The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-05-31

The committee on foreign correspondence re-
port to the General Assembly that four over
lures have been placed in their hands, viz
From the Presbyteries of Abingdon, Hol-
ston South Alabama, and Maryland. Also
resolution offered by Rev. A W. Pitzer D. D.
The object of all these overtures, with some
slight differences in their forms Of expression, is
the same. They desire and respectfully request
this General Assembly to establish fully and
formally what are called "fraternal relations"
with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church in the United States of America by
sending forthwith delegate or delegates to
that body now in session at Springfield, ILL.,
The resolution referred to proposes also that
such delegation shall convey an expression of
our willingness to co operate with that body,
as far as may be practicable in the work of
home and foreign evangelization." After the
most careful consideration your committee have
been able to give to the weighty matter in
volved, they recommend to the Assembly the
adoption of the following paper:
In order to remove all difficulties in the way
Of that full and formal fraternal CORRESPONDENCE
for which, on our part, we are so earnestly
desirous, we adopt the following minute:
That while receding from no principle, we do
hereby declare our regret for and withdrawal
of all expressions of our Assembly which may
be regarded as rejecting upon, or offensive to,
the General Assembly of the PRESBYTERIAN
Church in the United States of America
Re8oLCed, That a copy of this paper be sent
by telegraph to the General Assembly now in
session at Springfield, Ill, for their prayerful
consideration, and mutdtiS BlUtuRdis, for the
exchange of delegates forthwith
DR.. Alexander moved the adoption of the re-
port. This was seconded by Dr. Arbuthnott.
A unanimous assent was invoked. Rev. Roger
Martin said he was not in favor Of fraternal re.
!atlons. There was no personal feeling in it,
but 1t was pure matter of principle 1t is my
deliberate judgment that it is not desirable that
we should enter into any steps Of cooperation
with the Northern Church love my North
ern brethren. l could fraternize, but l am con.
vlnced that the life of the Southern Church de
pends upon is isolation. Fraternal relations
will result in the absorption of the South by
the North. have no remnant of the war feel.
ing feel as warm toward the North as toward
the South, but God has called US to position
Of isolation
DIR. Hopkins asked what it was the Southern
Church had said that was offensieve2
DR.. Brown-We leave that to each man to
interpret for himself
DR.. Hopkins-Will this Assembly, by the
adoption of the report, imply that it has said
anything offensive?
DR.. Brown-The report neither afirms nor
denies
Dr. Alexander thought the question of re-
calling lmputations very delicate one. The
paper does not say anything committal. We
are falhble, and may have said something that
was offensive
DR.. Glrardeau moved to strike out the ear
nestly desirous" from the preamble He might
0e prepared, but he was not earnestly anxious
Finally 1t was agreed that that portion of the
preamble should read " In order to remove
all difficulties in the way of that formal frater-
nal correspondence which on our part we are
prepared to accept, we adopt the following
minute, etc"
Upon putting the motion of DR.. Alexander
Tor the adoption Of the report to the house
rising vote was taken, and apparently everv
commissioner was on his feet The negative
was called for, when but three stood up-Rev
Roger Martin, of Fayetteville, North Carolina,
Mr. w. q. Nardell, of Charleston, South Caro-
lima, and Rev. Donald Mcqueen, Of Augusta.
Georgia. a scene of much congratulation.
quite but deep ensued, and it was quite plain
mat the members felt that they had REFORMED
great Christian duty. DR.. Brown especially
sald he felt that 1t was a matter of profound
gratitude. DR.. Alexander was requested TO
ead IN prayer, which he did as follows: ooh
God we recognize the influence Of Thy provi.
dence, and that Thou hast presided over us
during the consideration of this ouestion. We
pay that what has been decided may receive
my ratification, that we may 90 on our wav
rgolcng. Forgive us all our sins. Impart to
as Thy grace. Guard US. with Thv protection
and when at last these conflicts are over NAV
we be admitted into Thy kingdom Amen.
The Assembly then adjourned
The Three Negative Voters.
Rev. Roger Martin, as indicated in his
speech, believed that God had called the South
ern Church to position Of isolation, that in
that position its life was alone secure.
Mr.. w. c.. Vardell, of Charleston. South
Carolina, voted against the resolution because
ne regarded it as but stepping stone toward
organic union-that he was opposed to in every
form.
Rev. Donald Mcqueen declined to saw wbv
he voted against the report
Evening Session.
The standing committee on Publication. Rev.
DR.. A. +. Smith, chairman, made a report com
mendng the manner in which this important
enterprise of Church work had been conducted
Tor the year past. The report suggested some
important changes in regard to the manner of
conducting the business Of Publication. and the
method OF providing the means for it, Docketed
for future consideration
The standing committee of Education Rev
A; q. Hopkins, chairman, presented a report
which was full and thorough presentation of
the whole subject of education for the ministry.
Ihls report also was docketed
Adjourned to 9 o'clock TO morrow morning
SEVENTH DAY.-May %.