The New York herald., 1872-12-08
PROPOSED ECUMENICAb PRESBYTERIAN
COUNCIL.
Objects OF the eAssembIage-Philade
Suggested a Place Of Meeting.

Objects OF the Assemb gc-Ph IL 1adel PHI la
Suggested n Place of Meeting.
The Presbyterans Of the United states have
been recently celebrating the tercentenary Of the
establishment OF the first presby terry in England
and also OF the death of John Knox. Among va
nous subjects brought under discussion OH the oc
casion one looking towards the assembling Of q
grand council representing the denomination
throughout the world, who, according to Stats
lies, II is said compose than half the Protest
ant population OF ChristendOm. 1t is reckoned
that Presbyterian churches embrace &c, 900 congre
cations and population OF a. O000 600. II Lutherans
be added, who in many parts OF Germany are one
with the Reformed branch, and who are
In all respects Presbyterians than they are
80 Episcopacy or indepeDdency there is a total
OF b. 900 out OF 1O7 Of Protestans or an
actual majority of the Protestant world The min
listers Of the denomination in America consider
Justly, that If this power were directed into COM
bined action it would produce commanding
eject for good, and the matter brought their
notice during the ceremonies held in Philadep hia
the Goth ult. by Rev. Doctor McCosh, an cmi-
neDt divine of the communion
OBJECTS OF THE AssEMBLAGE.
In the aascmblage of an Ecumenical Council 1t
was urged three great objects would be aimed at
First, to separate Evangelical churches from that
ratiOnalism which Is marring the usefulness OF
Protestan tism all over the continent OF Europe
Second, to d. liver them from State connection
or at least from State control. which has ever
been protecting rationaism with It's deadly
influence. Third, to make grand ciiort
70 unite the scattered energies Of these
34o00,000 to overthrow the powers OF darkness
and spread Gospel truth. There can be no dis
putting the excellence OF the programme skctched,
nor It's feasibility, If taken In hand 10y the cner
getic and jealous Presbyterans of the United
States. The project is by no means new one.
mas he ong Ge rs a e n
the General Assembly OF Ireland is almost certain,
and the sympathy OF the body IN England, though
not very numerous, Is safely counted upon. Scot
land, the mother OF the Church, is expected to
take leading part If the proposition takes prac-
tical form. There is no disDositiOn, as stated by
DIR. McCosl to break up the churches OF the British
Islands, OF the Continent or OF the United States;
but there is strong desire TO bring all INTO closer
comnnnion, IN order TO benefit the common in
serests and advance the common cause.
BASIS OF UNION.
~ Is proposed that there be new doctrlnal
basis but this need require "A new creed or con-
fession. Each church is to retain its standards
that these embrace the cardinal truths OF saliva
tOB. Certain principles are presupposcd, snch as
the parity OF ministers and government by repre-
sentative councils IN which ministers and elders
participate, the mode OF carrying out these prin-
.ciples to be lett to each organisations the grand
committee TO have power to see that these lupda-
mental principles OF doctrine and OF government
be carried out in each church. with authority to
cut or those who deliberately departed from them
in act or profession. highly important portion
Oithc programme Is that when clrcu,nsi iances
Jnnea y =, ths whole powcr o. ne Church might be
snuhhe suppression OF erio. ana aii prevailing
fJfns OF vice.
TIIR PLACE OF MEE1!S6
Ibe idca OI such union was hrst proclaimed IN
Che General Assembly Of the Irish Presbyterian
Cburch, anu fully explained IN . leading organ OF
the denomination III England. u was Also dis
cussed during the General Assembly held IN ~.
,euis IN 1890. The only obstacle or cause of delay
apprehcnd:d rs TIC action likcy 10 he taken by
ihc GermaD, SWISS and French churches The
place OF meeting has also hcen considered Some
HI the mIDistcr9, Particularly Dr.. McCosh, hnk
IN hp IN Il
saitable place bnt, II scotland is not prepared,
then, they Say oi the largest ircsm ieriiD church
rl the world ssne invitations and let the meeting
be held in the city Of Br0thcry Love The tropU-
alton was iavoraby received IN Puladeph,s ana
VIC orc likely 10 hear very s0pp more vl the Jyes.
bytelIvD ECAL1(bi.2I tpupcI.