AN IMPORTANT CHURCH DECISION

Since the death of Rev. H. M. Dexter, D. D., who was everywhere recognized as the highest authority in all matters of orthodox Congregational polity, the late Rev. Dr. Quint has been called the nestor of the denomination on all such matters, and his advice has been sought on controverted questions which have arisen in orthodox Congregational churches all over the United States, and to some; extent in Great Britain. It was only a short time before his death that a case was submitted to him for decision by a pastor of a Congregational church in Fairhaven, Mass. A lady member of that church, having become interested in Christian Science, wished to join the church of that name in this city. Her church refused to give her the usual letter of dismission and recommendation, in the belief that the Christian Scientist Church was not sound on the fundamental doctrines commonly accepted by the orthodox Congregational denomination. The pastor did not agree with the church and submitted the matter at issue to Rev. Dr. Quint for his opinion. I Being familiar with the precepts and doctrines held and taught by Christian Scientists, Dr. Quint promptly gave his decision in favor of granting the letter of dismission and recommendation to the Fairhaven lady and went so far as to state that, if the church refused to grant the letter, it would subject itself to denominational discipline. The church yielded and the letter was granted. The lady united with The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in this city. The decision involved a very important point and will probably be accepted as final in all similar cases which may arise. Dr. Quint was a broad, liberal man. He had become familiar with the doctrines and methods of Christian Scientists, who now number more than two hundred thousand in this country, and he fully believed that, in what are commonly called fundamental doctrines, they were entitled, so far as dismissing and recommending members was concerned, to the fellowship of the churches of the orthodox Congregational denomination.-Boston Transcript.