pmm;^ iiiliiilii- ll'i'iw'-.'/ ■" ■■ ;•■'.• ^^•ii 1 iK^ 3 V ,v. ^^O'.rG. BX 8966 .A3 1888 Alexander, ^- ^- ^ ^^^ A Digest of the Acts and j\ uxyc-^ , General Proceedings oi tne v:xci A DIGEST THE ACTS AND TROCEEDINGS GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE 'WeSBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THH IINMTED STATES, FEOM ITS ORGANIZATION TO THE ASSEMBLY OF 1887, INCLUSrV'E, WITH CERTAIN HISTORICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES. BY Rev. AV. a. ALEXANDER. RICHMOND, V A. : PrKSBYTERIAN CoMMITTKK of PrBLIOATlON. 18 8 8. Copyright BY Jas. K. Hazen, D. D., 188 8. Printed by Whittet & Sheppehso X. 1! 1 r II M u N II , \' A . P R E F A G E. The compiler was led to undertake the preparation of a Digest of the General Assembly's acts and proceedings by the conviction that a need for such a work is now sensibly felt. Our Church has occupied suflBciently long a place in the sisterhood of churches, and has arrived at that point in the formulation of her principles, and the general plan on which she conducts her agencies has attained that stage of maturity and definiteness, that a compilation of her documentary histor}', in a systematic and convenient form, may with propriety be presented to the public. The deliverances of her highest court are sufficiently varied, and on subjects of such importance, as to make it desirable that for purposes of reference they be gathered into a single collection. Particularly is the need of such a collection felt by the younger generation of ministers and office-bearers in the Church, who are without access to the minutes of our earlier years, and so without means of acquainting themselves with the earlier acts and deliverances of our highest court. I found it to be a matter of no little difficulty to settle on a suit- able outline or scheme of classilication for the matter which I find in the voluminous minutes of more than a quarter of a century; also to arrive at some general principle of inclusion and exclusion. What one might think to be of little importance, scarcely worthy of being embodied in this work, another might regard as of con- siderable value, and look upon its omission as a serious blemish. Since the judgment of no two, perhaps, would coincide as to the extent to which such a work bhould be al)ridged, 1 resolved to make the compilation exhaustive, with full and copious references to the minutes, giving the year and page where each citation is to be found. It may be found prudent in subsequent editions to abridge this work somewhat in its least important parts. I have, however, presumed to make this draft complete, and that the voice of the Church should decide what abridgment, if any, is desirable. Mean- IV PRKFACK. while, I have weeded out of every passage that I have embodied all extraneous matter; and I hope that my work will be found to be at once concise and complete. I have taken no liberties with the text other than the elimination of some of the formal and super- fluous verbiage in which the record of a transaction is often wrapped up, and the exclusion from each minute of whatever is not pertinent to the subject which I seek to illustrate. This work will be found to differ somewhat in its plan from that adopted in other well-known Digests, in the prominence I have given to those acts and deliverances of the Assembly that have reference to its executive agencies, and the several departments of its work entrusted to the supervision of its secretaries and execu- tive committees. This prominence, however, is due to the fact that such njatters have prominently occupied the Assembly's at- tention. No one line of business has engaged so much of the Church's care, or called for more frequent and careful considera- tion in lier successive Assemblies, from the very first, than the establishment and regulation of her executive agencies, and legis- lation upon the practical questions growing out of their relations to inferior courts and the general work. When the Church entered upon its separate career, twenty-six years ago, it was without boards, endowments, or an)' organized agencies in her bounds sub- ject to her control and at hand to do her work. Pier first duty was the inauguration of central agencies, or arms, for that pur- pose, the determination of their duties, limitations, etc. ; and to this she first applied herself. Discarding the old plan of inde- pendent l)oards, the Assembly decided to do itself all tlie ap- propriate work of the Church, establishing committees for that purpose, to be appointed annually, with power to act ad interim. only in such manner and subject to such rules as the Assembly might prescribe. This plan, steadfastly adhered to up to the pre- sent, is, perhaps, next to her pronounced views on the spirituality' of the Church, and her well-known conservatism, the most dis- tinctive feature in tl)e histoiy of the Southern Presbyterian Church. The manner in which these committees conducted their work during the disastrous period of war, and the unsettled period that for several years thereafter ensued, until each was on a sure and established basis, will be found liere faithfully outlined. In a number of instancies where the record in the Minutes was found to be vague, I have secured from synodical and presbyterial PKKFACE, clerks transcripts from their records, and added the same as an explanatory note on the minute in hand, thus bringing out the As- sembly's action in greater clearness. In a few instances I have added elaborate notes gathered from the official records of other bodies, where such appeared to be of value in completing the record of transactions only a part of which is found in the Assem- bly's Minutes. Such are the accounts of the Atlanta convention of 1861, the notes cm the United Synod of the South, and the Synods of Kentucky and Missouri. These bodies having blended their organic life with that of the Assembly, and being now con- stituent parts of the Church, it seemed right that some note rela- tive to their respective principles and their separate history should be preserved in connection with the minute of their reception by the Assembly. I believe the statistics whicli are found at the end of tiie volume are substantially accurate. The lack of any adequate plan of reporting such information to the Assembly renders the task of compiling such tables exceedingly difficult. We trust they may prove sufficiently ample to afford an idea of the Church's annual progress. It was not until a few yeai-s after the war that these facts began to be so gathered and published as to be available or valuable as statistics. If brethren throughout the Church discover any defects in the plan or the execution of this work, I would be greatly obliged if they would communicate the same to me, with any suggestions that may occur to then), that I may have the benefit of them in any subsequent revision. I desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to friends in various localities who have materially aided me in various ways, and with- out whose encouragement this work would not have been prose- cuted to conjpletion. I would particularly recognize my obliga- tion in tbis line to Kev. M. R. Raynumd, D. D., Rev. B. M. Palmer, I). D., Rev. .1. R. Wilson, D, D., stated clerk of the Gen- eral Assembly, and the Rev. Messrs. Converse, of Louisville, Ky. W. A. A. Canton, Miss., Fifbrmiri/. 1888. CONTENTS. BOOK I.— THE CONSTITUTION. Title of the Church. Constitution adopted. Mode of amending the stan- dards : 1, The Confession of Faith ; 2, The Book of Church Order. The Confession of Faith amended in the matter of the deceased wife's sister. The phrase, "He descended into hell," in the Creed. Hevision of the Form of Government and Book of Discipline. Indexing the Book of Church Order. Eevision of the Directory of Worship. Informality in sending down overtures. .............. BOOK II.— THE CONGEEGATION. CHAPTER I.— Its Members. When in good and regular standing. How members may be received from other denominations; meaning of the word "Church." Dismissing mem- bei-s to churches in other denominations. Letters dismissing members must inchide their children. Dismissi(Ui of non-communing membei-s. Notify- ing the church to which a member is dismissed. Koll of non-communing membei-s to be kept by sessions and reported. Losses in membership. Re- turning an uniised letter of dismission reinstates one in ftill membership. Non-contribiitiug members. Certificates of reception. Congregational meetings, for what i^urposes they may be called, and who may preside over them. Church courts may not make rules of memliei-ship. . . .20 CH.IPTER II. — MiMSTKKs. Reception of ministers from the Northern Assembly \\'ithout letters. Recep- tion from foreign countries. Dismissing ministers to other bodies. De- clines to make the examinaticm rule optional, or to embody it into the con- stitution. The subscribing of ministers admitted into a Presbytery. "Who may vote in calling i»pastor. Amending the form of a call. A call without promise of adequate salary. The pastoral relation not to be lightly broken. Presbytery's power to dissolve the pastoral relation. Ministers supplying churches out of our connecticm. Ministers without charge. The stated sup- ply, and his official status. Ordination sine titulo. Restoration of a deposed minister. An additional cla.ss of ministers. Licensure and ordination in extraordinary cases. Lay evangelists. Women preachere. Doubting and dissenting ministei-s. Lay exhorters. Licentiates in the evangelistic service. The Latin thesis as a part of trial. Lowering the standard for licensure. \Miat a lictntiatf may do. Licentiates ft)r colored peo])le. Partial license 23 ■viii Contents. CHAPTER III.— EuLiNG Elders. How long an elder's membership in Presbytery continues. An elder re^jre- senting two or more associated cliurches. Elders to be appointed by the Presbyteries to conduct services in neighboring congregations. Presbyterial courtesies to ruling elders. An elder who has moved from the bounds of his church. An elder returning a lettre of dismission resumes his functions. Demission of elders and deacons. Functions of a single elder. The exami- nation of elders on the standards before oi'dination. The elder-moderator- ship. ............. 3i CHAPTER IV.— Deacons. Demission of deacons. Relation of deacons to the session. The diaconate in its relations to the agencies of the Church. ....... 42 BOOK III.— CHURCH COURTS. CHAPTER I.— The Session. May one elder constitute a valid session. Quorum of a session. Citation of members of session. Sessions may not instruct their representatives. Have no power to make new rules of membership. Who may moderate the ses- sion. For what purposes the session maj' call a congregational meeting. . 44 CHAPTER IL — The Peesbyteey. The original Presbyteries. Presbyterial changes in Georgia. Potomac and Winchester. New" Presbyteries. Presbyteries that have disappeared from the roll. Charleston Union Presbytery. Sao Paulo. Hangchow. Who may serve on Presbyterial committees. Seating elders in Presbj'tery who have not been appointed. Change in the number of elders necessary to a quorum. Presbyterial meeting away from place appointed for it. Shall meet twice a year. Has discretion as to manner of organizing new churches. Original jurisdiction over elders and members. Elders in Presbytery are representatives, not delegates. Who may sit in a commission of Presbytery. Number required to constitute a commission. Quorum of a commission. Topics for Presbyterial narratives. Narratives must be signed. . . .47 CHAPTER III.— The Synod. The original Synods. Other Synods received. Synod of South Georgia and Florida organized. Division of the Synod of Texas refused. Boundary changes in various Synods. Assembly changes time of a Synod's meeting. A meeting held out of time legalized. Synods ordered by Assembly to meet. Synod must specify the object when it orders Presbytery to meet. Synod may order a Presbytery to meet instreigu statistics. Co-operation in the foreign lield. The Manual. The treasurer's bond. The secretary's salary. Ecclesiastical character and powers of the foreign evan- gelist, ilixed Presbyteries in the foreign held. Transferring a missionary to a foreign Presbytery. Joint Committee for Home and Foreign Missions. Free-will offerings. Consolidation with the Northern Board. The secretary and treasurer vindicated. Memorial of Rev. G. Nash Morton. Commenda- tory of Drs. Woodrow, Mcllwaiue. andJ. Leightou Wilson. ( hildren's day. Presbyterial chairmen. Our first mission, that to the American Indians. Schools among the Indians. The Choctaw Bible. Rev. C. Byington. Rev. C. Kingsbury, ]). 1). The C-herokee mission. Care of the Indians trans- ferred to the (\)mniittee iif Hc>me Missicms. Our second mission, China. Pi\)vision for family of Rev. E. li. liislee. Our third mission, Italy. Fourth mission. Ignited States of ('olombia. Fitth mi.ssion, Brazil. Sixth mission, Mexico. Seventh mission, Greece. Eighth luissiim, Japan, .\friia. ITie Jews. Amounts called for bv the committee. .... .94 X Contents. CHAPTER II. —Home Missions. The Soiithwestern Advisory Committee. Constitution of the Executive Com- mittee of Domestic Missions. Change of location allowed. The committee consolidated -with that of Foreign Missions. Church extension. Chaplains and the army. Non-co-operating Presbyteries. Treasurer's accounts. His salary and bond. The Sustentation scheme. Board of Aid for Southern Presbyterian pastors. Aid from Kentucky and Baltimore. Southern Aid Society of New York. Executive Committee of Sustentation appointed. By- laws of the Sustentation Committee. Additional regulations. The commit- tee's financial year. Loans for erecting church edifices. Bureaii of Informa- tion. Begging. Manses. Minimum salary. Grouping churches. Separ- ation of Home and Foreign Missions. Change of location. Co-ordinate secretary. Dr. Wilson retires from the secretaryship. Dr. Craig elected secretary. Title of the committee changed. The secretary to visit Texas, Florida and the Red River countrj'. Seamen. Amount of money asked for. Duties and powers of evangelists. Standing Committee on Evan- gelistic Labor. Grouping churches under evangelists. Collections for this cause. To be conducted separately from Sustentation. Non-co-operating churches. Presbyterial visitation. Presbyterial reports. Work in Texas. Column for this fund. Synodical evangelist. Evangelism in the seminaries. The Workman legacy. By-laws touching the Evangelistic work. Work among the colored people assigned to Domestic Missions. Pastoral letter. Plan for instruction of the colored people. Co-operation with the Northern committee. A new plan inaugurated. Separate organization for colored churches. Appropriation from Sustentation fund for this work. Five per cent, of funds to be so used. Presbyterial reports. By-laws for Colored Evangelistic fund. Missionaries to the colored race. State of the work. Disabled minister's fund. A temporary fund. Relief scheme. General regulations for. History of the scheme. The fund taken from under eccle- siastical control. Supervision of the contract, Stuart Robinson legacy. Benefit fund. Rules apphing to the Invalid fund. ..... 126 CHAPTER III.— Education. The executive committee constituted. A provisional committee. United with the Committee of Publication. Beneficiary Education . State of the com- mittee's work in 18(56. . Condition in 1867. Questions referred to the com- mittee. Rev. Dr. Hamner, travelling agent. How to remit and report mtmeys. Report from candidates to Presbj'tery. Location of the commit- tee changed. Powers of the committee. Care in receiving candidates. Maximum appropriation. Only candidates of co-operating Presbyteries to be aided. What stage of advancement is required. The Lusk legacy. Shall the scheme of Beneficiary Education be abandoned ? Pledges to candidates be absolute. Funds advanced to candidates who have abandoned jirejiaration for the ministry. Presbyterial reports. Testimonials for applicants. Ad- dress to the churches on ministerial education. Secretary to visit. Need of more ministers. Duties of PresV)yterial chairmen. Apportionment. The Education year. When applications for aid are to be sent in. Color of can- didates to be reported. Notice of collection. Form of application. Day of prayer for youth. Prayer for youth in the army. Week of prayer. Prayer for increase in the ministry. Secular education . A Southern Pres- byterian University. Maryville College. Sayre Female Institute. Florida Land Company. Receipts and disbursements. ...... 179 Contents. xi CHAPTER IV. — Theological Seminabies. Columbia Semiuary transferred to the General Assembly. Constitution (jf the Seminary changed. Condition of the Seminary. Endowment. Removal of the Seminary. Election and iuaut^uratiou of jirofessors. Resignation of professors. Attendance upon chapel services. Condition of the Seminary. The As.sembly surrenders control of the Seminary. Condition of the Semi- nary. Chanf»es in the faculty. Finances of the Institution. List of pi-ofes- sors. The Assembly assumes supervisory control over Union Theological Seminary. Opening and closing day. Financial condition of this Seminary. Changes in the faculty. Tuskaloosa Institute. Agency for the Institiite. Salary of tlie secretary. Institute commended. Columii in the statistical tables. Retaining incompetent students. Method of collecting and disburs- ing funds. Progress of the Institute. A Southwestern Theological Semi- nary. Inspiration of the Scriptures in the Seminaries. Standard of minis- terial education. Change in the mode and standard of Theological Educa- tion. The English Bible in the Seminary. Extraordinary recruit for the ministry. Health in the Seminaries. Students should attend our own Semi- naries. What control the Assembly has over our Theological Seminaries. Evolution in the Theological Seminaries. Rev. W. S. Plumer, D. D. Rev. George Howe, I). D. Hon. Cyrus H. McCormick. ..... 215 CHAPTER V. Publication. The executive committee established. Depository property of the Synod of Mississippi tendered to the Assembly. Change of locality. Religious litera- ture for the army. Books of Rev. W. J. Keith. Our imprimatur to be ])]aced (m t)ther publications. Salary of the joint committees: how paid. Donation from the Religious Tract Society of London. From the British and Foreis;;!! Bible Society. Quorum of the committee,, and vacancies. Rule about examining books. PuV)lishing agent. Assistance for the secretary. Plan for resuscitation. Branch depositories. Endowment. A monthly paper for the executive committees. Publishing annual reports. Non-de- nominational books. Attendance of treasurer u^jon the Assembly. Separate fund for benevolent work. Committee's ecclesiastical year. Management of the committee and secretary endorsed. Charter of incorporation for the committee. By-laws for the trustees. Publishing House. Contracts of the committee with the secretary. Losses through the business failure of the secretary. The business to be d(me by contract. Colportage. Candidates as colporteni-s. Restrictions as to sale removed. Regulations for the com- • mittee. The secretary made treasurer. Must visit Synods and I'resbyteries. Gratuitous distribution. Consolidation with the Philadelphia lk)ard. Union of the Committees of Education and I'liblication. Memorial of Dr. Robin- sou. The Kennedy be(juest. Itemized reports. Secretary's salary. Litera- ture for freedmeu ; for the Indians. Date of collection. What io the Sun- day-school ? Must be under the control of the session. Presbyteriauism to be taught therein. \\'ho should be teachers. Standing Committee on Sun- day-schools in the A.ssembly. Presbyterial superintendents and committees. Sunday-schools as related to parental instruction. Parents should attend Sunday-sc^hool. Should embrace adults. ,\ttendance of children on public worship. Committee of Publication to have general oversight of Sunday- schools. T/te Cfiildren'x Friend. The Hunnd Worker. Infant pai)er. Co-operation with the Reformed Church. International Lessons. Contribu- tion of Sabbath-schools to benevolent causes. ITnion Snndav-schools. xii Contents. Teachers' meetings. Sunday-school conventions. Libraries. Sunday- school Hyiuu-book. Preaching to children. Mission schools. Sensational methods and literature. Use of the Bible. Sunday-school reports. The Assemblj^ devotes an evening to the Sunday-school cause. Adult scholars to be reported. Schools for colored people. ...... 267 CHAPTER VI. — General Eegulations foe the Conduct of the Assembly's Schemes of Benevolence and Guidance or her Agencies. The executive committees to he all constituted alike. A single treasurer for all the funds of the Assembly, Mode of electing the executive committees. Weekly Sabbath collections. Dates for the various collections. Presbyte- ries to enquire about collections for benevolence. Presbyterial reports on Systematic Benevolence. Standing Committee on Systematic Benevolence. Opportunity of giving to be afforded. Supplies sent to vacant churches should take up collections. Small collections. Presbyterial Committees on Systematic Benevolence. Items not required in these reports. Printed copies of the executive reports. Publishing these reijorts. Itemized reports from the various treasxirers. Location of the committees. Consolidation of the executive committees. Apportionment for Systematic Benevolence. The tithe. Only abstracts of annual reports to be put in the miuiites. Ketreuch- ment and reform. The executive committees to audit the reports of their treasurers. Appeals by one committee conflicting with the regular collec- tions for the other committees. Free-will offerings. Uniform ecclesiastical year. Directory for the oblation. Tract on Systematic Benevolence. Vol- ■ untary associations and societies. Statistical tables to be published. Blanks for stfitistical reports. What should be reported. ..... 301 CHAPTER VII.— Trustees and the Charter. Steps taken in securing a charter. The charter secured. Application for a new charter. Secretaries of the Executive C'ommittees e.v <>Jfici. Union with the Synod of Missouri, with a historical note. . . . . . . . . . . . 398 CHAPTER III.