The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-06-01
Reformed Presbyserians.

P~ITTsBuRG, May 3l.-To-dsy's session Of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church of the United
States was taken up almost entirely with dis
cussion on the report Of the committee on
church union. The report of the committee,
which was adverse, was adopted. as were also
the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the synod approves the course of
its committee, commends their wisdom and faithful
ness, and sfirms the conclusions which they have
reached.
Resolved, That we solemnly reafirm our conviction
that the Constitution of the United States is o virtual
agreement or compact to administer the government
without reference to Christ or tha Christian religion,
and that incorporation with the government on the
basis of this Constitution 10. therefore, an act of dis
loyalty to Christ. With this conviction in our hearts,
we cannot do otherwise than to maintain to the end
the discipline we have maintained in the past. and we
believe that the highest interests OK our country and
of the kingdom Of Christ are involved in our fidelity
at this point.
Resolved, That this synod emphatically repudiatss
any Interpretation OF any previous deliverances or de.
cisions as looking toward or intended to lead to the
abandonment of our historic position. and sessions
and presbyteries are hereby distinctly enjoined and
directed to maintain, consistently and faithfully, the
practical dissent from the government, as At present
constituted.
Resolved, That all presbyteriss be directed to make
diligent inquiry as to whether or not any known vio-
la.ions of the law or order of the church, with refer.
ence to this matter, are tolerated in any congregation
in their respective bounds, and If so. to see that the
law II cuiOtCoas 6uQ ~ ItbOIbL u Ills sIuOQ.
Resolved, That, believing in the language Of our
covenant. that schism and sectarianism are sinful in
themselves, we earnestly pray for the restoration of
the lost unity of the visible body of Christ, and we
hold ourselves ready at any time to enter q counoil.o of
believers, submitting ell our differences to the decis-
ion of the word and spirit of God; but partial unions
on the basis of compromise for the purpose Of simply
forming . larger sect, involves for US the abandon
ment of our testimony and unfaithfulness in the
special work which our Lord, IS we believe, has
called Us to do.
There was NOT a universal feelinpjn favor NJ
adopting the resolutions. Some Of the dele
gates. aud especially of the clergy. expressed
themselves as dissatisfied with the basis Of
unity as defined in the resolutions. Prominent
in the discussion were the Rev. Stevenson, of
Philadelphia; r A. George. OF Beaver Falls,
Pa; j. F. Milligan, w. }. Coleman. of Geneva
College; j. B. Williams, Of New York; G. d.
Turntull, OF Iowa
Moderator Rev. J. W. Sproul presided during
the consideration Of the subject. During the
morning session Rev. j. A. Black was appointed
moderator alternate TO preach the synodical SER
mon rext year.. and Elder Fl. l.. ONeil was APP
pointed delegate 10 the Pam Presbyterian Coun-
Gil. 10 be held in London, with Rev. j. K Milii-
gan and Rev. J. K MeCloskey, D. D., as alter
mates.