The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-08-23

nas ALREADY found It's way into PRINT we
give it simply as a matter of information
to our readers.-EDs. @. P.)
To the Office. Bearers and the Members of the
Southern Presbyterian Church
Dear Brethren-There is reason, in our iudp
ment, to apprehend that our Church is by no
means at one on the subject of the action of our
late Assembly touching fraternal relations with
our Northern Presbyterian brethren.
Previous to the Atlanta Assembly, while
some among us were anxious to have our South
ern Church move spontaneously forward some
what further IN the line of restoration of friend
y relations with the North, the large majority
OF our people, we believe were quite satisfied
with the position taken at the Baltimore Con-
ference, which was confirmed by so many sub
sequent Assemblies. This position they con
sidered both right and safe. Our Church al
ready had fraternal relations with the Northern
brethren, maintained in what was held to be
every way the better form, namely that of an
annual exchange of friendly salntations through
the telegraph. More intimate relations they
did not desire unless solid basis for them
could be had by the removal of all offences
and such removal they had no hope, after re-
peated negotiations, of being able to secure.
When the Atlanta Assembly decided to re-
open the question of our relations to the North
ern brethren, many of those we have Just re-
ferred to regretted the step, but were willing to
submit their Judgment to that of this high court
and to hope that only good would come of it,
But when the second or Herrick Johnson re
solution was sent from Springfield, there was
dissatisfaction, not only on the part of those
we have Just been alluding to- but also on the
part of some who heartily and earn stlv an.
proved what had been done mp to this point
and we are persuaded there is dissatisfaction
now on the part of many all over our Church.
even amongst those who have hitherto been.
most anxious for the establishment of fraternal
relations IN the fullest form
In the judgment of the subscribers, it will be.
impossible for. our people generally to admit
tnat the Herrlck Johnson resolution "only ex-
plans and does not modify" the Concurrent
Resolution of mutual withdrawal. Some of the
most unjust and unbrotherly and offensive ut.
terances against our Church and people res
pected loyalty and rebellion" So far as these
were the result of excited passion, we might
freely agree to have them psss into Oblivion.
But when IN the very act OF giving and re-
celvlng the hand of friendship and confidence.
after mutual reractions of all that was offensive
the Springfield Assembly tells ours that it must
expressly except from their withdrawal land so.
after twenty years for the excitement of pas
sion to cool and pass away, must virtually and
IN cold blood renew those offensive utterances.
rs impossible for us to accept or be satisfied
with the declaration of our own Assembly of
Its perfect and entire satisfaction with this as
the OASIS OF the more intimate fellowship pro-
posed We cannot say that we are perfectly
ana entirely satisfied to have close fellowship
with church which thrusts into our face its
renewed denunciations of us because we did not
ana VIII not make the kingdom Of our Lord the
loyal subject OF any human government We
cannot enter into intimate relations with a BODY
which, IN the very midst of brotherlv hand
shaklng, and whilst protesting to embrace us as
dear and beloved and trusted brethren, insists
llTy oil
rebels who deserve to be hanged and that our
DEAD fathers and sons and brothers, who laid
down their lives for their country, are fit sub.
Jects Tor their cruel and unjust aspersions. Re-
Proaches against ourselves we might submit to
out we cannot and we ought to express satisfac-
uon when our ever to be lamented and honor
ed dead have any stigma affixed to their most
precious and sacred memory
Now, we do not mean by this to saw that we
believe the Northern Assembly, in the midst of
the prevailing excitement, fully understood the
language OF the Herrick johnson resolution.
winch plainly, reafirms their old loyalty and
TeoeiIloA dellyerances against u.s. but only that
ioy the passage OF the resolution in question they
leave us IN uncertainty as to their meaning and
that therefore we consider it to be due both TO
themselves and to us, that they should distinct
ly express themselves before we can enter fnr.
ther into relations with them.
Stll more, we are free to declare that we are
9dIisHeu from all the information we have been
able to procure touching the proceedings at
Springfield, as at Atlanta that there did not
prevail IN either body perfectly clear under
standing OF the real effect of the steps they were
taxing, and that 1t is proper and right that on
Portunity be given and taken, before any con
cluson OF this matter to have it distinctly nm
derstood what is really the basis of our future
intercourse.
1t Is the opinion Of all whose names here an.
pear, that our Presbyteries, at their tall meet
lngs, exercising their clear constitutional riobt
10 review the proceedings of their Commission
erS' should declare their dissatisfaction with the
OaSs OF 1Taternal relations adopted at Atlanta.
ana should overture the Lexington Assembly TO
instruct the delegates appointed at Atlanta to
uecline entering the Northern Assembly until
IL shall comply with the Concurrent Resolution
retTacting mutually all offensive imputatiops.
5he subscribers lay no claim to the slightest
authority to direct what PROCEEDINGS OUGHT 10
be taken by our Church in this case. But we
claim the right to express freely our opinions
on this subject, and to invite all who think with
us 70 sustain what we utter as being the true
the safe.
N, B.-This paper is sent to you with lbe
desre to secure your signature to it. and that
OIL any ministers or elders within your circle
whose names, in your judgment, would add
Weight to ITS representations Please send
your own name and theirs as soon AZ Won ros-
'ioly can to Rev. DR.. Woodrow, Columbia S. q
hat they may be appended.
~ Is particularly requested that you DO not