The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-05-16

not consider ourselves the "only pebbles on the
beach," and as it bound to nothing except
spirit of liberaity to vote NO. we decided that
that the proper thing to do. We believe nearly
all the elders from Virginia voted NO with this
sort of feeling. However, the eighteen or twenty
elders to whom refer are scattered through Ten
neSSee, Alabama Mississippi Georgia and Virginia.
L am heartily in favor of the most cordial CO.
operation with other Presbyterian churches in all
work, but l am unalterably opposed to fedora
ton union with any church. 1 do not and can
not believe it is best for the Church and its work
to federate or unionize, but thorough and hearty
cooperation is greatly to be desired
This question will come up again and the report
of this enlarged committee will be presented at the
Greenvile Assembly. L wish it possible for
me to be there to vote against any plan of fedora
ton or union 1 would take great delight in vot-
ing for any plan that is feasible, for the most
hearty cooperation in all Church work with
Northern brethren of the Presbyterian Church,
for that matter when practicable, with
brethren of any other church churches both in
the home and foreign field. AS our good old Metho-
dist brother used to say in deciding this great and
burning question of federation cooperation, or
union, let us stick closely to the text, and finish
one phase of the matter at time" When too
much is attempted to be considered at it is be-
wildering.
l suggest that each live under his own vine and
fig tree love his neighbor as he does himself, and
cooperate to the fullest extent with all who may
Gods kingdom on EARTH and for the spreading of
his gospel
The Christian Observer and "a number of our
brethren who located what they call the
border have expressed themselves straightout as
favoring organic union but as the Observer knows,
the Church is not prepared to consider in the
hottest manner organic union at this time they
have selected milder terms in their expression
example, federation and cooperation They have
ntimated federation is step in the direction of
organic union. So our people being towed along
this path In other words if a mild term can be
adopted that will lead to another form more direct
and more binding, it is better policy. Now, why
should it be necessary to have federation or organic
union? Yet it seems that if these brethren do not
succeed in accomplishing one or the other they
will simply have fit. | verify believe if either is
accomplished it will only be a matter of a short
time when they will have fit enough. Read
the Articles of Agreement" and comments in The
Observer, April 25th instant. They seem to think
their manner of reasoning is the only way and
that those who do not agree with them are ex-
tremely small and selfish
What right have they to impugn the motives and
honesty of their brethren who did not agree with
them? None at ALL of course
There were Mr.. and Mrs Sincerity who lived on
Cooperative street. They had five sons Until the
boys became grown men they all lived in the same
house under roof. BY and by each of the bovs
was married and had family of his own. Did they
all remain under the roof with their parents?
NO. they did not. Each of them built home of
MS own on the same street. and they all lived in
separate houses, and neighbors one to another
These five boys were in the seed business were in
partnership one with the other and in their bust
ness they cooperated thoroughly one with the other
to obtain the best results. When business hours
were over each returned to his home They
lived neighbory and loved one another as brothers
and fathers and mothers should The result was
these were happy homes, and the men did sue
cessful business. 1t brought about by the
proper consideration for the other and the most
hoT0U9h cooperation. Suppose after these five