The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-06-04
Church Union.

Tho late General Assembly OF the Presby-
terians considered favorably q communica-
ton from the General Convention OF the
Episoopallans with regard TO the subject OF
Church union. Yet, as practical conclu-
sion, such unity between the two seems to
be further of now than ever before.
The Presbyterians Of course, are ready
to come into some sort Of sentimental union
with the Episcopalians, but they will not go
TO the extent OF organic unity; for. practical
ly, that implies acceptance Of the Episco-
paoy and the abandonment Of Presbyterian
ism. 50 far as concerns what are called the
essentials OF faith, the two communions arc
already In substantial agreement and have
been go from the beginning Calvinism en-
tors into both tho Thlrty-nine Articles and
the Westminster Confession. Both start ont
with the doctrines Of GoD's sovereignty and
Of eternal reprobation, and they must reach
the same logical conclusion.
But as to non-essentials, 80 termed, they
differ radically. These concern Church gov
eminent and tho appointment and character
OF the ministry; and as they give to each
communion It's distinctive form and color,
they are In fact essential to It's existence.
An Episoopallan Is an Episcopalian because
he believes In the Episcopacy and the apos-
tolio succession. A Presbyterian Is Pres
byterian because he rejects that theory OF
Church government in favor OF the presby-
terian. Otherwise there Is no difference be-
tween them, except as to the matter OF
lturglcal worship which may be called
really non-essential.
The Presbyterians know very well that II
they are to unite with the Episcopal Church.
they must consent to be swallowed up by 1t. |
Many of them are going through the process |
individually but the Presbyterian organiza-
ton will not standit. The present movement |
for the revision OF theWestminster Confession |
has its real origin In desire to stop this
loss, which seemed likely to become seri-
GUS In It's consequences, The object is to
trim Off some OF the asperities OF expression
In the creed, SO as to make 1t more agreeable
to the young people, whom the Episcopal
Church Is drawing away with its more at
traotive worship and less insstence on doc
trinal statements.
The Presbyterians therefore. are seeking
to avoid union with the Episcopalians rather
than taking steps to bring 1t about. They
are trying to stop a leak. and not getting
ready to give up the ship; for there Is no
denomination in which the opposition to
GplbCOpdCy ID PtlohSC1 uhu Ahoio NSOpiJ |
seated. Even with all their losses.
total or partial. they have still a
great numerical superiority over the
Episoopalians, and the thought Of surren-
derlng to an inferior force awakens all their
partisan Indignation. 1t is not pleasant for
them to see rich Presbyterians OF prom
inence in town passing by churches Of their
own faith to attend the Episcopal worship at
Lenox and Newport and other fashionable
watering places. They would not encourage
such assertions by giving heed to plan Of
Church union which implies the striking Of {
the Presbyterian flag altogether.
But the controversy over revision is likely
to have the very result which 1t was started
to avoid. 1t has made the great mass OF {
Presbyterlans familiar with the Westmin-
ster Confession book almost unknown to
those of this generation, and they have
found out that they have been protesting
doctrines really abhorront to them. 1t has
set them to thinking for themselves over
questions Of theology, to reasoning on the {
subject and to comparing their system with {
The moro genial practice Of the Episcopal I
Church. AS consequence very many OF I
them will go over squarely to agnosticism.
Or at least reach 1t by indirect paths; and 1
others, tired Of the mental struggle and the t
spiritual confusion. will seek repose and re-
iRious luxury In Church not so disturbed, I