The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-02-12
liturgy. There is no occasion here to go be-
yond that stubborn fact:

liturgy. There is no occasion here to go be-
yOnd that stubborn fact:
In regard to the poorer Of coasistOries to
elect pastors. There is here an entire agree
ment as to the fact, and our statement stands
good that the congregation has not particle
of power, so far as the provisions in the
Church Government are concerned. If in
theory or practice this is acceptable to the
Reformed Church, we have neither the right
nor the wish to object. But we may say
confidently that "while the world standeth"
such provision could not be incorporated
into organic uaity with our Church Our
congregations would be rent asunder from
Dan to Beersheba before they would give
up to any church session the right of elect
ing their own PASTORS right always here
tofore, as nov, so fully recognised in their
Constitution.
The IntslHgencer omits all notice of the
article concerning the relations of the Re
formed Dutch Church, to the Reformed
German Church, probably owing to the
delicate character of the questions involved.
For the present we lay over the matter
concerning " a rotary eldership," to be con-
sidered in another connection. We regret
that the article about Confessions failed to
reach the b,te7Hgencer. In the meantime
the Old School Presbyterian of Missouri has
taken up the topics involved, and, (credat
Juaeas p gravely proposes that in order to
get over this difficulty in effeotiug the three
fold union, the parties shall turn to and make
a neg Confession Of Faith! We beg few
words before this little job is undertaken.
What hurry the world is in!
While approaching fully the Difference
due to the Christian InteHigencsr as to the
state of public sentiment in its own Church,
. it is but fair to say that from other sources
equally we'll informed a different statement
reaches US. 1t is to this effect-that the
strength of that Church is mainly in the
Dutch element, and that the great body Of
them do not desire organic union with any
Church, but fraternal relations with all; and
that they are devotedly attached to those
things which are peculiar to the denomina
ton, and would view with distrust and dis
appreciation any proposition that looked to,
wards abolisbing or changing them. This
we presume is correct. 1t is only what is
natural and to be expected. 1t is also il
accordance with a recent article in The
S0wer and Gospel Field, one of the papers
Of :he Reformed Church, published in New
York, and which we find quoted in the South
ern Presbyterian. 1t certainly speaks plain
", and ali the better for it. 1t shows how
the proposed union is regarded by some
among themselves.
1.-THE POPULARITY OF OUR REFORMED CHURCH. -
There are at present four bodies of Christian
proposing organic union with our Church-name
lv, the Southern Assembly Of the Presbyterian
Church the Synod of Missouri the Chassis o
North Carolina; the German Synod of Ohio. A.
the proposition comes from them, it is supposablt
that they will not ask Us to part with our formula
res OF worship, or our dOctrnal standards, but OF
the other hand, that they are willing to adop
them for if not, the proposition will be simply
asking us to unite with them instead of their uni
ting with US, The subject is exciting a good dea
of discussion 10 their respective papers.
u The EUapQelSt some time ago, 10 noticing the
proposal with regard 70 the Southern Church, com
ments upon it in these words 1.-The project o.
union may, at first glance, excite surprise. Bu
the advantages which 1t oferScannot be overlooked
by either party The Presbyterian Church South
/ would no longer be sectional, as the Reformed
would supply it with a highly respectable Northern
I element that has never rendered itself obnoxious
/ like the Northern General Assemblies, to Southern
feelings while it would receive larger accession
| of wealth and strength. On the other hand, the
Reformed Church would emerge from the compar
alive humility of its position with Its four or five
I hundred churches aud, IN connection with the
PRESBYTERIAN Church South would command re-
spect Tor number as well as for character, and oc
cupy denOminational position emitting its voice
70 a weight it has never yet possessed.
We say nothing OF the arrogance OF this language
but simply observe that this worldly policy should
. I It be the great UOLlNG pIeSeultu lOE UNION, mus
be we'll considered by all who think the denomina
rional integrity and historical associations of oul
I Church worth preserving. This proposition, il
the oeinion of the Evangelist, would require the
surrender of the word Reformed and leave the
representatives of Dutch ecclesiastical asceudancy
in the New World, shOrn OF every external badge
Of a descent Of which it may well be proud
The statistics OF the Presbyterian church South
so far as numerical strength exhibits them, are a,
follows: 9l2 ministers, including candidates fol
the ministry l545 churches, 81 POS communicates,
| n SyuOds, Sc PresbyteIieS.
Those of our own Church are, 507 ministers
49 churches 65 PIT communicates, Synods, &C
classes The tOlmer, therefore, has in excess oil
[ the latter 405 Ministers O54 churches, 70 09l
communicates, SynOds, Is Presbyteries.
The time will soon come when we may be called
I upon to debate the advantages, and to act upon
/ this matter. To act iuteligeutly and with q
supreme regard to the interests Of the cause Of
Christ, we should iamiliarise ourselves with these
discussions, so that the subject when formally
brought before US, may be met in such a spirit as
shall commend our final action to the good sense
of the Church at large. la the view of the EUan.
geLst, as above given-tO swallow, or be swallowed
shat is the question.
Request to Correspondents Communication,
are often received of so mixed character as to be
very troublesome. What is the use Of sending on
I - T.. ,e Il. & l. 4. IL