A Historical Sketch of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Synod

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE yi 9. The Union craze has been the cause of more trouble in the churches than any other cause we have mentioned. Early in our history in America, attempts were made to unite the de­ nominations that were nearest together in doctrine and prac­ tice. The principle, if properly carried out, was good, but the manner of accomplishing it was wrong. Committees were ap­ pointed consisting largely of those who were anxious for union. One year was spent in getting a report ready for the interested denominations; a report was duly prepared, and a majority of those concerned knew little about the matter and desired more time for consideration. On the other hand, those in favor of union were unwilling to wait for a thorough study of the points at issue, and unduly pressed the matter; therefore, instead of union of the two bodies, both were divided, and now instead of one strong united body there were three weak ones. The Re- iormed Presbyterian and Associate Presbyterian bodies united in part, and made the Associate Reformed Presbyteran Church, but left by its side, two weak denominations. The same thing occurred in 1858, when the United Presbyterian Church was lounded. Later on it was the Union craze that started the trou­ ble in 1868, and again in 1870, and still later in 1905. In all these ca es the attempt to force the people to act without sufficient time for consideration w'as the cause of trouble and dissension. Not so much because union was not desired, as that scheming and trickery among the leaders was evident. So far at least all attempts at union have been a failure to bring about a har- monioui, union. We have all these years been trying to bring about the union of Ps. and A. P.s, and It. P.s and U. P.s, but in every a. e we have produced nothing but Split Ps. Not in a sin­ gle instance have we produced a better and more prolific var­ iety. It is the opinion of the writer that if all these varieties of P-- we e united and cultivated by our stock of amateur theolog*- i*a1 leaders, we would soon be like the church of the Eaodiceans, fit only to be pewed out of the mouth of the Lord. In union there will be strength, if we the constituent elements of the united church, led by the Holy Spirit, live, believe and act in harmony.