Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/211

Rh Did they not receive the same baptism of the Spirit? What difference is there between the Thirty-Nine Articles and our Confession greater than the difference between the different parts of one great cathedral anthem that rises to the skies. We stand here to declare to the whole world that we are one in faith, one in baptism, and one in allegiance to our Lord.”

This interview between two of his beloved friends was very delightful to Mr. Carter, who always loved to dwell upon its memory.

The following year, 1868, Mr. Carter was again a delegate to the General Assembly, which met in Albany, and at which the subject of Reunion was the prominent topic. Towards the close of the session, which was a very exciting one, a committee, consisting of Drs. Beatty and Reed, and Elders Robert Carter and Henry Day, was sent to confer with the New School Assembly at Harrisburg. They were very kindly and warmly received, and, after speeches from each member of the committee, Dr. Nelson rose and asked Mr. Carter if he would answer a few questions. “Certainly.” “What is the position of the Old School Assembly in regard to Reunion?” Mr. Carter replied, that a large majority favored it heartily, but that he must acknowledge that a minority were opposed to it. “What is the character of that minority?” “It is mostly composed of the older men whom we honor as fathers. But may I not plead that the greatest consideration should be bestowed on these venerable men? Let me tell an incident which occurred many years ago in Scotland. The old Earl of Kilmarnock and his son fought on opposite sides at the battle of Culloden. After the victory, the son was standing with a party of officers on the field when a company of prisoners were brought in,