— -FftATEKNAL CoHEESroNDENCE WITH OtHEE BoDIES. The Assembly solicits fraternal correspondence with various churches. A depu- tation sent to the churches of Great Britain and the continent of Europe. Correspondence with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Greetings from the Methodist EpiscojJal Church, North. Aid for the Waldensian churches. Correspondence with the United Presbyterian Church of Scot- land. Also with the Free Church of Scotland. With the Reformed Episco- pal Church in the United States. State Sunday-school Convention. Evan- gelical Alliance. The Young Men's Christian Association. Northern Pres- byterian ministers occupying our pulpits. Letter to the Episcopal bishops on church unity. Correspondence with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. With the Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Assembly. With the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America. Correspondence with the Presbyterian Church in the ITnited States of America with reference to organic union. Pastoral letter to the churches explanatory of the above action. Report of the conference committee. Appointment of a committee of conference with reference to fraternal relations with the Northern Presby- terian ChTirch. Failure of the conference. The (correspondence had be- tween the committees. Exchange of salutations between two Assemblies. Fraternal relations established. Delegates interchanged. The Assembly declines to re-open the question. Committee on inquiry as to organic union appointed. Mode of correspondence. Amendmg the provisions of the con- stitution as to the powers of the Assembly to establish imion, correspondence, etc. Provincial Assemblies. Preservation of our identity and independence as a denomination. ( )rganic union with the Presbj'teriau Church, North. Conference on co-operation. General Presbji;erian Alliance. Delegates to the General Council to be accredited by commissions. The Dabney Reso- h^tions. Delegates to the council should be chosen from the various Synods. Standing committee to correspond with the council. Expenses of the council. 433 BOOK VIII.— JUDICIAL CASES. Comi^laint of Rev. James Sinclair vs. the Synod of North Carolina. Appeal of R. B. Williamson from the Presbytery of Tombeckbee. (bmplaint of Rev. A. W. Miller, D. D., Rev. John Douglas, and others rs. the Synod of North Carolina. ( omplaint of Samuel Galloway rs. the Synod of Georgia. Of Rev. J. J. Cook /-.v. Presbytery of Louisville. Of Rev. S. J. Baird, D. D., rs. Presbytery of East Hanover. Of Rev. I. W. Canfield v.s. Synod of Ken- tucky. Appeal of Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., and others from the Synod of Kentucky. Of Rev. E. T. Baird, D. D.. from the Synod of Virginia. Comphiint of Rev. R. S. McAllister and Rev. M. B. Shaw rs. Presbytery of Louisiana. Of J. II. Moore and others r.s. Synod of Kentucky. Appeal of Rev. J. E. White from Synod of South Carolina. ('omiDlaint of Rev. J. E. White vs. the Synod of South Carolina. Of I. W. Canlield and W. Q. Can- field vs. the Svnod of Kentuckv. Of E. E. Bacon rs. the Synod of Missouri. Contents. xv Restoration of a deposed minister ; case of Rev. S. P. Linn. Four appeals of W. S. Turner from the Synod of Georgia. Complaint of the Presbytei-y of Memphis vs. the Synod of Memphis. Of Rev. W. McKay vs. Synod of Georgia. Of C. A. Baker and others rs. Synod of Alabama. Of Rev. F. P. Ramsey rs. Sj-nod of Virginia. Of Rev. James Woodrow vs. Synod of Georgia. Appeal of Rev. D. P. Robinson from the Synod of North Caro- lina. Discipline without trial, but where confession has been made to a com- mittee. The right to overture, appeal, and complain cannot be abridged. Counsel for the accused. Refusal to obey a citation from the session. Who are entitled to sit in a judicial case. Courts not parties in judicial cases. . 512 BOOK IX.— GENERAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION. Succession of moderators. Succession of clerks. Officers of the executive committees and the board of trustees. Corresponding delegates from the General Assembly to other ecclesiastical bodies. CoiTesponding delegates to the Assembly from other ecclesiastical bodies. General tabular view. Sta- tistics of Foreign Missions. Of Home Missions. Of Education. Of Publica- tion. Of Sabbath-schools .529 Index. .............. .541 A DIGEST ACTS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. BOOK 1. THE CONSTITUTION. 1. Title of the Clair ch. — The Constitution declared. 1861, p. 7. The followiiif^- resolutious were presented bv Dr. Thorn- well, and, on motion of Dr. Leland, were unanimoasly adopted, ^iz. : 1. That the style and title of this Chiux-h shall be The Presbyterian Church in the Confeder.\te States of America. 2. That this Assembly declare, ui conformity with the unanimous decisicm of our Presbyteries, that the Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book of Disci- phne, and the Direc-tory of Worship), which together make up the Con- stitution of the Presbyterian Cliurch in the United States of America, are the Constitution of the Presbyteiian Church in the Confederate States of America, only substituting the term " Confederate States " for "United States." 2. l^itU of the Church changed. 1805, p. 350. On motion of the Rev. Dr. J. L. WUsou, it was made the duty of the Ccjmmittee on Bills and Overtures to report to-morrow morning cm the subject of the name which this Assemlily shall here- after bear. 1805, p. 857. The order of the day was taken up, and the Commit- tee on Bills and Overtures made a report, recommending that the name of the Church shall be The Presbyterian Church in the Un^tep States ; after which various other names were proposed by members of the As- sembly. After considerable discussion on the merits of the names proposed, the vote was taken with the following result: For the name proposed by the conniiittee, 42 : Presbyterian Churdi in the South, 7 : American Presbyterian Clnu"ch, 2: Protestant Presbyterian Church in the United States, 2. The vt)te was then made unanimous, and the report of the committee was adopted. 2 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book I, 8. Manner in v^hich the standards may he amended. 1861, p. 39. The followiug overture was referred to the next Gen- eral Assembly, viz. : No changes shall be made in the Confession of Faith, the Larger or Shorter Catechisms, unless proposed by three -foiu'ths of one Assembly and ratified by three-fourths of the tvpo succeeding Assemblies, or un- less proposed by two-thirds of the Presb}i;eries and ratified by three- foiu'ths of the Assembly. No change shall be made in the Form of Government, the Book of Discipline, or the Directory of Worship, imless proposed by three- fourths of one Assembly and ratified b}- three-foiu-ths of the next suc- ceeding Assembly, or unless proposed by two-thirds of the Presbyteries and ratified by a majority of the Assembly. 1862, p. 17. This overture was referred by the Assembly to the Committee on Revision. 4. Hoio the Confession of Faith and Catechisms may he amended. 1883, p. 50. The following j^aper was adojited : Resolved, That inasmuch as the provisions for amending the Con- fession of Faith and Catechisms, which the Synod of 1788 incorporated in the act by which it adojited said formularies, is nowhere printed in our standards, this Assembly hereby requests all the Presbyteries im- der its care to send up to the next Assembly a distinct answer to the following question : Shall Chapter VII. of the Form of Government be amended by add- ing a thii'd section to read as follows : III. Amendments to the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church may be made only upon the recommendation of one As- sembly, the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the Presbyteries, and the enactment of the same by a subsequent Assembly. 1884, p. 250. To Overtm^e No. 2 (see Minutes 1883, pages 50 and 51,) forty-nine Presbyteries answer in the afl&i'mative, ten in the nega- tive, and two give modified answers, claiming that the j^rovision of the Synod of 1788 is the law of the Church on this subject, and must be comphed with in this case. 1884, p. 248. The Committee on BiUs and Overtures report, that as a majority of the Presbyteries have given their advice and consent to the amendment to the Constitution, Book of Chiu'ch Order, Chap. VII., by the addition of the following paragraph, viz. : "3. Amendments to the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church may be made only upon the recommendation of one General Assembly, the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the Presbyteries, and the en- actment of the same by a subsequent Assembly "■ — We recommend the adoption of the following : Resolved, That this amendment be, and is hereby, enacted as Par. 3, Chap. VII., Form of Government. Adopted. 1885, p. 411. Also an overture from the Presbytery of St. Johns, asking the amendment of the Book of Church Order, defining and limiting the method of altering the doctrinal symbols of the Church. Ansioer : The Assembly recommends that the Form of Government, ^Chapter VII., Paragraph 3, be amended by adding to the said para- Secs. 5-8.] The Constitution. 3 gi'aph the following words, viz. : " The provision contained in the pre- ceding paragraph for the amendment of the Book of Church Order shall not apply to this paragraph ; but this paragraph shaU be amended or altered (jnly in the way in which itself i)rovides for the amendment of the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of the Church." And the Assembly sends down to the Presbyteries this amendment for theu' ad- vice and consent thereunto. 188G, p. 56. On this the vote was — Ayes, 51 : noes, 6. It was there- upon enacted. 5. lliis supersedes the old method of ametiding the standards. 188-4, p. 249. The Presbytery of Mecklenbui*g overtures the Gen- eral Assembly as follows : Whereas, The provision of the SjTiod of 1788 for amending the Confession of Faith and Catechisms by two- thirds t)f the Presb^'teries proposmg alterations and amendments, to be enacted by a subsequent General Assembly, is still in force, as was de- clared by the General Assembly of 1844 ; therefore the Assembly is asked to order said provision to be prefixed to all future editions of the Confession of Faith, as an organic part of the same. Aiisrver : The General Assembly refers the Presb^i:ery of Mecklen- biu'g to its resolution of enactment whereby the following paragraph was added to Chap. VII. of the Book of Church Order : " 3. Amendments to the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Chiu'ch may be made only upon the recommendation of one General Assembly, the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the Presb^-teries, and the en- actment of the same by a subsequent Assembly." Adopted. 6. Declines to anmd the neio method. 1885, p. 401. An overture from the Rev. A. W. Miller, D. D., ask- ing the Assembly to annul as unconstitutional the act of the Assembly of 1884, providing for the amendment of the doctrinal standards of the Church. The following answer was adopted : The Assembly declines to take the action proposed, as in its judgment the act complained of was strictly constitutional and lawful. 7. JJeclines to transfer a paragraph from, the Form of Government to the Confession of Faith. 1885, ]). 401. An overture from the Presbytery t)f Concord, asking the Assembly to give its advice and consent for amending the Form of Government and the Confession of Faith by transferruig to the latter Paragraph 3, Chapter VII., of the former, which is as foUows: Amend- ments to the Confession of Faith and the Catecliisms of this Church may be made only upon the recommendation of one General Assembly, the concurrence of at least thi'ee- fourths of the Presbyteries, and the enactment of the same by a subsecjuent Assembly. The foUowuig an- swer was adopted : The Assembly declines to take the action requested. 8. Declines to change the mode of amending the Bool- of Church Order. 1884, p. 207. The General Assembly is overtured by the Rev. R. P. Fai'iis, D. D., to recommend to the Presb^•teries that the Form of Gov- ernment, Chap. VII., Sec. 11., be amended so as to read : 4 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book. I. The Book of Cbm-cli Order may be amended by the follo-s\diig pro- cess : (1.) The General Assembly may, at its discretion, transmit the pro- posed amendment to the Presbyteries. (2.) If a majority of the Presbyteries shall enact it. (3.) The succeeding General Assembly shall aimouuce it to be the law of the Church. Answer : As no sufficient reason is apparent for making- the change proposed, the General Assembly declines to recommend it to the Pres- byteries. Adopted. 9. Amendments to the Confession of Faith. — Deceased wife's sister. 1881, p. 358. From the Presbytery of West Hanover, asking for the appointment of a judicious committee to consider and report to the next Assembly upon the lawfulness of marrying a deceased wife's sister. The committee recommend that the request be not granted. Adopted. 1882, p. 570. Concord PresbAi:ery overtures the General Assembly to take steps to have stricken from our Book the prohibition agamst the marriage of a deceased wife's sister, and other degrees of affinity contained in the last sentence of Chap. XXIV., Sec. IV., Confession of Faith ; assigning the following reasons : "1, It is practically almost a dead letter: 2, A great many cannot be brought to l^elieve that this connection is wrong from the Bible ; 3, It has been abolished by the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and the Protestant churches on the continent of Eiu'ope ; 4, Other de- nominations do not hold to the rule or discipline for the violation of it as an offence ; 5, None of the United States have such a prohibition on their statute books; G, Men of the highest attainments in the know- ledge of the ancient laws and usages of the Jews and the Talmud are against it; 7, The Septuagint translation of the Old Testament is against it ; 8, It is impossible to lead men of common understanding to believe that it is incest in any degree corresponding to the marriage of a man's own near kin. For these and various other reasons, Ave, the members of Concord Preslntery, humlily and respectfully pray the General Assemlily in their wisdom to consider the matter, and to take measvu"es to remove this law fi-om our Confession of Faith." The foUowing answer was returned : " The matters contained in the overture from Concord Presbytery are of such f/rare and general interest, that the Assembly hereby du'ects the publication of the overture in full in the Minutes of the Assembly, aud that the special attention of the Presbyteries be caUed to the sub- ject." 1883, p. 36. The committee to whom was referred the communica- tions from the Presbyteries anent the marriage of a man with his de- ceased wife's sister, respectfully submit the following report: The last General Assembly liaving called the special attention of the Presbyteries to the overture to that body from the Presbytery of Con- cord, touching the last sentence of Sec. IV., Ch. XXIV., of the Confession of Faith, responses have been received from tifty-tive of the sixty-seven Presbyteries that constitute our Church. Of these, thirty-eight express tbeu- judgment clearly and uneciuivocally that the sentence in question ought to l)e stricken out: five more ask the General Assend)ly to take steps to introduce a provision into the constitution by which the Con- Sec. y. ] The Constitution. 5 fession of Faith may be altered in this regard. So that foi-ty-three Presbyteries — four-fifths of those heard from, and more than two-thirds of the whole number — officially reconnnend the change ; three dechne to express any opinion on the merits of the question, as the constitu- tion makes no pro%dsion for a change in the Confession of Faith ; four dechne to express opinion because the time is in()i)p(jrtiine for making changes in the standards of the Churcli : two declare the rule unscrip- tiu'al, but make no recommendation; three oppose the change, without assigning any reasons. It appears, therefore, that an overwhelming majority of the Presl^y- teries favor the abolition of this rule as a law of the Church ; and in view of this fac^t, as well as of the settled conviction on the part of almost the whole Church, that the rule in (juestion is not supported by any just Scripture authority, and that nothing should be contained in the Confession of Faith which has not clear and undoubted warrant from the Word of God, your committee recommend that the General Assem- bly take the pro])er steps to have stricken from the Confession of Faith the last sentence of Sec. IV. of Chap. XXIV., which reads as follows: " The man may not marry any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor the woman of her husband's kindred nearer in blood than of her own." The section will then read: " jMarriage ought not to be within the degrees of c(jnsanguiiiity or affinity forbidden in the Word; nor can such incestuous maiTiages ever be made lawful by any la^^ of man or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife." Adopted. 188 B, p. 51. The General Assembly having decided by a unanimous vote to take the proper steps to have stricken from the Confession of Faith the last sentence of Chap. XXIV., Sec. IV., does hereby send down to the Preslnteries, l)v A\ay of overture, the following proposition, viz. : That in Chap. XXIV., Sec. IV., of the Confession ( )f Faith, the following words, constituting the last sentence of that section, be stricken out, viz. : " The man may not marry any of his A\"ife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor the woman of her husband's kindi'ed nearer in blood than of her own." 18S4, p. 251. Fifty-two Presbyteries answer this overture in the af- firmative, seven in the negative, and four dechne to ansAver for reasons, 1st, that there is no provision in the constituticJii of the Church for making the proposed change : 2d, that the overture is not properly be- fore the Preslnteries : lid, that more time is needed for the discussion of this sul)ject. 1884, }). 248. The amendment to the Eot)k of Church Order, pro- viding a method l)v which the doctrinal standards of the Church may l)e amended, not having been enacted at the time the above over- ture was voted on in the Presbyteries, and an overtm-e Inn-ing been received from the Presbyteiy of Mecldenburg asking that the amend- ment to the Confession of Faith relative to a man's marrying the kindred of his wife be postponed until the next Assembly, that a fuller consid- eration may be given to the (piestion (p. 248), it was resolved: That this Assseml)ly recommends that the Confession of Faith be amended by striking out from Par. 4, Cha}). XXr\\, the foUowing words : "The man may not miuTV any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor the woman of her husband's kiiuli-ed nearer in blood than of her own. " And the Assembly hereby sends 6 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeai. Assembly. [Book I. doAvii this proposed amendment to the Presb}i;eries for their advice and consent. 1885, p. 427. The committee appointed to examine the answers of Presb3i:eries to the above overtvu'e of last Assembly beg leave to report as follows, viz. : That fifty-five out of the sixty -nine Presb_^'teries have returned an- swers. Of these, forty-eight have rephed in the affii'mative. We recommend, therefore, the adoption of the foUowiug resolution : Resolved, (1,) That inasmuch as the Constitution of the Church re- quires the advice and consent of at least fifty-two Presbyteries (or thi'ee-fourths of the entire number) to effect an amendment in the Con- fession of Faith ; and inasmuch as only forty-eight have, in the present instance, favorably responded, this Assembly hereby declares that the proposed change has not been authorized. It is therefore Resolved, (2,) That the report now presented be re- ferred to the next Assembly (together with the answers now in hand) in order that those Presbyteries which have not ah-eady responded to the overture may have the opportunity to send up theii' replies to the Assembly of 188G ; and that it be made the duty of the Stated Clerk to inform the dehnquent Presbyteries of this resolution. (It does not appear in the Minutes that this report was acted on. — A.) 1886, p. 13. The chairman of the committee appointed to report to the Assembly of 1885 the answers of the Presbyteries to the over- tvu'e respecting marriage with a deceased wife's sister, read a statement as to an omission in the Minutes of that Assembly, and the consequent status of the question. The statement was referred to a special com- mittee, consisting of Pev. Dr. W. T. Eichardson and ruling elder W. W. Heni'y, who were also instructed to report on the answers of the Presbj-teries touching this matter. P. 48. That committee made a report, which was adopted : and, as slightly abridged, is as follows : Your committee find as follows : At the last meeting of the Assem- bly, fifty-five out of the sixty-nine Presbj'teries reported answers. Of these forty-eight are recorded on the Minutes as voting ia favor of strik- ing out the clause from the Confession of Faith, and seven as voting against striking it out. But there was an eiTor in recording the vote of Central Texas Presby- tery. It is recorded as voting in favor of striking out the clause, but its answer shows that it voted against striking it out. So that the true vote of the fifty-five Presbyteries was forty-seven voting in the affirma- tive and eight in the negative. Answers have now been received from all the remaining Presbyteries, except two (Muhlenl:)urg and Indian). Nearly, if not all, of these an- swers were reaUy sent to the last Assembly, but were not received by the Stated Clerk. Sixty-seven Presbyteries have now returned answers. Of these fifty-seven have voted in the affirmative, and ten in the nega- tive. We recommend, therefore, the adoption of the foll(,)wing resolution: Resolved, That inasmuch as more than three-fourths of the entire number of the Presbyteries, in response to an overtm^e from the Assem- bly, have given their advice and consent to the proposed amendment (i. e.), to strike out fi'om the Confession of Faith the clause in Sec. IV. of Chap. XXIV. ; therefore this Assembly does hereby enact, that said Sec. 10-11.] The Constitvtion. 7 clause, which reads, " the man may ncjt maiiy any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor the woman of her husband's kuidi'ed nearer in blood than of her own,'' is stricken out of the Confes- sion of Faith of our Church. Your committee think it proper, in connection with this matter, to say that they have had before them a written statement of the Stated Clerk of the Assembly, to the effect that, owing to some oversight on the I^art of the last Assembly, the minute which records the action of that Assembly touching resolutions on tliis subject is somewhat inaccm'ate as foimd printed on page 428 of the Minutes. This inaccuracy we cannot correct. It is sufficiently clear to your committee, from the statement of y(^ur Stated Clerk, that the only action of that Assembly on the report made to it on this subject was not to adopt that report, but to refer it to the next {i. e., this) Assembly, together with the answers in hand, in order that those Presb^-teries from which answers had not been received might have the oppoiiunity to send their replies to the Assembly of 188f) (this Assembly). To the action of the Assembly enacting this amendment, a jn'otest, signed by Eev. C. W. Humplu-eys and three others, was admitted to record without answer. They assign the following reasons : 1.. The Presbyteries did not understand the nature and efiect of the action taken. 2. The fault of this misapprehension rests upon the General Assembly. 3. More was expunged from the law than Avas intended. 4. It leaves the Chm-ch unsettled in her whole maiTiage law. This protest is found on page 49 of the Minutes. 