The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1866-05-09
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN
Re-Union.

There is good feeling exhibited in the cor
respondence between Mr. Mccormick and the
Rev. DR.. Smith, relative to the reunion of the
two sections of the Presbyterian Church. This
end is to be accomplished only by starting from
right principles, and by prosecuting the work
not in Polemic-but in Christian spirit and
manner.
These sections of the Church are now wide
asunder, both in principle and feeling. BY
what means were they riven and forced apart?
Who were the aggressors in the use of these
means? The acts of the General Assembly in
1861 broke the bands of Christian brotherhood
and the acts of the Assembly in 1865 drove
them still farther asunder-in principle and
feeling. The acts Of 1861 drove off the minor
ity into a separate and distinct organization;
the acts of 1865 added insult to injury.
The General Assembly at Macon in 1865,
therefore, wisely said nothing officially of the
cause of separation and repulsion, They deep
" deplored the series of acts of the Northern
Assembly from 1861 to 1865 But there was
nothing left for them to do towards reunion,
if they would maintain anything like sef.res-
pcct Both the animus and doings of the
Northern Church evinced that real reunion
was utterly impracticable, whatever ostensible
reunion might be patched up.
If there shall ever be a true pacifcation and
re-union-the aggressive and offending parties
from 1861 to lS65-must on all principles Of
justice and propriety, and honor, of morals,
religion, and goodness, take the initiative; and
thereby evince the existence of a real and pro-
per desire for that union of which they speak
and write so much. If they have inflicted the
injury, and offered the insult-are they not
bound by all the principles of truth and justice,
of goodness and brotherly love, to make the
acknowledgment of both-and thus make the
amende honorable? If they cherish the
spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ-and not that
of vengeance-will they not do it? But, if
they will not, is it possible or even desirable,
that there should be an apparent union res
tored? 1t is always difficult for the damaging
party to frankly own his sin and make restitu-
ton.
The great principles of our Ecclesiastical
constitution have been sadly ignored and tram
pied on The solemn compact to exclude all
civil and political agitations and decisions from
Presbyteries Synods, and Assemblies has
been terribly violated, and irrcparable damage
inflicted on the highest and best interests of
the Church
Were these separated sections now brought
together, could they exercise confidence and
brotherly love towards each other? Is that
the spirit of the Saviour Of the world which
dictates so much of the bitterness and vindic-
tiveness which disgrace the annals of the
Church? Were the two portions of the Church
brought close together, could they be lost in
one, as two portions of quicksilver in contact,
in one globule?
You allege, "There are true disciples Of
Christ on both sides of the dividing line
should they not coalesce in views, feelings,
principles, purposes, and action? As members
together one of another-should they not care
tenderly for each other, and seek by all means
each others greatest good and prosperity; and
therein Gods highest honor, praise, and
glory?" Well-concede all this-and what
then? Are the aggressing and offending party
ready, for Christ honor, and for the Church s
peace and purity, to say" Brethren we have
violated the law Of love and of the Masters
kingdom, we are sorry for it; forgive US this
wrong" If they draw back from this, what
is that but the re-afirmance of all the doings
from 1861 to 1865? Does that not put it lite
rally beyond the power of the aggrieved party
to do any thing more in the direction of union?
But, if it can be shown that the Southern
Church has been the aggressive party and Of
Tending as well against the Church and her
Great Head-then the onus CONFESSIONS presses
upon her bosom-and she is called to make the
amende honorable! But till this can be fairly
and logically done, the Church North must be
held bound to take the initiative in this work
of reunion. Here the parties stand face to
face; shall they reyile and criminate and re-
criminate ?-and thus put the day of union in
definitely off in the future2-or shall they give
themselves to the great work of prayer and toll
for the conversion and salvation of men perish
ing all around2