The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-04-04
THE McCUNE TRIAL.

The nature and Importance Of this case
have been referred to at different times II
this paper. After very protracted and
excited trial, connected with elaborate dis
cusSious on both sides, it has resulted in al
acquittal by vote Of 20 to s. 1t forms al
Ngether one Of the most remarkable chap
tiers in ecclesiastical jurisprudence, and is
believed by many sagacioua minds to have
far reaching consequences 1t goes by com
plant to the Synod or next General Assem-
bly,, if it will entertain it over the head OF
the Synod. If time and space permitted,
there are points in it which would be not
only interesting but instructive, especially to
our ministers and elders, and indeed to our
people generally, as indicating latitudlna-
rian views prevalent in the Cincinnati Pres
bytery. At some other time this may per
haps be done. IL is significant to notice the
speech of u. 9seaspa; I'D
orator of the General Assembly, and PROBES
scr IN L4ne Theological Seminary. He says
in closing, " Should this local matter become
visible part of that great conflict which Is
waging in all denominations, and in all
Protestant lands, between rigid ecclesias'
tcsm on the one side, and the tolerant and
catholic spirit of the age on the other, still
desire now and always to cast my Influence
and vote into the scales in favor Of free,
and pure, and loving Christianity" Much
more in this strain.
TIE Pittsburg Presbyterian Banner gives
an emphatic and appropriate reply in the
following terms:
"All of which, as applied to the case before the
Presbytery is nothing more than the thinnest and
most Inflated bosh, though uttered by one who has
occupied the chair of Moderator of the General
Assembly, and who sits in a Professors chair in
one of our Theological seminaries. The simple
case was this: has one who denounces denomlna
tonal organizations as unscriptural and sinful,
| right to remain minister IN one OF them, taking
an active part in Its legislation and government
! has one who openly proclaimed and perslstently
advocated doctrines, principles ana views at wal
with the standards OF the Presbyterian Church, q
right to remain in that Church as minister, ex
ercising authority and rule has any one right
to settle down 10 any particular locality organize q
church, and accept as members persons con-
nected with different denominations without
letters of dismlssion and not expecting to be
dismissed? There are no castles, mOat,
drawbridge,' portcullis, avenue grasses,
or blossoms connected with the question al
issue at ALL 1t is simple matter of Christian hon
esty and expediency. According to the principle
adopted by Mr.. Mcclure, any Presbyterian minis
ter may settle down in any city, town or neighbor
hood, organize church and attract persons iron
existing Presbyterian and other churches though
they may still retain their nominal membership IL
them, so as to cripple and eventually destroy those
churches. According to this tolerant and Gath
ole spirit, minister may soemnly promise to ad
here to the Government and Discipline OF the Pres
byterian Church. and at the same time use all hi
power and Influence to destroy the very system h'
has pledged himself to support.
The conclusion of the whole thing, so fal
as McCune is concerned, is that after tht
Presbytery voted to accept him, he left then
and has gone to the COngregationaliSts.