1887, p. 215. Overtru'es from the Presbyteries of PalmvTa and Sa- vannah asking the Assembly to define the marriage law of the Church, and to put a particular construction on the amendment to the Confes- sion of Faith enacted by the last Assembly as only referring to the de- ceased wife's sister. 1. The Assembly cannot give a more definite expression to the mar- riage law than that found in the Confession of Faith. 2. Tliis Assembly has no power to put any restrictions upon the constitutional amendment enacted by the last Assembly on the mar- riage question. 10. 77ie phrase in the Creed, ''He descetuled into hell." 1878, p. 652. To aii overtin-e from the Presbvi;er\' of Fayetteville, as to the propriety of omitting in the future publications of our Church the phrase in the Creed, "He descended intt) hell," the follow- ing reply was made : The Assembly does not regard this change as necessaiy, since the phrase objected to as liable to misrepresentation is satisfactoiily ex- plained, as pubhshed by lis, in a foot note, by a quotation from the an- swer to the 5()th cjuestion of the Larger Catechism. 11. The Jievisifyii of the Form of Goreriimevt und Book oj Dis- iipline hefiitn. 1861, p. 10. Dr. J. S. Wilson oflfered the foUowiug preamble and resolutions, which were adopted, to-wit: Whereas, It will now become necessaiy, in the altered relations of our Church, shortly to publish a new edition of the Confession of 8 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book I. Faith, with such emendations as shall couform it to the style and title of the Presbyterian Chm'cli in the Confederate States ; and W/iereas, The necessity has long been felt for a revision of the Book of Discipline of the Presbyterian Church, it is highly proper that such revision should be made liefore another edition of the Book is printed. Therefore, Hesolved, That a ccnnmittee be now appointed, to ^\•hich shall be re- feiTed the work of siich revision or amendments of the Form of Gov- ernment and Book of Discipline, and that said committee be I'equired to report to the next General Assembly. The Assembly Hesolved, That this committee should consist of nine members, to be appointed by the moderatt)r. The following persons were placed upon this committee : J. H. Thorn- weU, D. D., E. L. Dabnev, D. D., B. M. Smith, D. D., J. B. Adger, D. D., and E. T. Baird, D. D., ministers: with Euling Elders W. P. Webb, T. C. Perriu, W. L. Mitchell, and Job Johnstone. To this committee Judge J. G. Shepherd was afterwards added, on motion of Dr. Thornwell. 1862, p. 7. A communication was received from the Eev. Dr. Thorn- well, chairman of the Committee on Fe\ision of the Form of Govern- ment and Book of Discipline, stating that he had been miable to con- vene said committee, owing to the disturbed state of the country and the pressure of Seminary duties. Whereupon, on motion of Eev. J. M. Anderson, the abo^'e named reasons for failing to call this ccnnmit- tee together were sustained, the committee contmued, and requested to report to the next General Assembly. Eev. Thomas E. Peck was added to the Connnittee on Eevision. 12. J)r. Adger appointed (Jhairman of the Committee, to succeed Dr. Thorviocll, deceased, and otiur vacancies filed. 1863, p. 151. The committee to which was referred the ditty of nominating a chairman for the Committee on the Eevision and Amend- ment of the Form of Government and Book of Discipline, beg leave to report : That, with entire vmanimity, the committee ha^•e agreed to present to the Assembly the name of the Eev. John B. Adger, D. D., as chairman of that important connnittee : and that there exist by death two vacancies, to till which your committee, with the same unan- imity, present the names of W. P. Finlev, Esq., and the Eev. B. M. Pahner, D. D. Adopted. (The vacant places were those of Dr. Thornwell and Mr. Johnstone. -A.) 1864, p. 245. The connnittee, through its chairman, made a report, and submitted a di'aft of the revision thty had prepared. With refer- ence to the Book of Discipline, they say: The main improvements which we claim to have made are as follows: 1. The introduction of a chapter on the Discipline of the Church as it is to be administered in regard to her bai)tized non-communicating members. 2. The more full and complete statement of the doctrine of censure, in its various forms of admoniticni, suspensi(m, exconnnunication, and deposition. W^ith reference to the Form of Govei'nment, the report says: The committee are deeply impressed Avith the desirableness of our possessing, as a Church, a more scientitic statement of the Scriptiu'e doctrine of Church government than is found in our present form. The svibject Sec. 13.] The Constitution. 9 has been largely tliscussed and the doctrine much developed in ^'alious directions since oiu' present form wrh adopted, and the book is no longer fully abreast of the advanced stage of the doctiine, as it is actnally held among vis. For example: the book does not contain any statement of what are the radical principles of oiu- system, except a veiT imperfect one introduced in a mere foot-note. Again, onr doctrine of the courts receives no adecpiate presentation, nor is anything found in the l)ook respecting the duties in full of the different office-bearers. Again, the evangehst does not appear in any part of the book, except in a clause appended to the chapter on Ordination, and in the general reference made to that most important office in the chapter on Mis- sions. Then, again, the method prescribed in the book for setting apait ruling elders and deacons v^ithout the imposition of hands, is clearly unscriptural : and the remarkable omission cries aloud for the consider- ation of the Church. The following recommendations of the committee were adopted by the Assembly: I. That the consideration of the amended Book of DiscipUne and General Rules, after they shall have been read to the body . . . shall be referred to the next General Assembly. II. That the committee be instructed to c(jmplete their labors on the Fonii of Government, and to print copies of their whole work, to be distributed amongst (jur ministers and elders, as soon as may be convenient, with a view to the careful consideration of the same by the Chiu'ch preAious to the meeting of the next Assembly. 1865, J). 349. The chairman of the committee reported that the state of the country had rendered it impossible for the committee to come together since the date of the last Assembly's meeting, and that no further progress had been made ; also, that the instruction to furnish copies of tlieh' work for distribution amongst the ministers and elders to be exammed by them, was not obeyed for want of funds. 1806, p. 37. The committee submitted their woi'k, as still farther revised by them, and after it had been elaborately chscussed by the Asseml)ly, it was Jiesolved, That the whole report, viz. : the Rules of Parliamentary Order, Canons of Disciphne, and Form of Government, be adopted: that the committee shall have hberty to make verbal changes in it; and that each part be sent down as a separate overtiire to the Presby- teries for their adoption. Also, that the Executive Committee of Pub- lication be directed to publish an edition as early as practicable for the use of the churches, and send a copy to the Stated Clerk of each Pres- b^•tely. Then it was Unsolved, That the thanks of the General Assembly be tendered to the Committee of Revision for the lidehty with which they have })rose- cuted and completed their labors. 13. lYie Hevision rejected by the Presbyteries and the work discontinued. 1867, p. 149. The committee appointed to examine the answers to the overtures sent down to the several Presbyteries by the last Gen- eral Assembly, touching the "Form of Government," "Canons of Dis- ciphne," and "Rules of Parliamentaiy Order," and to recommend 10 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book I. action to this Assembly with reference to the whole matter, beg leave to report as follows : First, A careful examination of the answers to said overtures sent to the Assembly by forty of the Presbyteries, reveals the fact that thirty- five of these Presbyteries do answer all the overtures with an uncondi- tional negative : that four of them answer with a conditional negative ; whilst only five adopt the overture with reference to Eules of Parlia- mentary Order, and but one adopts the whole three absolutely. Second, These answers nearly all reveal the fact that the Presbyte- ries are impressed wdth the importance of the labors that have been l^erformed by the Assembly's Committee on Eevision, and express their desire to have the result of these labors preserved. Third, These answers also bring out the fact that there is a great diversity of opinion in the Presbyteries with respect to the changes proposed by the overtures ; very few of them coinciding in the same objections, or conctu'ring in the same criticisms. In view of these facts, your committee submit to the General Assem- bly the following resolutions : Resolved, 1. That, in the judgment of this Assembly, it is inexpe- dient to continue the Committee on Eevision, or to appoint another at this time. 2. That the answ-ers to the overti;res be all carefully filed away, with the overtures themselves, for futm-e reference and use. 3. That this Assembly feels that it is due to the Committee on Ee- vision to express its sense of the value of their long-continued and la- borious work, and to ofier them its thanks for what they have done in their endeavor to set forth the great principles of the constitution of our Church. Unanimously adopted. 14. TJie work resumed. 1869, p. 377. The Committee on Bills and Overtures, in answer to Overture No. 10, being a memorial from certain of our ministers and ruling elders, asking the attention of the Assembly to "the importance of pr(jsecuting and completing the work of revising our Form of Gov- ernment and Discipline," recommend to the Assembly that the request of the memorialists be granted, and that a special committee be at once appointed to cany out the ends contemplated, to-wit: to re\dse the Book of Order and Canons of Disciphne in the hght of objections and suggestions sent up by the Presbyteries to the Assembly of 1867, and report the result to this Assembl}', so that, if approved, the Assembly may send down the revised book to the Presbyteries, with a request that they express their assent to such portions thereof as may meet their approval, and send up also to the next Assembly objections to any portions they may disapprove of, and with a request that the portions disapproved of be revised by that Assembly, and sent down for the action of Presbyteries, with a view to final action by the Assemblv of 1871. Also, on Overture No. 3, from the Presbytery of South Carolina, in referencte to the same subject embraced in Overture No. 10, the com- mittee recommend that it be disposed of in the same way. Adopted. It was resolved, that a committee of three be appointed, of which the moderator shall be the chairman, who shall call to their aid any members of the old Cc^mmittee on the Eevision of the Form of Govern- Sec. 15.] The Con.stitt-tion. 11 mcBt and Book of Discipline who may be present, and also the Stated and Permanent Clerks of the Assembly, whose duty it shall be to act in accordance with the answers given above to Overtui'es No. 10 and 3. 1869, p. 396. After this committee had reported, it was — Mesolved, That this Assembly, having received the report of the special committee to whom was referred the " Book of Church Order" for revision and amendment, hereby orders the said Book, in the amended form reported by the committee, to be sent down to the Pres- bytenes, s(j that they may take such action as is specified in the memo- rial and in the re})ort of the committee on the subject which was adopted by this Asseml)ly, to-wit : That they express their assent to such portions thereof as may meet their approval : and send up also to the next Assembly objections to any portions they may disapprove of; and with a request that the portions cUsai^proved of be revised by that Assembly, and sent down for the action of the Presbvteries, -with a view to final action by the Assembly of 1871. Mesolved, That the Committee of Publication is hereby directed, imder the supervision of Eev. E. T. Baird, D. D., and Eev. Wilham Brown, D. D., to print the Book as amended by the committee, for the use of Presbyteries, and that they send one copy to each minister, and the session of each vacant church in our bounds. 15. The vote of the Presbyteries. 1870, p. 518. The Special Committee on the Book of Church Order beg leave to report : That of the fifty-four Presbyteries on the roll of the General Assem- bly, returns have been received from forty-seven. Of these forty-seven, fifteen express in general terms theii' approval of the new Book, with certain specified amendments. Two Presbvteries approve the Book as it stands. Ten Presbvieries simply send Tip amendments, and exj^ress a desire for continuance of the revision. All these, twenty-seven in number, may be classed together as favor- ing the further revisi(jn and early adoption of the Book. On the other hand, twelve Presbvteries send up amendments, with an expression of general disapproval of the Book. Seven Presb}i;eries express a wish, in view of the unsettled condition of the present period, that the adoption of the Book may not now be pressed upon the Chvnx-h. One Presbyteiy has not yet taken action. These, twenty in number, may l)e classed together as being unfa- vorable to the present agitation of this subject. If to these should be added the seven silent Presbyteries, it will make an exactly etjual division of the Presbyteries, so far as the ques- tion of the present adopti(ni of the Book is concerned. In view of this fact, and in view also of the great importance of a general agreement in the change of our fundamental law, your com- mittee recommend that all these proposed amendments by the Pres- byteries, be referred to the original Committee on Pevision, to be ex- amined and incoi'jiorated in the new Book, according to the mind of the majority in the Church as therein indicated, whicli. in its amended form, shall be reix)i*ted to the next Assembly. 12 Digest of the Acts of the Genekal Assembly. [Book I. This report was adopted. (In giving it here, we have omitted the names of the Presbyteries. — A.) 1871, p. 9. The committee was allowed another year in which to prosecute the work. 1872, p. 1G4. Jiesolved, That in accordance with the recommenda- tion of the Committee of Revision, the Book of Disciphne, as reported by them, be sent down to the Presbyteries, to l^e by them either adopted as it stands, or to be fiu'ther ciiticised, and their criticisms sent up to the Assembly, as they may elect. Adopted — Yeas, 50 ; noes, 38. (The report of the committee, which accompanied the Book of Dis- ciphne submitted by them, is found on page 218, in the Appendix to the IVIinutes of 1872, being preserved there because of important facts which it embraces. By order of the Assembly, 1872, p. 178. — A.) 16. The loork again discontinued. 1873, p. 328. The committee to whom was referred the answers of the Presbyteries on the revision of the Book of Discipline made a re- port, which was adopted, and is as follows : The Special Committee appointed to receive and collate the reports of the Presbyteries, setting forth the action taken by them in regard to the Eevised Kules of Disciphne, which were sent down to them by the last General Assembly, to be either adopted, criticised or rejected, beg leave respectfully to submit to this General Assembly the foUowing statejnents and resolutions : 1. Certified reports of the action taken by " forty-seven " of the Pres- b^^teries in connection with this Assembly were placed in the hands of your committee. 2. After a very careful analysis and examination of these reports, your committee have reached the following results : 1. It appears that fifteen Presb^-teries have, with varying majorities, decided to adopt the Rules as they now stand. 2. Five have adopted with proposed amendments. 3. Seven approve the Book, but on grounds of expediency clechne to adopt. 4. Three substantially approve, but ask that the work of revision be suspended, and the committee discharged. 5. Nine reject the Ee\dsed Rules, and ask for an indefinite postpone- ment of the whole subject of revision. 6. One Presbyteiy reports its vote to be non liquet. 7. Pour reject the E erased Rules, and desu-e the final dismission of the whole subject. 8. One declines to adopt the Rules as they stand, but asks that the substantial changes be remitted tf) the Presbyteries in the form of amendments to the existing Rules of Discipline. 9. Two express no opiiiicni, either approving or disapproving the Re- vised Rules, but ask the indefinite postponement of the work of revision as it relates to our standards. It ai)pears, therefore, that out of the forty-seven Presb^^-teries from which reports have been received, thirty approve the wt)rk of revision, and of the revised Rules of Discipline. But, of this munber, ten, on the ground of expediency, or for other reasons, dechne to adopt. Of the remainder, fifteen decline to adopt; while three dechne to vote ■either to adopt or not. Sec. 17.] The Constitution. 13 It is therefore evident that a majoiity of the Presbvteries are in favor of a revision of this portion of oiu' standards, and substantially approve of the changes proposed in the revised Eiiles of Disciphne. Yet, at the same time, it is evident that a majority of the Presbyteries heard from do not adopt the said Rules. Fiu'thermore, it is manifest, from a comparison of the reports, that a majority of the Presbyteries reporting to this Assembly are in favor of discontinuing the w(jrk of reAision for the present. Yet these Pres- b}i;eries, Avith scarcely an exception, desii-e that the Ee^-ised Kules, with the criticisms and amendments proposed by the Presbyteries, shall be presei"ved in the archives of the Assembly for futiu'e reference. In view of aU the facts ehcited, your committee woidd uuaninKJusly offer the following resolutions: JResoIred, 1. That the Rules of Discipline, as rcAised and remitted to the Presb^-teries by the General Assembly of 1872, together with all criticisms and amenchnents pre)posed by the Presbyteries, be placed in the hands of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, to be by him kept in the archives of the Assembly for future reference or use, sh(juld the Church at any time hereafter deem it expedient to re-enter upon the work of revising this portion of her standards. Hesolred, 2. That tliis Assembly commends the fidehty of the com- mittee on the revision, and appreciates the ability with which these honored brethren have performed the work entrusted to them, and the value of their labors to the Chiu-ch. Resolced, 8. That, in view of the generally expressed sentiments of the Presbyteiies in favor of this course, the whole work of revision be for the present suspended, and the committee entiiisted with the same discharged. Hesolred, 4. That the Book of Church Order, haAing the amendments of Presbyteries incorporated, and which was sent up to this Assembly by the chairman of the Committee on Revision, be placed in the hands of the Stated Clei'k of the General Assembly, to be by lum preserved in the arcliives of the Assembly, together with the Rules of Discipline, as already provided. (Only tlie ReAised Discipline was submitted to the Assembly of 1872. The new Form of Government was submitted the next year, and was disposed of as indicated above. ^ — A.) 17. 77ie revisio)! once more submitted. 187G, p. 211. There being several overtm-es before the Assembly praWng for changes in the constitution, tmd the Assembly ha\"ing in- structed the Committee on Bills and Overtiu'es to consider and report to the Assembly whether it be not expedient to refer again the Revised Book of Government and Book of Disciphne (p. 239), that committee recommended that, instead of sending down these overtures for par- tial changes, the Assembly send down to the Presbyteries iov their ac- tion the Book oi Church Order and the Book of Discipline, before sub- mitted and approved in part only, by a majority of the Presbvteries, as reported to the Assembly of 1870, at Louisville. Adopted. 1877. p. 124. The committee to Avhom was referred the reports of the Preslnteries to the overture of the last General Assembly, submit- ting to them the ReAised Book of Church Order, rept)rt: What ansAvers haA'e been received are mostly ofticial^ — a few, the re- 14 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book I. ports of commissioners to this Assembly respecting the action of theii* several Presbyteries — from all the sixty-thi'ee Presbyteries on the roll of the Assembly, except the Presbytery of Indian and the two small Presbyteries of Central Ohio and Sao Paulo, in Brazil. An examination of these answers shows that twenty-five Presbyteries have adopted the Revised Book as it now stands, leaving thirty-five that have not adopted. But of this thu"ty-five, twenty express approval of the Re-sised Book in the main, and ask that the work of revision be con- tinued ; whilst two only ask that the work may stop. It will be re- membered that the last General Assembly sent down the Book, not specifically for adoption or rejection, but for the action of the Presby- teries, without specifying what the nature of that action should be ; youi' committee, therefore, would report that the action of the Presby- teries, by an overwhelming majority, is in favor of prosecuting the work of revision, and upon the basis of the present revised Book. How shall this work be done ? The Presbyteries have suggested two plans : 1. That the General Assembly shaU call a convention, to meet at some central point, at some suitable season during the coming year, to whom the whole matter shall be committed, that the}^ i^ay, if possible, perfect a Book of Church Order on the basis of the present Revised Book, to be sent down for adoption or rejection by the Presbyteries be- fore the meeting of the next Assembly. 2. That the work be carried forward under the auspices of the As- sembly, as follows, viz. : (1,) That certain articles in the Book upon which there is known to be a difference of opinion in the Chui'ch, such as that providing for the demission of the ministry, and that determin- ing who shall vote in the election of pastor, shall be submitted to a dis- tinct and separate vote in the Presbyteries. (2,) That this Assembly amend the Revised Book in certain particulars in which the reports of the Presb^-ieries seem to indicate a general desire for amendment, and then send down the Book, as thus amended, for the adoption or rejec- tion of the Presbyteries. The last-mentioned plan, in substance, is that which your committee would recommend to the Assembly, not only because it avoids the large expense in time and money which is necessarily involved in the other, but especially because it is thoroughly Presbyterian in its spirit, and pro-vides that the questions of real difficulty shall be decided by the Presbyteries themselves, the proper bodies to decide such questions. We make this recommendation the more confidently because a careful examinatiim of the answers — some of them very voluminous — sent up by the Presbyteries to this xlssembly has disclosed the fact that, outside the six or seven points proposed to be submitted to the direct vote of the Presbyteries, there is reaUy ver}' little difference of opinion in our Church. Nine-tenths of the amendments suggested by the Presbyte- ries are mere verbal amendments, afiecting not the doctrine, but the style of the Book ; and the consideration of them, we think, can be pro- vided for in a way which would seciu'e the best possible result in the end without occupying the time of this Assembly. JFirst Recommendation : Your committee, for these reasons, recommend, first, that this As- sembly consider certain articles proposed to be submitted to the Pres- byteries, to be separately voted upon by them, as follows, viz. : Sec. 17.] The Constitution. 