The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-10
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The General Assembly of this large
and growing branch of the Presbyterian
Church, met in Lincoln, ILL.,, May Il.
One hundred and seventy-four delegates
were present on the first day. The re-
port of its proceedings during four days,
Indicates harmony and prosperity. We
copy their final action concerning the
negotiations With our General lzsembly
regsrd to organic ey ere
very courteous, prudent, and gratifying.
Let us cultivate in both Churches'broth-
erly kindness and charity towards each
other, and labor with all our might in
building up the kingdom of Christ:
"The Committee on Organic Union,
through DIR. S. G. Burney, made its re-
port, which was read, when R. Beard,
D. D., offered the following paper, which
on motion, was adopted:
The General Assembly having heard
with interest the report of the Committee
appointed by the last General Assembly
to confer with similar committee of the
Presbyterian Church on the subject of an
organic union of the two denominations,
and having learned that the General AS
sembly of the Presbyterian Church has
declined further action in the premises,
takes occasion to give expression to its
views and feelings on this whole subject
in the following manner:
1. We regard a closer union Of the
different denominations of Protestant
Christians in this country as condition
of things to be earnestly desired by all
who love the Lord Jesus Christ. We can
not, therefore, regret the discussion and
interchange of views and feelings which
have taken place on this subject between
the two denominations. We trust that
the result will be good, rather than evil.
2. Whilst we see no reason for with
drawing from the theological position as
signed by our fathers, and occupied for
more than half a century by the Church,
which has grown out of the organization
of the Cumberland Presbytery, in 1910,
we are disposed fully to reciprocate the
courteous and Christian-like manner in
which the General Assembly of the Pres
byterian Church withdrew from this dis
cussion at its session in November last.
If henceforth there should be any rivalry
between US, we hope it will be rivalry
in effort for the promotion of the king
dom of our common Lord and Sayior, Je-
sus Christ.
8. We improve the occasion in exhort-
ing the congregations and individual
Christians under the care of this General
Assembly, to closer union among them
selves, and to more earnest effort In cul-
tivating that portion of the great vine
yard which God in his Providence has so
manifestly committed to us, and to which
the same Providence seems now to be
hedging us up. Love to all Christians;
love to all men,; an earnest devotion to the
tulfllnaent Of our owm ecclesiastical and
personal mission. Let these be our guild
ing principles, and unquestionably God
will bless us more abundantly than even
heretofore.
4. We accept the report of our com
mittee, and hereby tender them the thanks
of this Assembly for the ability and faith
fulness which they have displayed in
fulfilling the delicate trust committed to
them.
Ordered, that the Committee be dis
charged, and that all the papers and doc
uments relating to this subject be filed
with the other papers of the General AS
sembly.'"