fair
•open action in all church interests, that all things may be
•done in a way to avoid suspicion of management, and that
a hearty concurrence shall be secured by as many of the
congregation as possible ; then after this course is pursued,
il go heartily for the decision of a majority, except in some
peculiar case where the rights of minorities claim, on. the
.principles of christian concession and brotherly love, that
■the majority shall not press their wishes unreasonably —
without essential detriment to them— upon the minority, to
ttheir certain discomfort.

Such a case may arise in the choice of a pastor, and the
•constitution ol our church, wisely provides for such an
event.
.I close by an extract from " Miller, " page 299.
» No church ought to be burthened by the incumbency
of an unpopular and obstinate Elder, who instead of edify-
ing, is injuring it. And on the other hand, no innocent and
really exemplary Elder ought to be abandoned to the fury
of popular prejudice, and permitted to be trampled under
feet, when, perhaps he ought to be sustained and honored
for his fidelity. "

Most respectluly and truly yours,

J- H R .

On the 28th of March I received the following notice,
wiz :

March 28, 1848.

;Mr. J H R :

It becomes my duty to inform you that the tender of
resignation of your office as Elder in this church has been
accepted by the Session, and placed upon record, and that

17

the same will be reported to Presbytery, to meet at

on the 4th day of April next.

By order of the Session,

S N — -, Clerk.

How far the Session would have gone under the request
of one petitioner, and a few out-door expressions— had my
resignation not have been explained, as all in effect that
could be given— namely, ceasing to act for the pr°sent — is
known better to them than me ; but I drew from the com-
mittee that if I did not view it as a resignation, they were
authorized to request it. Now although I respect individ-
ually the members of Session in their persons, I cannot be-
lieve they took the enlightened view of the nature of the
solemn relation they were dealing with, that they ought —
and such as a little study of " Miller on Ruling Elders, "
would have given them, or such of them as were prepared
for such a request.

One of the committee, on my enquiring on what ground
they were prepared to make such a request, stated he had
heard nothing expressed but respect for me as Elder- —
While the other seemed at a loss to explain, but when 1
referred to the one petitioner, and the rumored failure of
the lady effort, as too slight evidence to warrant such a
" plenipotentiary " power as seemed to have been delega-
ted to the two brethren. When it appeared as though I
was likely to be too severe in my rebuke for such conduct,
he finally stated that there Were as many as twelve or
fourteen who thought I ought to resign ! Can it be, thought
I — can it be, that the brethren, although I have differed
with them on important principles of sessional practice,
have become so far lost to the sacredness of their position
in such a juncture, as to presume thus to hazard the use-
fulness and influence of a brother Elder on so slight a
pretext, — and even that the result in a good degree of dis-
appointed success in the election of a pastor ?

This state of things must be my excuse for unfolding
some of the causes that have been operating to prepare for
such an issue.

Every member of session may have so participated in
the discussions at our congregational meetings, as to have
entertained precisely the same feelings of the one petitioner

18

— whose letter I have transcribed — and a few more with
them. But does not the question arise, from what has this
excited opinion arisen ? is it for discussing questions on
which there may be an honest difference of opinion, and in
those discussions, if he produces more reason, argument,
and evidence than others, and if he is rudely answered in
debate, and has ability and courage to defend himself and
his cause, must he on that account. — when in the language
of" Miller, " page 298, " in a moment of prejudice or pas-
sion from the popular feeling, without any just ground or
blame on his part " be requested by his brethren of the
session to resign ! I have not so learned the principles of
the Gospel, nor the common principles of common sense. —
Supposing for argument sake, I had so debated questions
in the Session, or in the congregational meetings, that my
brethren feared I would mar the peace of Zion, or become
unacceptable in my official character ; would it not have
been their first duty to admonish in private, and in our Ses-
sional meetings calmly examine the tendency of any in-
discretions in debate or otherwise ? No such course was
ever attempted — probably no good cause existed why the
attempt should have been made. On the other hand, was
it not a duty the Session owed themselves — their brother
Elder — the peace of the church — the best interest of sound
religious practice, to have gone to the writer of the letter
who requested a resignation, and labored with him, to rec-
oncile his feelings to an officer in the church of our Lord ;
and also to have gone and used the moral influence of their
official relation to the church, and have reconciled the dif-
ferences that may have arisen, either from transient and
slight causes, or even of a serious character.

I havfc not learned on any principle of propriety, that
the christian character of a private member of the church,
is so lightly to be tampered with, as to b& even arraigned
before the Session for admonition or censure for anything that
can be substantiated in regard to my christian character.or
official relations to this church ; yet it would seem by the
admission of one of the committee, they came clothed with
power to request my resignation ! ! a request that implies
some serious matter touching a man's character, qualifica-
tions, piety, usefulness &c, &c, which without an ex-

19

planation would be calculated to operate unfavorably, and
in some instances be a means of crushing a man's influence
as a christian, and in very many respects be a serious an-
noyance. In this case, however, I am happy to say no
such results are apprehended, for my resignation was pure-
ly voluntary and had been resolved on more than once, and
so far as the circumstances are known here, _ I feel neither
my christian character or influence will be disturbed.

