The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-03


Presbyterian Church in the United States of
America approve and adopt this enunciation of
Its Synod, we most earnestly desire that it NAV
seem good to our Assembly to recognize as sat-
lsfactory such proclamation of oneness with us
as to the nature and province of the Church, as
spiritual and non political body called out
from the world to witness for Christ and his iu-
imitable truth.
4th. That the hindrances referred to having
been thus removed, it is our ardent desire that
there be uni6cation of our common Presbyte
rlanism by the erection of three or more Provin-
clal Assemblies and Triennial General Assem-.
bly,, or by such other arrangement as may in
sure harmonious working and the greatest eff
cheney.
9th. That copy of this paper be forwarded
to the Stated Clerk of the other Synod. whose
assurances of Christian affection are hereby cor
daily reciprocated
1t will be observed that the paper is
acknowledged to be officially received for
the first time as addressed to that BODY,
and that while removing the barriers be-
tween the two Synods by "this distinct
affirmation, the further condition is
made that the General Assembly, United
States of America (Northern) approve
and adopt the same to secure the recog-
milton OF oneness and the erection OF three
or more Provincial Assemblies. and a
Triennial General Assembly as the basis
OF organic union.
The General Assembly, United States
OF America (Northern), at St. Louis in
1874, approved the Minutes of the Synod,
including the declaration which was re-
affirmed at Fulton, and by this action it
was adopted.
The action of the Northern Assembly
the previous year, taken in the Spring of
1873 Is in the same tenor as that taken
by the Synod in the fall OF the same wear
and re-affirmed in 1886.
First. That, in accordance with a reso-
luton, unanimously adopted by each of
the two bodies now constituting the re.
united Church, all action touching the
brethren adhering to the body popularity
known as the Southern General Assem-
bly, together with all action touching the
brethren adhering to the body known as
the Old School Synod of Missouri, has
been, since the Reunion, and is now, null
and void, and therefore of no binding ef-
feet, and not to be pleaded as a precedent
In the future.
Second. The Assembly also express
confidence in the soundness of doctrine,
and in the Christian character of these
brethren, and cannot doubt that a more
intimate communion would lead to the
speedy removal of the barriers that now
separate those Of like precious faith, to
increased mutual affection and esteem,
and to practical Manifestation of one.
ness in Christ.
Third. With regard to the Civil Magis-
ho ralo
State, the Assembly deem it sufficient to
call attention to the following statements
and principles, found in our standards
to wit:
o. "Synods and Councils are to han
die or conclude nothing but that which
is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermed-
die with civil affairs which concern the
Commonwealth, unless by way of humble
petition In cases extraordinary or by
way of advice for satisfaction of con
science, if they be thereunto required by
the Civil Magistrate. Confession of
Faith, Chap. XXXI., sec. 4
(II.) "That God alone is Lord of the
conscience; and hath left it free from the
doctrines and commandments Of men,
which are in anything contrary to his
word, or beside it in matters of faith or
worship" THAT all Church power,
whether exercised by the body in general,
orrin the way of representation by dele.
gated, authority, is only ministerial and
declarative. That is TO sag, that the
holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith
and manners that no Church iudicatory
ought to pretend to make laws to bind the
conscience, in virtue of their own authori-
ty ; and that all their decisions should be
founded upon the revealed will of God.
(Form OF Government, Chapter %, Sec
tions i. and vii
Thus it will be seen that the General
Assembly U. S. A. has already delared
and avowed the principles which the
Synod of Missouri u S. asks it to adopt
as condition Of further progress in this
matter.
We cannot but regret the form in
which the action of this Synod was taken.
1t is very far from what the friends of un-
ion had been led to expect, and we are
persuaded, very far from the wishes of
the great majority Of the members OF the
churches under the care Of the two
Synods. 1t suggests conditions which
mean an indefinite postponement Of the
whole matter-if, as we understand the
matter, the Assembly North is first to
pass paper reaffirming what it has often
said and then the Synod, u. S. will be
pleased to suggest to the other Assembly
the desirability of union on the condition
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