The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-04-11
divide AND CONQUER"
BY REV. EUGENE DANIEL, ID. d.


home last summer, we began talking about the
churches. young married woman, whose tones were
music and whose heart meekly Christian and
whose eyes hoated in tears, said:
''We do wish this Union discussion had never
been started L am Cumberland PRESBYTERIAN. Our
congregation in this town of about 1000 people was
one of the most harmonious and united that | ever
knew. Our minister beloved by all. No
man could have been tactful, more peaceful
When this Union question was forced upon us he
sealed his lips. But at last he simply com
PEELED to make known in Presbytery his convictions
And where are we to-day? Our congregation is split
to pieces. Our minister will have to leave. Our
happy church is Tuined'
The voice ceased but the quivering lip showed the
spirits anguish. And L thought again so Chris
tan Fraternity, what things done in thy name!"
Imperialism has driven the knife of anguish which
made that young woman cry out in agony, into the
hearts of Cumberland Presbvterans all over tha
South
And it is sought to wiring the same exceed
ing great and bitter cry" from church. Three
years ago, we were united and happy. Our work
prosperlng Amongst none of us there any bit
terness toward the Church North. There was the
unity of the spirit, the bond of peace. Where are
to-day?
An adroitly worded telegram, sent for no other
purpose, drove division into the Mobile Assembly. A
majority over large minority, without consulting
the Church, dragged her and all she had into en-
Engagements whose tolls Tightening about her
every month Great swelling phrases such "CIoser
Relations, that may include anything and every
thing, employed with such repetition as to make
1T impossible to escape the conclusion that they are
intended to conceal thought" Committees appoint
ed to confer only with bodies holding the Calvinstic
System have rushed forthwith into conference with
body of known Amenianism. As is inevitably true
when union is sought in spite of fundamental differ
ences word-juggling rules the deliberations and am
bigutles make 1T easy to united while far apart
as the poles Conferences adjourn and both sides
so sweety concordant when together, 90 off to claim
10 Ictn
"Ihing" appropriate cognomen for Federation) the
other replying, "Oh yielded the loord but ,oe'p
got the thing. And this is Christian unity in ad-
vancing cultivation and growth!
Meanwhile the spirit of Imperialism which
benevoently assimates all it grasp like the can
onzed John Browns body, "marches. on" Here and
there recruit falls into ranks And the shout goes
up, Your Southern Church never had any permanent
principles, never claimed to have any," And the de-
liant taunt goes back in unanswerabe challenge:
Why 1T Is only few years since you avowed in most
solemn manner, when advocating a United Seminary
that Organic Union had no place in your thought
your Intention And all this, too, is progressive
whatF Christian Unity? Well, perhaps so. But
any clever in high society would call the game
by an entirely different name
What shape will the issue assume at the next As
sembIy? Apparently this: To approve or not to
approve sO-called "Advisorv Council" to deal with
all the of Church work; which has no standing
in Presbyteriansm, which is a government by courts:
which is favored by of the committees because
1t must bring an Organic Union; which did not re-
eeive the vote of at least two Of the prominent mem
bers of the Southern Committee; and concerning
which the least harmful conception pleaded is inanifn
That Is the question But the policy of Imperial
Ism has not changed divide and conquer and benevo-
lently assmilate.
Did you read that gently triumphant editorial sug-
gestion as to the Cumberands about to this effect?
they have but seminary and that a weak one
Therefore, the Northern Summaries will Get their
students Tor the mnistry and thus their distinctive
faith and that of their Children will be destroyed