15 I. Chap. Y., Sec. IV., Art. II., Fox-m of Governmeut, restricting the right to vote in Presb^-terv in certain cases. II. Chapter V., Sec. VII., Form of Government, of Ecclesiastical Commissions. III. Chap. VI., Sec. III., Art. IV., Form of Government, Electtjrs of Pastors. (1,) This article as it stands in the Eevised Book of Church Order, printed at Richmond in 187G. (2,) The article as adopted by the General Assembly at Memphis, viz. : All communicating members of the Chiu'ch, in good and regular standing, but no others, are en- titled to vote in the election of chui'ch officers in the churches to which they are respectively attached. In the election of a pastor, when a majority of the electors cast theii* votes for a candidate, he shall be considered elected ; but a separate vote may also be taken of the non- communicating adult members of the Church who are regular in their attendance on the common (jrdmances in that congregation, and all other persons who regularly contribute to the support of the pastor, in order to be laid before the Presbytery as a representation of their desires in the premises. (3,) All communicating members of the Chui'ch in good and regailar standing, but no others, are entitled to vote in the election of pastt)rs, ruling elders, and deacons : and when a majority of the electoi's cast their votes for a person for either of these offices, he shall be con- sidered elected. rV. Chai>. X., Sec. IV., Ari. V., Furm of Government.^ — The ex- amination rule, viz. : Ministers seeking admission to a Presb_\'terv are to be examined on experimental reUgion, and also as touching their views in Theology and Church Government. V. Chap. XII, Aii. I., Book of Disciphne. — Judgment without pro- cess. VI. Chap. Xn., Art. II., Book of Discipline.- — Transfer, in certain circumstances, of a member from the class of communicatiug members to that of non-communicants. "\TI. Chap. XII., Ai't. III., Book of Disciphne. — Demission of the minis tiy. (The second recommendation urges the Assembly to make certain amendments, chiefly verbal, to the Revised Book before submitting it, which was done, p. 425.^ — A.) The thii'd recommendation was that the Revised Book, as amended by tliis Assembly, be referred to a committee of tive, to revise the lan- guage and style of the same in the hght of the criticisms upon those pohits sent up to the Assembly by the Presbyteries, and pubhsh the same, and send it down to the Presbyteries, p. 420. Adopted. These recc^mmendations were embt)died in an overture and sent down to the Presbyteries to be acted upon. The foU(jwing persons were appointed the committee provided for in the third recommendation adopted above, viz. : Revs. J. B. Adger, D. D., B. M. Palmer, D. D., Geo. D. Armstrong, D. D., J. L. Marve, D. C. Anderson ; p. 480. 1878, p. 638. On this page is given a tabular survey of the vote of the Presbyteries on the Book as a whole, and on the sei:)arate items with reference to which an expression was asked, as follows : For the Book as a whole, 29 ; against, 32. Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. IV., Ai-t. II., For, 26 ; against, 27. Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. IV., Ai't. v., For, 89 ; against 15. Form of Government, Chap. 16 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book I. v., Sec. VII., For, 35 ; against, 19. Form of Government, Chap. IX., Sec. III., Art. IV., 43 for the thu-d form. Disciphue, Chap. III., Art. I., 44 for the first form. Disciphne, Chap. XII., Art. I., For, 52 ; against, 1. Disciphne, Chap. XII., Art. II., For, 39 : against, 15. Disciphne, Chap. XII., Art. III., For, 47; against, 8. Disciphne, Chap. VIIL, Art. X., For, 28 ; against, 17. 1878, p. 639. Extract from the committee's report : From an examination of the statement it will be seen: (1,) that the Revised "Book of Chm-ch Order" has not been adopted, "as a whole," by the vote of a majority of the Presb^i^eries. (2,) That of the articles submitted for a " separate vote," those marked in the Assembly's overture as II., III., VI., VII., VIIL, the third form of IV. and the first form of V., have been adopted by the vote of a majority of all the Presbyteries ; — that the one marked Ai't. X., Chap. VIIL, submitted by a committee of the last Assembly mider cii'cumstances a statement of which was ap- pended to the overtiu'e, was not voted upon by several Presbyteries which voted upon all the others ; but was adopted by the Presbyteries actually voting, the vote being, Aye, 28 ; no, 17 ; — that the article marked I. was lost, the vote being. Aye, 26 ; no, 27. It will be recollected that the overtui'e of the last Assembly submit- tmg these articles for a separate vote, did not submit them as indepen- dent propositions overtiu'ed to the Presbyteries, but as "parts of the Book." By this was meant that their adoption by the Presl^yteries should make them, not parts of the organic laAv of the Church, but jDarts of the Revised Book. Your committee therefore recommend that this Assembly declare such of them as have been adopted by the Presbyteries to be parts of the Revised Book, and direct that such of them as have failed to be adopted be stricken out of said book. That the Revised Book, as thus amended, be sent down to the Pres- byteries, with the direction that they vote aye or no upon its adt)ption,, and make report of their vote to the next General Assembly. Adopted. 18. New Book of Church Order Adopted. 1879, p. 17. According to testimony, nearly all of which is ofiicial, it appears that one Presbytery, namely, Muhlenburg, declines to vote ; in (me Presbytery, namely, FayetteviUe, there is a tie vote ; eight Pres- byteries, namely, Columbia, Knoxville, Maryland, Mecldenburg, Nash- ville, North Alabama, Western District and Western Texas, vote to re- ject; and the remaining fifty-six Presbyteries to adopt, some sixteen of them nearly unanimously. The committee having had referred to them by the Assendjly the overture from Abingdon Presbytery, respecting the not Innding of the new B(j(jk with the Confession or Hynm Bot)k for five years; and the overture from Paducah Presbytery, moving the Assembly to incorporate the Old Book's Chapter on Preliminary Principles into the New Book as a preface, recommend that a negative answer Ije returned to both overtures. Adopted. 1879, p. 17. Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presby- terian Chm-ch in the United States, sitting in Louisville, Ky., May 19, 1879, hereliy declares that the new Book of Church Order has been adopted by a large majority of the Presbyteries, as shown in their offi- Secs. 19-22.] The Constitution. 17 cial reports to this body : . 202. The records of the Synod of Mississipj^i were ap- proved, with the following exception: That the S^aiod, pp. 297, 298, directed the Presbytery of Louisiana to restore the Eev. S. P. Limi to the exercise of the functions oi the ministry in a manner at variance with the rules of discipHne prorided in such cases. See Book of Dis- ciphne. Chap. XL, Sec. VII. The Synod had directed the Presbytery to restore Mr. Liuu i;ery of Nash- ville, in reference to requiring every li(;entiate to spend two years in itin- erant missionary labor before settlement, the Assembly adopted the foUowinf?- : Secs. 65, 66.] The Congregation. 83 Resolved, That while the Assembly lielieves that the euiployuieut of competent evan<.;elists is the most eliectual meaus of supphnufi^ the desti- tutions in our btjuuds, yet, in view of the fact that so few oi that class can now be seciu'ed, it recomnieuds to Presl:)ytenes to throw their licen- tiate, as far as practicable, into the destitute fields around them. 1871, p. 15. To a similar request from the same Presbyteiy, the fol- ic )winf4- reply was made : The Form of Government, Chap. XV., Secs. I. and IX., -^ives to any con}4re<4ation the right to extend their pastoral call to any probationer, ■'■' when he shall have preached so much to their satisfaction that the people appear prepared to elect a pastor;" and authorizes the Presby- tery having- jurisdiction of the case, "if they think it expedient, to pre- sent the call to him." While this Assembly highly couuuends these missionaiT labors, as means for testing and trainmg the gifts of prol)a- tioners and spreading the gospel, it does not deem itself competent to take away the above right from the churches, nor the discretion of the PresbA-teries in the case. 1872, p. lo(). This same proposal coming again from Nashville Pres- b}-teiy, was again rejected. The Assembly says : In many cases settled pastors are more needed than itinerant missionaries. Besides, oiu' young men are licensed to preach the gcjspel wherever God in his prori- dence may call them, at home or abroad. The whole frame of oru' system would be set aside by an attemjjt to retard the settlement of l^astors wherever churches are or can be formed strong enough to sus- tain them. 1873, p. 813. Ovei'tures from Tombeckbee and Muhlenbui'g, looking to the adoptiim of this same rule, were rejected. 65. The Ldtin Thesis an a part of trial for Hcev sure. 1870, p. 510. The Standing Connnittee on Education, to whom was refeiTed the overture touching " tlie propriety of dispensing with a Latin thesis as a part of trial of our candidates for Ucensure to preach the gos- pel,' wt)uld recommend the following answer on the part of this Assem- bly, to-wit: That it is inexpedient to make any changes in the require- ments of the Book on this sul)ject. Adopted. 6G. Loinerinf/ the standard for licensure 1884, p. 244. The Presbytery of Chesapeake overtures the General Assembly to take the necessiUT constitutional stejis for adding the fol- lowing amendment at the close of Chap. YL, Form of Government: "Provided, however, that Presbyteries shall have liberty, at their dis- cretion, to set apart tt) the work of the gospel muiistry g-odly and expe- rienced men, well versed in the English Bible and in the standards of the Presbyterian Church in the Fnited States, a])t tt) teach, and eri- dently called to the ministry of the Lord through his Spii'it and Provi- dence." In connection with this was submitted an overture from thirty-nine ministers and ruling elders of the Presbyttrian Church, from twelve States, that the Assembly recommend to the Presl)yteries, for their ad- vice and consent, certain amendments to the Form of (government. The main object of these amendments was to remove from the Book the re- qiiirement for a classical examination of candidates for licensure, and 3 34 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book II. to make the constitution call only for an examination iu the Enghsh branches of learning and in the English Bible. Answe?': The General Assembly deems it minecessary and inexpe- dient that any change be made in those provisions of oui' constitution which refer to the liceusm'e or ordination of candidates for the Gospel ministry. 67. Licentiates may he sent to declare a church vacant. 1877, p. 443. The records of the Synod of Nashville were approved, with the exception that, on page 274, the Synod seems to teach that a Presbytery has no power to send a licentiate to declare a church vacant. 68. Licensing colored exhorters. 1864, p. 286. The Presbytery of Hopewell respectfully overtures the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America to make a deliverance on the subject of licensing colored exhorters and preachers to labor among our colored population ; and, if deemed advisable, to take some action prescribing a mode of licensure for such laborers, and defining their status when thus hcensed. Anstoer: The Assembly would refer the subject of authorizing colored men to exhort and teach, and labor among the colored po23ulation, to the wisdom and discretion of church sessions, until some suitable plan for the rehgious instruction of C(3lored people can be devised by the Assembly. 69. Partial license. 1866, p. 38. Overture from the Presbytery of East Hanover, asking the attention of the General lissembly to the action of the Presbytery of Hopewell in ordaining certain colored persons to the partial exercise of the functions of the gospel ministry. The committee are of the opinion that, as there is no official state- ment of the action of that Presbji;ery now before us, and as the Synod of Georgia, whose immediate duty it is to review the proceedings of the Presbytery of Hopewell, holds its sessions during the present week, it would be premature at this time for the General Assembly to take cognizance of the action of the Presbytery of -Hopewell, which is com- plained of as being irregular and unconstitutional. Adopted. C H A PT Rll I I 1. ELDERS. 70. An elder's memhership in Presbytery continues until the next stated meeting. 1872, p. 164. When an elder is appointed to attend a stated meet- ing of the Presbytery, he may, without any new appointment, meet and act with the Presbytery vmtil its next stated meeting, unless the session shall appoint some other member of its bench of elders to at- tend in his place. (Reply to an overture from Ebenezer Presb}i;ery.) Secs. 71, 72.] The Congregation. 35 71. One elder representing tico or more associated churches. 1862, p. 17. An overtiu-e from the Presbvteiy of East Alabama, ask- ing that Form of Government, Chap. X., Sec. IV., and Chap. XI., Sec. I., be so changed that each of those churches, two or more of which are associated together in one pastorate, shaU be entitled to a rej)re- sentative in S^Tiod and Presbytery, was referred to the Committee on Revision. 1808, p. 275. A re(|nest from several members, that the Assem- bly have Sec. IV., Chap. X., stricken from the Form of Government. Ansicer : It is not advisable at present to legislate on this subject, but it is commended to the consideration of the Presbji^eries. 1869, p. 377. Eesponses were received from ten Presbyteries, as follows : In favor of striking out, 6 ; in favor of not striking out, 3 ; for indefinitely postpcming, 1. "Whilst this is not a decision of the cpiestion, owing to the neglect of the Presbyteries to reply, nevertheless this result is so strongly indica- tive of the sense of the Church on the matter, that your committee re- commend that the question be again submitted to those Presbyteries which have so culpably failed to respond, and that they be enjoined to send their reply to the next General Assembly. Adopted. 1870, p. 581. Responses have been I'eceived from only twenty-eight Presbyteries, nineteen of which reply in the affirmative and nine in the negative. The whole number of Presbyteries in connection with this Assembl}' is fifty-five. It would require the consenting vote of twenty- eight Presbyteries in order to effect the alteration in the Form of Gov- ernment. The overture has therefore failed from the fact that a ma- jority of Presbyteries have not responded affirmative^. It is recom- mended that, inasmuch as this overture has, in two successive years, been sent to the Presbyteries by the Assembly, and in both instances has failed from default of action on the part of Presb}i;eries, this As- sembly do now dismiss the matter. 1871, p. 15. This request Avas renewed b}' four ministers and eigh- teen ruhng elders within the boimds of Wilmington Presbytery. After recapitulating the steps taken in 1868, 1869, and 1870, the Assembly made this repl}' : The Assembly, presuming that a majority of the Pres- byteries are not in favor of the amendment, declines at this time to re- new the proposals to them. 1874, p. 484. The question of striking out Sec. IV., Chap. X., again recurriug, on an overtui'e from the PresbyteiT of Augusta, the request that steps be taken to have it stricken out \\"as decHned. 1876, p. 241. The matter was revived once more by the Presbj'teries of Greenbrier and Abingdon, and referred by the Assembly to the Com- mittee on Revision of the Standards. 72. JiJlders to be appointed by the Presbyteries to conduct services in neighboring congregations. 1866, ]). 37. Mesolved, That every Presbytery be enjoined to require the sessions of the vacant congregations to come up to the discharge of the duties devolved upon tlu'm in the twenty-first chapter of the Form of Government, in the assembling of their respective congre- gations for the worship of God, to which it may be proper to add ex- 36 Digest of the Acts of the Genekax Assembly. [Book II. hortatiou. Aud in order that this duty may be performed to the greater acceptance of the worshippers, it is further required that the Presby- teries do seek out those elders wh(^ haye the best gifts, and do espe- cially appoint them to the performance of these duties. 18G7, p. 148. Overture fi*om the Presbyteiy of East Alabama, re- questing explanations of the action of the last Assembly respecting the service of elders in vacant congregations. Your committee recommend the following minute : Hesolved, That the action of the last Assembly, on pp. 36 and 37 of the Minutes, is hereby reaffirmed, and the parts relating to the ser\'ices of elders exj^lained to mean, substantially, that, in accordance with our constitution, when a vacant congregation does not enjoy the ser^dces of any elder, who, for any proper reason, is competent to perform the du- ties contemplated, it shall be the duty of the Presbytery to appoint an elder or elders fi'om some neighboring congregation: pro\ided nothing herein contained shall be regarded as justifying any Presbyteiy in ex- tending its jurisdiction within the bounds of another. Adopted. 73. Pveshi/tcrial courtesies to ridiyn/ elders. 1883, p. 20. Oveiiure from the Presbyteiy of Mississippi, as to ex- tending certain Presljyterial courtesies t(j ruling elders. Recommended that no change is deemed necessary. Adopted. This overture contemplated Presbytery's inviting visiting elders to seats as cor- responding or visiting brethren. — A. 74. An elder who has moved from the bounds of his church. 1865, p. 363. An inquiry from a ruling elder of Flint Eiver Presby- tery, viz.: Can a ruHng elder who has removed from the bounds of his church, and who, for a period of eighteen months or two years, has not commimed or worshipped with the church, be allowed to resume his seat in the session without returning to reside in the limits of the con- gregation ? Answer. — The provision of the constitution, that no man is eligible to the office of elder unless he is a member of the church in which he is to serve, was evidently designed to prevent the existence of a non- resident eldership. And since the rights of office and the discharge of its duties go together in the ordination engagements, this Assembly judges that when an elder voluntarily and permanently removes beyond the bounds of a congregation, he is therefore discpialified frcnu dis- charging the fmictions of his (jffice, and is no longer to be considered as an acting elder. 75. An elder returning a letter of distnission, resmnes his functions. 1876, p. 238. Overture from the Presbyteiy of Holston, enquiring whether a ruling elder, having obtained a letter of dismission, which, before presenting it to the church to which he is dismissed, he returns to the session granting it, and is received again as a member of the same chvu'ch, is thereby restored to the office of a ruling elder in that church. The committee recommend the following answer: As the constitution (Form of (Tovernment, Chap. XIII., Sec. II.,) requires that the ruling elder must be a male member, in full com- munion in the church in which he is to exercise his office, a ruling elder Sec. 76.] The Congregation. 37 obtaining a letter of dismission from his church does not thereby sever his connection wnth the church, nor until he is received as a member of the chiu'ch to which he is dismissed; and when he returns his letter he may resume his office again as a ruling elder in that church. For otherwise, he must cease to be an acting elder for ant)ther cause, and in another mode, than one of the two only modes pr(n-ided for in Chap. XIII., Sees. VI. and VII. : since (mly when unacceptable to the congTe- gation, and then only either by his own voluntaiy act, or by act of the session under advice of the Presb^'teiy, can he cease to be an acting elder in the church. The recei\'ing a letter of dismission, while it may suspend the full communion of the member, does not terminate his connection M'ith the church. The General Assembly of 1875 decided (though l)y some oversight the decision is omitted in the printed IMinutes) that the re- turn of an imused letter of dismission reinstated the party to full com- munion in the chiu'ch fr(jm which it was taken. Adopted. 76. Demission of elders and deacons. 1880, p. 190. In answer to an overture from the Synod of Georgia, asking: "Can the office of a ruhng elder or deacon, as of a minister, be demitted ?" the Assembly adopted the following : 1. The word " demit" does not occur in our standards, and its use produces confusion. A minister of the gospel caiuiot demit his office; he can lie divested of his office only by act of PresbyteiT. 2. The rules for divesting a minister of his office without censure do not, in all cases, apply to the ruling elder and deacon. For instance: The provision of liules of Discipline, Chap. XII., Sec. III., has appU- cation cmly to a minister of the gospel, and the provisions of Form of Government, Chap. VI., Sees. III., IV., and VI., and Rules of Disci- pline, Chap. VIII. , Sees. VI. andX., while applying to the riding elder and deacon, are expressly restricted to the case where the officer is un- acceptable to the church. 1881, p. 396. Overtures from the Presb^-teries of Atlanta and Ches- apeake, touching a change of Chap. XII., Sec. III., Book of Disciphne, so as to read thus: "This provisicm shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the case t)f ruhng elders and deacon:;." It was ordered that the pro- posed change be sul)mitted to the Presbyteries for their action. 1882, p. 568. The vote of the Presbyteries on this amendment was: Yea, 38; nay, 2. It was therefore enacted in the following tV)rm : "This provision shall in like manner apply, mutittis mutandis, to the case of riding elders and d<^acons ; but in aU such cases the session of the church to which the elder or deacon who seeks demission belongs, shaU act as the Presbytery acts in similar cases where a minister is concerned." 