The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1861-11-02
FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENCE.

AZ tue recent meeung OF Tue y nVu VI
Virginia the following resolution was unani-
mously adopted:
"RcsolreG, That, in the peculiar crcum
stances in which our church is now placed,
and in the prospect of forming new Gene
raj Assembly as "a bond of union, the Syn
cd feels it proper to express the opinion
that, in conformity with the principles and
practice of our church, frsternal CORES
pondence should be formed with our sister
Protestant churches as far as practicable
and comfortable to all parties concerned.
"Aud farther, that in addition to the
churches with which such correspondence
has been heretofore held, should the Gene
raj Assembly include also 'the United Pres
byterian Synod, it will meet the hearty ap-
prOval of this body"
This resolution, we are confident, will
meet a cordial response from every part of
the Synod of Virginia, among both her min
listers and her people. So far as we know,
it is in harmony with the feelings of our
Whole Southern church.
In all cases where, serious differences in
doctrine, government, usages, or in feeling
exist, premature measures to melt the va
rious Christian denominations into one grant
aaioo would on .aa in q rrinder a.
.usiou worse contounded." Yet, az they
hold great and precious truths in common
faith, and are thus far really one, it is emf
neu5y proper they should embrace all suita-
bic ways of giving an outward manifesto
ton of that unity to the world. Hence a
fraterual correspondence by heinterchauge
Of delegates, at the meetings of their high
est ecclesiastical assemblies, would be likely
to secure the most happy results. Our
former General Assembly maintained an in
tercourse of this kind for long time with
nearly all the various Congregational bodies
of the North. But they fell away from the
sound theology of their fathers became iu-
fected with the plague of Abolitonism, and
grew insolent in their claim to the right of
administering an annual lecture to our
church for presuming to tolerate slavery,
'agaiast the conscience Of Ne,v Eagland."
A disruption was the consequence, and they
are welcome to the page impartial history
will write for them concerning it. We be-
lieye the only churches Of this country with
which any correspondence is now held are
the Reformed Protestant Datch church,
and the associate Reformed Synod of the
South" How far our Southern church may
find it reputable and useful to have COM
munion with the churches Of the North is
a question to be decided under the lights
of the future. But in regard to our sister
churches of the South it is a matter of pre-
sent interest, and one which our General
Assembly, to whose decision it rightfully
belongs, will have, we trust, wisdom and
grace to determine "for the edifYine Of the
body of Christ"
We would not presume to speak for our
church, or any part of it, in matter Of this
sort; but entertain the belief that whatever
measure may at any time be taken without
a compromise of the truth of God, or of our
settled policy, to establish, preserve and
extend a brOtherly, Christian feeling, would
be everywhere welcomed by our people, as
a thing done righteously and well.
The Associate Reformed Synod Of the
South has, fer some years past, been seri-
ously considering the question of a complete
union with our church. 1t is we'll known
that it meets with the hearty appreciation of
a very large part Of that excellent denOmi-
nation of Christians. Indeed We have been
informed that a very large majority are now
prepared to take this step. And since our
connection with the North is severed, as
theirs also was a good many years ago, that
event may tend to increase their unanimity
in such movement, and hasten It's accom-
plishment. Whenever it is made plain on
all sides that the way is fully prepared, its
contamination should be promoted in every
righteous mode. None of us, however,
should lose sight of the fact that its true
value would consist in being the effect, and
visible expression to the world, Of real
Christian unity already constituted, and
thus becoming a means Of increased power
in our working together for the same ends.
If brought about, let it be only by fair
means, in a candid manner, and then it
will be as comfortable as possible all around,
&c PLEASING in the sight of Him wbo hath
! purchased tde church with Ills own blood,
and also prove a great blessing to both
parties
And now with regard to our brethren of
the United Presbyterian Synod mentioned in
the resolution, q few remarks may be al-
lowed, and, as the general subject is up,
are perhaps demanded. At the same time
we are well aware that the matter would be
far better unapproached, than touched
otherwise than wisely and kindly. And,
upon reflection, we are at loss how to say
more judiciOusly what we feel and think,
than by repeating what was said in the