The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-06-28

tainly would modify it most gravely, but
not so If the resolution applies only to
the principle, or opinions contained there
IN. Considered simply as declarations of
loyalty to the government of the United
States, and of condemnation Of what they
are pleased to call "the rebellion" we,
as Church, have nothing to do with
them, improper as they may have been.
Now our Assembly thought it best to
overlook all that was illogical and APP
parently self-contradictory, or at least
obscure, in comparison of these two pa
pers, and to put the most favorable con-
struction upon the whole Upon the as
sumption that the resolution was intend
ed to make reserve as to opinions only,
and not as to the imputations, we felt
that we could safely consider the retrac-
ton expressed in the paper as not re-
stricted at all by the resolution. 1t would
modify 1T If the imputations were includ-
ed; but it would not if applied only to
the opinions. But assured positively that
it did not modify it, the conclusion was
clear. Ignoring that paper, therefore, as
having after all nothing to do with the
other paper, it was judged proper to put
no qualification upon our final minute.
but to assume that their retraction was
honestly meant to cover everything Of
fensive wherever found. We therefore
declared our entire satisfaction with the
full and explicit terms in which that As
sembly had expressed its reciprocal con-
.currence in the paper transmitted to
them"
6. If this construction was the right
one, all is well, and we are on our old
foundation as to every thing. If it should
prove wrong (of which have hardly the
least expectation we still hold the rem
edy securely in our own hands. We
could then righteously declare that we
did not so understand it, that this mis-
apprehension was by no fault of ours, I'M
less magnanimity and charity in so con-
strueing their resolution was fault;
and that we now request an official in
terpretation of their language. Under
the light of that Interpretation the mat
ter would be decided one way or the
other, and the whole settlement either
stand or fall accordingly.
l have now psesented such an exposi-
ton as satisfies my own mind that the
action taken by our Assembly was the
best practicable under the circumstances.
If it was not best absolutely, (and I can
dldly say my own decided preference was
for the first report of the committee) it
was in my judgment right thing in it.
self, safe, magnanimous, and consistent
with our position as held heretofore. 1t
may be viewed differently by others
whose opinions are entitled to great re-
spect, but it is hoped and believed that
as it was sanctioned by the overwhelm-
ing voice of our Assembly, it will com
mend itself to the blessing of the God
of peace" and to the calm Judgment of
his redeemed people.
l cannot conclude this long communi-
cation without one or two remarks not
entering directly into the discussion pre-
sented, but kindred thereto
l. "Fraternal relations" which it re-
quires so much contention to establish, do
not promise the choicest fruits of Chris
tian love and happiness Nevertheless,
as it is right to do every thing consistent
with righteousness and truth in this di-
rection, let us hope that in this case good
may thereby come unto us. 1t becomes
us all on both sides to abstain from hard
and provoking words.
2. Some of the Northern papers are
most injudiciously and fippantly going
into hurrah gush about organic union,
and some of our Southern are as unwisely
fretting about it as an impending event
upon the heels of all fraternal correspond
ance. All this is premature and aside
from the matter before us. If formal
reconciliation is right in itself, let it be
effected, and let other things take care of
themselves, or rather let us trust them in
the hands of God and his people, to do
as seems best in their sight, and accord
ing to the exigencies Of each day and gen
Grafton.
All l care to say at present is this, that
[ do not know Of any state of things exist
ing or as likely to arise, even the most
favorable, under which l would for mo-
ment think of organic union with the
Northern Presbyterian Church, although
l said in our Assembly, and here repeat
it, that while deeply condemning many
things that Church has done, 1 rejoice in
the belief that it embraces vast body of
as sound and noble ministers and Chris
tians as are to be found upon the earth.
And while my brethren South would con-
cur in this, they would also concur in the
other sentiment / know what l say in
assuring brethren Of the Northern Church
that organic union has not as much as a
respectable scOlfl71-Doyi,, in ite fovor