The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-03-11
Orange Presbytery and its Representative
in the Phil&,.1snta Convention.


We refer to this matter again for the sake of
giving some extractfrom an article in the ~
c. Presbyterian from member of the Pres
bytery, H. G. H., making some explanations
in regard to the course of the Presbytery.
We were prevented from giving the letter in
full last week, from the crowded state of our
columns. The resolution adopted last fall by
the Presbytery, was as follows:
Whereas, A Convention of Presbyterians
from all parts of the United States has been
called to meet in the city of Philadelphia, on
the first Wednesday of November, to consult
together on the subject of Christian Union,
Orange Presbytery does hereby request Rev.
A. d. Hepburn, and any other ministers or ell
ders, in good standing in this Presbytery, who
may be present in the city at the time, to re-
present to that Convention, and to all the
world, that we desire to maintain Christian
fellowship with all Christians; and more es-
pecially with all true constitutional Presbyte-
rians. ~
In reply to repeated inquiries whether
Orange Presbytesy wished to re-unite with the
Northern Assembly, H. G. H. says:
eff it had been offered and advocated as an
overture for union with the Northern Church,
it would not have received single vote in the
body by which it wasadopted. Orange Presby-
terry is true to the Presbyterian Church in the
United States, that she helped to form, and the
Bible principles upon which it rests She will
nevercome down from the solid and tried founda-
ton of these principles, to form union or Or
ganization upon lower level, with other pro-
Tossing Christians, while the Spirit of God di-
reefs her deliberations, and the doctrines of
His Word control erT action.
He then enumerates three insuperable bar
riers:
lst A Barrier of Principle. That Church
makes that to be iniquity which God has never
pronounced sin. Departing from Presbyterian
standards, it sanctions conduct that finds no
warrant in the Word of God, and imposes
tests of Church membership and communion
that cannot be discovered in the Bible. Its
action towards Southern Presbyterians has
been unscriptural unchristian and hostile to
the crown rights Of Jesus Christ. Until they
give evidence of repentance and reformation,
regard for Presbyterian principles, for the au-
thority of jesus Christ, Cor the purity Of the
cnurcfT; rOT tlc supressssoy of the Redeemer S
kingdom, all forbid an organic union with those
who have condemned where Christ has not
has not legislated.
2. Barrier of Nte,os and FEELINGS AS a
body we differ from the mass of Northern
Presbyterians, in our views of many domestic,
social and political questions. These questions,
even in their religious aspects and bearings,
excite strongly our feelings and enlist them
upon opposite Sides These views and feelings
result from our occupying different positions,
viewing the same subject from diverse stand
points, and from diversity of education and
training They are, no doubt, sincerely held
by the great mass of both Northern and South
ern Presbyterians, and are not likely to change
in this generation. ''How can two walk to-
gether, except they be agreed?' If persons
differing so completely, about questions arous-
ing the strongest passions, were brought by an
organic union into intimate contact In the same
church courts, would there not constantly arise
conflict of opinion ard feeling, preventing
harmonious action. and marring Christian use
fulness? But if the hindrances to organic
union formed by religious principle and by
diverse views and feelings were set aside
3, TO many of as there a0ould still be q Bar
rier of Erpedieacy 1t is matter deserving
our serious consideration, whether He who
is Head over all things to His Church., has
not wisely permitted and ordered separate de-
nominations and church organizations, for in
creasing the efficiency of the Church Catholic,
and for the better performance of His evan
gelizing work. 1t is worthy of our attention,
whetherthe modern efforts at an external union
between Christians regardless of the interests
of truth and the dictates of reason and expe-
rience, are not in direct contravention of
Christ's providential scheme for the spread
of the gospel. Christs plan for extending
the tidings of salvation has been to scatter the
salt, to divide the leaveu, and to diffuse the
rays of goodness.
In these days, when the cry for union of
organization is so loud aud universal, it is me-
cessary to consider that union is not al,oayS
strength, that separation is not Arrays l0edk
ness and that change isnot always progress.
Yet with them, and with every real branch of
the Christian Church, let us strive to keep the
unity Of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, F"
Ito provoke one another to love and to good
works, - and in the fields of labor assigned US
by the Divine Master, 70 bid each other " God
speed"