The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1861-12-28
WHOLE NO. 313.


far as doctrine is concerned, open corres-
pondence with the Baptists lregRrd doc
tFine of far greater Importance than form of
Government.
Chancellor Johnstone-There are many
in this church who are not Arminian, many
who are Calyinistic, and they hold to the
Augsburg Confession which is Calyinstic !;
at any rate it is sufficiently .Calyinistic for
me, and am as CaIyinstic as any one on
this floor. But even were they Arminian,
would that be enough to deter ns from
Christian intercourse with them. Does not
every one upon this floor embrace with
pleasure, every one who belie.es in the
Lord Jesus Christ as his etoBing sacrifice
as his righteousness2
DR.. Lacy-lf there ever has been time
when We ought to draw, with the cords Of
love nearer and stronger to us, all who hold
the Headship Of Christ, now is the time.
1t does seem TO NE that it is bot necessary
for us to countenapce the errors Of those
whom We still may embrace as Christians.
We receive them only SO far as the great
foundation doctrines Of Christianity are con-
cetned
aIr. Maere--If ere goi9s toeamis all
these bodies oil Christians, we il0St G rtaip-
ly will be obliged to change the preamble
of the report.
Mr. S'ewart-T do certainly hope that
the Evangelical Lutheran church, South,
may be includei il the report, and hope
that the report may be recommitted, so that
the committee may embody in it these va
rious denominations cf Christians.
Dr.. Pryor-If you recommit the report,
you will have to inform US whether we are
to hold communication with all Christians
whatsoever, or whether We shall specify va
rious particular denominations.
De- Adger-I feel embarrassed because
] do not know in what direction to cast my
vote. feel, Of course, cordial friendship
for these Christians as far as known 10 nae,
but if we invite the Lltherans, DO not see
how we can stop short there. | want to
know whether the object for which this
committee was appointed was to consider
anything beyond the Presbyterian family,
and, if not, We must be prepared TO go
further still, lest we give offence. Now.
ought we to held a correspondence with all
the churches, South, that hold the Head 7
Perhaps the spirit of the age and the liber-
ality of the church, demand it. But it is
impossible. The Baplsts and Episcopa
for instance, would not thank US for the
offer of it. Then shall we pass by all and
only take up those who are Of the Presbyte-
rian family. | think We should stop with
those who are distinctly Presby jeran as to
order. Now arises difficulty about faith.
The Cumberland and New School Pfesby-
teriaus are not with US in faith. How shall
we invite correspondence with them who are
not Calyinsic in doctrine2 The preamble
Of the report will bel p US over that. hope,
therefore, that the Assembly viii consider
what they are doing, and not go out of the
Presby tcrian family. Aud then it will be
necessary for US TO guard against making
them think that we wan ecclesiastical union
Though Faith aud Charity are both Chris
tan ,ils4es, so 10 .Bet propoze 50 sacrifice
faith to charity--we want to establish both
Judge Swayne-Thjs is new important
question. do not think that these terms
(lke faith and order) are to be confined tt
particular branches Of the church. AL have
like faith and order, who build upon Christ
if they all commune at the table of the sam,
Lord The differences between Christian
are immaterial, if they all unite in the love
Of Jesus. Nay! might in comparison viii
this, call them contemplate. Break down
then, the four walls Of partition, and otfe
TO all Christians the hand Of fellowship al
who preach and proclaim Christ cruciGed
even though they have not the same form
Of speech.
Dr. ThornwelI--I think that the repor
takes very just view Of the duty assignee
to the committee, and that this discussio
takes a very wrong view Of the whole thini
which the correspondence proposes to effect
There are two kinds Of communion.
First. Christian Communion commune
between Saints, ard the communion of Saint
with Christ, their Master. This church ha
always acknowledged this sort Of commur
ion with those who acknowledged Christ a
their Lord and Mas,eT-as the Saviour {
sinners, and person in the ad 1rable Trim
tv, am astonished to hear it intimate
that we hold at arms length any who thin
thus Of Jesus. have always admitted {
the Lords Table, Methodis's, Baptists-
ali who admit the doctrine Of the Trinity
aud if that is not Christian Communion,
am utterly at loss to conceive what Chri!
tian communion is. Oar church does Nc
propose t. take any new step on this sui
iect, and if you pass law to that efec
YOU will seem to imply that heretofore 20
have not admitted them.
Now, there is a secoRd kind cf commul
ion, that is, in the courts Of the chutcl
These courts are not designed to eXpret
love to the Master-our spiritual commul
ion and fello8shp-b these courts al
intended for the Government Of the churcI
as rulers they meet together for the purpos
of deiberatlng and investigating the VI
1ious questions before them, and OF deeiC
inc what is in accordance with the wCrd {
God. in this ecclesiastical conn union "
invite those who sympathse with us in Il
general measures for the advancement
the Kingdom Of our Lord Jesus Chris
those who agree with US as to the gret
principles on which the church should
administered. 1t seems to me, therefor
preposterous to invite into this commune
with us those who differ from us toto Geo.
Christian union is as broad and free in OF