Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1864-09-28
Union Presbytery.

Prcsbytery of Union met in Spring Place Church,
Knox county, Tennessee September 3D. 1864, at II
o'clock, A. NJ, and was opened with sermon from
Rev, Horace Bushnell of the Presbytcry Of Msdi-
SON. Indiana, from Cor. l 1924.
Presbytery took recess till !. O'Clock, p. Al. Az
ter recess Presbytery was called to order. The roll
was called and the following members were found
to be present. Miniscn-Rev. Nessrs. VIM. Har-
rison, r. f. Tedford and T. j. Lamar Elders
John Caldwell Benjamin A. Blackburn, j. l.. Foust,
Gaines Mcmillan, James Mcmillan, J. II, Black
burn, II. F. Crawford, John Knox, r. II. Culton
and James Boyd.
Minutes of the last stated meeting were read
The resolutions passed at the last meeting of
Prcsbytery imposing new tests of licsnsurc, ordino-
ton and membership, was brought up, and the Mod
orator appointed John Caldwell, Gaines Mcmillan
and Rev T. j. Lamar committee to draft reso-
luton in reference to it,
On motion, the Moderator appointed Rev. william
Harrison, VIM. II. Lyle and J. S. Foust commit
tee to draft minute concerning the death of the
Rev. g, S. White and VIM. Minis d. ID.
On motion, Presbytery adjourned to meet to-mor-
row morning at 81 o'clock
Saturday morning 81 o'clock, Presbytery met.
The committee to whom was referred the resolu-
ton imposing new tests of licensurc ordination and
membership, made the following report:
WHEREAS, Presbytcry at its last regular meet
ing held in New Market, 1868, passed the following
resolution, to-wit;
Resolved, That this Presbytery will neither license,
ordain, nor receive from another Presbytery, any
man who does not sympathize with the South in her
present struggle for independence who holds that
slaveholding is sinful and ought to be abolished
and
Whereas, This resolution is an arbitrary and UNI
warranted stretch of power, and usurpaton Of tho
prerogatives which belong to the Lord Jesus Christ
alone as the supreme head of the church, ina.much
imposes tests terms oficensure ordination and
membership which are novel and without any war
rant either from the word Of God, Confession Of
Faith or uniform practice Of tho Presbyterian
church, but is in direct conflict Herewith and is
therefore subversive of the good .ordor peace and
purity of the church; and
Whereas, This resolution is shameful and mex
cusabc apostacy from the principles Of patriotism
and universal freedom to which the Presbyterian
Church in its long, varied and honorable history has
stcadiastly adhered and
Whereas, This resolution may, md doubtless does,
express the sentiments and views Of large ma or
ty of the members belonging to Presbytery, yet the
same is heartily condemned and severely cen.ured
by very large majority of the churches under its
care; therefore,
Rcsolued That the said resolution be, and the same
is hereby deemed and held to be imperative, null
and void.
Resoircd, That we deeply rcgIet and lament that
many of our brethren have been SO far forgetfu
of the imperative demands of patriotism, justice and
humanity as to range themselves on the side of
wrong and injustice and against their country and
freedom; and we sincerely hope that they will re-
consider their action be brought to their great
error and abandon principles which evidently
at war with christianity, civilization and humanity.
The above resolutions were unanimously adopted.
The committee appointed to draft u minute re-
specting the death of the Rev. G. S. White and VIM
Minis d. d., made the following report
Whereas, 1t hath pleased Almighty God to re-
move by death these venerable and beloved breth-
rem therefore,
Resolred, That we as Presbytery deeply mourn
over our loss and especially do feel that our loss
is great in these times when there few to stand
upon the walls of Zion.
Resolrcd, That he heartily approve of their min
isteral life, being men able faithful and jealous
rightly dividing the word, and ever ready to main
tain the honor of the Redeemers kingdom.
Resolred, That while we mourn and feel that our
loss is great, yet we are not without bope--not
without hope TO the church in this country, for
we remember that the Redeemer hath said that he
will build his church upon rock, and the gates Of
hell shall not prevail against il nor we with
out hope to the dear brethren themselves, for
feel that loss has been their gain and that hav
ing been wise, and having turned many to righteous
ness they are gone TO shine the brightness Of the
armament, and as the stars forever and ever.
Resolred That we will endeavor to walk in their
footsteps as far as they followed Christ and will
bear in mind that what do for the of Christ
must he done quickly that will be faithful as
servants Of the living God TO push forward the cause
of truth over the head of every opposition.
The report was adopted.
Rev. Henry Cherry presented n letter of dismis-
sion from the Congregational Association of kaa-
massso, and was received as member Of this body
petition was presented by Jane, Mcmillan
and II. +. Crawford, elder. from Catalonia and
Washington churches, that Presbytery does, at its
present session, ordain Mr.. VIM. II. Lyle to the Of
fee of the gospel MINISTRY
Rev. J. NJ. Elliott was appointed TO preach the or
dination sermon, and Rev. Henry Cherry was APP
| pointed to deliver the charge.
Rev J. W. Elliott preached the ordination sermon
from Mat 2Os "Why stand ye here all tho day
| idle
After sermon the usual questions were PROFOUND