The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-10-25
Presbyterian Synod, However.
Strikes Out Words land
Vote in Resolution Offered
by Dr.. Wexford.
AMENDMENT STARTS
WARM DISCUSSION
Adopted and Resolution Then
Passed by Unanimous Vote
---One Member Speak 8
Against Catholic Church
Paper Which is Adopted.
BY REV. w. s. CAMPBELL.

BY REV. w. >. CAMPBEIII.
DANvILLE. VA. Oct. 24.--The
UQuor question came to the front at
this mornings session OF the Pres
bytsrian synod OF Virginia. and caused
8 lively discussion when DIR. 4. 7.
Wexford, of Newport News, intro
duced a resolution urging all MEM
bers OF the church to strive by voice
and vote, and by all means that may
BE- approved by their Christian con-
sciences and judgment. for the enact
ment of such laws as shall most
speedily and effectively Danish the
liquor traffic from the land.
The consideration OF this resolution
awakened the warmest debate which
has taken place during this session of
the synod. Objection was immediate
" raised by Rev. A. NJ Fraser, OF
6taunton. to the words land vote,
and he moved that they be striken
from the amendment. SO that the
last part of the resolution would be
changed so as to read. In all ways
which may be approved by their
IChristian consciences, and judgment
| to bring about this result in the most
speedy manner possible"
The Battle Opens
It was over this amendment that
the battle was fought, with the re-
suit that It was adopted.
DIR. Fraser took the floor to sup
pOrt hts amendment. and made q
strong argument In favor Of II, He
said that he had always been OPP
Iposed TO the liquor interests, and had
used his influence against II, he
MAS not willing TO adopt this Ian
xuage. even though 1t had been adopt
lea by the assembly, for. he elaluseds
| IL IL not in accordance with the reach
ling OF the word Of God Referring
. to DR. Weflford's sermon In opening
1.-THE sessions Of synod, he said that II
was subject TO criticism. because II
was in reality the introduction TO
1.-THE resolution which was under dis
cussion. and that he could not agree
with him as to his statement OF the
doctrine of the relation OF church
and state.
DR. Wexford rose to question OF
personal privilege, and said that he
had no objection to being criticised.
II was only question a. TO whether
Tor not he had uttered the teachings
OF the Scriptures
DR.. Fraser said that there was no
personal feeling in this matter at all.
He had the highest regard for DR..
wexford.
Resumes His Argument
He. then resumed his argument to
show that there should be an entire
eepArAtion OF Church and State, and
sAid that the Church should maintain
this separation. Answering the posi-
tion that some take who say thai
the Church ought to take cogntzance
Of and make deiiverance upon al
moral questions. he said that would
brtuT the Church into every question
OF politics. for all such questions have
~ moral element This In true, he
ciaimed, even in such matters a. the
tariff or currency questions. Quotina
Dr. wellford's sermon, he said thai
sthe duty of the Church is to make
men," and II this Is done. he added
such men will make satisfactory lawa
on all subjects.
fused for such action on the part O,
1.-The synod is that all the other
churches had taken such action. He
eaid that the synod should not b.
lnfuenced by this fact. and that II II
liar more important to know that the
oynods In right.
Governor J. Hoge Tyler said thai
Inc agreed with DR.. Fraser, that all
reference to voting should be cut Out
lot the action Of the synod.
DR.. Wellford's only reply was &c
ED00 GxLT&CIS lAC DVpA oi
|Church Orders, and from the origina
etatement Of principles adopted b,
Tho Southern Presbyterian Church a
its organization and sent out as q
letter to all the churches OF Christ II
the world.
The vote was then taken and the
amendment OF DR.. Fraser was adopted
by a vote of IL to 46. and the paper
VS. then adopted by unanimous
vote.
The Wexford Resolution.
The resolution az introduced b,
pr. Wexford In a. follows:
whereas, We recognize the liquor
kranic as an aggressive enemy to tn,
home. the Church, and the State. al
alarming menace to the Christian
sabbath and powerful obstacle Il
khe work OF establishing Christ's king
dom In foreign lands. and
.Whereas, Sin Ia any want Of con
fOrmity unto or transgression OF TN
NV Of God, and a failure 70 nantes
daeapproval Of, or opposition to.
nreyaiiing evil Ia a sin Of omission
sResolved. That we reafirm tn
asliyerance and testimony OF oul
Church made In 1891, on the sub5ec
III temperance. the liquor traffic ant
abstinence from intoxicants as
beverage, and we bear our testimony
nxAinst the establishing and pro
rnotinG OF the traffic In intoxicating
li0uprs a. the fruitful source OF sin
crime and misery
And in conformity with these ant
ather deliverances. we urge all oul
mAmbership the duty OF using al
le9itimate means for the bInishmen
81 this traf1ic from the land, and 70
strdving by voice and vote, In al way
watch may be approved by thei
christtan conscience and JUDGMENT
(continusd on Second rAys.l