New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-07
PRESBYTERIAN UNION.
vEHEMENTLY OPPOSED BY A SOUTHERN
MINISTER.
,MoEy WITH THosE EX,

MINISTER
BIS VIEWS NOT IN HARMONY WITH THOSE Elk
PRESSED BY NORTHERN PEEsBYTERIANs.
Austin, Tex. March 3o-In Tho Tribune Of March 10
the views OF several Northern Presbyterian clerymen
were given the question Of uniting their General
Assembly with that OF the Southern Church. With
scarcely an exception, the opinion expressed that
organic union not only desirable,
hut should be brought about as quickly
as possible The kindest feelings were mani
| tested by all toward the Southern Church.
That this aternal interest ecprocated by the large
body Of the Presbyterian clergynen In the Southern
Assembly shown last May at the Joint meetings of
the two Assemblies in Philadelphia.
"If half dozen of the leading Southern men should
favor organic union" said prominent member OF the
Northern Church. i" the union would be brought about
Immediately Ono Of the half dozen leaders who Op.
pose the reunion of the Assemblies the Rev. DR..
r. l. Dabney, Of this city. When be was asked II he
had changed his mind in regard to organic union,
he replied that he had not, adding: In indicating the
grounds for tho permanent independence Of cur Church.
can speak with authority only for myself. With my
own belief that express substantially the views of the
bulk Of my people We think the grounds for self
protection Of our spiritual lbertesso often explained
In declarations since that OF December, 1851 are
not removed or obvlatcd, but short practical view
may be stated on two points:
al. We have been forced by the bayonet to endure
the government in secular affairs Of freed negroes
Christian freedmen for nearly all the adults who steal
chickens, live In Auditory and, yet, sell their
votes for grog b the wicked Democrats arc church
members Their secular government has resulted In so
much shame, loss and misery that we would rather de
than have their government in spiritual matters.
"2. We have been forced by the bayOnet TO en-
due q secular government, which Northern Christians
have conscientlousy assisted to bind upon US. We
VTFin
and misery, and especially such degradation and de-
bauchery of public and private morals. that wo
naturally desire not TO be In the power Of that sort OF
Christian conscience any more than forced to-"
what has been the effect Of this secular rule ?"
we find that It's conscientious enforcement by
Northern Christianity ruins so many fortunes makes
outcasts Of SO many families kills many myriads
Of Gods people with heart-break, and so degrades
and pollutes subiugated people, once FREQ, manly
and honest. that think 1t would be treason to
Christ to subject the spiritual interest OF His kingdom
TO II. Were We absorbed by tho cOercionst Presby-
terIan Church, we know we would be In helpless
minority. ! do not know whether succeed In
making these views plain to the minds OF Christians
In a more fortunate and superior position. To our
common SENSE trained by experience and the old
fashioned Bble they seemi plain and obvious as
the multiplication table"
what should be the present attitude OF the
two Assembnesi'
@Let each one attend to its own work diligently
"what about tho negro question"
"A few Of the negroes better their circumstances
As tho old slaves die ont and the young school
negroes come on tho stage they are less and less
fitted for useful employment and the race hostility
grows The former owners seem 10 be the only
class Of whites who retain any kindly feeling Dor
themn - o.,
What dangers confront the Presbyterian Church
today ~ -,
General worldly conformity, avartce, luxury,
negative preaching msspent Ssbbaths and neseceeo
family religion
How can they be overcomoP -
probably by great caamitieS consuming the I'M
xanetiaed riches and humbling the arrogancy OF inc
people, -, ..zo,,..,on IN
Real sincerity, contrt4on and repentance"
as the growth OF THIS Ch,scn Aeep'hs pS00
Probably yes, when the extensive holown 1s,s
OF their accession set over against the lesser tou'
stiIl deplorable) hollowTess Of Guns"