The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-04-11
DR. HOPKINS AND THE MOBILE ASSEMBLY
By S. NJ. NEEL, ID. ID.

DR.. HOPKINS AND THE MOBILE ASSEMBLY.
By S. Nj. NEEI, d. d.
The Central Presbyterian of March l4th fell into
my hands day two ago 1t contains an article
Organic Union by Rev a. c. Hopkins in which
my name appears as being in the PROCESSION with
the Christian Observer the above question. | am
not concerned about that But this does concern me
in the interest of strict accuracy. 1t seems that the
impression is made that the majority at Mobile were
not frank did not open my mouth at Mobile on
the subject of "Closer Relations or Organic Union
on the floor of the Assembly Some Of the advocates
did make statements as stated by DIR. Hopkins but
they were made only by individual speakers and
bound no one but the individuals making them Other
speakers declined to be thus found, and said that
they would follow the eadngs of Providence. Then
came the Fort Worth Assembly of "Choice men," and
forced an issue OF illumination. But that assembly
refused to restrict the committee to mode of CO.
operation, and we have acted in strict compliance
with that action. Now DR.. Hopkins and
makes 'predilections" of men in interpreting the
eadings of Providence responsible for all of dire
results In the history of certain churches. His
cusion to be that the leadings of Providence"
are as vague as orthodoxy which is my doxy and
heteorodoXy is your doXy. 1t must be admitted that
it is not always easy to interpret Providence. One
thing is certain however, viz. God has not retired
from the government of the world or the Church of
Christ Now, it cannot be denied that a breach oc-
Cured between church and the Northern Presby-
terrain Church and that it occurred at the outbreak
of the Civil War Love and confidence bind mon
together but parted Men and women do not
seek divorce while love and confidence abide / am
not saying now who is to blame for continued separa-
ton, but do say that bameworthiness rests some
where. AT Mobile-et as not forget-there were five
or six overtures, and not from a border Presbv-
terry, asking for closer relations with the Northern
Church Did Gods Providence have anything to do
with that? Then came the dispatch from Buffalo
Had God nothing to do 18th that? Prina facie when
good men, formerly united in love and cooperation in
every good work, but now separated are moved upon
to come together in restored confidence is not the
spirit that moves men, the blessed spirit? Nv dear
Doctor, want to do the will of the Master and [ am
Just as sure that you do Your last sentence erieves
me- Now, has the Observer and its backing the heart
to wound the consciences of their brethren bv forcno
them to one OF two alternatives: to submit under the
Ieadngs OF Providence socalled, to absorption in the
Northern Church," to disruption of the Southern
Church I utterly unwilling to "force" if couId
single one of my brethren. But all of US trust
have consciences. Doctor what about vour forcin,
some OF us to remain apart from all Gods children
when 1T seems to that it is the will of the Great
Head of the Church that all may be one that the
world may believe that the Father sent Him? Are
we not to be considered to conscience? + if NOT
also true, Doctor, that when one resorts to soon.
science and an implied threat of schism that rea-
have failed?
Our Northern brethren have not eo,,,tt 10 ~
ceal the fact that they very much desire union win
rs Can we question the sincerity and honesty Of
their motive? | do not. And vet some Of o,.
brethren seem to think so. To have anvtbiro to ID,
with them IS but to contaminate ourselves We can
not afford to be placed in such an attitud before cod
and the Christian world Our Northern bret1,ror
have swept the deck of all offensive deliverapcc-
against MS. I'm the name of reason and conscience
what more can they do?