The Crittenden record. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1904-1907, 1906-06-08
As A DELEGATE saw 1T.

I
Der of commissioners, and had before
it the most important work that could
befall it, which was taken up in its
proper order and transacted with neat
ness and dispatch, and with the
solemnity due the occasion.
The writer of this article had the
pleasure of attending this gathering Ct
representative Cumberland Presbyte-
rians, and witnessed their every move
ment. OF course there was nothing
unusual in the workings of this Assem-
bly, until that greatest Of all questions,
that of consumating the union of the
c. p. church and the Presbyterian U.
S. A., but when that great subject
come to the surface, then all were
ahame with deep interest, and while
there was present more or less excite
ment at times, it was of a nature be-
coming Christian gentlemen, and went
TO show that while there was some OPP
position to the reunion and union Of the
two churches, those opposing il were
conscientious in their position and en-
titled to, and did receive the courtesy
and sympathetic admiration Of the
entire Assembly.
The great bone Of contention in re-
gard to the reunion and union Of the
churches was the Third Chapter Of
Westminster Confession Of Faith. E"
which contains what the anti-unionists
term "fatalistic doctrine" and the
great majority could see no other
material difference in the doctrine and
polity Of the two churches, and many
expressed themselves that IL the Pres
byterian church would clear that up
they could see nothing to keep them
out Of the united church.
The union question was fully and
plea5antly discussed on both sides by
able men. and while the unionists were
largely in the majority Of US, yet they
treated US with all friendlness, and
with true Christian courtesy and broth
erly love. They had such a majority
over us that would have enabled them
to run over US trough shod." but in
stead they were patient and indulgent.
and allowed US every privilege Of par
hmentary usages, and endeavored in a
kind and sympathetic manner to show
US our error and mistake. We cannot
say too much in praise Of the fairness
in the moderator and stated clerk and
his associates, as they all seemed so
eonsiderate Of our feelings in the
matter.
The Assembly passed a resolution to
the effect that in going into the united
church the Cumberland Presbyterians
surrendered nothing integral to the
doctrine and polity Of the c. p.
Church, and that they did not under.
stand that the Presbyterian church
asked it OF US.
The Presbyterian General Assembly
in session at Desmoines. Iowa, passed
resolutions TO the effect that no accept.
anee Of doctrine is required beyond a
personal faith in Jesus Christ as the
son Of God. and Savior Of the world.
and sincere acceptance Of him as
Lord ana Master: and that the reunion
Involves no change whatever in the re.
lation Of communicates 10 their own
particular churches; and declares away
anything in the Westminster comics.
sion Of Faith that may be interpreted
in any fatalistic sense. They proposed
TO accept all Of our ministers Just as
they are In our church and give them
work, and a reasonable salary. Some
Of our ministers understood that ali
who do not come up to the standard Of
education Of the ministers would be
turned out. They had been misinform.
ed. The truth is. the united church
has work fer them all. and Is anxious
10 have them at Il. After all these
things were made known to me. | won.
derod what fairer proposition could be
made. and decided that il was good
enough for me. and | heartily entered
into the reunited church. Now
word to the anti.unionists. and will
close this article. Let me admonish
you to be patient in this matter. Do
not be hasty and make some rash
statement or declaration that you will
regret Go slow. and inform yourself
thoroughly before you act | was al
iirst one Of your number. but every.
thing Objectionable 10 Cumberland
Presbyterian has been wiped away
and there is working in the way of a
hearty reunion, and think you will 80
decide when you thouphtfully and
prayerfully considered the question
after fully informing yourself. 70 let
US stop wrangling over this matter.
and join hands in the fight against the
great common enemy: by so doing we
honor God and glorify his names.
A DELEGATE.