The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-01-30
s. CHURCH UNION"--wITH A VEN
GEANCE.


the title of " The Ch,rch Union" 1t is a
large double weekly sheet, published in Brook
lyn, New York, and its outward appearance is
quite attractive. No names are given as to
editors or contributors, but we found general
statement that Its contents are furnished by
the hands Of Baptists, Presbyterians, Metho-
dists, Episcopalians, Congregatonalits, Re
formed Dutch, and Lutherans. 1t declares its
aim to be the visible unity of all Christians on
the basis Of the Apostles and Nicene Creeds,
and TO secure, under God, an open eommu-
Mon, and the recognition of one evangelical
ministry by the interchange OF pulpits, 1t
says moreover that Liberty and Union will
be its watchword; Rationalism and Ritualism
Its antagonists. " 1--WE are radicals for free
dom, aud for unity and for reform. From
intimations in the Christian IatelHgeacsr and
other journals, it may be gathered that this
enterprise is set on foot By distinguished per-
sons, and Is supported By good weight OF
capital. Extracts from letters are published,
among which we End one FROM Professor
in Princeton and another from "A very
Distinguished Bishop" neither of whose
names are given.
From all this, TIE Church Union APP
pears before the public under no small preten-
sions. The Christian world has always needed
more harmony-more visible unity That it
needs these things now is fact plain enough,
aud deeply to be deplored. And after years
Of discussion at Evangelical alliances and else
where, it cannot be doubted that many valua-
be truths on this subject have been more
deeply impressed upon thousands of good peo-
pie over the world, and that there has been
greater yearning for the fulflment of the
Saviour prayer for his followers that they
all may be one." The idea too of starting a
paper specially devoted to the discussion of
the many things connected with these vast
interests, may be very praiseworthy, But
these interests have not only wide but delicate
relations also, and involve so many parties that
no one can fail to perceive the difficulties Of
this undertaking, and the peculiar necessity of
wisdom, forbearance and charity. Any other
mode Of dealing with the question must, Of
course, work mischief
Is there any hope of good from this new
paper? If there is, we are unable to find it.
The very first number had the favor Of Radi-
ealism, and now the second, we find, is per-
feetly raueorous with it. 1t is therefore no
misnomer when they say of themselves" We
are Radicals &c, only they mean it in a
good sense, but show it in a bad. 1t is not
hard to give specimens
AS usual, with all the so-ealled Reformers Of
certain school, they take their filings at min
listers Of the Gospel. But not as a class that
would not exactly answer, as yet. Clergy
men, as class, are among the very best of
4eSr. nd AsHi 4aI- S-SSss'ssaHr axe as s0od rs
We have a controversy As it Is now, Sec
tartan Christianity is a failure, and with it, of
course, the Sectarian pulpit" And as to
temperance, we are told that the Church
itself is not on the side of temperance
What this tone of speaking, or rather scOffng
means, is easily understood; it is no novelty
with us.
Perhaps some people might be disposed to
draw 8 snail inference from the fact that For
Rey selects this paper in which to advertise
through a whole column" Forney's Weekly
Press, and that it is editorially recommended
as IN excellent paper!
But the following extracts from furious
Outpouring upon President Davis and President
johnson, may more satisfactorily reveal the
spirit of these new apostles of love. The ar
tiele is headed Impeachiag President"
We are believers in the doctrine of retri-
button. Crimes against the State or Society
IN It's organized capacity, are the highest crimes
known In the criminal code. We believed, in
common with q vast majority Of this nation,
that Jefferson Davis, when caught skulking
away Ia the bushes Of Georgia, in woman's at
tire, was the greatest criminal that this or any
nation ever knew, guilty of crime against the
hottest cause any State can know. We believe
he should have been taken with haste even
greater than that Of ProbSt, the PHILADELPHIA
monster OF last summer, and hurried to trial
and to swift retribution. We believed this at
the time Of the murder Of Abraham Lincoln
aud though the public will has lost much of Its |
force since IN this direction, We have never
seen any reason TO change our convictions. -
Until this crime IS atoned for, lesser criminals |
ought we believe, to remain In Statl quo"
After this delightful taste of blood, such as
nigh: provoke the envy of Feejee Islander,
they next proceed to dispose of President
johnson after the following refined style-a
model for all political rowdies:
This crime of the Rebellion is the first in |
order on the calendar. Perhaps our sense of
justice Is obfuscated by the enormity of this |
great ard overshadowing guilt of Jefferson |
Davis, so slow to De avenged. Perhaps our |
Judgment might be able to discern measure
Of Griminality or malteasance In that humble
.Irrol Itch, In Tob -. IL.
Veighty matters were disposed Of But really, |
after reading over and over, our Presidents |
acts rs recorded in public prints, and studying
his remarkable dOings and more remarkable |
sayings, especially, during his late swinging
around the circle, We fail to find anything to
dignity so much rs to call it a crime
Stephen h. Branch, the immortal, the in-
eyltab!e, and the inextinguiShable, holds pref
" much the same place in our esteem that our
late President bears. We say, late President,
for Mr., johnson IS impeached already, by the
contempt Of 100000 of freemen, and BY the
secret disgust Of the whole South
- Ite9-thirC{s, " presides over us now, in his
place. His yetoes are rs harmless as the pro-
of Daniel Pratt, the great
American Traveller, and really we think Con-
gress has about equal fears for each. We
nope poor Mr.. johnson viii be set upon no
l0nger SPECIFICS bird" that he is. Why
we haven't had a speech these three months
In mercy TO New York daiies, friends in Con-
gross, do not get "the great American Travel
CT -'arted again. ReQuiescat Ia pace
With much that viii be said in this " Church
Catya' against Rationalism, Ritualism and
High Churchism, we shall probably agree. To
expect any good results towards the promotion
Of true Christian unity is utterly vain. The