The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-08-18
Is the Presbyterian Church DlsIoyala

Is the Presbyterian Church DislOyalR
WE have noticed IN several OF the denomina
tonsl weekes which are on our exchange list,
numerous insnuatIons against the Loyalty OF
the Old School Presb yteran Church. These
attacks are not made openly, but by inference,
and the general groundwork on which they are
all based is the assembling of Secession Synod
at Louisville. II is well for us to state the ex.
tent of that movement and do what we can to
secure Justice TO a Church which has ever been
as true to- the Government as any in the land.
The General Assembly of the Church which met
some months since at st. Louis had the harmony
of its proceedings marred by the iactious inter-
ference of certain ministers who toadied TO the
South held more sway in their hearts than a
love OF Union and fear of God.
Headed by DR.. VAN DvSE, Of New York and
Rev. STUART ROBINSON, of Canada, they en-
deaVored to secure the recognition of the Rebel
Synod of Louisville, which was founded on the
basis of an exclusion of all true Union men. In
this they slgnally failed. BY an almost unani-
nous vote the Convention admitted DR.. BRECK-
INRDGE and his party, and ordered the local
synod of Louisville either to at once abandon
their opposition or else be dissolved. The
schcmers, however, determined to brave the
ernment OF the religious world, as they did
against that OF the civil authorities. They
accordingly invited all malcontents to meet at
Louisville, and form a Southern Church, in
which the unauthorized doctrine of State
Rights was to be preached side by side with
the Sermon on the Mount, and the speeches
OF the eloquent CALHOUN and the erratic RAN
DoLPH be received as standard authority in all
Eho Gu
and GREGORY OF pious memory. To this all who
sympathize with the religio.rebel schism swere
cordially asked 10 come.
Then let it be noted that the loyalty of the
Presbyterian Church was the cause which led to
this secession tom its ranks, and that instead
of it's being any reflection on the patriotic doc
trines OF that BODY, it IS the best testimony that
coulf be borne to It's determined love of Union
That these who sympa:nze with the Rebellion
should find it impo sib,e to remain in the same
pew and kneel at the same altar with the Old
School Synod, is the greatest compliment that
could be paid TO lhem from whom they with
drew.
Let US notice, however, The size of the move
ment aud see to what extent the leaven of trea-
son has penetrated INTO the Church. The invi-
tation, as we have gad was general and two
IHOu'uo were dlONSd " MAKE IuS euOIJ gdGncT
strength. Yet with all the working, scheming,
and preaching, there are but two synods that
send Delegates Mississippi and Kentucky-and
of these there seems to be but small sprinktng
of ministers OF any standing. In fact, the affair is
failure, ard the scnism Is a tzzle. The attempt
has ended in fGScO, and the boasted disloyal
Assembly could be easily seated in the choir Of
any Of our principal churches. The loyalty of
the Presbyterian Church is evident, and the
authors OF the secession rebuked.
We are very glad that it has come to such
sorry end, more glad for the sake of the South
than for the Presby terian Church more i'll
advised, unchristan, and traitorous attempt
has never disgraced the annals of the Church.
1T was i'll advised, because 1t brands all the pro-
fession Of the South as wilful falsehood. How
can we be expected to believe that the late
Rebel section are willing to vote and work
with US in good faith, obeying a common gov
ernment when they will not kneel with us and
worship a common God? Are we not justified
in putting dOwn all their promises TO love of
policy and power, when we see them at their
alars striving TO smite the hand which they
would pretend to grasp at the ballot-boX?
We are astonished that the politicians of the
South had not more intelligence than to thus
EXPOSE themselves and their actions to the
charge of inconsistency, Why did not they sup
press this effort? Either they have little power,
Or else they are not hOpelessly ignorant of what
is their gain.
1t is unchustian, because 1t seems not only
spirit of rebellion against the well-established
DEGREES OF the Church to which il belongs, but
also ii exhibits total disregard for the cause of
Christianity, by exposing it TO the charge of
treason and thus making 1t a scorn and scott
ing IN the eyes of the world. We do not hesl'
tate to doubt the truth OF the professions of a
man who, while pretending to follow the paths
of religion, will u.expose to ridicule and contempt,
by his own acton, the Church TO which he
belongs,
It ls reasonable movement because it origi-
mated in a desire to exclude those who had
done nothing but proved their loyalty to the
land oI their birth, What was charged against
DR.. ROBERT ). BREcKNpiDGE and his followers
except their devotion to the Union ?-and yet
for this they were voted down on every mo.
ton, and virtually expelled from the Church.
We therefore consider the movement treason.
able attempt inshpated by a spirit opposed to
all Christianity, and one against which we pray
when we Join in the Litany, saying:-''From
oil f0se doctrine heresy, and Se5ism, good
lord deiuer s!!o
Our Relations with Mexico.
Tue Mexican question has suddenly assumed
nau The T,harals hounO latal,