The New York herald., 1875-08-28
WRANGLING RECHABITES.

AN ACRIMONIOUS DEBATE ON THE TEMPERANCE
QUESTION AT THE EVANGELICAL CONVENTION
THE SETTLEMENT OF THE QUESTION AD-
JoURNED UNTIL TO-DAY
CAPE MAY, N. j., August 81 1875.
The topics for discussion at the Evangelical Con
vention to-day were the temperance question and the
observation Of the Sabbath but the reading Of yestcr
days minutes revived the discussion of the unity Of the
churches, and spirited and spicy debate the re-
suit, Drs Nevin and Grammar being the leaders. The
former urged communion, exchange of
pulpits and close outward union of the Protestant
denominations against Romansm. DIR. Grammer de-
nounced this impracticabe and said he opposed
to organic union, and thought too close a drawing to-
gcthcr would be injurious. Too proximity would
repulson Every man must have room to do his
work for Christ in his way. Organic union was
Capitalization, which tho foundation of the Roman
Church He was opposed to any outward union. The
essentials OF Christianity were outward.
The venerable DR.. Mckinney and others took part in
the discussion, and after they had been heard tho fol-
lowing resolutions offered by Dr. Pitzer and agreed
to by the various denominations represented:-
RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved, That this Convention affirm its appreciation
OF that precious doctrine held by all branches OF the
Church Of Chris-viz., the communion of saints
Resolved, That this communion is participation by
all believers in Christ in the benefits and blessings OF
the common salvation purchased by Him for all OF
every age land and denomination who receive and rest
upon Him by faith. The various branches Of tho
Church of Christ cannot amity; their function is
SIMPLY to recognize and manifest II, to show forth
in life and worship their union and com
muniOn with Christ and with each other through Him.
We hail. with devout gratitude to God the fact that the
various evangelical churches more and more
realizing and manesting this precious doctrine of the
oneness of all believers While we believe with all
saints in the one holy universal Church. and that this
oneness is living organic, inward and spiritual yet We
also believe that this unity fnds its proper and appro
pirate manifestation, not only in common acts OF wor
snip but in mutual recognition of official and ecclesas
tcal acts and ordinances and hence pray the Great
Head of the Church to speed the day when each evan
geca Church shall recognize the validity and Christian
character of the ministry ordinances certificates and
sacraments OF every other sister Church.
TEMPERANCE TOPIC.
After the passage of these resolutions the order OF
the day was taken up. Rev. DR.. Fisher editor Of the
German Reformed Messenger and other religious papers,
delivered his arguments which principally went
old ground AT the afternoon session Rev. H. c. Gross
man, Of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the State Commits
sion of the prohibition party, made address show
that legislation and political
sary to bring about temperance triumph than exhor
taons and mere religious measures. He denounced
Governor Hartranr and the corrupt Pennsylvania Legs-
hture for repeating the Local Option law and thought
that the time had come for union at the polls
Resolutions were adopted favoring prohbitory egs-
favor Dr. Fisher opposed legislation and said prog
ress had been made in the temperance cause for
twenty years, and this was to be attributed to the
means employed He believed in appeals from the
pulpit
resolution asserting that II Is the duty OF churches
to discipline all members drinking intoxicating liquors
or selling them precipitated' an excited contest. Dr.
Ncvn earnestly favored the square meeting of the ISSUE
He limited very strongly that ministers toaded rich
rumseing members OF the Church for the sake OF certain
little presents He refused to admit such to his church
This nsnuaton denied with much virtuous indig-
nation by several country clcrgymen. DIR. Tuney was
in favor of the resolution. He knew of a man dis
ciplned for getting drunk who had become in
tavern kept by an elder OF that very church. Dr. Pit
combaed this extraordinary resolution which, he
said, would array many ministers against the policy of
their churches The question was finally adjourned
until to-morrow for settlement and sharp fight is in
prospect.
An interesting lecture ''How to Read the Scrip
lures with Proper Efect' delivered by Professor
Reade the eocutlonst, and the Convention adjourned