The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-06-21
For the Central Presbyterian.
Fraternal Relations.

predecessors, Tie Watchman, and Watch
man and Observer, have formed portion
of my Sabbath reading l have gone to
their columns with great delight, and
often had my heart refreshed by reading
what Gods people were doing in various
parts OF the world and particularly of
the efforts made in these Southern States
to hold up the banner of the cross. In
our poverty verify believe we have
done what we could, and God has in
many ways owned and blessed our efforts.
On last Sabbath the Central was again
in requisition to be perused, and starting
with Sunday Sensationals, then Con
ventlon OF Northern Presbyterians," and
4" Generous Act [ came to General As
sembly, that body of men in whom we
all take so much interest, and whose de-
alterations we have watched and regard
ed with so much satisfaction. We read
on; and on the sixth day of the proceed
ings came to heading, "along the Skin
mlsh line, when our attention was ar
rested by a delegate from our extreme
northern border, rising to a question of
privilege; and what was the object? To
pass resolution that upon the mutual
withdrawal of charges fraternal relations
might be established with the Presbyte-
rian Church North. Many of us thought
that this subject had been discussed and
settled several years ago. We had stated
our terms, the North had slgnifed theirs.
But now again some frontier Presbyteries
and ministers call up the question again.
This call is made before any committee
has reported in answer to the overtures
OF Presbyteries. These Presbyteries and
ministers are on Mt Pisgah. They can
see all over the North, they behold their
prosperity, they kno10 our poverty, they
read of one hundred millions of dollars
distributed in pensions, of vast sums tor
rivers, and public buildings, etc. Shall
we for the sake of getting material aid,
for handling some of this gold (see Mr..
Tenny's remarks) surrender all our prin-
ciples, disclaim all that we have said
about the orthodoxy of our Church, and
that we had no Caesars. Are we to act
as little children, ready to tear down our
little edifce because greater house is
building near us. The advocates, I fear,
are not only Tor f1oternal relations, but
for something still closer. We fear we
are In danger Of losing our existence as a
Church, being absorbed by the larger and
richer Church. In the passage Of these
resolutions and our appointing delegates,
fear we are bringing in the Trogan
horse filed with our enemies. Cannot
we occupy the territory God has given
us? Is there not room for both Churches
in the United States, and work enough
for the most laborious? Why produce a
schism in our Zion
But reading on. We, taking the init
alive, pass resolutions and send them to
Springfield, requesting them to pass the
same, which they Immediately and mag
unanimously do, with great rejoicing on
both sides. All seems ended and we'll
But presto, a change, our Moderator
looks troubled; what is the matter? it is
widespread that another telegram has
been received; is it for our Assembly?
1t is marked personal. Us it privately
Our Moderator, candid and honest and
knowing no concealment, reads it out,
and 10 the Northern Church refuses to
lay aside the charges Of treason and dis
loyalty. They said in 60 that we were
traitors, and now after twenty years,
they repeat the charge. In 90 it might
have been political, but now they repeat
as applying to us. We ask for an expla-
nation they reply that it does not mod
ify oar resolutions but only explains. l
can not comprehend it, it may mean this
or that. 1t is worthy of Macchiavelli.
We, however, seemed to be satisfied, and
appoint our delegates to their. next AS
sembly. Men and brethren, what shall
we say? Do our sons, brothers, and
fathers fill traitors graves. The spirit
OF Lee and jackson, of Pender and Ram
seur, forbid it. Turn over in your graves,
ye heroes who fought and died in what
you believed was your country's cause,
and look your friends in their faces. We
want peace, but not with shame and dis
honor. AS Christians and men let us
deal with sincerity and openness; scorn-
ing duplicity. If we have wrohged our
Northern friends let us manfully, fully, !
and freely retract and confess our errors. |
Let us never be ashamed to do what is
right Let our Northern brethren meet
us in like spirit, aud peace is restored,
and we can bid each other God speed.
II this cannot be So why should we
desire any entangling alliance. Our ter.
ritory is extensive, ministers wanted, and
work enough for all. Our preachers un-
derstand our peculiarities and wants
Let them not initiate the example OF Lot,