The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1868-05-09

The Presby terians Of the United States who,
since the year 1887, have been divided into two
great organizations, called respectively the Old
School and the New School, are tending strongly
toward settlement Of the disputes between them,
and 10 the formation once more, In connection
with the lees important Prssbytsri sects, OF .
united body. A general Convention OF delegates
from the various divisions adopted last year Q
basis for this reunion, and II 70 now being dis
cussed aud acted upon In the subordinate Synods
and Pfesby yieTies, whose ratification Ia necessary
Lately, the Presby terians Of Western New York
met at Buffalo, and unanimously agreed 10 the
proposed plaE. Their example will probably bs
generally followed throughout the country and
as the leading eiergymen on both sides are In
favor Of the measure . great breach Of thirty
years standing will at last be healed.
The causes which have eonspired 10 bring
about this result are M Interesting subject of
study TO those who like TO 20 deeper into the cram
ination OF events than their mere superficial pho
nomena. The original ground OF dissenson, 90.
pecially between the New School and the Old
School, was the adoption Of "a more liberal inter
probation Of the common standard OF faith on one
side than on the other. while the Old School
adhered with great tenaeity to the traditions Of
the oideu times, the New School yielded some
what 10 the influences Of modern enlighiement,
and sofiened down those rigid Calvlnistse features
with which, in the popular mind, Prssby sesianism
had become identified. The other branehes such
a. the United Presbyterians and the Reformed
Prcsbyterians, are distinguished BY other char
aetsris,ics. which none but professional ihsolo-
gian can define with accuracy, bot which, u may
be said gcuerAiy arise, like those OF the Old and
New Schools, from pecullarltles Of interpreting
doctriaal formulas the literal text Of which is IN.
disputed. SO, too, the slavery question, which In
1891 was just beginning 10 awaken attention,
was q real, though We believe not openly reeog-
niled subject Of disagresmeni. The Old School,
with lie devotion 10 ancient usages, was dislncln-
ed 10 meddle with The peculiar Institution while
the men Of the New School, In accordance with
their more innovaling spirit, were disposed 10
take Il up aad discuss Il, with favorable lean
Ing 10 the slave. Now, however, the var ha.
swept away this last cause Of controversy. and
In the general progress Of public sentimsnt, mere
technical differences are becoming more and moro
vislbly insufficient groands for sirifs between
men who substantially agree a. % The ground
New School, United and Reformed, alike feel L
dlscrediiable 10 them that with the same eonfes-
sion Of faith, the same form Of church govern
ment, aud the same eentiments on ell subjects
contacted with rpllgion, they should still keen
up rival, and, TO certain extent. hostile organl.
ratlons.
tits not therefore, as . mere Item Of eeclesias.
| teal intelligence that this movement among the
Presby,erians should be ehronieled, bot as an
indication Of the growth Of o more truly Chris.
tian spirit among the sscts Of the day. Wher
such old warriors as Dr.. Hodge and NJ. Barncs
! are willing 10 forego their lifelong antagonlsu
and 10 meet On the common basis Of Christian
fellowship, Il argues vel for ls practical result
OF theif religious trimming. We hope that th'
example ses BY the prcsbyteFlans, who are con
fessedly the most tenacloas aud hard-headed o
all denominations, may serve as lesson 70 olhel
bodies Of CHRISTIANS 10 eultlvaie the spirit of unity
and, whIs they agree IN essentlals, 10 be tolsran
ls 10 The dlnlseueas 10 matters ~ lss, momsni.-
" = IN.