The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-05-20
The Two Z ssernhlies-

The proceedings Of the two Presbyterian
assemblies which are now in session will
( attract very general attention. One of
thems the Presbyterian Centennial General
/ Assembly, is in session in Philadelphia, and
/ the other, the Southern Presbyterian AS
/ sembly, is in session in Baltimore. The two
/ churches Of the Presbyterians in this coun-
( try are very influential. They have 1000
ministers ard about 100000 members.
! They are both in fourshing condition,
and are steadily growing in Importance.
1t is just a century ago that the first
general assembly of the Presbyterian
church in the United States was organized.
The place of its organization was Phila-
delphia, and it was given jurisdiction of all
the Presbyterian churches of like faith and
order in all the States. OF course, Presby-
terrain doctrines and churches we're es-
tablished in this country before that time,
but there was no ecclesiastical rule beyond
! that which was exercised by the synods in
the different States. Since the organization
Of the general assembly the policy of the
Presbyterian church has been more COM
pact and its ecclesiastical control more
vigorous, perhaps, than that Of any other
Protestant denomination which ignores the
ritual
IN 1861 division of the church occurred.
The Southern Presbyterians separated from
those of the North because of the adoption
! by the Northern assembly of a series of
resolutions which the Southern assembly
pronounced to be political deliverances.
Since the restoration of good feeling be-
tween the North and South efforts have
been made continually b. bring about a
union between the two churches, and while
these efforts have not been attended with
success, they have been productive of so
many expressions of good will that the hope
is entertained that in the very near future
the breach will be closed and the churches
be reunited.
At recent assembly in Chicago, and at
another in Louisville, KY, the question Of
the establishment of the union was dis
cussed, and though it was apparent that
there were still obstacles in the way of it
| the opinion was quite freely expressed that
these obstacles were steadily growing less
formidable. One of them relates to the
cOlored Presbyterians. The Southern
church insists that the colore1 people shall
have an entirely separate organization,
while the Northern church clings to the
hope that all colors may be brought under
the jurisdiction of the same ecclesiastical
rule. The leaders Of the Northern church
are beginning TO realize, how
ever, the difficulties with
which the Southern church would
have to contend if the Northern policy were
TO prevail and there are signs that they
would rather have union without the col
ored adherents than to insist upon their
policy if it is certain that there never can
be union with it. The other differences be-
tween the Northern and Southern churches
are important, but they could be easily
adjusted if the color line question were out
of the way.
The gathering in Philadelphia on next
Thursday will be notable one The
Southern assembly has accepted an invita-
ton to be the guests of the Northern one,
and Philadelphia Presbyterians are making
preparations to give the Southerners a
reception that will show them how anxious
they are for the re- establishment of their
old time relations. There will be some
very distinguished men present, and the
South will contribute her full quota
of them. The Presbyterian church, partic-
ularly of the South, has always been noted
for the number of prominent men among
its communicates. They have not been
confined to the ministers, among whom
there have been many distinguished for
Biblical learning, piety and theological &C
quirements. They have included those who
have won distinction in every profession
and honorable occupation.