The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-06-21

ln, wed aha re reviewed thee arti-
! cles, and do not .think that any faif, I'M
biased criticism would have brought out the
exceptions which b e been taken. That is
my opinion. But exceptions have been
taken. Brethren say that they have been
wounded by those remarks. And, sir, l beg
the permission of this house here publicly
to withdraw every remark which has been
wounding to their feelings. And more, sir: :
l beg leave to say that do from my inner
most heart forgive everything which they
have said so harshly, as l think. God give
me grace ever to pray for them.
DR.. WooDRow-Mr. Moderator, earn
estly pray God that he will inspire me with
that wisdom from above which is FIRST pure,
then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be en-
treated" If, as has been intimated by the
member who has just spoken, my purity was
not intended to be assailed, and if it has been
indicated before this Assembly, and so be-
fore the Church and the world, l would have
naught but peaceable thoughts in my heart;
and l therefore here declare myself satisfied
with the explanation that has now been
made And further say, that if l have
gone one step beyond what He who is not
only the God of truth and righteousness, but
the God of love would fully approve, here,
without reserve, withdraw it.
DIR. KIRKPATRIcK-I hold in my hand
resolution which will submit to the Assem-
bly,. l have shown it to the parties who
may be supposed to be more particularly
concerned-to brother Cater and the two
brethren, the Secretary and the Treasurer.
They say this will perfectly satisfy them. l
therefore read it:
Resolued, That the General Assembly having re-
ceived the report OF the special committee appoint
ed to investigate the charges or complaints re.
specting the official conduct of the Secretary and
the Treasurer of the Executive Committees of For
eign Missions and OF Sustentation, in compliance
with the request made By those officers and having
received full and explicit information concerning
the several matters involved in said charges or
complaints does not deem it necessary to take any
further action in the premises than simply to de-
clare, as it does hereby declare, in the most en-
phatic and unqualified terms, that it finds nothing
in any of the facts brought to its view to shake,
but much to strengthen the confidence hitherto
reposed in the fidelity of the said officers to the
trusts committed to them, and in their wise, yigi-
liant and successful management thereof
l move to strike out the report of the COM
mittee and substitute this.
Gov. PATToN--If | have any disposition
stronger than another it is that of concilia-
ton and compromise in healing wounds. AL
though reported the resolutions for which
this is to be substituted, nothing affords me
more qualification than the indications that
the substitute will meet the entire approval
of this Assembly. This Church has been very
harmonious, this Assembly has been governed
by much Christian spirit. 1t is remark.
able with what harmony the business has
been conducted within the walls of this
church, and what desire there has been on
the part of all to pour oil upon the troubled
waters. When we as body separate to go
to our respective homes, never again to meet
in the capacity of General Assembly, none
of the venerated fathers, ministers and rul-
ing elders of the Church, would like to part
knowing that even the feelings of one had
been wounded. Nothing could give me more
heartfelt qualification than the resolution of
fered by my respected friend, harmonizing
the troubles that appeared to be springipg