I mean no personal disrespect to the members of session
— a majority governs — who favored the intention I pom-
plain of. I know not, but from the relations that exist, I
am satisfied that this intended request is, or will be under-
stood out of the session. If they have acted in a way to
give their official sanction to the request of the " one pe-
titioner," and thus tacitly say I am " unacceptable in my
official character to a majority of the congregation, " they
must permit me to protest— in the most solemn manner—
against its propriety or their right to do it, under the cir-
cumstances.

Our congregation numbers probably over three hundred.
Do the session mean to convey the idea to Presbytery or
the community, that over one hundred and fifty persons in
our congregation believe, or for a moment think^ any thing
like this rash petitioner ? I say as a Christian man, I
doubt whether there were ten adult persons in the congre-
gation at the time his letter was written, who would have
been willing calmly to say what this one petitioner has
said. The truth is, with the exception of two or three in-
dividuals, whose path has been a little obstructed by my
open action according to my own judgment^ I am confi-
dent a cordial feeling would be cheerfully given to me in
an official or other character.

The circumstances must be my excuse for self estima-
tion on this occasion, it is one of the last things I am ac-
customed to present.

My reference to this " one petitioner " so often, has not
been made with any design to offend him, but because it
suited my reference to the evidence on which the session
acted better than otherwise. My feelings to him are ex-
_pressed in connection with his letter.

20

Now what is the object of this pamphlet, and what is
calculated to be its tendency?

1st. The vindication and protection of the writer, by an
explanation of some of the causes of his resignation.

2d. To lead other church sessions and congregations,
where this pamphlet may circulate, to consider the events
to which allusion has been made, that they may avoid sim-
ilar evils ; the existence of which cannot fail to endanger
vital Godliness and christian sympathy.

3d. That the Presbytery having an oversight and super-
visory control of the church and Eldership of which I am
a member, may understand some of the evils existing with-
in their bounds, and that a wise conservative influence
may be exerted to restore any lost fellowship that may
have occurred without sufficient reason, or any intimation
of a want of moral character or integrity on either side.

4th. That as Presbytery will meet and the resignation
be reported before this pamphlet can be published, "and as
no effort may be made to secure the conservative influence
of its interference at that time : and as the spiritual inter-
ests and fellowship of the members of the church call for
prayerful solicitude to unite all hearts, who hope to be uni-
ted in heaven; it is urged that so desirable results may be
sought after and prayed for, instead of any unnecessary
widening of a breach that may become impassable.

5th. The suppression of all names and places, in order
that the particular church in which these occurrences have
taken place may be unknown, except within its immediate
vicinity, that as little unpleasantness may be experienced
as the case seems to admit of in this mode of Reformation
and Protection.

That the great Head of the church will so over-rule all
things for the glory of His name, and the final salvation of
all his professed people, is the desire and prayer of one
who is still, although ceasing to act as such,

A RULING ELDER.

Northern Indiana, March 30, 1848.

FURTHER EXPLANATION.

The foregoing narrative was prepared in its original
form to present to Presbytery for information. At that
time it was not known by me that the session would be
willing to allow of a voluntary resignation after the one
petitioner's letter was received, and the lady effort to_ the
same end was announced. Finding it could not be printed
in time for the meeting of Presbytery on the 4th of April,
it was modified for a more extended circulation and hand-
ed to the printer before Presbytery met.

Supposing it possible Presbytery might judge I ought to
lave appealed to its interference for the correction of the
evils alluded to, and desiring an adjustment for harmony
in the church, I addressed Presbytery on the subject soas
to open the way for the session to manifest any healing
spirit that might exist with itself or the few whose influ-
ence it might consult, to wit :

April 5, 1848.

To THE PrESBYTERT OF

Dear Brethren : — The undersigned regret the necessity
of addressing you on a snbject of discord in the — Pres-
byterian chinch of of which we are members.

"One of the Ruling Elders of our church, and a portion
of its members have, without any charge implicating the
moral character of any one. become in some measure es-
tranged in their feelings. The original cause of this es-
trangement in some considerable degree, grew out of a de-
cision of J H R , (the Elder referred to) when

chairman of one of our congregational meetings, that la-
dies were not entitled to vote. The discussion of this and
other subjects at our congregational meetings has caused
an undue excitement, and with other collateral causes sa
affected his feelings as to induce him voluntarily to resign
his active service as Elder, and to cause one person to pe-
tition the session that they should .request his resignation ;
how many more may have desired the same, we do not
here express an opinion, as a diversity of view may be en-
tertained on that point.

We feel that the cause of religion in our own church

22

may be injured by the present state of things; and not be-
lieving there are any serious obstacles to a union of feeling,
and hearty christian fellowship and social intercourse, de-
sire the interposition of Presbytery to effect so desirable ]
an object.

We therefore desire a committee of Presbytery to con-
fer with a few members of our church, and if they think
the way clear, that Presbytery adopt the following meth-
od of healing all differences alluded to.

