The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-11-06
SYNOD OF NEW YORK.

A letter from the Rev. DR.. Van Dyke to the
Editor of the Missouri Presbyterian appears in
that paper of 25th ult., in which he gives an
account of matters recently before the Synod
of New York, involving questions which have
recently agitated the Church. Although the
communication occupies a column and half, it
is short for the purpose in view; yet we regret
that the want of room will not allow us to pub
fish the whole.
He first states the grounds on which Prof.
Eaton re affirmed before the Synod his position
as a signer Of the Declaration and Testimony,
and that he stated at the same time his disa-
vowal of all intention to act disrespectfuly to-
wards the General Assembly.
Then follows reference to the debate on
the question Of admitting him to seat, which
discussion twas long and earnest, occupying
whole day." ''With few and unimportant
exceptions, it was conducted with great courte-
sy and kindness on both sides" Although
Prof. Eaton was excluded by vote of los to
50, DIR. Van Dyke is of the opinion that the
majority "voted under what they considered
a hard necessity, from which they would have
been glad to escape" In proof of this he
cites the following facts:
81. The Synod promptly voted down re-
solution requiring the session OF the First
Church of Brooklyn to take up and issue the
case of Prof Eaton according TO the decree of
the Assembly.
=. The Synod neither censured the Presby
terry Of Nassau forreceiving Prof Eaton, nor
4 u -. L, l..N
contented itself with recording an exception
upon the Minutes of the Preshytery.
g. With the understanding that complaint
to the Assembly, Of which due notice had
been given, would not be prosecuted, the Syn
cd almost unanimously resolved to oCert,ue the
aert assembly to modify or repeal the decree
passed ut CWcRRdt."
The letter expresses the opinion that "a
quiet but powerful change has taken place in
the views and feelings of brethren in this sec
ton of the Church." and mentions the fact
that kind illusions were made to the Synods of
Kentucky and Missouri, and the Southern
Church, with general appreciation. The view
which the writer takes of the future is that
the proposal to unite with the New School will
fail, and that the feeling towards Southern
Presbyterians will grow more kind, aud work
on for throwing out of the Northern body po-
htical questions aud animosities.
"Then the attempt to enforce the political
tests in the House of God will cease and the
Old School Presbyterian Church will stand
again on the broad basis of our time-honored
standards, and grow like great tree in whose
branches the birds of heaven lodge.
The whole spirit of DR.. Van Dykes letter is
eminently Christian and noble. While it is at
all times our privilege, and sometimes our i'm
perative duty to meet the inSolence and vile
SANDERS of certain men and newspapers with
portion of the rebuke their inconceivable ma
Lightly and meanness deserve, yet Christians at
the North or elsewhere can never approach our
brethren at the South with respect and kind
ness, without meeting like return. Concern
ing the subject of an organic union, to which
allusion is made, we have no commission to
speak for others. But, as matter Of person
al opinion, we do not hesitate to say that this
is question which the Southern Presbyterian
Church is at present precluded by self respect,
by propriety, and by necessity from entertail/
ing for moment. Its attitude towards OF
churches, especially Presbyterian churches
wishes regard to 1.-The communion
saints" have been freely anrz anccd from
first We have nothing further to say or b
do. No one understands or appreciates this
position better than our esteemed brother
Brooklyn No question, probably w@supp2
is clearer to the mind of our Church n
What the future may present, must be lei
those who shall live and act in it.
meantime all parties should be more than
ing to abate unnecessary and unseemly str
which are hurtful to piety. Let us Glove mer-
cy, and do justly, and walk humby with God. "
1t will be an unspeakable mercy when the
Master shall come, to be Z" found of him IN
peace" And as many as walk according to
this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and
upon the Israel of God. "