The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-03
The Other General Assemblies.

We have space this week to give only gene
raj results on the absorbing question of reunion,
according to the latest accounts which have
reached us.
In the New School Assembly at Harrisburg
on last Friday, the 18th ult., the vote was
taken on the 10th article of the joint report
of the committees on reunion. This article
asserts the right of each Presbytery to exam
inc ministers applying for admission, and also
its discretion as to the exercise Of that right.
DIR. Patterson, of Chicago, who had followed
the committees report in favor of reunion,
with a long paper against it in various partic-
ulars, now made speech of two and half
hours against this special article. The vote
was then taken on it, and out of $50 votes
cast, only 81 were against it. The vote was
then taken upon the whole report in favor Of
the reunion, when it was unanimously adopted;
DIR. Patterson and three others being excused
from voting.
In the Old School assembly at Albany, the
debate had extended through a whole week
up to Friday evening, 29th ult., when accord
ing to a previous resolution the vote was
taken on the first article of the Report-the
one relating to the doctriual basis. 1t was
adopted by vote of lS5 to II The next
morning the whole report was adopted by lS7
to CO.
DIR. Monfort in behalf of the majority of
fered resolution in favor of striking out that
part of the first article which allows free and
full explanation in adopting the Confession of
IL -,a1 nd fala
sent to the New School Assembly at Harris
burg for its approval
Any extended remarks at present on these
results of negotiation would be premature. A
fuller report than telegraphic items will be re-
ceived in a few days, when a more complete
view can be obtained The plan requires the
sanction of three-fourths of the PresbyterieS
before it is valid. This question will deeply
agitate the Church Immediately. Whether
the scheme of union is carried next fall or not,
it is now apparent that the majority in its IA
vor is so overwhelming, that some way will
soon be found to effect it. The Old School
Presbyterian Church at the North will proba-
bly, be again rent asunder, as the result of this
union.
One of the most remarkable results relating
to the efforts for Presbyterian union occurred
on the 18th ult., in the meeting at Pittsburg
of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod, a small
body of Seceders. The famous Mr. George
H. Stuart late President of the famous
christian Commission" was expelled from
the Synod and suspended from the communion
of the church for singing hymns and commun.
ing with Christians of other denominations
The vote was 80 ayes to IA noes, Mr.. Stuart
was not arraigned, or tried; he was cut off by
a simple resolution, and the vote taken while
he was sick in his bed. The debate was one
of shameful violence What an illustration
of the effects of trying to bring together ele-
ements no more to be mixed than oil and wa
ter. This is the body that first called the Pan
Presbyterian Union Convention in Philadel.
phia last fall, and George H. Stuart was its
President. A lovely union which begins by
branding communion as a crime, and com
handing the ring leader to be separated from
his church and enthusiastically hung ("sus.
pended as a warning to all Others who may
be tempted to follow his example,