Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1874-05-29
PRESBETERIANS.
Proceedings Of the Assembly in Session
at st. Louis Yesterday-The Ques.
tiOn Of Union.
OVertare Rr0m Old-sc!l0ol PresbJterians
Responsive ResOlulIoas-Fat
Hunt and the Negro, Eic.

ST. LOUIS, May 2S.-In the Cunber-
land Presby terian assembly yesterday,
it was decided to locate the publishing
house at Nashville, Tennessee.
Almost the entire DAY was occupied in
discussing the question of an organic
union with the Presbyterian church.
The debate was very earnest and ami
mated, and there was much paTliam ent-
airy strategy.
Rev. DIR. BurTow, of Tennessee, stated
his determination to withdraw If the
union was effected.
DR.. McGlumpi, and others, urged that
the existence Of the committee on union
unsettled the people and unfavorably
affected denominational interests.
At very late hour last night a vote
was taken on diselarging this commit
tee, which was carried. This ends the
whole matter in this body, for the pres
ent, at least.
The most important event which had
thus far taken place in the general as
sembly, was the reception this morning
Of an overture from Rev. Jas. H.
Brooks, Jno. II. Phillips and VIM.
Chrismap, committee appointed at
recent conference and presbytery, con-
neeted with the Old-school synod of
Missouri. The overture related to the
action of the general assembly of the
Old-schOol, and which subsequently, led
to a division of the synod of Missouri in
1856. 1t stated they were instructed to
enunciate distinctly and frankly the
principles held by those whom they re-
presented, as if they believe the same
principles were held by this general as
sembly. There is nothing to prevent
their more fraternal relations which
they long to see securely and perma-
nently established.
DR.. Crosby then offered a response as
follows
WHEREAS, certain brethren belong
ing to the Old-schoOl Presbyterian synod
of Missouri have overtured this assem-
bly,, stating their principles in regard to
plenary inspiration of the scriptures,
and the proper jurisdiction of church
courts in things ecclesiastical only, and
in these according to the word OF God
together with their firm adherence to
our confession of faith, catechism,
form of government and book of dis
cipline.
Resolved, That this assembly eordi ally
accept the overture as exhibiting the
principles of the Presbyterian church in
the United States of America, and con-
slider all actions of the church in the
past, If any may have been done con-
trary to the principles Of the church,
null and void.
The response was received with loud
and long continued applause, and sew
eraI gentlemen rose to speak on the
question.
Judge Drake obtained the floor, and
in moving the adoption of the report
said that there were a few members of
the general assembly that were so
placed during the troubled times when
civil war was raging, as himself, and he
therefore hailed with delight the break
ing down Of the barriers which have
alien2ted the church of God. At pres
ent, he believed the time would soon
come when all who were estranged by
reason of the civil war would come to-
gether again. II there was a man who
to be a christian who cherished
any aDimosities growing out of the late
civil war he should get down on his
knees and pray to God to chan ge his
heart.
DR.. Nelson did not know that any
such overture was coming before the as
sembly, but since ii did come, he wanted
something more than a mere vote on
the subject. he wished for no humilia-
ton. There was time for reconsidera-
ton. The paper which had been read
was an historic one, and part of the
grand records of the church. The speak
er alluded to the time when he was pas
tor OF the First Presbyterian church of
this city, and Or. Brooks, who was one
Of the signers of the overture, was his
earnest antagonist. Not long ago he
saw circular in print, signed by J. II.
Brooks, calling a convention in his
church of all those who stood by him.
he Immediately wrote to him, and since
then all their former differences were
settled. He asked that if DR.. Brooks be
present be be called en- to speak.
There were loud calls for Brooks, but |
ne was not in the house.
Prayer was offered by Father Hunt to
iirect the assembly to vote right, and |
several hymns were sung. Many were
Affected to tears when the vote on the |
adoption of the report was taken. 1t !
vas unanimous.
On motion of DR.. Breckenridge COM
nittee of seven was appointed to in |
luire into the expediency of appointing
/ delegation to meet the next general |
.ssembly of the Presbyterian church !
outh, which meets in st. Louis next |
Tear, and carry greetings and fraternal /
owe.
Rev. H. II. Ganett (colored), of New |
FORK, rose to a question of privilege. |
Father Hunt had characterized the |
proclamation as one of the |
most unjust and unWise acts ever done |
lie regretted that such remark had |
manated from any member of the as
emily, and be found it hard to recon- |
lie Father Hunts statements on prevl-
US occasions, that he had emancipated |
ii his slaves before the law compelled |
i'm to do So" with what he had since |
aid. He said he could not stand by |
nd hear that proclamation alluded to
n that manner without saying word.
father Hunt had said that the black
nan could not be raised out of ignor-
nee, but he would tell him and the
Vorld that the gospel Of Jesus Christ
onld raise anybody.
Rev. Mr.. Hunt explained his remarks
Y repeating the statement quoted, but
be assembly was unwilling to hear him
[ any length, and he had to take his
eat.
DR.. alexander Reed then gained the
cor, to continue his remarks on the
oard of publication. He thought the
church and its members
re not tenacious enough of its litera-
ure. They purchased many books that
7ere not published by its own board.
hey were liberal in this respect, as well
S in others; and as an instance of this
e mentioned the fact that last year the
gave six thousand dollars
nore to bible societies than any other
enomination.
Rev. Mr.. Woods, of Nation, said
here was great prejudice against the
terature of the Presbyterian church,
which was one reason why sales were
0 small. Presbyterian literature was
to a great extent, but
here was no reason why fault could be
0und with the board of publication.
The discussion was fully INDUCED in,
early all being in favor Of continuing
be colportage work of the board.
A gentleman from Santa Fe said, to