The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-12-03
Correspondence Of the Richmond lispa'ch.
General Assembly OF the Pr"SDyfe-
rinn church IL. the United States.
NASHVILLE, November 20, 1867.

NASHVILLE, NUNCllUcI ~, ISOi.
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
lion Of Rev. 7. V. Moore, D. D., OF your
city, as moderator.
This Christian gentleman, It 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 hut kind and
ludicious adherence to the rules CT 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.. L. A. Ross, Of Huntsville, Ala. ; Dr..
William S. Phmmer, of the Theological!
Seminary, Columbia, 5. c.: Rev. B. Tucker
Lacy, of St. Louis; and others. Besides
these, large delegation from the Synod
of Kentucky, headed ly 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
reared on the floor bearing the salntations
of their respective bodies. These facts,
with the additional one that the Preshy-
tcry of Patapsco, Of Maryland, was re-
ceiyed for the first time into this Assembly,
show that this is not sectional body. 1t
was driven to separate organization by
lnli nj \
Assembly; and is one with all true Preshy-
terians who maintain the timc-honOrcd
standards of the Presbyterian Church,
especially in its organization, bearing teSti-
mony to the supreme headsEip 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 c0nsummated and it is hoped
the Missouri Synod will also soon seek con-
nection with this Assembly.
In its suffcrings and witness to The truth
this Church has drawn forth the sympathy
and approval Of many other Presbyterian
| bodies. This was expressed III 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 tie union was not accom-
plshed, 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 unaniulity
The undivided judgment of the Assembly
was that this subject rightfully belongs
and should be left to the judicious manage
ment of the Presbyteries, stating, al 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,
We're rejected by the PreSbyteries, and are
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 lis conclusions reached with
great unanimity.
The preaching and addresses delivered
during the occasion were marked by a
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-
tlage 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 all behold each other again in the
flesh, and gladdened that there is a gene
raj assembly ofthe first born on high, where
we all do hope again to meet. Many de-
hgntiul acquaintances 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 IL sas City CT Baltimore IL May
gaS. tT