The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1883-01-31
CORRESPOND NOE.
Scribens.

MesSrS. Eddtors,-The qualification
given by as L. C's" criticism of the first
portion of my article on "Aggressiveness'
is somewhat dampened by "Scripsit'' in
the Central OF January 24th, and yet if
one were to assert that the latter was
more Just than the former I could not
venture a denial. However, as 1 value
the critics good opinion too much to al
views. would say:
l. That he does me but justice in sup
posing that the truth of the power, the
guidance and the abiding influence of
Gods Holy Spirit is to be understood as
underlying the whole article" The f1,a-
dament0J importance of this truth was
the reason of its being unstated in the
discussion. 1t was omitted just as lec-
turer on the advantages of education
would omit to press the Importance OF
learning the alphabet. Yet if the article
were now in process of preparation /
should most certainly not leave myself
dependent upon the lenient Judgment Of
critic to give me credit upon faith, as
rs. L. c." with equal kindness and JUS
tice has done in this instance.
2. AS to the rights of the Session they
are not brought out with more distinct
ness, because in the writer's Judgment
the trend OF our practise is not towards
overlooking the rights of the Congrego-
taomGL PTeS6yteTy but those of the Ua8Si-
cal PTcSbyte1y; against this tendency the
article was directed. If IS l.. c." will
review this portion of the discussion, he
will see that these rights were exercising
very salutary influence on the opinions
of the writer the extreme caution with
which the recommendations are worded
will indicate that the navigator was
aware of rocks; the paragraphs were
penned with the Book of Church Order
open. As to the advisory power of Pres
bytery must with difidence differ with
so veteran presbyter; with reference to
the right / am clear, as to the eTpediency
there is more doubt; each case must be
decided upon its merits. The article
says that there would be no difficulty in
the dissolution of an unsatisfactory pas
toral relation if our theory were carried
out fairly and squarely Session
ought honorably and honestly to open the
eyes of a blind pastor, but the trouble IS
they mil not do II; and IS. L. O." will
see that this is prominent also in the ex-
tract from the influential elders speech.
The suggestion of the committee to obvi-
ate this difficulty is only a quasi recon-
mendation, and the matter is concluded
with the statement of the writer of the
article that we have already both law
and machinery enough if both were en-
ployed to the best advantage. (See page
207) l suggested moreover the inter
vention Of committee, not as "inquisi-
torial visitation, but only as an aid given
IN response TO an appeal from dlSsatis-
fed church hampered by the delicacy
and difficulty of which the influential ell
der complains in bis speech (See p. 207).
did not contemplate this committees
taking any 5nitjoto1y steps at ALL
3. was fully aware Of the unsatisfac-
tory nature of the various remedies sup-
gested-much crowded for expression in
the breadth Of the field and only a gene
raj outline could be ventured upon-yet
the careful reader will find that very i'm
portant matters are touched upon under
those few heads. The need Of Presbytc-
rial oversight will be admitted, l know,