Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-11-19
Ecclesiastical Good Sense.

Ecclesiastical Good Sense.
In country where religious feeling
prevails 10 so wide an extent as is happily
the case in the United States, tie acts of
ecclesiastical bodies must ever be a matter
OF great interest and importance and
when they are connected with great pub
lie measures, vitality affecting the we'll
being and-peace of the country, they at
tract the notice of a sIiil wider circle than
that Of those who are by profession sub
ject TO their authority. Ours is pre-emi-
nently a government of public opinion /;
and IS the sentiments of men holding the
pastoral relation must, in the nature OF
things, exert powerful effect upon the
hocks they govern, ii is peculiarly graft
flying when we find their sentiments dis
tinctly avowed, in favor of sound, mod
crate, and conservative principles.
We have been led 10 these remorks
from having seen certain resolutions re-
Gently adopted by church body denomi'
mated, officially, the Synod Of Pihsburg.
A Synod, according 10 the Ecclesiastical
government, is, we believe, body con-
stiLuted by the union Of Two or more Pres
byteries, and holding middle place be-
tween the Presbytery "a local association
of the ministers and elders within spec
fled district Of county and the General
Assembly or Grand Congress Of the whole
denomination, represented by delegates
chosen by the Presbyteries. A Synod,
therefore, is a numerous body, uniting
the pastors Of many churches, and lay
men of responsibility associated with
them in the government Of an extensive
portion of the church. The official re.
solves and acts Of such body cannot but
represent the collective sentiments Of a
very large mass of talent, standing, and
high moral principle. In Pennsylvania
the Presbyterian denomination is strong,
and exerts powerful influence.
These considerations give great weight
to the resolutions which we are about 10
quote, and their importance is oftl more
consequence at the present moment, as
they relate to subject that has so deeply
agitated the public mind in all The Northern
States, and especially at Pittsburg.
They were precededby debate which
partook, in modified degree, of the char
-acter of those in our National Councils,
characterised,o n one side, by ardent zeal
and somewhat ultra spirit, denouncing,
in no measured terms, the fugitive slave
law lately passed by Congress, and going,
in some instances, so far as TO recommend
resistance of the law. Happily those
advocating opinions like those, formed
bat small minority Of the body; their
resolutions and attempted amendments
4failed, and the Synod, by very decided
majority, adopted the following temper
ate, wi,e, and creditable results:
81. ResolUed, That it is inexpedient
for the Synod at this time to give any
formal expression of its mind in relation
10 the law aforesaid, leaving every man
TO act as a christian in conformity with his
obligations ss-a-citizen and christian, in
the wisdom and meekness of the Gospel.
Q. Resolued, That ii be earnestly re-
commended to all our churches and peo-
ple 10 observe with special fervor and a
kpostolical injunction to pray for our rulers
Ind all in authority, that they may be just,
hling in the fear of God; and that under
Ehe Divine favor, our Nation and Govern
ment may be preserved in their integrity,
and happily guided to the fuihlment OF lis
great and glorious vocation.
We hail the temper which breathes in
these resolutions as afforded happy au-
gury of future peace.-Nat. Int.