Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-09-11
/. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.

Our Publisher, who has the manuscript now in
hand, has permitted US to glance at the Resolu-
tions adopted at the General Convention of the
Independent Presbyterian Church, August l4th.,
as q basis of union between that body and the
Old-School Presbyterians. The articles Of agee-
ment are evidently the result of candid and earnest
deliberation, and appear to us to present plan
of reunion entirely practicable, just and eaectual.
They are such as, we think should meet with the
approval of the members of both denominations
coming spirit of charity and good brotherhood,
nothing now remains to be effected beyond for
NAL ratification of the convention. This done,
and the cause of Religion and sound morality will
be made to feel the onward and upward impulse
which cordial union of kindred denominations,
one in creed, one in form and one in spirit cannot
but impart.
The Committee appointed by Bethel Presbytery,
consisting of Rev. Messrs. A. A. JAMES, Wm.
BASKs and J. L. DAVIES and Elders J. s. MOORE
and F. R. MILLS, on presenting themselves before
the Convention, were met in conference by Com
mittee consisting of Rev. W. W. CARoTuERs, Rev.
J. S. BAILEY, and Elders ]. LEWIS, A. S. WAL
LACE and D. McCALLuM; when the subjoined
Resolutions were agreed upon, reported to the
Convention, and unanimously adopted
Resolved That in our opinion the time has come
when, laying aside all prejudiccs and party ami
mosities, and with an ardent desire by united
II o2r fl,a n01n Of
common Lord, the Independent Presbyterian
Church and the Presbyterian Church 70. S. in
the United States Of America, ought to be more
closely united in Christian fellowship and eccle-
siastical bonds.
Resolped, That as q Basis of Union, the Joint
Committee would recommend the adoption of the
following Articles, viz:
= First: We, the Independent Presbyterians, do
consent to transfer our membership to the Pres
byterian Church in the capacity of regular church
es of Christ; with our Ministers, Elders and Dea-
cons recognized and received in the character and
Office which pertain to them severally; and having
adopted the Presbyterian system of faith and gov
ernment, to be thenceforward subject to the laws
and regulations of the Presbyterian Church.
ART. q All the lands, church edfces and their
appurtenances, Books, Libraries, Manuscripts,
and Funds, belonging to the Independent Presby-
NAV enact previous to her transition into the con-
nectiou herein contemplated.
ART. 8: In virtue Of the rights and privileges
guaranteed in the above articles, we, the Ministers
Of the Gospel, with the churches and their officers
in the Independent Presbyterian Body, do hereby
consent to receive and adopt "The Confession Of
Faith of the Presbyterian Church." as containing
the general system of doctrines taught in the Holy
Scriptures, and the Form Of Government and
Book of Discipline Of said Church. as in accor-
dance with Scripture and the general dictates Of
Justice and prudence with the following con-
struction:
We, the Independents, claim the right to hold
and teach those peculiar views Of doctrines which
have distinguished as as denomination, without
subiecting ourselves to censure or discipline on
the part of the Presbyterian Church; promising,
however, that, whilst We hold these doctrines to
be true and claim the right TO teach them, yet in
view of the 'peace and unity" of the Church, we
will not make them prominent points in our miu'
istrations, exhibiting them only when the discus
sion of subjects wsuld naturally call them forth
and when exhibiting them, we will endeaVor tc
present them in such manner as not to excite
unreasonably the opposition Of those who might
differ in sentiment, or unnecessarily to oppose the
clear teaching Of the Confession Of Faith.
ART. 4: We the Commissioners of Bethel Pres
bytery, do hereby, in behalf of our Presbytery
fully and cordially acknowledge the proper eccle
siastical standing of the Churches, Ministers
Ruling Elders, and Deacons Of the Independent
PRESBYTERIAN Church, and the validity of ordinap
ces administered by them; and we further pledgt
ourselves that on the adoption by the Convention
of the Confession of Faith las in Art 81 we viii
nae our best exertions to have these Articles q
dopted and ratified by our Presbytery, and 81