The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-09-05
KENTUCKY AND MISSOURI.
EFT VOS, BRUTI.
(By DR.. L. p. Bowen.)


The Synods of Kentucky ana Missouri ought to
be the very last to disturb the Southern Church
with disruptive agitationS. These synods unso-
hclted, uncourted, upon their volition and
initiative, fled from their distractions and their
conflicts with the Northern Church, and sought
quiet and congenial harbor i'm a compact and homo
geneous brotherhood Let the elders think of this
The fierce political deliverances and war-domi-
nant and unconstitutional measures of the assem-
bly, had driven out all in the two States who Dro-
tested They were left in isolation; no missionary
or educational other central agencies: their
churches subjected to constant harassments from
busybodes and from brides of evangelistic dollars
poured into these favored territories to CAPTURE
preachers and people. Those synods worked hard
TO cultivate the orphan hertage-drfting at sea-
crippled, and in constant danger of disintepration
Kentucky led off with overtures to the Southern
Assembly Don't you remember? The elders at
least, remember Having to fear assem-
Dlys, the escaping synod laid down her terms
OF animation bravely defining the issues with pre-
cslon and endeavoring to double-rivet them upon
the Southern Church. They emphasized the prin-
cples which some in those ATTITUDES would de-
mean; and, erect and with legends upon their
heroic banners, they found harbor in the well
comes OF those who received them as brothers and
fellow witnesses for the faith
DID any Cassandra dream of the time when of
all synods, men and papers in the Kentucky SYNOD
would belittle these sturdy issues, betray the
coveted hospitality, and try to rend he church
where they had sought home? Eft su Brutei
The Independent Synod of Missouri was if
possible, IN a worse condition-churches splitting
and gobbled up by northern agencies offered
northern money and cheap preachers councils
distracted and the work paralyzed-and getting
worse Some churches leaning northward. and
hdgety yet, ought to have gone and not to have
remained Tor later ferment. The synod finally
moved, not without some commissions and siftings.
and effected its escape into the arms of that
strong assembly at Columbus Miss
We set no terms. We knew what we were
dolng-so we thought. We rested heartily in
the principles so fully understood 1t was a stem
long and thoroughly considered We had not
Deen bribed or over-persuaded. We ourselves
did the counting. We had turned our backs unon
rich church offering dollars and members to a
poor church offering nothing but principle
he next session of synod ct Mexico) was one
Oh the happiest bodies of men | ever saw-laree
enthusiastic, at rest and full of hope and zeal 1t
was gallant ship, long storm osssed now at
anchor in placid haven buwarks repaired. and all
anticipating grand voyage of prosperity and
peace.
DID that Columbus Assembly suspect that if
was receiving discordant elements into its bosom
who would wait their chance to rend and tear2
Et su, Brutel
Why did not these synods go north while thew
could-the way splendidly open, the bars down.
the allurements out? Was it a whim? Was if the
fostering treason against the government? No
principles at stake! No doctrina or administra-
.lon issues! No grievances from northern eccIes-
i T worth considering? Gurley and Krebs and
lhomas and Breckenridge cooling doyesY Thorn
well and Dabney and Stuart Robinson and Paine
irrational and schismatics? Let the elders tbinl,
An hentucklans and Missourians it III becomes
us now to play false to the bosom that pi1lowed
our broken heads, tramp1e upon forgotten graves
anu, III the church where found at peace, try
I 20 duplicate the Cumberland bewiderments and