1883, p. 20. Overture from the Presbytery of Abingdon, in regard to the above enactment of the General Assend)ly, as being irregular. Ordered: That tlie action of 1882 comi)lained of be sent down to the Presbyteries. The substance of the complaint was that the above amendment was enacted in difiereut terms from those voted on and adopted bv the Presbvteiies. 1884, p.' 250. Pesiilt— Ayes, 56 ; noes, 3. P. 427. The following was adopted: Resolved, That the following 38 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book II. be, and hereby is enacted as a part of the constitution (Enles of Dis- ciphue, Chap. XII., Par. 3) : "But in all such cases the session of the church to which the elder or the deacon who seeks demission belongs, shall act as the Presbytery acts in similar cases where a minister is concerned." 77. The functions of a single elder. 1882, p. 573. Overture from Presbytery of Tuskaloosa, asking whether "AVhere there is but a single elder in a church, is he compe- tent, without the presence of a minister, to perform any of the func- tions of a session, and if so, what f mictions f Heply. — The Form of Government does not authorize him to per- form such functions. 1883, p. 49. With respect to the overtures from Abingdon and Cen- tral Texas Presbyteries, asking this Assembly to review and reverse the decision of the Asseml^ly of 1882, wherein it was decided that where a chiu'ch has but one elder, he cannot, without the presence of a min- ister, perform any of the functions of a session, the following answer was made : Upon a review of the matter, it is the judgment of this Assembly that he may, without the presence of a minister, perform all the functions of a session other than those of a judicial natiu'e. 1884, p. 246. This decision the Presbytery of Ouachita overtured the Assembly to reconsider and repeal. The Assembly dechned to make the change requested. 78. The examination of elders 071 the standards of the Church before their ordination. 1883, p. 56. Rev. S. B. Campbell, D. D., offered the following: Resolved, That a committee of live be appointed, to report to the next General Assembly as to the expediency of the Assembly's taking action looking to the more thorough quahtications of the ruling elders for the duties of their office ; and particularly as to the expediency of requiring them, in ordinary cases, to stand an examination on the standards of our Church before their ordination. Referred to the Com- mittee on Education. (See the Assembly Record, by Converse & Co.) That committee recommended, and the Assembly adopted, the follow- ing action : Whilst the General Assembly recognizes fully the importance of thorough qualification on the part of ruling elders for the duties of their office, it dechnes to take action in the direction indicated for the following reasons : 1. To cany into effect the action proposed there would be necessary a change in our Form of Government, and the time is inopportime for further changes where there is no urgent necessity. 2. The action called for is not necessary, as the Fonn of Government ah'eady requires vows at ordination which cannot be conscientiously taken without previous careful examination of and intelligent acquaint- ance with the doctrinal standards of the Church. 3. The effect of this action would be to transfer the responsibihty of such doctrimil study and ac-quaintance from the conscience of the can- didate, where it ought to rest, to that of the person or jiersons whose dutv it should be to examine him. Sec. 7y.] The Conoregation. 39 4. Many excellent brethren of dif3fidence, but of real merit, would be deterred from accepting the office of ruling" elder from fear of the or- deal of examination to which they would he subjected. 79. Mai/ a rulim/ elder be the moderator of a church court. 1870, p. 288. Overtiu'e from the Presbyterv' of Holston, inquiring whether the recj[uirement of the constitution that the meeting of chiu'ch courts shall be opened with a sennon bv the last moderator, imphes that only a minister can be moderator. The (committee, without hmit- ing the ground of the answers to the ];)rovision for opening the couiis of the Chiu'ch with a sermon from the moderator, in Chaps. X., XL, and XII., bixt taldng into ^dew also the provisions of Chap. IX., Sees. III. and IV., that in all cases, when practicable, a minister shall pre- side in the lowest court, and other pro^^sions of the constitution, re- commend the adoption by the Assembly of the following ans\\er, viz.: The constitution of the Church, and the very genius of the Presby- terian system of courts, speaking in the name and by the authority of Christ, the King, require that the teaching elder, whose fimction it is to expound the law of Christ, shall preside in courts which are to be guided wholly by that law in their acts and dehverances. Adopted. 1878, p. G25. To the request of the Presbytery of Greenbrier, that the Assembly reverse the above decision, the follt)Aving answer was made : Whilst the Assembly fully recognizes the perfect eqnaUty of ruhng elders with ministers in all our Church courts, yet since our Fonn of Government requires of all the moderators of all our judiciaries, except the session, certain duties which can be performed only by ministers, we decline to reverse the decision referred to. 1884, \). 249. The Synod of Virginia overtures the General Assem- bh' to take the constitutional steps tt) seciu'e the following amendment to the constitution, viz.: " That to the clause in the Book of Church Or- dei", Chap. IV., Sec. III., Sub-sec. II., stating that ruling elders 'possess the same authoiitv in the courts of the Church aft the ministers of the word,' shall be added this sentence: 'When, however, a ruhng elder is moderator of a Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly, any official duty devohdng upon him, the performance of which requires the exer- cise of functions pertaining only to the teaching elder, shall be remit- ted by him for execution to such minister of the word, being a member of the court, as he may select.'" The PresbA'tery of Chickasaw ovei'tures the General Assembly to "recommend" to the Presbyteries, for their "adrice and consent," the following addition to the Form of Government, Chaj). V., Sec. I., Par. 3: " ^^'hen a ruling elder is elected moderator, the Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly shall appoint at that meeting the minister to preach the opening sermon at the next I'egular meeting." Annicer to these Orertnres. — This Asseml)ly, in view of the imusu- ally large ammuit of business pressing upon its consideration, and idso in view of the fact that the matter of these overtures has not yet un- dergone the full and general examination demanded l)y its importance, judges it most suitable that they be referred to the Assembly of next year. 1885, p. 432. The Committee of Bills and Overtiu'es having made 40 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book II. a report ou the above overtures, Rev. P. T. Peuick offered the follo'\\ing- substitute for that report, which was adopted : That the request contained iu these overtures be granted, and that the Assembly hereby recommends and sends down to the Presbj^teries, for their advice and consent thereunto, the following : That to the clause in the Form of Government, Chap. IV., Hec. III., Par. 2, stating- that ruling elders "possess the same authority in the courts of the Chiu'ch as the ministers of the Avord," shall l)e added this sentence: "When, however, a ruling- elder is Moderator of a Presbytery, Synod, or Gene- ral Assembly, any official duty devolving upon him, the performance of which requires the exercise of functions pertaining- only tcj the teach- ing elder, shall be remitted by him for execution to such minister of the word, being a member of the court, as he may select." 1886, p. 57. On this, the vote by Presbyteries was — Ayes, 37; Noes, 26. Therefore, it is hereby enacted, that the said addition be made to the Book of Church Order. P. 60. Rev. Dr. T. D. Witherspoon, Rev. A. D. McClure, P. Joyes, Esq., and Mr. G. H. Mourning-, were appointed a special committee to examine the Book, and secm-e consistency in the declarations, regula- tions, &c., concerning- the position, rights, etc., of the ruling elder in the coui'ts of the Church. 1887, p. 196. The report of special connuittee appointed by the last Assembly to adjust the Book of Church Order in the matter of the Elder-Moderator, was received and referred tcj a special connuittee. It is as follows : In the judgment of your committee, the chief difficulty in the way of seeming the desired consistency arises out of the erroneous con- struction placfid by the last Assembly upon the words "authority iu the com-ts of the Chm-ch." (Book of Church Order, Chap. IV., Sec. III., Par. 2.) It is manifest that the amendment to this paragraph, adopted by the Assembly of 1866, proceeds upon the princii)le that eh- g-ibility to the office of moderator is included under the term authority in the courts of the. iJlmrch. But as the authority here referred to is manifestly that original and basal authority which lies at the very foim- dation of the Presljyterate, and which cannot lie invaded a\ itliout wrong to the Avhole system, if eligibility to the moderatorship ])e an integral part of this original and scriptural authority, then consistency of legis- lation can be secured only by sweeping- away aU those regulations which look to the exclusive moderatorship of the session, either by the pastor or h\ the minister appointed or invited to preside. Fmthermore, if eligibihty to moderatorship be an integral part of the authority of the ruhng- elder, then representation in the ccmstitu- enc}' of commissions and quorums of coiu-ts nuist be equally so, and all those provisions of the constitution which discriminate against the rulmg- elder in the constitution of connuissions and the fixing iA quo- rums must be abolisht^d, and the e(|ual rights of both ministers and ruhng elders in these resi)ects secured. The committee is of opinion that the General Assembly, in its ap- pointment, did not c(mtem})late the recommendation oi' consideration of such sweeping- changes as are referred to above, and, therefore, does not feel calhnl upon to present in detail the numca'ous amendments of paragraphs and sections that would b(! necessary to carry out this radi- Sec. 7!).] The Conoeegation. -11 cal reform. As, however, the miiul of the Church has been clearly aud delil)eratelv expressed in favor of the principle of the moderatorship of the rulinj^' elder, we deem it oiu* duty to present to the General As- sembly a plan by which, in oiu* hundile jud<>-ment, the end aimed at by the Assembly of 1886 may l)e consistently gained. This plan involves as its vei'v first ste}) a renunciation of the position that elij^ibility to office is included under the term authority in the i)aragrapli already cited. That the framers of oiu' Book never intended these words to have this significance must he apparent at a glance. They certainly would not have been guilty of the inconsistency of recognizing or con- feri'ing in this clause a right against every exercise of which, in sul)se- quent clauses, they effectually close the door l)y making the pastor ex officio moderator of the lowest (;ourt, and requiring of the moderator of each of the higher comls official duties from the discdiarge of which the ruling elder is constitutionally inhibited. If, therefore, the General Assembly of 1887 would recognize the limited sense in which the Avord office, so that the paragraph will read as follows: These ruling elders do not labor in word and dt)ctrine, but possess the same authority and eligibility to office in the courts of the Church as the ministers of the word. 2. In Chap. V., Sec. I., Par. 8, after the word is, in the first line, in- sei-t the words for prudential reai^oni^, so as to read: The pastor is, for prudential reasons, moderator of the session. 8. In the same paragraph (Chap. V., Sec. I., Par. 8), after the word iiltall, in the seventh line, insert in parenthesis the following words, ex- cept as herein((fter provided, so that the sentence wiU read : And the moderator, or, in case of his absence, the last moderator present, or the oldest minister in attendance,. shaD (except as herein- after prcivided) open the meeting with a sermon, etc. 4. Strike out altogether from Chap. IV., Sec. III., Par. 2, the amend- ment incorporated in that paragra])!! l)v the last Assend)ly, and insert that same amendment, slightly modilied, at the close of Chap. V., Sec. I., Par. 8, so as to add to that paragraph the following words: Provided, however, that when the moderator of one of the higher courts is a ruling- elder, the preaching of the opening sernK)n, or any other official duty, the performance oi which requires the exercise of 42 Diciest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book II. functions j^ertaining only to the teaching elder, shall be remitted by him for execution to such minister of the word, being a member of the court, as he may select. 5. In Chap. V., Sec. VI., Par. 6, after the word pronounce, in next to the last line, insert the words or ccmse to he pronounced, so that the sentence will read : He shall pray and retiu-n thanks, and pronounce, or cause to be pro- nounced, on those j)resent the apostolic benediction. All of which is respectfull}^ submitted. T. D. Witherspoon, A. D. McClure, Pairick Joyes. I assent to the above recommendations, but do not agree with the argument introducing them. G. H. Mourning. The -special committee is given on p. 201, Rev. G. W. Finley, chair- man. P. 231. On the report of this sj^ecial committee, the recommenda- tions of the ad interim committee were sent down to the Presbyteries. C H A P T E R I V. DEACONS. 80. J^hr demission of deacons, see demission of elders. 81. Relation of deacons to the session. 1877, p. 410. Overture from the Synod of Alabama, requesting a definition of the duties of the deacons and sessions respecting the col- lection, keejiing and disbursing of church fimds. The following reply was adopted : The duties of the deacons, as servants (ministers) of the Church, are to execute the orders of the session (or parochial Presbytery) as rulers of the Church. Therefore, it is the duty of the deact)ns to collect and ajopropriate all funds for church purposes, whether for local ptu'poses, support of a pastor, aid to the poor, and expenses of the church, or for objects of Christian benevolence recognized in the action of the coui'ts of the Church, u^nder the direction of the chm-ch session. 82. 2Vie diaconate in its relation to the agencies of the Church. 1879, p. 19. Overture from the Presbytery of Mecklenburg^ asking the Assembly to prepare a paper upon the doctrine of the Diaconate, with special reference to its relations to the agencies of the Church. Request granted, and following committee appointed: Rev. J. L. Gir- ardeau, D. D., Rev. R. L. Dabnej^ D. D., and Rev. Thomas E. Peck, D. D. (P. 47.) This committee reported a lengthy paper on the above subject to the Assembly of 1881. (See p. 855). The substantive proposition Sec. 82.] The Congregation. 43 of this paper is: " That the Assembly formally approve the j^'iBciple, that wherever, in its administrative pohcy, strictly temporal functions requii'e to be discharged, deacons should be appointed by it for their performance." After being referred to the next Assembly for three successive years— 1881, p. 394 ; 1882, p. 551 ; 1883, p. G2— the foUow- ing paper was adopted : Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly hereby expresses to Drs. Girardeau, Peck, and Dabney, its appreciation of theu- faithful labor in preparing" the report on the Diaconate, which is now before this body. 2. That after its authors shall have had the privilege of revising it, so much of said paper as its writers may regard as necessary to its completeness be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of this Assem- bly. (1884, p. 205.) This report may be found on p. 283 for that year. As it is there simply for in- formation, and was never endorsed or adopted, we refrain from giving it here. — A. BOOK II I. CHUECH COUHTS. CHAPTER I. THE SESSION. 83. May one elder, tohere there is but one, constitute a valid session? 1874, p. 487. The Presbytery of Savannah asks, " Can one ruling elder alone, without any other elder or minister, in any case constitute a session of a Presbyterian church, competent to receive and dismiss members, and is the action of such elder, sitting alone, in any case valid "? " Answer. Chap. IX., Sec. II., of the Constitution, Form of Govern- ment, defines a quorum of session, in cases where there is but one elder, to be a minister and elder. The quorum is not a mere rule of procedure, but respects the veiy being of a judicatory. Any number of members less than a constitu- tional quorum does not make a judicatory', and is not competent to any oi'ganic act. 1881, p. 394. From the Presb^'tery of Savannah : " Can one elder constitute a quorum of session to act in connection with a mmister, in- vited by himself, when he is the only elder of that particular church f The committee recommend that this overture be answered in the af- fh'mative. Adopted. To this answer one member entered a protest. — p. 397. 84. Shall one elder, loith the minister, be a quorum tohen there are but tvjo elders in the session / 1881, p. 358. The Presbytery of Orange asks that an amendment of Chap, v., Sec. III., Form of Government, be sent down to the Pres- byteries, providing that, in cases where there are but two ruling elders in a session, one of them, in connection with the minister, be authorized, imder certain conditions, to act as a Tiod of Virginia. 2. The boundaries of said Presbytery shall be commensurate with the Hmits of the kingdom of Brazil. 3. The Presbytery of Sao Paulo is directed to meet in Campinas on Saturday before the second Sabbath in January, 1872, at 11 o'clock A. M., and be opened with a sermon by Rev. James R. Baird, or in case of his absence or inabihty, by Rev. Edward Lane, who shall pre- side till a moderator is elected. 1872, p. lol. The stated clerk annomiced that authentic informa- tion had been received that this oi*der of the Assembly had been com- plied with. Whereupt)]! said Presbytery was enrolled in connection, with the Synod of Virginia. This Presbytery was dissolved by SjTiod, November. 1881. 4 50 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. 99. Presbytery of Hangchoio. 1874, p. 480. Resolved, That a Presbytery be, and is hereby, or- ganized in China, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Hang- chow, to consist of the Eev. Messrs. M. H. Honston, Ben. Hehn, John L. Stuart, H. C. Dubose, John W. Davis, and Ruhng Elder Chew-Sien- Sen ; that said Presbytery be attached to the S_>Tiod of Kentucliy' ; that its first meeting shall be held in Hangchow, on the first Thui'sday of November, 1874, at 11 o'clock a. m., to be opened with a sermon by Rev. M. H. Houston, or in case of his absence, by the oldest minister present. 1874, p. 523. Eev. J. W. Pratt ofTered the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That inasmuch as the whole foreign field lies outside of the purview of the constitution of the Chm'ch at the tune of its adop- tion, this Assembly emphatically declares that no action it has ever taken, or may take, erecting Presb^'teries in such foreign fields, shall be interpreted as violating that provision of the constitution which vests in the SjTiod alone the power to erect new Presbyteries. 1875, p. 33. Overture from the Rev. M. H. Houston, the Rev. B. Helm, the Rev. H. C. Dubose, and the Rev. John W. Davis, members of the Presbytery of Hangchow, China, asking the Assembly to dis- solve said Presbytery, and restore the memorialists to the Presbyteries to which they originally belonged. This overture raises the question of the constitutional power of the General Assembly to establish or dissolve Presbyteries on foreign soil, and also the important practical inquiry, whether our missionaries abroad should become associated with natives in the composition of Presbyteries ; or whether, holding their membership in the home Pres- byteries, they should, as evangelists, sustain a catholic relation to the foreign field. In view of the difiiculty of these questions, and the de- sirableness of settHng our policy in regard to these matters, the com- mittee recommend the Assembly to aj)point a committee, consisting of John B. Adger, D. D., John Leighton Wilson, D. D., and Thomas E. Peck, D. D., who shall be charged with the consideration of this sub- ject, and who shall report to the next Assembly. Adoj^ted. 1876, p. 232. This committee submitted a report on this memorial, as required. This report, having been amended by the addition of cer- tain resolutions offered by Rev. Dr. Mallard, was adopted. This action was reconsidered the next day (p. 237), and the first resolution of the paper presented by Rev. Dr. Mallard having been amended by striking out the words "on foreign grounds," was re- adopted, and is as follows : In reference to the constitutional question, the Assembly adopts the following resolution : Resolved, That the General Assembly has no constitutional power to establish or dissolve Presbji;eries, and accordingly, that the breth- ren of whom the Assembly of 1874 proposed to constitute the Pres- bytery of Hangchow are now, and have been, de jure, members ot the same Presbyteries to which they belonged at the time of such action. 1876, p. 298. The following is the report of the committee alluded to above, and adopted : Seo. 99.] Church Couets. 