The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-08-23
Germany.

The religious excitement aroused by Dollinger s
protest against the decree of the Ecumenica council
has aroused throughout Germany spirit which
promises a reformation in theology and religion
My second to that brought about by Luther This
excitement has eliminated in a meeting which was
held at Heidelburg on Sunday the 9th inst, to
take measures for the foundation Of German
Church. Forty delegates were present, coming
from various parts Of Germany, Austria, and
Switzerland. A committee was appointed to draw
up a Constitution for the new Church. It's main
points are said to be the principles of the Council
of Constance Of 1874; subordiuation Of the Pope
TO the Council; the separation OF Church and
State; the participation OF laymen in the manage
ment of the Church free election of Bishops; com
muna election Of pastors and the modification OF
the confessional The delegates are reported to be
divided in opinion as to whether the Church should
acknowledge the primacy of the Pope, but the
committee we're instructed to submit their report
for ratification at meeting to be held at Munich
in September. This meeting taken in connection
with previous movements indicates the existence
of healthy religious sentiment In Germany, which
may result in producing revival that shall change
the character OF the whole people. For already
many OF the abos thinkers and scientific men have
expressed their sympathy with those engaged 10
/ the movement which being LIBERAL one and away
| from the narrow theology which has hitherto
lCuCtu Ill ~ luduy lluGIdl Naturally SGCuIGs
their support. This will attract their attention
more TO religion and perhaps succeed in drawing
| them off from their infdel notions by interesting
! them in a subject thOy have hitherto neglected be
cause of the prejudice aroused by the action Of the
( Catholic Church. IL is true that ike Hyacnthe
Dollinger still declares himself Catholic To an
/ interview with Z correspondent OF the World the
! Doctor is reported to have said Tell the Ameri
cans am a Catholic still, and hope to die Catho
! nc. Nothing would greye me more than to bC
the cause of schism in the Church" Of his re
| ported change to Professionalism, he said: Il have
no ambition to play the part of Luther. N,
! Catherine Bora is leading me away. can have
no sympathy with ProteatantiSm' He denie
/ lhat there ls any schism in the church He de
careS the dogma OF inialibility Que tending to ac
cord to the Pope omnpOtent power spiritually
aud from this Interpretation given 1t made hi
! power virtually supreme in worldly matters also
and says in his opposition TO iufallblity that hi
harI00nizes 10 action with no distinct body, anC
hat, while there is large body adhering 10 tht
movement they nave nothing in common with him
as they seek the overthrow OF the Catholic religion
ghich he only seeks TO save from error But while
1t Is thu, true that he stands In position wher,
80 many of those who refused TO come out Of tht
Church in Luther's tune, stood STILL he canDo
prevent or control the events which his determined
aud bold actions have set in notion and If he him
Selfis not swept along with them, he Is now una
Die to check the OnhoWlng current which will carry
the German church into broader deeper Chris
anlly than IL has yet found since it has been sub
ject 10 the Pope aud Rome. Interior