The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-10-05

saints" 8
For the Central Presbyterian.
The Importance of Presbyterial
Examination.
MesSrS. Editors, Information has been
in my possession for some time, which
leads me to feel some anxiety with regard
to the future of our Church. l have been
accustomed to look on it as the soundest
and most homogeneous body of Presby-
terlans on earth, and to feel great salts
faction at the terms of union between our
body and the United Synod, because no
lowering of the standard of orthodoxy
was asked or granted: so different from
the plan OF union between the two bodies
In the North, where a wide latitude of
opinion was claimed and conceded. In
our Southern union, however, no such
concession was made and none was need
ed. For the resolution adopting the
terms agreed on, expressly declares that
the conferences and comparisons of opin-
ION which had been had, showed such
harmony of doctrinal belief as to ground
an honorable union. Because a latitude
in doctrinal opinion is authorized in the
Northern Church, I think some among
us have got the idea that they not only
have the same right, but that they will
exercise it. And 1 have been told that
in the Presbytery of Memphis, on re-
cent occasion, the terms of union with the
United Synod was claimed as the iustif-
cation of a young brother for advancing
excentric doctrines because larger lib
erty was allowed since the union. Now,
any one who will examine the terms of
union will see that this is not only untrue
historically, but it is a SANDER on the
United Synod, which claimed to be, and
| believe was, as orthodox as the General
Assembly, and as Jealous for the stand
ards; and which never asked for any
concession whatever.
Moreover, the union in the North was
a very different affair, both in form and
fact. There, the union was coordinate,
and the Northern General Assembly now
is the legal successor of both the former
General Assemblies For the terms of
union required each body to receive the
other; SO that the Old School received
the New School, and the New School re-
ceived the Old School. But not SO with
US; but having ascertained that the two
bodies were like minded doctrinally, it
was agreed that the Presby teries, minis
ters, and churches of the United SYNOD
should be Incorporated into and enrolled
as constituents of our Synods and Pres
byteries; the only concession, if it NAV
be called such, being that, as they were
received as body, there was no personal
examination. In place of that however,
there were conferences and comparisons
of views by committees and in the vari-
Gus Church courts, until both bodies be-
came satisfied that they were like minded.
Holding, therefore, as I do, that our
standards remain in full vigor, and that
no minister or other officer has right to
teach contrary sentiments, or to explain
away our doctrines, have been panied
to learn that there are some in our min
istry who are far from being sound in our
faith, according TO the old acceptation.
How many | know not, but / hope and
trust they are very few. These gentle
men, 30 far as know, have not ayowed
themselves 30 as to become liable to dis
cipline; but they express their views only
in private. Of course, holding such views
they cannot preach the truth according
to their VOWS. 1 wish, therefore, to urge
on the Presbyteries to watch whom they
receive, and to examine them carefully
on such points as these:
l. There is a minister in our Church
who does not believe in the inspiration
of all the books of Moses. He has been
corrupted, | think, by reading Prof. W.
Robertson Smith.
2. There is minister who defends the
views Of Mr.. f. D. Moore on the subject
OF the Sabbath, and probably goes even
further. He thinks the day ought to be
kept as a day Of recreation; not as holy
day, but as holiday; that secular news
papers may be read, social visiting en'
joyed, and that it is fine time to 60
abroad and worship God in nature.