61 The subsci-ibers beg leave to submit to the General Assembly the following report : Two questions we understand to be here referred to our consideration, and we are expected to give a reply to each. The first is, Has the General Assembly con- stitutional power to establish or dissolve Presbyteries on foreign soil ? This question your committee have not found to be altogether devoid of diffi- culty; but, after fully confening together, and giving to the subject theii- best consideration, it appiars to them that it must be answered in the negative, for the following, amongst other reasons : 1. Our General Assembly is that of the "Presbyterian Church in the United States," iiud it can on\- "represent in one body all the jjarticular churches of this denomination." In the nature of representative government, it cannot superintend any other. Its business is defined generally as "the promotion of charity, truth and holiness through all the churches under their (its) care. " Neither constitu- tionally, nor yet in accordance with the fundamental principles of the Presbyterian system, considered apart from our actual constitution, as we understand them, can it have, under Us aire, any churches in foreign countries, except in so far as those churches, through Presbyteries legitimately established over them, are entitled to send commissioners, chosen by themselves, to represent them in its deliberations. No inherent or extra-constitutional rights which may possibly be ascribed to it will warrant our Assembly's undertaking to control or take care of the churches of any Presbyteries which are not its own constituents ; but, 2. A Presbytery is a representative body, and cannot be set up by any outside power where there are no churches, or where these do not elect their own repre- sentatives. Where churches exist in a foreign land, it is their right and diity to associate themselves together in a classical Presbytery, through the joint action of their resiJective sessions, and out of these Presbyteries may then grow the higher coui-ts. 3. The constitution makes it the Jjusmess of Synods, and not of the Assembly, to erect new Presbyteries, and unite or divide them. If ov;r General Assembly is not competent to erect a new I'resbytery at home, where, undeniably, it has a sphere of constitutional right, then a fortiori it cannot erect one in any foreign land, where it represents no churches, and can claim no representative power. No one amongst us holds that the Assembly has constitutional aiithority to ordain a foreign mission- ary. Ho\\-, then, can it establish a foreign Presbj'tery, so creutinr/ absolutely, as it were, and withoiit the necessary materials, a whole representative body ? It wiU be objected that this Ls a very strict and narrow view of the A.ssembly's powers, and, indeed, of the nature of oiu- courts generally. And this is freely ad- mitted ; but strict construction is the doctrine our Church is committed to by every fact of her history, and every lesson of her past experience. It will be said that there are precedents for the Assembly's setting up a Presby- tery, both within the bounds of Synods, and also outside the limits of the settled Church-state. And this is admitted ; for in a few instances, Assemblies have been known to override Synods and Presbyteries. But then, our Chiirch, we suppose, is thoroughly committed to the doctrine that the Assembly cannot be allowed to in- fringe upon the rights and duties of the lower courts, or to have any ori(jiitss it has been trained to self-government and self-supporting efforts on behalf of the gospel among themselves. This is not theory. We can point to the precise time when first this matter came to be understood by those in charge of modern Protestant missions. A change of policy has develojied new life in the native churches all over the world. No longer, as before, merely nurslings, their dormant energies have been evoked, and the efforts many of them are now putting Secs. ioo-io;i] Chuech Couets. 55 forth for the propaj^'ation of the faith, and the success attending these efforts, may •well be regarded l)y the home churches with devout and thankful •wonder. It seems to your committee, therefore, in view of these and other like considera- tions, that to regard the missionary as a true and proper evangelist, whose business is simply to plant the gospel amongst the heathen, 'raising up natives to till the set- tled and permanent pastorate, both in the ruling an(f the teaching sjihere, is in strict accordance with the plan and example of the inspired apostle to the Gentiles, and also with the principles of our Divine system of government ; and tends, moreoA'er, to the fullest and most rai>id develoi)ment of the Church in heathen lands, as well as prevents all necessity for a hurtful variety of Presbyterian organizations for the converts gained by missionaries belonging to the various Presbyterian bodies in Europe and the United States. 100. Presbyter led Committees, trhat elders may be appointed on. 1870, p. 508. From the Judicial Committee : "Is it in accordance "W'itb the standards of our Church for a Pres- bytery to appoint on a committee a ruUng elder who is not at the time a member of Presbvteiy ? " The committee recommend the foUo-ndng answer : As ruling elders are delegates from church sessions, and members of the PresbyterA" by ^^rtue of their commissions, the Assembly is of the opinion that it is not competent for the Presbytery to appoint on a com- mittee a ruling elder who is not a member of the Presbyters', unless ap- pointed on a committee to act ad interim. Adopted. 101. Seating elders in Presbytery loho have not been appointed. 1887, p. 208. The Presbytery of Westem District asks if a Presby- ten' has power to enr(j]l a well-known ruhng elder from a church within its bounds which has made no appointment of an elder to represent the church in the Presbytery. E espouse : The Presbytery has no power to appoint representatives from any of the churches in its boimds, as this power belongs exclusively to the sessions. 102. Zs' the presence of a ruliny elder necessary to a quorum of Presbytery f 1870, p. 508. In response to an overtiu'e from the Synod of South Carolina touching this constitutional question, the Assembly at first decided that a Presbyteiy (the Presbyters' of Charleston being referred to) does not violate any pro'S'ision of the constitution of the church by meeting and transacting business without an elder enrolled ; but on a reconsideration of the matter (page 510), postponed indefinitely any action on the overtiu-e. 1871, J). 14. The records of the S^'nod of South Carolina were ap- proved, it being miderstood, ho\Vever, that the Assembly does not ex- press any ojjinion as to the propriety of the decision of the Synod in pronoimcing irregular a meeting of Charleston Presbytery because no moling elder w^as present. The new Book of Church Order i)rovides (Paragraph 74) that the presence of at least one ruling elder is necessary to a cpiorum of Presbytery. 103. Chan ye in the number of elders required for a quorum. 1887, p. 200. Presb;s'ten' of Tombeckbee asks that an amendment be sent dt)wn to the Presbj-teries changing the specific number of elders 56 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. required for a quorum of a Presbvtery and a Synod. Eequest not granted. 104. Proceedings of a Presbytery held mvay from the place appointed for it legalized. 1876, p. 217. Overture from the Presbytery of East Alabama, which, for reasons assigned, held its spring session at Union Springs, Ala- bama, instead of Pensacola, Florida, the place appointed for the meet- ing, asking the Assembly to legahze the proceedings of that meeting. This prayer of Presbytery was granted. 105. Presbyteries required to meet tinice a year. 1880, p. 187. Overture from the Presbytery of Eoanoke, asking the Assembly to submit to the Presbyteries for their approval, the follow- ing amendment to the constitution, viz. : To strike out the first sentence of Article VIII., Section IV., Chap- ter v., of the Form of Government, which reads: "The Presbytery shaU meet at least twice a year on its own adjournment," and substi- tute the following : " It shall be optional with each Presbyteiy, whether it will hold one or two stated meetings during the year." The Assembly declined to submit this amendment to the Presbyteries. 1878, p. 651. The same action was taken in response to an overture from Louisiana Presbytery. See chapter on meetings of the Assembly. 106. Presbytery has discretiori in the manner of organizing new chvrches. 1882, p, 571. The Presb^-teiy of St. Johns asks if Presbytery has the right to delegate to its ministers severally authority to organize churches where the way is clear. Ansioer : The Form'of Government gives to Presbyteries the power "to form and receive new chiu-ches," and the time and manner of the exercise of this power may be safely left to the sound discretion of each Presbytery. 107. Original J iirisdiction of Presbyteries in case of riding elders and members, vibe7i the session cajinot act. 1884, p. 236, The Presbytery of Winchester overtiu-es the General Assembly to take steps to amend the Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. IV.,' Art. VI., and Eules of Disciphne, Chaps. V. and VII., so as to invest Presbytery with the power to institute process against a ruling elder, or a private member of the church, in cases where the session is unable to exercise its authority. Answer : The committee recommends that this overture be referred to a special committee, to report to the next General Assembly. Adopted. Eev. E. Daniel, D. D., Eev. J. L. CaldweU, and Euhng Elder T. N. Martin, were appointed as the committee. 1885, p. 406. The report of the ad interim committee to whom was referred the overture of Winchester Presbytery to the last Assembly, touching the amendment of the Form of Government so as to invest Presbyterj' with the power to institute process against a ruling elder, Secs. 108-111.] Church Courts. 57 or private member of the church, in cases where the session is unable to exercise its authority, was presented and refeiTed to a committee consisting of Eev. F. M. Woods, Rev. J. H. Leps, Rev. N. Keff Smith, C. H. Breck, and W. W. ^lurray. 1885, p. 424. This committee presented the foUowing report, whicli was adopted: Your committee recommend that the request be granted, and that the fullo^^ang amendments be recommended to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent thereunto : 1. That in Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. TV., Art. VI., after the words of first clause, "in an orderly manner,'' shall be inserted these words : " and in cases in which the session cannot exercise its authority, shall have power to assume original jimsdiction." 2. That in Rules of Discipline, Chap. V., Art. I., after the words, " and in relation to other church members to the session," shall be added the words, " unless the session shall be imable to try the person or persons accused, in which case the Presbytery shall have the right of jurisdiction." 3. That in Rules of Discipline, Chap. VII., Art. I., after the words, " to which such members belong," shall be added the words, " except in cases in which the session is rendered incapable of exercising juiis- diction, in which case process shall be entered before the Presbytery." 188G, p, 56. On this overtvire the vote of the Presbyteries was, 60 ap- proving and 8 disapproving. "Whereupon the following action was taken : Whereas it appears that a majority of the Presbyteries have voted for the insertion of the above clauses (the report here gives them), therefore it is hereby enacted, that the said additions be made to the Book of Church Order. 108. Elders in Presbytery are rejyresentatives, not delegates. 1886, p. 54. The Assembly approved the records of the SjTiod of Virginia excepting to the use of the word "delegate" instead of "re- presentative" of a chiu-ch at a meeting of Presbytery. 109. Rif/ht to a seat in a commission of Presbytery. 1882, p. 571. Abingdon Presb^'iei'y asks "whether, when a commis- sion is appointed by Presbytery, in accordance with the Book of Church Order, any other member of Presbyteiy than the commission has the right to claim a seat in said commission f Answered in the negative. 110. T/ie number required to co7istltute a commission of Presbytery. 1882, p. 571. The Presbytery of Harmony asked the Assemby to amend the Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. VII., Ai-t. III., so as to state distinctly the number of ministers and elders which shall be re- quired to constitute a commission of Presbyteiy. The Assembly de- clined to grant the request. 111. Quorum of a cotxmission of Presbytery. 1883, p. 21. In reply to the Presb^ieries of Charleston and Har- mony: In the judgment of the Assembly, neither a commission of Pres bytery, nor a quorum of a Presbj'terial commission, should ever con sist of less than two ministers and one elder. 58 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IIL 1884, p. 207. The Presbytery of Ouachita overtures the General Assembly to reconsider and rej)eal the foregoing recommendation. Answer: This Assembly regards it as important to have, on aUordi- naiy occasions, fully as large a number for a Presbyterial commission or quorum as that mentioned in the aforesaid overture. Still, inasmuch as circumstances may arise -orhen the appointment of so large a number vs^ould prove burdensome and unwise, it is the judgment of this Assem- bly that when a Presbytery, acting according to its discretion, shall ap- point a smaller number, such action is not to be regarded as in conflict with the recommendations of our highest court, which have sole refer- ence to ordinary cases. 112. Topics for Presbyterial Narratives. The Stated Clerk of the Assembly having been appointed (1876, jj. 238) a com- mittee to prepare a series of • questions, to be answered by the Presbyteries in the preparation of Narratives on the state of religion, and report to the nest Assembly, did make such report (1877, p. 408), which was referred to a committee. That committee recommended and the Assembly adopted the following: 1877, p. 441. That instead of a series of questions, which may be answered categorically, the Assembly send down to the Presbyteries the following topics, as furnishing the basis of their Narratives : 1. Official fidelity on the part of ministers, ruling elders, and deacons. 2. Attendance ui^on the ser%dces of the sanctuary. 3. Special outpoiudngs of the Holy Ghost in the churches. 4. The prevalence of intemperance, worldly amusements, and other forms of sin. 5. Family worship. 6. Catechetical instruction in Sabbath-schools and families. 7. The observance of the Sabbath. 8. Fidehty of God's people in worshipping the Lord with their sub- stance. 9. The suj)ply of the churches within yoiar bounds with the minis- tration of the Word. 10. Religious instruction of the colored people. The Assembly of 1887 declined to strike out topic 1. The Assembly, by instructing the Secretary of Publication to issue blanks con- taining these topics for the sessions (page 39, Minutes of 1879), thereby recom- mends them for sessional as well as Presbyterial use. — A. 113. These tojncs explained. 1883, p. 21. The Presbytery of West Hanover asks the Assembly'^ construction of certain questions in the forms for Narratives. Ansioer: The language there used does not require any report from the session touching the prevalence of intemperance, worldly amuse- ments, and Sabbath-breaking, outside the membership of the church. 1887, p. 20G. The matter of revising these tojiics so as to remove aU repetitions and ambiguities, was referred to the Executive Com- mittee of Publication. 114. Narratives tnust he signed hy the clerk. 1880, p. 194. The attention of several Presbyteries whose stated clerks have failed to sign the Narratives required to be sent by them to the General Assembly, is called to this irregularity for the purpose of preventing it in the future. Secs. 115-118.] Church Couets. 59 C H A P T E 11 1 1 1. THE SYNOD. 115. The original Synods. 18G1, p. 5. The Assembly which met in Augusta iu 1861 -was com- posed of Presbyterial commissioners from the folloMing Synods : Ala- bama, Arkansas, Georgia, Memj^his, Mississip2')i, Nashville, North Car- oHna, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, with two Presbj-teries here- tofore in connection with the Sjiiod of Baltimore. 116 Si/nods received. The Synod of Kentucky came into union with the Assembly in 1869 (see p. 370). The Synod of Missouri was received in 1874 (see p. 479). 117. Synod of South Georgia and Florida organized. 1877, p. 421. Overture No. 17 was jDresented from the Presbviery of Florida, asking the erection of a " Synod of Florida," imder certain conditions. The Assembly declines granting the request of the overture for want of satisfactory information in the premises, and recommends to the PresbyteiT of Florida to make known their wishes to the Synods of Georgia and Alabama, and then j)rosecute or dechne to prosecute the effort to procure the erection of a Synod according to the result of such apphcation to the S^^nods of Georgia and Alabama. 1881, p. 391. The report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures on overtures Nos. 6 and 7 was adopted, and is as follows : No. 6. A request from the S}iiod of Georgia, for a division of the said S;sTiod, and for the erection of a new Synod, to be called the " Synod of South Georgia and Florida." No. 7. A protest from the Presby- teiT of Savannah against any such division. The committee recommend the following answer : That the request of the Synod of Georgia be granted : that the Presbyteries of Savan- nah, Florida and St. Johns be erected into a new Synod, to be called the Synod of South Georgia and Florida. That this new Synod hold its first meeting in the church at Jacksonville, Fla., on Wednesday be- fore the second Sabbath of November, 1881, at 1\ o'clock, v. m., and that the Eev. W. J. McCormick preach and (constitute with prayer, and in case of his absence, that the Kev. W. B. Telford be ai)pointed to take his place. 1882, p. 519. The stated clerk annoimced that the Synod of South Georgia and Florida had been formed, agreeably to the appointment of the last Assembly. 118. Division of the Synod of Texas refvsed. 1880, p. 185. Overture No. 2 is from the Synod of Texas, asking a division of said Synod. Overtures 3 and 4 are iwnu the Presbyteries of Eastern Texas and Dallas, asking a modification of said overture 60 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. No. 2 ; and overtiu'es 5 and 6 are from the Presbyteries of Central Texas, Western Texas, and Paris, in opposition to the petition of over- tiu-e No. 2. It is recommended, that in view of the conflicting overtures from Presbyteries witliin the bounds of the SjTiod of Texas, and of the fact that delay in the division contemplated would work no injury to the Church, the subject be remanded to the said Synod for further action. Adopted. 119. Change of boundary between the Synods of Memphis and Nash- ville. 1861, p. 12. Eev. Dr. McFarland, from the Committee on Bills and Overtures, submitted an overture from the Presbytery of Tuscumbia, and the proposed answer to it, viz. : Resolved, That an overture be presented by our commissioners to the next General Assembly, earnestly requesting that the Presbytery of Tuscumbia be transferred to the Synod of Memphis, and that our com- missioners are hereby invested with fuU power and authority to use all necessary means to secure this end. The committee having had a full conference with the commissioners from the Presbytery of Tuscumbia, and likewise with several members of the S-NTiod of Nashville, recommend that the request be granted, and that said Presbytery be transferred to the Synod of Memphis. Adopted unanimously. (P. 37.) 1865, p. 360. Overture from the Presbytery of North Alabama, re- questing this Assembly to readjust the boundary between the Synods of Nashville and of Memphis, so as to throw the county of Madison, in the State of Alabama, into the Presbytery of North Alabama and the Synod of Nashville ; and overture from a member of the Synod of Mem- phis, requesting that in whatever arrangement of the boundary adopted, the churches and church property within the bounds of the Presbytery ■of Tuscumbia shall belong still to the Synod of Memphis. Resolved, That the ministers and churches within the county of Madison, Alabama, foi'merly connected with the United Synod, be ad- judged to belong to the Presbytery of North Alabama for the present ; but that all the interests of the Presbytery' of Tuscumbia and the Synod of Memphis be preserved intact. This temporary arrangement , the Assembly adopts for want of the necessary information; but it hereby urges the judicatories interested to endeavor to agree on a defi- nite boundary hne, and to report to the next Assembly, in order that this matter may be conclusively settled. 1866, p. 18. Overture from the Sy^od of Memphis, requesting the General Assembly to adjust the boundaiy line between the Synod of Nashville and that Synod, so that the southern boundary of the State of Tennessee shall also be the southern boundary of the Synod of Nash- ville, separating it in that part from the Synod of Memphis. The committee having considered the reasons for this boundary line presented by the Synod of Memphis, and the arguments offered against it by members of the Synod of NashviUe, recommend that the southern boundary of the State of Tennessee, from the point where it crosses the Tennessee lliver eastward to the east line of Alabama, be the boun- dary between the Synod of Nashville and the Synod of Memphis, with this exception: that Madison coimty, in the State of Alabama, to Secb. 120-123.] Church Courts. 61 within five miles along the northern bank of the Tennessee Eiver, shall be included in the Synod of Nashville. Adopted. 120. Change in the boundary hetiijeen the Synods of Memphis and Alabama. 1883, p. 18. In answer to overtures, fii'st, from the SjTiod of Mem- phis, and second, from the Synod of Alabama, relating to the transfer of the Pi'esbytery of North Alabama from the Synod of ^Memphis to the S}Tiod of Alabama, your committee recommend that the General Assembly agree to the expressed desire of these SjTiods and the Pres- bytery of North Alabama, and that the boundaries of these Synods be changed as requested. Adopted. 1884, p. 193. The Assembly is officially informed that this transfer has been effected as ordered. 121. Presbyteries of Tascumbia, North Alabama and Columbia. Id view of the various boundary changes among the border Presbyteries of the three Synods of Memphis, Nashville, and Alabama, the following note will tend to prevent confusion and aid the reader in a correct understanding of the changes that were actually made : In 1861, Tuscumbia Presbytery, belonging to the Synod of Nashville, was trans- ferred to the Synod of ^lemphis. In 1865, just after the reception of the New School brethren into the Assembly, and the union of our Presbyteries with those of the United Synod, the Presbj-tery of North Alabama appears on the roll of the Assembly as one of the Presbyteries of the Synod of Nashville. As this Synod held no meeting after the fall of 1861 until January, 1866, at which a Presbj'tery of this name could have been created, this Presbytery was evidently the Presbj'tery of that name previouslj' in connection with the United Synod. As there has been continuously since that date a Presbytery of North .Alabama, the SjTiod of Nash- ville, in adjusting lines after the iiuion, must have either perpetuated that Presby- tery or constituted a new one bearing that name. In the fall of 1875, Synod changed the name of this Presbytery to Columbia. Tuscumbia Presbytery, after being transferred to the Synod of Memphis, was dissolved in 1868, but reconstituted in 1873. After the Presbytery of North Ala- bama experienced a change of name, the name of Tuscumbia was changed in 1876 to North Alabama. In 1883, it was transferred from the Synod of Memphis to the Synod of Alabama. — A. 122. Change in the boundary between the Synods of Virginia and jVorth Carolina. 