The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-09-22
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
WAS 1T MEANT AS AN INSULT?

Mr.. Editor,-With some care [ have read
over the proceedings of the General Assem-
bly, of the Old School Church, North, as re-
ported in the Presbyterian, of Philadelphia.
And while it is easy to be seen that the AS
sembly was in very agreeable frame Of
mind, as the conclusion of the courtship with
the New School body and the naming Of the
time and place for the union were taking
place, yet have not been able to see evil
dence of the great change of feeling of the
Northern Presbyterians toward their former
fellow -churchmen of the South. To be
sure, how they should feel toward us, should
concern US less, (since they have initiated
measures with an ultimate intent of absorb
ing u.s. than their views and practice as to
the Headship of Christ and the non-political
character of the Church, for if the Metho-
dist, or Baptist, or any other denomination
should feel kindly toward us, ought we there
them, one or all +?
And yet if the Northern Assembly had
not made deliverances contrary to the Con-
fession of Faith during the war, not reduced
them to 5indsno orders. clinchino thnm with
persistent discipline, after the war, if
they had no special spirit of kindness for
us, there would be no propriety in talking of
union, If there was any such feeling of
brotherly love for Southern Christians on
the part of the assembly, l have failed to
find it. l know some members Of the AS
sembly, for example, DR.. Blackwood and
Rev. Mr.. Johnstone spoke kindly of the
ministers and people of the Presbyterian
family in the South, but even the motion
of Mr.. Taylor to inaugurate friendly inter-
course between the Assemblies, as explained
by Mr.. Taylor's speech, means no good for
US as Church.
But l desire in this paper to call atten.
ton to another matter, and one perhaps
showing the animuS of the Assembly toward
Southern ministers more clearly and unmis-
takably.
Prominent among their Standing Commit
tees was one on the Freedmen. 1t was COM
posed of five ministers, Zone of them Geor-
gia negro and three elders. After some
days deGberation that Committee brought
in an elaborate report, the third resolution of
which is as follows:
Resozved, That inasmuch as the work is
peculiar, and requires men of experience
understanding the character and wants of
the people, andhaving adaptation to the work,
the Committee be authorized to employ
ministers who are in connection with the
Southern Presbyteries, and who are willing
to cooperate with us in this service, provided
they will organize the churches legally and
put them in connection with this Assembly" :"
Rev. Mr.. McCook moved to amend the
resolution by inserting the words "and
themselves" after-the words" put them. "
"He thought it would be unjust to ourselves
and direct insult to our own ministers up
on the field, to allow the resolution to pass
in the present shape"
"Rev. Mr.. Hunter, (colored,) from At
lantic Presbytery, would state as reason
why the amendment should not be adopted,
the fact that the colored church in Charles
ton, in our connection, had been greatly in
jured by the very practice recommended in
the resolution-the employment of minister
connected with the Southern General AS
sembly. He entreated the Assembly not to
drive from our Church the colored people of
the South, by adopting the policy proposed
in the resolution. We could never employ
Southern ministers to advantage in this
work among the Freedmen, unless they are
willing to come into our body and cooperate
heartily with us.
Rev. S. S. Murkland, from North Caro-.
lima, and Rev. Jos. Williams, (colored,
from Georgia, favored and spoke for the
adoption of the resolution, also Rev. W. O.
Johnstone, and ]. Reazer, Kansas, who
seemed to think it was as much sin for a negro
to vote the Democratic ticket as to join thC
Catholic Church. His uncontradicted speech
says: CAT Leavenworth and elsewhere, the
Catholics are coquetting with the negroes tc