The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-08-12
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
The " New Review.
THE GOSSIP OF THE "CHRISTIAN OBSERVER
CORRECTED.


CORRECTED.
The annexed paragraph" from the Chr'S"a"
Observer and the card" following, explain them
selves. The "card" was sent to the editors, under
the impression stated in its last sentences, The
publication, 60"
The editors decline the qualification" for rea-
sons doubtless satisfactory to themselves but not
at all satisfactory to the writer He certainly re-
grets the delay in the appearance of the card, and'
if he has unfortunately, surely undesignedly, given
the editors any occasion of offence so grave that
they refuse him hearing to correct their pub
lished mistatements, whether editOrially endorsed
or quotations "-though not so marked--he hum
bly, asks pardon and promises like - good boy
to do so no more.
Here is the paragraph.
"A NEW REVIEW. 1t is proposed to start new
quarterly Review as exponent OF Cavinlstlc The
ology, under the editorial supervision OF eminent
writers of the Southern Presbyterian aud Reformed
(Duteh) Churches The Reformed Church has no
organ Of this kind, and the Southern Presbyterian
Revieo is not an official organ of the Church, nor
does it, it is commended, fairly represent that
Church, but reflects the views Of the association
owning it, and especially OF Its principal editor,
| some of whose opinions on physical science are
| highly Objectionable to many IN the denomination
| IF sufficient capital can De secured the necessary
arrangements will be made at once so that the trSI
number may appear as soon as possible Ii Is ex'
pected that, if the plan now contemplated is car
ried out Baltimore will be the place OF publication
/ So SAYS the Presbyterian Banner. Another paper
states that Rev. DR.. B Nj. Smith Of Union Theo-
logical Seminary, has the matter In hand.
i rrt,ttrb
| In the column for Religious Intelligence" in
the Christina Observer of the 22nd July, there is
paragraph (editoriall with the above caption.
The editors have been evidently misled, by &C.
cepting the statements Of unauthorized sources
aud thus doubtless undeslgnedy, done injustice to
| the projectors of the New Review and perhaps,
Injured their prospects of success. The purposes
and motives of these gentlemen are intimated by
the imrersoual forms. 1T is proposed" and lit is
commended" Who proposes" and who con
tends" is not stated. 1t is thus very awkward
for any one to assume the right to correct the mis-
statements. Among other OF these unauthorized
limitations, is that the undersigned has the mat
ter in hand Though he has assumed no such a
trust, as that implied be is fully prepared to con
tradict both the indirect and direct charges of the
paragraph in question.
| l. The allegation that the projectors of the Re-
view charge, that the Southern Presbyterian Re
velo does not fairly represent the Southern Presby
terrain Church is unfouuded, if the charge be IN
derstood, las the connection in the paragraph may
favor, to express distrust of the sound Presbyte
rianism of that Journal 1t has never assumed to
be an organ of the Church as such but has ever
been conducted on the policy OF allowing coutrou'
tors to express their own views, on their own re-
sponsibility, in its pages. But none more admire
the generous, sef-sacrlhcing zeal Of the Editors
and Association who, for over twenty years, have
sustained this only representative OF the Southern
Church, than do the gentlemen referred to by, " Il
is contended." Not one is prepared to charge
their brethren with any, the least unsoundness, as
Presbyterians,
2. A more serious allegation, ascrbed to the
gentlemen In question, Is that motive Tor then
effort is in the fact that the opinions Of the editor
of the Southern Presbyterian ReUte10, on Physica
Science, are highly Objectionable 10 many in the
Southern Presbyterian Church" No such motive
has ever been entertained or expressed by these
gentlemen. One of them who might most plausl
DIV be charged with it, has emphatlcally stated
Il had not thought of the Perkins Professorshlp
nor OF the recent discussion IN the ReUlel0 on the
subject of Physical Science. Indeed, the project
of a new review, or some similar periodical, ma
been entertained for years before the present editor
of the Southern Presbyterian RevieD took charge o.
| it. and long before the discussion mentioned oc
! CURED The undersigned contents himself with
these contradictions OF the implied or expressed
statements OF this unfortunately woLded paragraph
As soon as a prospectus can be issued, the wnol'
motive, purpose and plan of the proposed Review
will be authoritatvely laid before the Christian
public. Meanwhile, the second paragraph in &
notice of "A New Review" in the Christian In
telligeacer OF July Och, very we'll states the view o.
the necessity for such periodical: : La these
times of atheistic materialism and theological crii
cism, and OF continued assaults upon the founda
ton principles Of evangelical theology, there
is all the more urgent need both tor defending the
citadel and for aggressive movements upon thC
works of the enemy
The " New Review" is not proposed as riva
of the Southern Presbyterian ReUielo. or of any
other, any more than that Review, when establish
ed, was rival OF the Princeton ReUielo, or any
other; the field is open and large enough. Terms
of united effort and consolidation Of contributing
and subscribing force. may be formed in a proper
time and manner, should such be properly proposed
Anything approaching an effort to iDjure, much
less destroy the Southern Presbyterian ReUieao, i!
now positively and Indignantly disclaimed.
The publication of this card will doubtless be re
cognzed by the editors as an act Of justice in the
premises. B. NJ. SMITH.
UNION SEMINARY, Va, July 10Th, 1874.