1866, p. 12. The General Assembly hereby transfers to the Synod of Virginia, to be connected with the Presbytery of Roanoke, that por- tion of the territory of Virginia lying south of Dan Eiver which now belongs to the Presbytery of Orange, of the S^Tiod of North Carolina, embracing the churches of Danville, Clarksville, Spring Hill, and Pe- nuel, to carry with it the Rev. John M. Kirkpatrick, j^astor of the church of Danville, Rev. P. N. Whtiley, pastor of the chm'ch of Clarks- ville, and Rev. John B. Shearer, pastor'of the chm-ch of Spring Hill — - so that the State line shall hereafter be the boimdary between the Synod of Virginia and the Synod of North Carohna. This action was taken at the request "of the Synod of Vii'ginia, and with the cunciuTence of the Presbytery of Orange. P. 11. 123. Change in the boundary between the Synods of Alabama and Georgia. 1868, p. 267. Memorial from Eufaula chm-ch, in the Presb;si;ei7 of East Alabama, asking that the hnes of the Synods of Alabama and 62 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. ■ Georgia be so changed that Eufaula chiu'ch may be included within the Presbytery of Macon in the Synod of Georgia, and giving reasons for the same. Resolved, That this overture be referred to the Synod of Alabama for an expression of its views on the subject, with directions to report to the next Assembly. 1879, p. 43. From the elders of Free Port and Euchee Valley churches, in the bounds of the Presbytery of Florida, asking this Gen- eral Assembly to transfer said chiu'ches to the care of the Presbytery of East Alabama. Also, to change the boundary of said Presbyteries so as to make the dividing line between these Presbyteries to be the Choctawhatchie Eiver. Your committee would recommend that the request be granted when the SjTiods of Georgia and Alabama shall have consented. AdojDted. It does not apjiear that this request was granted by the Synods. — A. 124. Change in the boundary between the Synods of Memphis and Mississippi. 1865, p. 358. Overture from the Presbytery of Central Mississippi, representing that, under the terms of the union agreed upon with the United Synod, two ministers and at least two churches, properly in the bounds of the Synod of Memphis, were transferred to that Presbyteiy, and requesting the Assembly to rectify this matter. Ordered, that Kev. E. M. Richardson and Rev. George P. Richard- son, together with the churches of Grenada and Panola, and any other churches formerly connected with the Presbytery of Lexington South, which lie north of the northex-n boundary of the Synod of Mississippi, be and hereby are transferred from the Presbytery of Central Missis- sippi to the Presbytery of North Mississippi, of the Synod of Memphis. 1875, p. 14. Overture from the Synod of Mississippi, asking the Assembly to change the boundary line between that Synod and the S}Tiod of Memphis, so that the Presbytei'ies of Chickasaw and North Mississippi, now of the Synod of Memphis, be transferred back to the Synod of Mississippi, to which they formerly belonged, for the purpose of dividing the Synod of Mississippi into the Synods of Mis- sissippi and Louisiana. Resolved, That in view of the fact that the Synod of Memphis has not expressed its conciu'rence in this action, the matter be referred back to the Synods of Mississippi and Memphis. 1880, p. 185. Overture from the Synod of Memphis, asking the transfer of Oak Grove chm'ch from Tombeckbee Presbytery, Synod of Mississippi, to Chickasaw, iij the Synod of Memphis. Request granted. 125. Change of boundary between the Synods of N'ashville and Virginia. 1870, p. 505. The Presbytery of Holston, of the Synod of Nashville, respectfully overtures the General Assembly to define the boundary ILae of the Synod of Nashville, so as to include in said Synod the county of Leo, in the State of Virginia, such being in fact the present boundaiy of the Synod. Sec8. 126-130.] Chuech Courts. 63 The following action was taken : Whereas rehable information has been received that the county of Lee, in the State of Virginia, was formerly included in the bounds of the Synod of Narjh-\dUe, and by mistake was transferred to the Synod of Vii-ginia ; therefore, Mesolved, That the county of Lee be now restored to the jurisdiction of the S;;yTiod of Nash\ille. 126. Change in the boundary hetioeen the Synods of Alabama and Mississippi. 1865, p. 360. Overtiu'e from the S^iiod of Mississippi, requesting the Assembly to adjust the matter of conflicting boundaries between that Synod and the Synod of Alabama, arising out of the terms of union with the United Synod. Ordered, that all the ministers and churches fonnerly connected with the Presbyteries of the United S^oiod, but which he within the bovmds of the Synod of Alabama, be, and hereby are, transferred to the Pres- byteries within which they are respectively located. 127. Change in the boundary between the Synod of Alabama and that of South Georgia and Florida. 1887, p. 206. Overtm-e fi'om Presbytexy of Florida, that certain •chm'ches belonging to the Presbytery of South Alabama be transferred to the Presbytery of Florida. Reply : As the changes desired involve the alteration of S_>Tiodical hnes, the General Assembly decHnes to make such order without the concurrence of the two Synods concerned. 128. Time of meeting changed by an order of the Assembly. 1873, p. 318. A request fi-om the commissioners to the Assembly from the Presbyteries in the Sj-nod of Memjihis, asking that the time for the meeting of said Synod be changed fi'om the 29th of October to the 2d of October, 1873, at 71 p. m. This request was granted by the Assembly. 129. A meeting of Synod held out of time legalized. 1874, p. 484. The Synod of Alabama asks that its meeting in No- vember, 1873, be legahzed, said Synod haAdng been imable to meet at the regular time on account of the prevalence of the yellow fever. Re- quest granted. 1879, p. 19. A similar request made by the same Synod was again granted, the reason for its irregular convening being the same as the above. 130. Synods ordered by the Assembly to meet. 1864, p. 281. Whereas the S^-nod of Memphis failed to meet on its adjournment in 1863 ; therefore liesolved, by this Assembly, that the Synod of Memphis is hereby ordered to meet in Covington, Tenn., on Wednesday before the foiu'th Sabbath in October, at 7 o'clock i>. m. 1865, p. 358. Overture from a convention of ministers and elders belonging to the S^nod of Nashville, informing the Assembly that the 64 DlCJEST OF THE AcTS OF THE GeNEEAX ASSEMBLY. [BoOK III. SjTiod had not been able to meet since the fall of 1861 ; declaring their cordial adherence to this body, and their approval of our position and principles ; and requesting the Assembly to appoint a meeting of Synod at an early day. This request was granted, and the Synod of NashviUe was directed to meet in the Presbyterian chiu'ch of Huntsville, Ala., on Thursday before the thii'd Sabbath of Januar^^, 1866, at 6:30 o'clock p. m., the sessions to be opened with a sermon by Eev. Robert Harden, D. D., or in case of his absence, by the oldest minister present, who shall preside until a moderator be chosen. 131. When Synod orders a Presbytery to meet it must specify the object. 1867, p. 139. An overture, being a dissent of certain members of the S\iiod of Mississij^pi from the action of said Sj-nod ordering one of its Presbyteries to meet without specifying the object for which it was to be convened; the Assembly approved of this dissent. 1869, J). 380. The records of the Synod of Mississippi were ap- proved, except that, on page 16, the Synod ordered the Presbjiiery of Tombeckbee to hold a meeting diudug the sessions of the Synod, with- out specifying the business the Presbytery was called to transact. 132. Synod may order a Presbytery to meet instanter. 1870, p, 515. Overture from the Synod of Noiih CaroKna, request- ing the General Assembly "to provide for the SjTiod's calhng a meet- ing of Presbyteries dm-ing the sessions of S^Tiod for the transaction of their own or the Synod's business, when the Presbyteries have failed to appoint such meeting." Overtm-e answered by referring the Synod of North Carolina to the action of the General Assembly of 1848, as found on page 251 of Bairds Digest, viz. : Pesolved, 1, That S^Tiod has power to order a Presbytery to meet, and to transact such business as in the judgment of S}Tiod is intimately connected with the good order and well-being of the Church. Resolved, 2, That as such meetings are of the natm-e of 2^^'o re aata meetings, the rules that are laid down in our Book for the regulation of such called meetings ought to regulate and govern in all cases these meetings ordered by SjTiod, except when ordered to meet during the sessions of Synod on business immediately connected with the proceed- ings of that body. In such cases the Presbytery may be required to meet at once by order of the Synod. 133. ILis Synod poioer to order a Presbytery to meet during its oion sessions '/ 1885, p. 425. Overtm-e from the Synod of Mississippi, inquiring as to the right of a Synod to convene one of its constituent Presbyteries during its own sessions. Ansicer: The Assembly refers the Synod to its recent ruling in sustaining an exception to its miiuites, that a Synod has no such power. 1885, p. 412. The records of the Synod of Mississippi were, ap- proved with the following exception : On page 143, Synod is on record as ordering a meeting of one of its Presbyteries on the next day. Synod Secs. 134-140.] Chitrch Courts. 65 having- uo power, according to our Book of Church Order, to order such meeting. (Chap. V., Sec. IV., Art. VIII.) 188G, 1^. 47. Overture from the Synod of Mississij^pi, touching con- tradictory decisions of the Assembhes on the power of Sj-nod to order a meeting- of Presbyteiy. In reply, the following was adopted : The S^Tiod has power to convene a meeting of any of its constituent Presbyteries during the sessions of Synod, to attend to any of the in- terests of rehgion within the bounds of Synod which requii-e immedi- ate attention, and which are specified in the call. 134. Bieunial meetinr/s of Synod. See Biennial Meetings of the Assembly. 135. Quorum of Synod. 1869, p. 390. An overture, asking whether any number of ministers and elders from two Presb^'tenes can, under any circumstances, be re- garded as a constitutional quorum for the transaction of SjTiodical busi- ness. Answered in the negative. 136. Entering absentees from Synod upon its records. 1884, p. 221. Overture from the Synod of Virginia: "The General Assembly is requested to reconsider its action entered iqjon the record of this Synod, requiring the names of its absentees to be entered upon its records." Request gi'anted. 137. Synod has no power to amend the record of an inferior court, 1877, p. 443. The records of the Synod of North Carolina were ap- proved, with the exception that on page 489 it ordered a paragraph of the records of an inferior court to be stricken out. 138. Names of churches represented by elders shoidd be given. 1887, p. 232. Exception to records of the S^Tiod of South Georgia and Florida. The names of the chvirches represented by ruling elders present are nut given, -p. 204, Records of Sjoiod of Mississippi. There is nothing- on the record to indicate the different churches represented by the ruling elders, members of Synod. 139. Tlie records ought not to contain outside matter. 1862, p. 13. The records of the Synod of South Carolina were ap- proved with the exception: That on page 119, there are certain resolu tions not of the Synod as stich, but of a "convocation of Christian gen" tlemeu," which ougbt not, therefore, to be found as a portion of the do- ings of the ecclesiastical judicatoiy. The stated clerk Avas allowed to append a note to the minutes, ex- planatory of the matter objected to. 140. l^ie Assembly may demand the records of a Synod. 1861, p. 34. The Assembly resolved : To issue an order for the min- 5 66 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. utes of the Synod of Texas to be sent up to the next General Assembly for examination. 1884, p. 253. The S;\'nod of Kentucky was directed to show cause why its records have not been sent iip. 141. May a copy of the records of Synod he sent up for 7-eview? 18G4, J). 251. A letter was read from the stated clerk of the Synod of Virginia, setting forth the impracticability of his sending up to this Assembly the written records of said S^oiod, and asking permis- sion to substitute for these an authenticated copy of the published minutes. This permission was granted, and the published minutes of this Synod were placed in the hands of the appropriate standing committee. 1883, p. 21. A printed copy of its minutes having come up from the Synod of Nashville instead of the official records, it was resolved : That sending up to the Assembly of a copy of the records is not a compliance with the requirements of the Book of Chiu-ch Order, and said Sj'nod is directed to send to the next Assembty for review the original records. 1884, p. 252. The records of the Synod of South Georgia and Florida were not presented, but instead, a printed paper, which appeared to be a "substantial copy" only of the records. This is not such a record as the committee is called to review. Adopted. 142. What Sy/iod shoidd put in its 7ninntes. 1884, p. 252. Exception to the records of the S^-nod of Arkansas as follows: That on pages 67, G8, there are recorded some rejjorts of Presbyteries made to SjTiod on the Narrative, while the substance of the same is embodied in Synod's Narrative. 1885, p. 404. Overtiu-e fi-om the Synod of Arkansas : To so define the scope of the Narrative of religion and the statistical reports from Presb^-teries, that they might know what to record and what to omit from their minutes. Answer: The S}Tiod ought to record in its minutes, (1,) The statis- tical reports of Presbyteries. (2,) Its Narrative, as prepared for the General Assembly ; and in this Narrative should be embodied whatso- ever bears on the state of religion within its bounds. 143. 3Ilnutes must he signed hy the clerk. 1885, p. 410. The records of the Synod of Alabama were apj^roved with the following exception: The records are not certified hy the stated clerk. 144. Jfo%c a Synod may be divided. 187G, p. 241. Overture from the Presbytery of Macon calHng atten- tion to the inconvenient size of Synods. Ansicer: As to the unwieldy size of the Synods, the Assembly, ac- cording to usage, can act only in response to a specific call for the di- vision or reconstruction of Synods. 145. May the members of a Presbytery sitting as members of Synod vote on the approval of their Presbytery's records f 1878, p. 653. In sustaining a complaint of Rev. E. K. Smoot and Skcs. 14G, 147.] Chikch Coukts. 67 others against the Sjiiod of Texas, the Assembly assigned, among other groimds, the following: The Synod of Texas allowed the Presbyteiy of Western Texas to vote upon the review of their oA\'n records, against the decision of the moderator — in opposition to the spiiit of our constitution and to the es- tabhshed precedents of our Church — wliich course we regard as both iiTegular and unjust. The Book of Cliurcli Order, adopted iu 1879, gives the representatives of a Pres- bytery sitting in Synod the right to vote both on the approval of the minntes of their Presbytery, and on judicial cases appealed from it; in both of which re- spects it differs from the old Book. — A. CHAPTEU lY. THE GENEKAL ASSEMBLY. 146. llie Assembly orgcmized. . Augusta, Geoegia, iJecemher 4, 1861. At a meeting of ministers and ruling elders, who had been commis- sioned by their respective Presbyteries to convene at this place, on this day, for the purpose of organizing a General Assemhb/ of the Presby- terian Church in the Confederate /States (f America, it was, on motion of the Rev. John N. Waddel, D. D., (who, in conjunction with the Rev. John H. Gray, D. D., and Joseph Jones, had been nominated by a ma- jority of the Presb}'teries in the Confederate States, to attend, on the 3d inst., at the First Presbyterian Church in this city, to act as a Com- mittee of Commissions), Resolred, That the Rev. Francis McFarland, D. D., one of the most venerable commissioners present, be appointed to preside until a regular organization can be effected. Dr. ^McFarland accordingly presided, and on his motion, the Rev. Benjamin 'SI. Palmer, D. I)., another commissioner present, who had been proposed for this service by sevei'al of the Presbyteries, Avas unan- imously chosen to preach the opening sermon. Dr. Pidmer preached in accordance wiih. this choice, and took for his text Ephesians i. 22, 28 : "And gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in aU." After the sermon. Dr. McFarland proceeded to constitute the sessions with prayer. 147. llie Atlanta Convention. The causes which led to the withdi'fiwal of a number of Presbyteries situated in the Southern States from the jurisdiction of the (renei'al Assembly of the Presbyte- rian Church in the United States of America, are fully set forth in the ' ' Address to the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth, '" which was adopted by the first Augusta Assembly, and do not require to l)e heie cited. Almost immediately after the action of the Assembly in Philadelphia, in Slay, 1861, that wrought such hardshii) on Southern consciences, ju'ominent minLstcrs in the Synod of Virginia published a circular inviting minister's and elders in the Southern Synods to meet in convention, in llichmond, Va. , on the 24th of July, 68 Digest of the Acts of the Genekal Assembly. [Book III. 1861, " to advise and recommend measures to ascertain the sense of the Presbyteries in regard to the formation of a General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America. " The first Presbytery to take formal and decided action was that of Memphis, which convened in an adjourned meeting on the 13th of June, and after recoimting the unconstitiitional action of the Philadelphia Assembly, f oimallj' renounced all further connection with said Assembly, and respectfully requested all Presbyteries concur- ring with them to meet with them, by their commissioners, in Memphis, on the third Thiarsday in May, 1862, then and there to organize a General Assembly, etc. They further suggested to all the Presbyteries to call special meetings and appoint delegates to a convention to meet in Atlanta on the 15th of August, "to consult upon various important matters, especially oiir benevolent operations. " Immediately upon the heel of this action, East Alabama Presbytery, was called together to consider the matter, and while not seceding from the Assembly, ear- nestlj' protested and declared their purpose not to acquiesce in said ac'tion, and then called for a convention of all the Presbyteries, to meet in Columbia, S. C. , on Tlnars- day before the second Sabbath in September, 1861, wishing thus to secure co-opera- tive action. On the 9th of July, New Orleans Presbytery formally renounced the jiirisdiction of the old Assembly, and ordered that a copy of their action be sent to all the Southern Presbyteries, reqiiesting them, if they concur in this action, to appoint commissioners aixthorized to organize an Assembly, to commence its sessions on the 4th of December next, in Augusta, Ga. They further opposed the plan of a con- vention for sundry reasons, which they give. But prior to and contemporaneoi;sly with this action of the Presbytery of New Orleans, numerous other Presbyteries called for an advisory convention, to be con- vened in July, in Atlanta, said convention to be composed of delegates chosen and authorized thereto by the Presbyteries. It was felt that it was not oulj competent for the Presbyteries to take such action, but in the emergency that was upon them that it was eminently wise. "With this widely-expressed demand before them, many of the Presbyteries con- vened and appointed rejiresentatives to attend the proj^osed convention. This convention met in Atlanta, Augiist 15th, 1861, and was in session three days. There were present twenty delegates from eleven Presbyteries, with fourteen cor- resiDoudiug members from six Presbyteries. Rev. John S. Wilson, D. D., was chosen president; Eev. H. E. Eaymond and Eev. J. S. Harris, secretaries. The convention assiimed no ecclesiastical aiithority. All its actions, which were made with entire unity, Avere in the foim of suggestion and recommendation. In view of the probable meeting of a General Assembly in the Confederate States of America before the close of the year, the convention made no suggestion as to the mode in which the work of Education, Publication, Domestic Missions, etc., should be carried on, leaving these interests to the Presbyteries, Synods, and the South- western Advisory Committee at New Orleans ; but as to Foreign Missions, the con- vention endorsed the temporary plan for condi;ctiug this work devised by certain brethren in Columbia, S. C, and pledged the support of the Presbyteries repre- sented in the convention to it. Some account of this plan will be found in the chapter on Foreign Missions of this Digest. The convention further iirged such Presbyteries in the Confederacy as had not yet renoiuiced the jurisdiction of the General Assembly to do so at their fall meet- ing; that both those which have already thus withdrawn, and those that may do so in response to this apjieal, declare their adherence and submission to the stand- ards as formerly held, with the single change of the phrase from ' ' Presbyterian Chiirch in the United States of America" to "Presbyterian Church in the Confed- erate States of America"; that these Presbyteries send commissioneis to a Gen- eral Assembly, to be held in Augusta, Gp., on the 4tli day of December next, and that Eev. B. M. Palmer, D. I)., as principal, and Eev. J. E. Wilson, as alternate, be requested to preach the ojiening seimon, and preside until the Assembly be or- ganized ; that Eev. Dr. Waddel, Eev. Dr. Gray, and Dr. Joseph H. Jones, of Au- gusta, ruling elder, be a Committee on Commissions, to examine the credentials of all who may be present ; that the respective Synods review the records of the Pres- byteries and conlirm the action herein proposed. On the subject of the war and the condition of the countrj', the convention, though not a Church court, yet disclaimed the right to determine the political re- lations of individuals, or to solve for them political questions. — A. Secs. 148-152.] Church Coukts. 69 148. Seating members without commissions. 1862, p. 9. Eev. R. F. Bunting, from the Presbyteiy of Western Texas, appeared without a commission, but having- made a satisfactory explanation of this fact, was enrolled as an additional commissioner. 1865, p. 351. Eev. James Park, of the Presbyter}' of Knoxville, was present without a commission. For satisfactory reasons, arisiilg out of the pecuHar circumstances of the case, he was admitted to a seat. 1864, p. 241. The Assembly declined to receive Rev. R. S. McAllis- ter, of the Presb}i:ery of Red River, and Rev. H. B. Boude, of the Presbytery of Nashville, as members of this body, on the ground that there was no evidence of theii* appointment by the Presbyteries to which they belong. 149. The term for which commissioners are chosen. 