The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-06-02

consistent with the express words of the stand.
ards of the church.
A recess of twenty minutes was taken at this
point, after which DR.. Girardeau resumed his
argument.
He laid down as his second general PROPOSE
ton that whenever and only when, IN hesi de-
liverances of church court exactly coincide
with the law of God as embodied in our stan
dards, touching offences, they impose an obliga-
ton upon the court of first resort to institute
judicial process, in cases which may come under
sach law. The preceding argument necessitates
this conclusion If that argument be valid, the
tn hesi deliverances of church are an authorita-
tive declaration of law. Law has an imperative
function, categorical and penal, and church
courts have the power to discharge this function
The occasions for its discharge are :;
l. Ignorance of sessions and members.
2. Negligence in applying known law.
3. Request from lower courts to higher to in
terpret the law
4. Superior wisdom and knowledge of higher
courts, especially of the Supreme Court
8. Division of opinion in lower courts. espe-
cially sessions.
Misconstruction of this position should be
guarded. The explicative power of church
courts is admitted by all in deciding judicial
cases. There is no difference in principle. The
deliverances in question authoritative, DELHI
erative and judicial, because they are of the au.
JnOrlCy OF CnrlSC law.
Sessions are entitled to the authoritative sup.
ports of the higher courts, especially of the Su.
preme Court, in their attempts to apply consti
tutional law to offences.
Uniformity of opinion and action can only be
effectually secured by authoritative in thesi de.
liverances of higher courts especially of the
General Assembly. as sustaining broad and
catholic relation to the interests of the whole
church. The deliverance of the last Assembly
10 of IS
in the Old School Presbyterian Church of this
land.
DR.. Girardeau consumed nearly two hour in
the delivery of his speech, which was one of the
most powerful efforts of his life. Dr. Woodrow
will follow in reply, and DR.. Wilson on the same
side
DR.. Leyburn submitted the report of the com
mittee on Publication, which was made the
special order of the day, for haf-past 10 o'clock
this morning. Under the management of the
present secretary and treasurer Dr. Hazen, the
debt of the Committee, exclusive of the Publish
ing House debt, has been reduced to $4,000.
Three years ago the debt amounted, with inter,
est accrued to about $50 900, and it is hoped in
short time and with the increasing prosperity of
the country the debt will soon be altogether
wiped out.
Rev. g. II. Rout of Kentucky, was elected to-
represent the Assembly in the General SYNOD
OF the Reformed Church in America. with the
Rev. DIR. Theodorick Pryor, of Virginia, as al
ternate. The Assembly then engaged in devo-
tIonal exercises, and, after prayer by the Rev.
DIR. Scott took recess until o'clock.
MEETING FOR HOME MISSIONS.
Ats o'clock the Assembly held meeting in
behalf OF Home Missions. Spirited and appro-
pirate addresses were delivered by DR.. Nell
waine Secretary. DIR. J. S. Moore of Texas DIR.
John Leyburn of Baltimore and Rev. G. II.
Rout of Kentucky