The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-29
THE PREsBYrERIANs.
The Difference between tue Northern and
Southern Branches.


To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Str: One
Of these bodies ia now in session In Brooklyn,
and the other in Savannah, Ga. But these bodies
are not on speaking terms, although there is
friendiness between individual members.
Now, what is the exact difference between
these two bodies2 Answer-The Northern As
sembly, during the war, passed various resolu-
tions, accusing the Southern Presbyterians OF
"heresy," "schism," and "blasphemy'-charg
against body OF Christians about the equiva-
lent of treachery, lying and stealing as against
an individual. Since tho war, the Northern As
sembly proposes to be on friendly terms with
the Southern Assembly, without recalling these
asperHons OF character, virtually saying TO the
honorable men and brethren from this time on
ward, but our opinion of your character ana
conduct as bad men in the past Is on record. aud
published to tho world, and we still believe 1t 10
be true, and will not recall or modify it.
Inc southern Assembly replies: Our character
and Views are unchanged and we can as body
have no intercourse with your assembly 80 long
as itupholds those slanderous accusations, what
ever may he your professions Of present friend
llness. A half an eve can see that, for the
Southern Assembly to acquiesce I'm the fraternal
proposal Of the Northern Assembly would be to
submit to its own disgrace.
With the Northern Assembly II IL a matter OF
persistent, perhaps obstinate, adherence to an
which may be wrong With the Southern As,
sembly TO say the least II Is a position that has
tue calm ana manly dignity OF refusing to be n
party to its own disgrace. Lot me Illustrate this
case which tins public are 80 slow to compre-
bend. Here are two men-John Doe and Rich
ard hoc. In time OF high excitement, John
published Richard as liar, swindler. and thief
When the excitement passes OF, John finds that
the alienation of Richard survives, and Is incon-
venient; he addresses him note, therefore,
and proposes the resumption of friendly rela-
tions between themselves and their families.
Richard replies; IAN right, John, provided YOU
publicly recall your sanderOus publication
against my character" But John replies: "Oh.
no. Richard. ] can't do that. love you now
very much indeed, and shall be most happy to
see you at nv house; but as to the past, why,
think you acted a. great scOundrel, and cant
recall what said about that, you know" Then
Richard replied: John, | am the same man
now that was then, and can't allow myself
to be placed In an attitude by you that will re-
lieve you, at the expense OF my own character,
OF the responsibility Of your injurious utter
ances. j cannot acquiesce In your assumed con
descension at the cost OF my own honor, aud
convictions OF truth. Good morning."
II would naturally be expected that the mat
ter would drop at once, unless John Doe were
prepared to do the honorable thing by recalling
his charges. But no; every twelvemonth, regu-
larry, Mr.. John Doe makes and publishes great
professions OF love for the man he has abused
and injured; but as persistently refuses to re-
call tue injurious epithets and accusations.
Would such a course DO likely to mend matters,
OF make them worse7
The action Just taken In Brooklyn will not
mend matters. he resolutions and preamble.
as originally introduced, would probably have
established at once fraterna CORE spondence.
NEW YORK, May %. ALIoUIs.