Nevin’s Distaste for Presbyterian Division

There is evidence that Nevin was driven to the deep study of history because he had inherited the department of church history at Western in 1837, but the study of history had also become a safe haven providing him solace at a time when the Presbyterian Church was falling apart.14 His obvious distaste for the rancor dividing Presbyterians into New and Old Schools frustrated him. Nevin was slightly right of center in the debate that ultimately split the Presbyterian Church. But he like Hodge sought reconciliation and when that seemed beyond sight he despaired.

{Mercersburg Project, Gen. Ed. Brad Littlejohn}