The Students of Truth.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 2992, 6 June 1893, Page 2

The Students of Truth.

A considerable amount of sensation haa Heen caused in Christchurch during the I last few days by references in the papers ito A. B. Worihington, the founder of a 'religious sect known as "Students of Truth," Mad said to be about two thousand string. Last week "Truth," Qne of the I evening papers, reprinted frGm a New 1 York j-'urniil an article purporting o be an account of Worthingfcen'a American career, and detailing s me remarkable matrimonial experiences. On Friday night a letter appeared in the "Star"! directly charging Worthington withhaving ** deceived, swindled, and deseited seven women in various parts of America;" with having lived on his present wife's money since they went through the form of marri ge, about four years ago, and now that the money is exhausted, forcing her to leave him and compelling her to relinquish all part in the work ot the temple in which she had been a fellow- I teacher with Worthiogton. On Sa*ur-1 day both evening papers published interviews with Mra Worthington, in which she affirmed the truth of the charges made by the correspondent of the "Star." Worthington declined to be interviewed, but placed himself in the hands of the trustees of the temple, who supplied a written statement to the papers. This statement was to the effect that a conflict of authority had arisen * that Mrs Worthington claimed to be the head of the order and the sole judge of what she should teach; that she had founded an organisation which had created a great deal of unpleasantness among the students, the peculiar doctrines taught by her had nothing whatever to do with theteachings of the Students of Truth ; that though this order was disbanded she did not recognise Worthington's authority to do so. Worthington then announced to the trustees that he could not continue to work with Buch a conflict of authority, and that he would surrender it to his wife, j The trustees thereupon gave Mrs Worthington notice that they would not permit her to use or occupy the temple, when she abandoned her claim to be the sole head of the work, but claimed to be a co-founder and co-equal in it. She still maintained her right to teach what she thought proper, but as a result of the negotiations which followed she consented to retire from active association with the work iv Christchurch, and arrangements were made with regard to its maintenance by two gentlemen appointed by her and two appointed by VVorthington. These arrangements were accepted without demur. Christchubch, June 6, The Worthington f flair continues to excite a good deal of interest. There were very large attendances at the Temple of Truth yesterday, but no reference was made there to the situation. In the evening Mis Worthington. who haa now assumed.the name of '' Sister Magdala," met the trustees, and in answer to them said that she had no complaint to m&ke in reference to what had taken place, or in regard to their published statement. This evening she addressed a meeting in the Tuam Street H«U. About 700 or 800 persons were present. Her address in the main was an appeal that the truth might outweigh Worthington's pride and selfwill, and that he would confess the truth and carry on the work. She declared him to be the most remarkable instrument in the hands of the Almighty on the faoe of the earth to-day.