The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-04-18

In TINS study we have simply sought to give an
impartial exposition of existing conditions We are
not to be understood making an drguDent for the
reunion of the Churches North and south But we
DO feel sure that fair understanding the stua-
ton should lead to enter heartily with our
prethren OF other Presbyterian folds into any plans
winch may serve more clearly to exhibit our unity
ana render us effective in the work given us TO
do
Inc amy plans which the Observer had in mind
were hou organic un1on subject we not dis
euSslhg' but some of the plans of federation or CO.
operation which alone before the Church for
discussion. Even though some of contributors
In their discussion of "Closer Relations" have in
ciuently alluded to organic union, yet | shall chal-
lenge my critic to point out any place in which the
OOSerDer has edlorally advocated the reunion of the
Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches And
some OF our readers think that the facts which the
Observer adduced, and which have not been contro-
Nerted by my critic lead to the goal organic union
we cannot help it, for we cannot change the facts
But the Observer intended such inference and did
not make 1T. The only inference we made was that
these Churches did not now stand where they were
forty years ago, and that plan of federaive CO.
operation between these two, and all the other Pres
Dyterlan bodies in this land practicable and eX-
Pedlent' For two or three years, as many of your
readers know, we have made IL plea in various WAYS
Tor the principle of federation but have not advo.
Gated organic union
The CHARGE DIsLoYALTY
A more serious matter in some respects is the ner
sonal charges which Colonel Young makes against
me- lie charges me with "a sudden change of 'front.'
III regard TO organic union, and that | have FINALLY
ana completely committed myself" to the advocacy
OF the reunion of the Northern and Southern Presby
terrain Churches all of which is made to mean that
am no longer loyal to the interests of the Southern
presbyterian Church, especially here in Kentucky
lhese charges and lnslnuations | most emphatical-
~ uehy as having no foundation in fact, and utter
~ repudiate the construction which is put upon nv
ItInn Il,c-a
my devotion to the Southern Church for eighteen
years, Will, am sure, need more than NV critics
mere assertion to make them believe that | am not
loyal to the interests of the Church so heartily
serve
am sure your readers will not object if sneak q
more personal word in refutation of such oroundess
charges have always stood most lovallv bv the
Church OF my adoption and conviction and | have
Iabored earnestly for her best welfare in all the
honored positions in which l have been privileged to
her
stood by the almost unanimous action of tine
synod OF Kentucky and Missouri in defending the
consolidation OF the Presbyterian educational insttu
lions under their charge, at the Little Rock Assembly
III l9oI had the more confidence in supporting
TINS consolidation when observed that the men in
kentucky who had led in the division of 1867 were
now, almost without exception in hearty favor of
TINS movement. This Assembly ratified the action
OF these Synods touching this consolidation; and
have ever since stood with abiding and confident de-
''iOi' ~ 'hl9 JolhC Work winch doing
LOT presbyterian interests in these two Svnods and
at the same time, | have stood with undivided low
atty by the wider interests of our Church
also approved the action of the Assembly at Mo-
bile In 1904 in appointing a committee TO confer
win similar committees from the other Presbyterian
Churches in this land in regard to closer rclatiors
between them "by federation or otherwise" In like
manner, l indorsed the action of the Assembly A.
Forth Worth in 1905 in continuing this Committee
OF Conference and in refusing to exclude the princ
PIE OF federation from future discussions of closer
relations also cordially approve of the articles
OF Agreement which drawn up at . recent
meeting of these Conference Committees at Char
lotte as basis for closer relations whereby the an