The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-18
DR.. HerriclS Johnson's Resolution
tho Feature of the Day.
It Heartily Favors the Reunion OF
tho Churches North and South.
No Change of Views Concerning the
Churoh's Spirituality Assured.
Consent to Separate African Church Be-
ing Established Can Not Be Givon-
DR.. Gray Protests and Re-
CARDS IL an Insult.

CmcAGo, Ill, April l7.-Thean annual meet
ing Of the Chicago presbytcry began yes
terday. The most important feature OF
the proceedings Of the day was preamble
and resolution introduced by the Rev. DIR.
Horrick Johnson, Of the Theological semi
nary, on the reunion OF the Northern and
Southern Presbyterian churches. After
setting out that they heartily favored the
reunion of the Northern and Southern
Presbyterian churches solely on the basis
Of tho common standard, they assure tho
committee OF tho Southern church that
there is no change In the views concern
ing the spirituality Of the church as con-
nccted with its political dcliverances. Tho
resolution then sayg 1--WE can not con-
sent TO the establishment OF separate
African Presbyterian church, or To any
provisional arrangement looking forward
10 the organization OF u separate African
Presbyterian church. We arc
willing 10 consent 10 an arrangement in
the interests solely Of practical efficiency
by which the present boundaries and cop.
stituencies Of the prcsbyteries and synods
in the south shall remain In statu quo,
provided that this shall be the uncou-
strained preference Of both parties inter-
cstod, explicitly expressed by tho several
prcsbytcries, and provided II be no bar 10
future adjustments according 10 prcsby-
terrain preferences, subject always a. here-
toforc Ia the acts OF the general assembly.
II there are u sufficient num-
Der OF ministcrs and churches To form q
colorcd prcsbylcry In any locality already
covered by u synod, such prcsbytery may
be formed II those in the ground desire il,
but such prcsbytery shall remain in tho
same synod, unless there be synod OF our
colorcd Christian brethren near enough 20
which the presbytery asks TO be attached"
The reading Of the preamble and rcso-
linton created profound sensation. DIR.
Ora. protested that II such an uttcranco
as that vent forth ~ the deliberate er-
preston OF the opinion OF body OF Chris
tian ministers quarter OF century after
the closing II the war, II would he most
infamous and dsersoeiul. "ltmeans that
| We shall 20 down there with anus and re-
snscita,e all the old issues OF bloody aud
| nearly forgotten war. The pre-byterie,
OF Florida, Missouri, Kentucky aud Ten
ncsseo have already signlfed desire 10
come over 10 the reunion, but not man
Of them would como In faco OF such an In
suit ~ this. The effort can only result In
| the disintegration Of that church"
The Rev. DR. Wihrow said; "a pow
erful body will come 30 the general assem-
bly, asking for reunion. We cannot stand
ON this proposition. II would sweep M
from on our feet. But then. again, n
We say We will consent TO reunion and
coalcscc all synods and all prcsbyteries
embraced, doubt II we would succeed.
II we fail Il would be 10 the everlasting
shame Of the Presbyterian church. ! don't
believe In ecclesiastical uttcmncc, and I
am unshakably convinced that the intro
duction OF colored line In religion Is alb
horrent 10 the best Christian sentiment Of
the day."
The matter will como mn again.