1st. That Presbytery recommend to the church and con-
gregation, that in their'future congregational meetings, the
qualifications of voters shall be based on the principles laid
down in a work of Samuel Miller, D. D., of the Prince-
ton Theological Seminary, entitled, "Miller on Ruling
JElders. "

2d. That Presbytery recommend J H R— —

to withdraw his resignation, and A H > to with-
draw his request that the session advise him to resign, and
a record be made of the same on the records of the session,
and he be requested to resume the active duties of Ruling
Elder.

3d. That this petition to Presbytery, together with the
action of Presbytery on the case, be publicly read to the
congregation on Sabbath morning next, from the Pulpit by
a member of Presbytery, and accompanied with suitable
remarks, calculated to unite the cheerful and hearty co-
operation of all the members of the church, in union, chris-
tian fellowship, and social intercourse.

The above draft, dear brethren, is drawn and presented
by myself to Presbytery as my petition to that body ; that
they consider the propriety of handing it to the delegate
from session in attendance on Presbytery, or such other
member of session as they think proper, _ in order that it
may be presented to each member of session to sign, to-
gether with Mr. A H and such of the ladies of

the church as they may judge proper, in order to insure
^he harmonious results so much to be desired for the inter-
ests of the church and the christian fellowship of its mem-
bers.

An attention to it this morning, and the harmonious ac-
tion of session, I am fully persuaded, may during the day
settle every difficulty, so that the Presbyterial prayer

23

meeting this evening may be thronged with hearts in sweet
harmony, uniting in aspirations of prayer and praise to the
throne of heaven for the descent of the Spirit on his wait-
ing children. In this I can heartily unite, and hope a sim-
ilar sympathy will be manifested by the persons referred
to, and the exercise of the conservative influence of Pres-
bytery exerted. Most Respectfully,

Yours in the Gospel,

J H R •

The Presbytery appointed a committee who conferred
with members of session as they informed me, and finding
the way not clear to adjust the differences as I proposed,
made the following report, to wit : " The committee to

whom was referred the letter of brother J H

R to this body, beg leave to report the following :—

That in accordance with the " desire " expressed in that
letter, the committee did " confer with a few members " of

the Presbyterian church of , but that they do not

" think the way clear, " nor that it is expedient for Pres-
bytery to adopt the method suggested for healing the dif-
ferences spoken of in that letter. "

The committee informed me that the subject ought to
come before them in a different form— by way of a com-
plaint, or with charges in such form as to institute an in-
vestigation—to warrant Presbyterial action, and suggested
that I adopt that method ; but I informed them there was
nothing to charge on either side, and any investigation of
the differences would probably result in a tedious exciting
procedure, that would amount in reality to nothing at all
to warrant the undertaking ; the whole difficulty having
arisen, and been brought to its present foira, by causes
wholly unworthy of such a result ; therefore I had noth-
ing to propose further than what was expressed in my let-
ter; a willingness on my part to unite in some honorable,
liberal, and I trusted, a christian course, to unite the dis-
cordant elements existing in the church.

My complaint against the session for "tacitly endorsing
the letter" of the (tone petitioner, " by sending a commit-
tee clothed with " authority to request a resignation, "
would in some measure be unfounded so far as the session-
al record would show, for that would indicate a voluntary
resignation, appended to which was the request of this onQ

petitioner, but no record of the authority to " request a
resignation ; " therefore to sustain a complaint on that
ground, would have subjected me to proof from the persons
complained of, and which if not voluntarily given, proba-
bly could not have been required. And even if admitted,
and a censure had been given by Presbytery to the session,
for acting hastily and on insufficient grounds, for so serious
an imputation, it would not have healed thocause of the
disease, but in all probability administered to its fatality.

Therefore, being indisposed to the litigation necessarily
consequent on such a course, I preferred appealing direct-
ly to the understanding and unbiassed verdict of those who
may choose to give attention enough to this narrative to
understand the peculiar and unenviable position in which
circumstances have placed me, and under which many
would have sunk in silence, although like myself, unwilling
martyrs !

At this crisis I was in doubt what course I ought to
pursue, but learning this evening, the 8th of April, that
another congregational meeting was expected to be called
to endeavor to elect the candidate so recently opposed by
so large a minority, it appeared to me that a new agitation
ot the same subject that had so recently brought us into
difficulty, would likely widen the breach still more.—
Therefore, to leave the result unconnected with me in any
future consequences growing out of the meeting, I decided
to leave the church, procured a dismission the same eve-
ning, and now feel a relief from the corroding responsible
ties of a disunited connexion.

More than self will and personal considerations, induce
me to this publication. However feeble an effort to effect
such a result, it is intended and designed as a delicate ex-
posure of unsound practice, and an unworthy managing
spirit in the church, that however tolerated in'the political
world, by worldlings, is almost a sure evidence of a wan-
ing spirituality, and sooner or later of a divided church. —
In the language of the New York Observer, "a divided
heart is feeble with God, and a divided church has no mor-
al power."

A RULING ELDER.

Aprils 1848, . Tf Tisar; Printery Fort JPaynef Ia~