The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-02-07


e can honestly receive or adopt, if do no
: approve.
. Now for myself | am quite satisfied viii
the Old Book-Confe8sion, Catechism, Form
of Government, Book Of Discipline, and Di
rectory for Worship. When said l Gp
proved, I meant exactly what I said, and moi
that might approve it if I could get several
changes made. Make the proposed changes
in the laws of government and discipline, and
l cannot with clear conscience, | cannot at
all say approve them thus altered. l can
not change at my own pleasure, or at the
pleasure of others from approving one thing
to approving something both diverse and op-
posite.
Should the New Book be adopted, and q
candidate for the sacred Office come to me,
and say that he fs6 s'aoies and in his beart
approved the old Form of Government and
Book Of Discipline but that he decidedly
objected to the New Book, and add, What
shall l do +? l should tell him that | fully
agreed with him, and on no account ought he
to defle his conscience by saying what was
not true. l should further tell him that by
all good men it was confessed to be very bad
morals to enter church protesting to ap-
prove its standards of Government and Dis
cipline, but in his heart hoping that BY and
by he and others would be able to revolu-
tionize it so as to change any of its standards.
But have more to say on this distressing
subject. Not only have l taken the VOWS
above recited but I have gone further. l
hsbitually carry in my pocket.bOOk the fol-
lowing paper, inscribed on blank leaf, and
copied ver5atsm from the Records of this
Seminary. l often look at it. By the grace
of God hope to.keep it to the end. 1t is
in these words:
"In the presence Of God and these Wit
nesses l do solemnly subscribe the Comics
sion of Faith, Catechisms and other Stan
dards of Government, Discipline and Worship
of the Presbyterian Church in the United
States, as a just summary of the doctrines
contained in the Bible, and promise and
engage not to teach directly or indirectly
any doctrines contrary to this belief, while
1 continue Professor in this Seminary.
iSigned.) VIM. S. PLUMER.
Nashville, Tenn, Nov. 26, 1876"
After SO solemn and clear a promise, how
can 1 turn right around and profess the Op-
posite of all this, or of any part of it? Note
the language: "In the presence Of God"
the Searcher of hearts. Ny promise surely
has the solemnity of an oath. P9. cxix 1O6.
And "in the presence Of these Witnesses"
my fathers and brethren in the Church Of
Christ. How can af,or tnoh words turn
round at the bidding 6i even the majority of
the Presbyteries, and Ienounce these engage
ments, and adopt sts'ldard8 of government
and discipline widely at variance with what
l have solemny subscribed
By my engagement hold myself truly
and firmly bound. But 1 cannot be bound
by the New Book; and there are thousands
of church officers, deacOns, elders, or minis
ters, who are not now bound, and are not
willing to be bound by that New Book.
Look further: This solemn paper will bear
to be studied. ask you to read it over
again, and see if my construction is forced or
unfair. / OUGHT NOT TO BE ASKED TO vIo.
LATE so SOLEMN ENGAGEMENTS. 1 cannot
do it without wounding my conscience.
Should any say that in. South Carolina
we are behind the times. Well, let US 90 to
Union Seminary in Virginia, with its affect
ing history, its able Professors, its fine Ii
brary, and its cheering body Of promising
students. If I were Professor there
should feel as much bound to adhere to the
Old and to reject the New Book, as do now.
Here is the form of subscription in that
blessed school of the prophets, to whose vel
fare l gave much time and toll for about
twenty years of my life. I quote from page
II of the plan of the Seminary:
"I do sincerely receive and adopt the
Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian
Church in the United States, as faithfully
exhibiting the doctrines taught in the Holy
Scriptures.
81 do sincerely approve Of aud adopt the
Form Of Government and Discipline Of the
Presbyterian Church in the United States
and do solemnIy engage not to teach any
thing that appears to me to contradict any
doctrine contained in the Confession of Faith
nor to oppose any of the fundamental prin
ciples of the P.~shyterian Church Govern
3 ment, while | continue Professor in thi
Seminary"
This form not only approves, but it adopt
Q the Government and Discipline.
r 1t is historic fact that when the plans o
both SeminarieS we're adopted, there wer
strong apprehensions thas there was DANCE
? of the inroadS of error. This may accoun
: for their great, but not excessive atriugency
e Here is good ground of solemn appes
; and entreaty to my brethren against the Me-
Book. It is with me decisive. I caDnc
e change. If a majority of the Church shoul
: vote otherwise Il do not believe they will;
r feel conf lent they will not,) am not tb
) keeper of other mems conscienceS, nor az
e they the keepers of my conscience. Till 10
, most solemn convictions on such subjects al
e transformed, cannot consent to adopt th
|, New Book. If for this in ny old ege, al
e to be hated and bounded, or my name to !
.. cast out as evil, or to be clothed with susp
1 ninn- I nannnt helm il. Nv iudgment is wit