New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-09-11
THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIANS And THE
ROMIN COUNCIL.

The two General Assemblies of the Presby-
tran Church in the United States which met in this city
last May commissioned their Moderators TO draft reply
e the Popes invitation to all Professionals to embrace the
opportunity afforded by the approaching Council 10 re-
trn to communion with the Roman Church. This reply
has Just been made public 1t sets out by declaring that
tie Presbyterans heretcs because they receive
al the doctrines contained In the Apostles Greed
and set forth by the first six general councils.
Neither are they schismatics; for they believe In
the true Catholic unity, recognize as members
Of the visible Church all who profess the
tine religion, and willing to maintain communion
with them provided they do not exact rs condition the
Profession performance OF anything contrary to the
Word Of God. They cannot consent however TO partlc
pate the deliberations OF the Council comply with
the POpes invitation. because they hold the following
principles which the Church OF Rome condemns: l. That
The Bible only rule OF faith The right OF private
judgment 8. The universal priesthood OF believers.
L. That the ApOstleshp Is not perpetual that modern
puatcs have authority teach rule the Church,
and that the Bishop OF Rome has no valid claim
supremacy. Christ alone being the head Of the
Church LAS the Church of Rome continues the reply,
"excommunIcates all those who profess the principles
above enumerated; regard these principles 10 be
Of vital Importance, and intend to assert them more earn
esty than ever God appears TO have gwen HIS seal
and sanction to principles by making the countries
were they are held leaders of cyizatonthe most
eminent for liberty, order Intelligence. aud all forms OF
private and social prOsperyt evident that the bar
rie between US and you present, insurmountable
The document also contains temperate protest against
the doctrines of transubstautiaOn and the sacrifice OF
the mass, the alteration OF the host the power OF
judicial absOutiOn the grace OF orders, purgatOry,
the worship of the Virgin Mary and OF images the inyO
eaton OF Saints the doctrine OF and Of implicit
fa aud the consequence OF withholding the scriptures
from the people, &c, and concludes as follows: nile
loyalty Christ obedience Ia the Holy scriptures con
respect for the early Councils OF the church ana
the firm belief that pure religion Is the Foundation OF
all human society," compel 10 withdraw from fellow
shI with the Church OF Rome; We nevertheless desle
i've charity with all men. We love all VINO love our
Lord Jesus Christ sincerity. We cordially recognize As
Christian brethren all who worship trust ana serve MN
As their God aud saviour according 70 the inspired WORD
And we hope To be united Ia heaven with all VINO unite
witA Us on earth. IA saying. Unto HIM who IOFed US
and " 4shed from sins IN His own blood ana hatu
mad us Kings and priests unto God TO Him be glory
npddominion forever and ever. Anen.-Rey o.
Is gucd In behalf OF the two General Assemblies OF me
Presbyterian Church Ia the United states OF America
NJ ". JACOBUs, Pm. III. FOWLER, MOderatots