The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-12-03
Correspondence of the Richmond dispatch.
General Assembly Of the Pr"SDyte-
rian Church L., the United States.

NASHVILLE, November 20, 1867.
This Intelligent and venerable body as
semblcd in this city on the 2lst instant.
After an able sermon from the retiring
moderator, Rev. Dr.. Kerr, of Memphis,
the Assembly was organized by the cleo
ton of Rev. 7. V. Moore, D. d., Of your
city, as moderator.
This Christian gentleman, Il is needless
to say to those vino know him, presided
with ease, dignity, and Christian courtesy,
and withal, carried the Assembly forward
in its business by strict but kind and
iudicious adherence to the rules OF par
liamcntary order. He will receive the
undivided thanks OF the Assembly.
Many distinguished and respected minis
tiers were attendant on these sessions as
visitors. Among them we observed the
venerable DR.. John S. Wilson, Of Georgia !;
Dr.. F. A. Ross, Of Huntsville, Ala. Dr..
William S. Plummcr, of the Theological
Seminary, Columbia, S. c.; Rev. B. Tucker
Lacy, Of St. Louis; and others. Besides
these, a large delegation from the Synod
of Kentucky, headed hy Rev. Stuart
Robinson, OF Louisville, and delegations
from the Synod of Missouri, from the
Cumberland Presbyterian church, and the
Associate Presbyterian church, We're in
attendance. All Of these delegations APP
peared on the floor bearing the salutations
of their respective bodies. These facts,
with the additional one that the Presby-
terry of Patapsco, Of Maryland, was re-
ceiyed for the first time into this Assembly,
show that this is not a sectional body. IL
was driven to q separate organization by
the political deliyerances Of the Northern
Assembly; and is one with all true Preshy-
terians who maintain the timc-hOnUred
standards of the Presbyterian Church,
especially in its organization, bearing teSti-
mony 10 the supreme headsEp of Christ
and the non-po!i'ical character of the
Church. The Kentucky delegation come
to open the way for organic union, which
will soon be consummated and it is hoped
the Missouri Synod will also soon seek con-
nection with this Assembly.
In its sufferiugs and witness to The truth
| this Church has drawn forth the sympathy
and approval of many other Presbyterian
| bodies. This was expressed in the saiuta-
tions borne from corresponding bodies ::
and it will appear, in addition, from the
fact that measures were under conSidcra-
ton for organic union between this and
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and though the union was not accom-
plished, the intercourse accompanying
these proceedings was exceedingly plea
SAINT.
The subject of the ecclesiastical rela-
ton of the colored people to this Church
was disposed Of with great unanimity.
The undivided judgment Of the Assembly
was that this subject rightfully belongs
ment of the PresbyterieS, stating, az the
same time, in explicit terms, that there is
nothing in race or color to interdict the
induction of properly qualified persons
into any office Of this Church.
The changes in the Book of Church
Order, which have been discussed at length
in the religious press and the lower courts,
were rejected by the Presby teries, aud arc
so disposed of by this body without fur
Their consideration.
This ecclesiastical! aSsemhlage wears the
face Of an earnest, faithful, and intelligent
class of men. It's proceedings have been
characterized by dignity and Christian
courtesy, and its conclusions reached with
great unanimity.
The preaching and addresses delivered
during the occasion Were marked by q
spirit of earnest conservation To the inte-
rests of vital Christianity, which is most
propitious omen of the future progress OF
this conservative Christian body.
Thus has ended an ecclesiastical assem-
blage which will ever be remembered with
interest and high regard by all that attend
ed is sessions, and will be remembered by
its members as season of delightful fra
ternal intercourse. All will turn their
course homeward with feelings of mingled
JOY and sadness-sadness that We shall
never oil behold each other again in the
flesh, and gladdened that there is gene
raj assembly ofthe first born on high, where
we all do hope again TO meet. Many de-
llgntiul acqasintances have been formed
during our s':journ here. Christian kind
ness and hospitality has been extended to
US by the citizens of this city; and as we
leave We carry with us many pleasant re-
collections.
Tie next meeting Of tlis Assembly
takes place tx sac Oily CT Baltimore IL Nay
Rs3,, II,