Year: 1870

Tho PresbyterSan General Assembly and


tho General Confsrenoe Of tae deshedlss


Episcopal Church South.


For the first time since the year 183S-thirty-
two years, or almost generation ago-the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church,
once more reunited-Old School and New
School-under common head, met in Phila-
delphia last week, and its sittings are not yet
concluded. Thus far the proceedings, ample
details of which have been published In our
telegraphic columns, show general and COM
plete acquiescence in the restored order Of
things and hearty unanimity in all sections
in regard to measures tending to promote the
interests of the Presbyterian Church at large.
The latest business before the reunited Assem-
bly, was the consideration of the report OF
the joint committee on reconstruction,
fixing the boundaries of the various
Synods by States and counties, but
without recommending any change in the
representation to the Synods and the Assembly
at present. The discussion on this point will
be continued tomorrow. The most reversd
among the Presbyterian pulpit beacon lights,
Old School and New School, are lending their
aid In directing the way to happy and peace
full solution of the subjects under considera-
ton, and suggesting the methods by which the
Church shall be re-established upon founda-
ton that shall hereafter be impregnable against
assaults both from doubters and caviIlers
within and enemies without. The Assembly
have hard labor to perform; but there is no
doubt it will all be done well and with the
utmost harmony.


The Southern Presbyterian General Assem-
bly, is also now in session in Louisville, KY.
Most of the business thus far has been con-
fined to the reception of reports, statistics and
various documents relating to Church manage
ment, all going to show healthy condition of
affairs in regard to business. Now, why do
not some of the great and reverend leaders in
the grand work Of Presbyterian reunion and
reconstruction at present going on in Philadel-
phia adopt some measures tending to win again
into common fold the scattered lambs of the
Southern flock? But perhaps there is time
enough for that after the Old and New School
divisions North become properly cemented.


While the above assemblies among the Pres
byterians are being held the Methodist Epis-
copal Church South is holding conferences in
Memphis, Tenn, and in Baltimore. The
cohesive power of Southern sentiment seems
to clasp these conferences in common bond,
in which mutual congratulations are indulged,
and happy time generally anticipated through
time and eternity. Here is another chance for
the good Offices of leading Methodists, imbued
with the benign and gracious spirit of the
Saviour, to be signally exhibited. Why do not
some Of the Southern brethren throw out a
hint that movement toward reunion with
their Methodist Episcopal brethren North
would not be hastily condemned? Let the
experiment be tried. At any rate, let hearty,
cordial and unanimous sentiment of fraternal
love- conciliation and holiness animate our
religious classes, and then, when the final trial
comes, there will be less difficulty in melting
out the proper rewards to the pure and good
and the proper amount of punishment to the
wicked and sinful.