The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-06-07

to protect itself There is no practical difficulty
in the way. Why, sir, a venerable father from
whom had learned theology, came into our Pres
bytery not long ago and they set me to examine
him. | thought it was farce to a certain extent.
said DO you adopt the Confession of Faith =
" Certainly do well, sir, that is sufficient.
But suppose there comes a man of whom we have
some doubt: suppose he comes from one of these
PreSbyteries along the border; you have no other
protection. But whenever the feeling is such as
Judge Mitchell describes, such as we feel In regard
to most of the brethren who enter our Presbyte-
ries, we can simply ask him '"D0 you receive the
Confession of Faith" and that is all There is no
hardship in it. If the man is orthodox, and we
all believe that he is, that question is satisfactory
But let the PreSbyteries have the power to shut
men out If they choose to do So This question
may be upon you. brethren. sooner than you sus-
pect. These brethren in the North tell me that
they cannot give up so large portion of the United
States as we occupy. 1t We will not unite with
them, then they must come down and take posses
sion Of our country. | am glad for all the good
they can do; love them as brethren; l think
they are In error that they ought to recant their
error. If they recant, and become real Presbyte-
rians as we are, | should hail the day ard rejoice
to unite with them. But they have not done so
yet; we must protect ourselves against them, and
| see no other method than that which this rule
gives US. You may have this question upon you
in less than FIVE years you may have it In less than
one year. You must have the means Of protec-
ton.
The Constitutional question, | heard argued
when l was boy thousand times over; but L
make these remarks because l think | see certain
influences at work that may make this rule very
important The brethren who are now anxious to
break it down, may wish when it is too late, that
they had this power back in their hands.
Dr. BHgett-l would ask the Chairman of the
Committee whether, if this report is adopted,
PresbyterieS will have discretionary powers to ex-
anime or not.
DR.. DabHey-I can only speak as one member Of
the Committee | conceive that 1t leaves the rule
Of 1887 as it Is, which makes examination lmpera.
tive, at least in form.
Rec Nr. Ber7y-As understand it the impro-
priety Of this rule is alleged only so far as the
ministers OF this Church are concerned. Now if
this rule be, as the memorial alleges, unconsttu-
tiona or ii there be any serious doubts about its
constitutionaGty it is a serious question whether
it should be continued but | will not argue that
question. The next question is-Are there any
present considerations of expediency rendering it
necessary to retain the rule? | agree with Judge
Mitchell that there are not at this time The senti-
ment in my own Presbytery is in favor of rescind-
ing. In the Synod of Virginia committee was
appointed for the express purpose Of considering
the question OF Its constiutionaity and expectancy
In answer to the argument of brother Hill, l
have only to say what suppose is universally con-
ceded, that every Presbytery has the right inhe-
rent to protect itself without such a rule If they
have any doubt whatever as to the orthodoxy of
an applicant for admission, they have the right to
examine him until they are satisfied. The rule is
not necessary, wise or expedient. 1t is not pro.
posed to rescind the rule in regard to men from
foreign bodies at all and that is the only source
of danger to which DR.. Hill refers We shall have
the same power to examine them as before.
Dr.. Hlt-That Is not my argument. My sup.
position is that brother joins the LOUISVILLE Pres
bytery, and then is sent down here to control the
action Of another Presbytery. You would be
obliged to receive him as member of the South
erD Presbyterian Church.
DR.. NarShaH-0ne remark: | have so much
confidence in Dr. Stuart Robinson and Dr. Hill,
up there on the border, that l believe if North
ern man is smart enough to deceive them, he will
deceive us with all the care we could exercise
daughter.
Dr. HIi-We may die before another session.
Rev. 4. w. Col01n, Central Ohio, This is a
subject more interesting to me than any that
can be brought before this body. Perhaps |
have had more experience on this subject than
many members. When first went North, got
among people that thought were not Presbyte-
rians. As soon as the act of 81 was passed, said
Goodbye" and went Immediately to my own
Presbyterian kindred When | was asked the
question whether | would be examined, | said,
Y es, for want to know, Mr.. Moderator, wheth-
er you are sound in the faith as well as myself -
But you must examine me from the Confession OF
Faith. | do not allow myself to be examined by
this and that, and that and this; but examine me
in the Confession of Faith, and l will then Judge
whether you are sound in the faith. - Laughter.
passed into another PreSbytery and found that
brethren would apply for admission who, while
they protested to give their cordial assent to the
Confession based it mostly upon the fact that their
mother taught them the Shorter Catechism-
They assumed that they were Presbyterians with
out having studied the Confession of Faith at all.
once had to table charges against an individual
upon his declaration that man is born without any
moral character. And yet he had given his assent
to the Confession and was in regular standing In
the Presbyterian Church. In the providence of
God have been thrown north of the Ohio, among
those who considered themselves sound In the
faith" we are not in the habit of exchanging SEN
timents on particular points in the Confession
The consequence is | often ask myself when hear
preachers, 1" Is that Presbyterianism?" 1t is a
delicate matter to say to that brother after he has
left his pulpit, " Do you believe so and SOP" Let
me illustrate: | asked brother in good regular
standing What is effectual calling?" When he
heSitated, repeated the answer, and on coming
to the words doth enable and persuade US to EN-
brace Jesus Christ as he is freely offered in the
gospel, | asked-"Do you believe in that word
enable p" "Wel, could alter that that would
imply weakness, want Of power Il do not dis
cuss the question with you; merely want to know
whether you give your assent to that word 'ena-
bic. - Il do DO you?' L would rather
change it" Mr.. c. here made some remarks
about DrS. Hodge, and Musgrave and the union
with the Northern New School, too imperfectly
heard to be correctly reported.
Another question: These men from the North
will come down here professingto be Confession Of
Faith men, Just as strong as yourself, sir. | may
be charged, you are too narrow and contracted a
man In your sentiments. Why not receive these
applicants" | say, no. | say, no; and | am
honest in 1t. Open the door to receive that body
-" Good bye, my brethren, good bye" | will
leave you just as quick as | left the North.
l am exceedingly DESTROYS to have that resolution
stand as reported. Let the rule remain, at least
until there is a clear ecclesiastical sky.
Dr. BHgett-I offer this amendment to come
in after the words lat present." This Assembly
then prefers to leave the rule of 1887 in force,
except in cases where the applicant was licensed,
or ordained by or had been in former years a
member Of the Presbytery about to receive him. :"
The reason why | offer this is that recently a
minister applied for reception into our Presbytery
who had been educated under our care licensed
and ordained by US, was transferred to another
Presbytery, and returned with certificate. We
had to 80 through the form of examining him,
which seemed to be farcical We also in former
years had to examine an applicant who had left US
to 90 out as a Foreign Missionary, and subsequent
ly returned. That examination seemed to me to
be tarcical
Dr. Hadrict-I hope we will not adopt the
amendment The rule has worked so admirably
well since 1887, that it does not seem to me that
we can better it. regret that the matter has
come up. 1t was, long ago, fully discussed. -
The rule as it stands will certainly do no harm. 1t
has preserved us from a great many evils hereto
fore to which we are likely to be exposed as extern
-:.I.,. n do E,.,,rn No has hnar .irar for