1861, p. 30. " When two successive meetings of the General Assem- bly occur between two successive stated meetings of a Presbytery, can the commissioners appointed l^y the Presbj^tery to serve in the fii'st General Assembly serve also in the second ? " Ansioer : The commissioners aj^pointed members of the General Assembly to meet at a time and place designated are not authorized to attend another General Assembly as commissioners, to meet at a differ- ent time and place, imless reappointed by their Presbj'teiy. 150. Should commissioners he chosen for two years? 1864, p. 248. Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick offered the following resolu- tion: Resolved, That the Committee on the Revision of Form of Govern- ment be instructed to consider the propriety of making such changes in that instrument as will provide that the C(jmmissioners to the Gene- ral Assembly should be elected for two years, one-half of the number going out of office each year. This resolution, after being discussed, was laid on the table (p. 270). 151. Commissioners leaving before the Assembly adjourns. 1877, p. 442. Resolved, That the Assembly does hereby ad^^se the Presbyteries, that in electing their ccjmmissicmers in the future, to do so with a view to their remaining in session during a term probably not less than about two weeks. 1878, p. 666. Extract from report of Committee on LeaA'e of Ab- sence, which was approved: The committee would state that we are constrained to believe that some, whose names we are not able to give, did leave, without appearing before the committee and giving reasons, and that such are worthy of reprehension for violating the obligations which they owed to their respective Presbyteries. 152. The secretaries and clerks of the Assembly to have the privilege of deliberating as members in certain cases. 1869, p. 390. It was adopted as a standing rule of the General As- sembly that its secretaries and clerks shall have the pri\T[lege of mem- bers of the body upon any matters before it in which the duties of their offices are specially involved. 70 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. 1871, p. 18. The Presbytery of North Mississippi having requested the Assembly to rescind this rule allowing these officers the privileges of members ou the floor of the Assembly as a dangeroiis violation of the constitution, the Assembly gave the following answer : A reference to the riile will show that "the privileges of members on the floor" are not conferred by it on the alcove officers, but only the privilege of mak- ing statements and explanations touching trusts committed to their care. This the Assembly regards as both safe and convenient ; and therefore respectfully declines to rescind. 153. Declines to elect its rlerl's for a Jj.xed period. 1878, p. 624. Overture from the S_-\Tiod of Memphis, asking the As- sembly to " consider the advisableness of electing its clerks every four years, making the elections alternate every two years," and also over- ture from the Presbytery of IMecldenburg, asking the Assembly to " consider the propriety of limiting the terms of office of the stated and permanent clerks to the term of two years, and that the terms be so arranged that they shall exjoire on alternate years." Hepbj : It is the judgment of this Assembly that neither of the pro- posed changes is advisable. Adopted. 154. For ichat length of time the Assernhlij may elect its officers. 1878, p. 6G5. Overtiu-e from eleven ministers and elders : 1. Has any General Assembly the right to limit the liberty of a suc- ceeding Assembly in the choice of its officers ? 2. Has every Assembly the inherent right to choose its own officers — moderators and clerks ? Replij : The Assembly refers, for answer, to Form of Govermnent, Chap. XIX., Sec. III.: "The moderator of the General Assembly shaU be chosen at each meeting." Also to Chap. XX.: "Eveiy judicatory shall choose a clerk to record their transactions, whose continuance shaU be during pleasure." 155. The expenses of clerics to he paid. 1879, p. 55. Ordered, That the actual and necessary expenses of the stated and permanent clerks be paid by the treasvu'er out of the funds in hand, and that this order ap2:»ly to the expenses in attending the present Assembly, and all future meetings of the Assembly, until otherwise ordered. 156. Stated clerk to publish annually a list of all reports required hy the Assehibly of its Presbyteries. 1880, p. 196. Ordered, That the stated clerk pubhsh hereafter in the Minutes, in connection ^^ith liis requests to stated clerks of Presby- teries, a full hst of all reports, both regular and special, which such clerks are required to transmit to the Assembly. 157. Treasurer of the Assembly. 1863, p. 151. Resolved, That the stated clerk shall be the perma- nent treasurer of this Assembly, and shall present to the next Assem- bly, and to each succeeding one, a regular account ciu'rent of his re- ceipts and expenditures. Secs. 158-1G(). 1 Church Courts. 71 158. Treasurers accounts to he piihllsJied in the j\fi?intes. 1879, p. 42. Ill response to an overture from the Presbytery of Chesapeake, it was ordered that all the receipts by the treasurer be published in the Apj^endix to the Minutes, together with the disburse- ments from the entire fund. 1884, p. 286. This order was inoditied, or explained to mean that the treasurer publish in the Minutes a summaiized statement of the receipts and expenditures. 159. A reporter for the Asse7nbli/s ^jroceedlnr/s. 18G7, p. 14G. The subject of emplopng annually a reporter hav- ing been referred by the last Assembly (p. 39), it was resolved that such a measure is inexpedient. 1868, p. 279. Besolved, That the stated and pennanent clerks be a standing committee, authorized to make such arrangements as they may deem proper for securing, for the future, a full and correct report of the proceedings and dehberations of the General Assembly, pro- vided the expense to the Assembly shall not exceed the sum of $50 for any one meeting. 1876, p. 244. That this Assembly elect a reporter, to be a perma- nent officer of this body, and fix his salary at $ — — and his expenses, with a further allowance of $ (if so much be necessaiy) for two as- sistants, to be jDrocured by him from year to year ; it being understood that the clerks of this body, along with this reporter, be a committee to arrange each year for the pubhcation of these reports on the best plan ; and it being also understood that authority is given to the per- manent and stated clerks to till the blanks left above, respecting the exjDeiises of this arrangement, to an amount not exceeding $200, and that they have power to fill ad interim any vacancy in this office. Adopted. 1879, p. 43. Overture from the SjTiod of Texas, asking the Assem- bly to dispense with an official reporter of subsequent Assemblies. Request not granted. Eev. (i. L. Wolfe was api)ointecl reporter iu 1870, and served until 1880, when lie resi|.;ued. Therenpou Eev. W. P. Jacobs was chosen, at a salary of $100 and expenses, bnt declined to serve. 160. Rev. William Brown, D. I). 1879, p. 406. "Whereas the office of permanent clerk has been held by the Eev. "William Brown, D. D., from 1865 until the jiresent year ; and whereas he has resigned the same because of advanced age and failing eyesight ; and whereas an officer who, for twenty years, has been honorably active in thus serving one of the liighest of church courts, cannot sever his long connection therewith without a pang of sorrow to himself and of (corresponding regret to the great mass of his co-presbyters ; therefore this Assembly does, in behalf of its predeces- sors, as well as in its own, reciprocate those sentiments of aflectionate es- teem which are contained in his resigning letter, whilst it furthermore extends to him its sympathy in view of the physical infirmities that re- quired his release from a burden he could no longer be expected to bear. 72 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. 161. Time of the Assemblifs meetings. The First Assembly convened ou the first Wednesday in December, at eleven o'clock A. M. The next three meetings were held, beginning on the first Thursday in May, each year. The meeting for 1865 was appointed to be held on the third Thursday in May; but, owing to the condition of the country, it did not convene until the second Thursday in December, when it met at the call of the moderator. In 1866 and 1867 the meeting began on the third Thiu'sday in November. In 1868 and every year since, by standing rule, the Assembly has convened on the third Thursday in May. For standing rule, see 1866, jj. 12. Reconsidered, so far as the meeting for 1867 was concerned, and fixed for November (pp. 27-32). 162. Biennial meetings for the Assembly and Synods. 1875, p. 20. Overtiu^e from the Presbytery of Macon, asking the As- sembly to propose to the Presbyteries such change in the constitution •of the Chiu'ch as shall reqiiire only biennial, instead of annual, ses- sions of the Synods and the Assembly ; and these to be arranged so as to alternate, the Synods meeting one year, and the Assembly the next. The Assembly answered this overtm-e in the negative. 1878, p. 651. Overture from the Presbytery of Louisiana, asking the Assembly to "so change the meetings of our ecclesiastical courts as to allow the General Assembly to meet biennially," and "the Pres- byteries to hold annual instead of semi-annual sessions." Reply : A change from annual to biennial sessions of the General Assembly would require a change in the constitution, and this is not ■deemed ad^dsable to propose to the Presbyteries. The Presbyteries, however, are permitted by the constitution as it is to hold theii" ses- sions annually if they desii'e to do so. 1879, p. 86. An overture came up from the Presbytery of Concord, ■similar to that from the Presbytery of Macon in 1875. Answ^ered in the negative. 163. Place of the Assembly's meeting. Each year the Assembly has been held in the place appointed by the previous Assembly, except that in 1862 the meeting was held in Montgomery, Ala., though Memphis, Teun., was chosen for that hon;)r by the Assembly of 1861. Because of the jiresence of contlicting armies in the near vicinity of the city of Memphis, and the consequent danger and difficulty of assembling at that place, the moderator recommended, and the clerks by proclamation called, the Assembly to meet in Mont- gomerj', Ala. (1862, -g. 5.) 188U, pp. 18!) -203. After appointing Covington, Ky., as the place for the next meeting, it was reconsidered, and Staunton, Va., selected. 164. Rides adopted. 1861, p. 7. Resolned, That this Assembly shall be governed by the rules and precedents of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, until otherwise ordered. 165. Rules to be revised. 1861, p. 31. On motion of Judge Shepherd, it was made the duty of the C(jmmittee on Revision to examine the rules of order adopted by this General Assembly, and submit for the consideration of the next General Assembly any change in said rules which to them may seem necessary. 1864, p. 241. This committee (see revision of the Form of Govei-n- ment and Discipline) reported a revised draft of the rules. The chief Secs. 166, 167. J Chuech Courts. 73 changes made consisted in the addition of a few rules, and a classifica- tion of them under distinct heads, by the use of which the moderator and members of any coiu't may find at a glance any rule sought for. After being read, these rules were referred to the next General As- sembly. 166. New Piirliarnentarij Mules adopted. 1866, p. 9. That part of the report of the Committee of Ee-vdsion which refers to parhamentary rules, was taken up and considered seri- atim. Having been amended in various particulars, the rej^ort was adojited. 1866, p. 37. The whole report, viz. : the Rules of Parhamentary Order, Canons of Discipline, and Form of Government, were adopted, and each part sent down as a sejiarate overture to the Presbyteries for their adoption. 1867, p. 149. Only five Presbyteries adopt the overtui'e with refer- ence to the Rules of Parhamentary Order. An explanation is needed to make the above clear. The Assembly at ^Memphis adopted these rules for its own guidance and for the use of subsequent Assemblies. At the same tims, having endorsed the revision of the Form of Government and the Book of Discipline, it submitted the Parliamentary Rules along with them to the Presbyteries, to be voted on as a j^art of the Book of Church Order. The Pres- byteries did not decline to approve the new rules. They simply declined to make them a part of the organic law of the Church by incorporating them in the constitu- tion. When subsequently the Book was resubmitted, it was with the rules omitted. As a matter of fact these ParUamentarj' Rules have been very generalh' adopted by the Syui.;ds and Presbyteries for their own use. — A. 167. Mules of Parliamentary Order. Of opening the session. 1. The maderator shall take the chair precisslj'^ at the hour to which the court stands adjourned ; shall immediately call the members to order ; and on the ap- pearance of a quorum, the session shall be opened with prayer. 2. If a quorum be assembled at the hour appointed, and the moderator be ab- sent, the last moderator or oldest minister present shall take the chair without delay. 3. If a quorum be not assembled at the hour appointed, any two member's shall be competent to adjourn from time to tima, that an opportuuity may be given for a quorum to assemble. 4. After calling the roll, and marking the absentees, the minutes of the last sit- ting shall be read, and if requisite, corrected. Of the moderator. 5. It shall be the duty of the moderator to preserve order, and to conduct all business before the court to a speedy and proper result. 6. He is to propose to the court every subject of deliberation that comes be- fore it. 7. He may propose what appears to him [the most regular and direct way of bringing any business to issue. 8. He shall always announce the nam3S of members rising to speak, prevent them from interrupting each other, and require them in speaking always to adiiress the chair. 9. He shall prevent a speaker from deviating from the subject, and from using personal retlections. 10. He shall silence those who refuse to obey order. 11. He shall prevent members leaving the court without his permission. 12. He shall, when the deliberations are ended, put the question and call the vote. 74 Digest of the Acts op the General Assembly. [Book III. 13. In all qupstious lie shall ^i\e a c'lear and concise statement of the object of the vote, and the vote being taken, he shall declare how the qnestion is decided. 14. He shall carefully keep notes of the orders of the day, and call them np at the times appointed. 15. He may speak to points of order, in preference to other members, rising from his seat for that purpose, and shall decide questions of order subject to an appeal to the court, without deljate, by any two members. 16. If any member consider himself aggrieved by a decision of the moderat(n', it shall 1)6 his privilege to apjjeal to the court, and the question on such appeal shall be taken without debate. 17. It is'his duty to appoint all committees except in those cases in which the courts shall decide otherwise. 18. When a vote is taken by ballot, or by yeas and nays, he shall vote with the other members ; in other cases, when the court is equally divided, he shall possess the casting vote. If he be not willing to decide, he shall put the question a second time, and if the court be again equally divided, and he decline to give his vote, the question shall be lost. 19. He may call any menrber to the chair, to preside temporarilj\ Of the dcrl: 20. As soon as possible after the commencement of the first session of every court, the clerk shall form a complete roll of the members present, and jjut the same into the hands of the moderator; and whenever any additional members take their seats, he shall add thei* names in their proper places to the said roll. 21. He shall immediately file all pajjers in the order in which they have been read, with jn-oper endorsements, and keep them in perfect order. Of the order of business. 22. After the reading of the miniites of the preceding day, the following order of business shall be observed : First — The receiving of — (fi.) Communications addressed to the body ; {b.) Reports of standing committees ; (('.) Reports of select committees; (d.) Resolutions ; each of which papers may, by unanimous consent, be taken up immediately on presentation, but if objection be made it shall be docketed. Secondly — The unfinished business in which the coiirt was engaged at the last- preceding adjournment, in in-eference to orders of the day ; bi\t such unfinished business may, on motion withoiit debate, be laid on the table, to proceed with the si^ecial order. Thirdly — As soon as the special order and the unfinished business are disposed of, the business on the docket will be called ; but motions to elect officers, to ap- point committees, and to enroll members, shall always be in order, unless a member is speaking, or the court is voting. Of 'motions. 23. A motion must be seconded, .and afterward repeated by the moderator, or read aloud, before it is debated ; but this shall lie no bar to explanation of the ob- ject of any motion by the mover, provided he does not exceed five minutes ; and every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the moderator or any member re- quire it. 24. The mover of a resolution is entitled to the floor, if he so desire, after the moderator has stated the question. Of irithdrairid of motions. 25. Any member who shall have made a motion shall have liberty to withdraw it with the consent of his second, before any debate has taken place thereon, but not afterward without the leave of the court. Ofliinitdtions (f debute. 2G. Motions to lay on the tal)le, to docket, to take u^) business, and to adjourn, and the call for the question, shall he jiut without debate. On questions of order, postponement or commitment, no member shall si)eak more than once. On all other questions, each member may speak twice, but not ofteuer, without exiu'ess leave of the court. Sec. 1G7.] . Ohuech Courts. 75 Of ■privilerjcd question.^. 27 ("). "Wheu a qnestion is under debate, no motion phall be received unless to adjourn, to docket, to lay on the table, to amend, to postpone indefinitely, to post- pone to a day ceitain, or to commit ; wliicli several motions sbnll Lave precedence in the order in wbich tbej^ are herein arranged ; and the motion for adjournment shall always be in order. Pivtnictcd ond ^nqyrojitablc debate. 27 (//). Uesdlved, That it is the mind of this General Assembly that Kulo 27 of the General Rules was never intended to dejjrive the General As^sembly of the ri'^^ht to protect itself against wearisome, protracted, and un2)rotitable debiite, and there- fore it will be in order at any time for a member to move a limitation of speedies, and the moderator to propose the same to the house under Rule 7 of General Rules. Adoi^ted, 188(;, p. -lU. Of "the quedion." 2H. AVhen any member shall call for "tlie qventioii," the moderator shall, with- out debate, pxit the vote, "Is the court ready for the question 1'" If the call be seconded by a majority of the members present, the vote shall immediately be taken (m the pending qnestion, whatever it may be, without further debate. Of diriifion (f the questivn. 2'J. If a motion under deliate contains several parts, any two members may have it divided, and ix question taken on each part. Of amendments. 30. An amendment may be moved on any question, as also an amendment to the amendment, which shall be decided before the original proposition ; but two dis- tinct amendments to the pending qiiestion shall not be entertained at the same time, whether moved as substitutes for the Avhole matter, or as changing any part thereof. 31. One proposition may be sub.stituted for another, when the substitute covers the whole matter of the original, and this shall be done by moving to strike or;t the original, and to insert the substitute. Of reconsideration. 32. A question shall not be reconsidered at the same sessions of the court at which it has been decided, unless by the consent of ii majority of the members who were present at the decision, and imless the motion to reconsider be made by a person who voted with the majority. 33. A subject which has been indetinitely postponed shall not be again called up during the same sessions of the court, unless by the consent of three-fourths of the members who were present at the decision. Of speakers. 34:. If more than one member rise to si)eak at the same time, the member who is most distant from the moderator s chair sludl speak tirst. 35. Every member, when speaking, shall address himself to the moderator, and shall treat his fellow-members, and especially the moderator, with decorum and respect. Of interruptions. 36. No speaker shall be inteiTupted unless he be out of order, or for the purpose of correcting mistakes or misrepresentations. Of voting. 37. Members shall not decline voting, unless excused by the court. 38. AVhen various motions are made with respect to the tilhng of blanks with particular numbers of times, the question shall always be tirst taken on the highest uund)er and the longest time. 311. When the m()deratt)r has commenced taking the vote, no further debate or remark shall be admitted, unless then' has evidently been a mistake : in which case the mistake shall be rectified, and the moderator shall re-commence taking the vote. 40. The yeas and nays on any qnestion shall not be recorded, unless it be re- quired by one-third of the members present ; and every member shall vote ' ' yea " 76 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III, or "nay," unless excnsed by the coiirt. In a judicial case, members thus excused shall not be allowed a vote in any of the subsequent proceedings relating thereto. 41. In all elections it shall require a majority of the votes cast to elect. Of comniittees. 42. The jDersou first named on any committee shall be considered as the chair- man thereof, whose duty it shall be to convene the committee and preside therein; and in case of his absence, or inability to act, the second named member shall take his place and perform his duties. Of privite sessions. 43. All courts have a right to sit in private on business which, in their judgment, ought not to be matter of public speci;lation. Of the committee of the wliole. 44. Every coitrt has a right to resolve itself into a committee of the whole, or to hold what are commonly called iiiterlocatory meetings, in which members may freely converse together without the formalities necessary in their ordinary iiroceedings. In all such cases the moderator shall name the member who is to preside as chair- man. If the committee bs unable to agree, a motion may be made that the com- mittee rise, and, upon the adoption of such motion, the moderator shall resume the chair, and the chairman of the committee shall report what has been done, and ask that the committee be discharged, which, being allowed, the matter shall be dropped. If the committee shall agree u^Don the report to be made, or have made progress in the same without coming to a conclusion, the committae mxy rise, re- port what has been done, and, if the case require, may ask leave to sit again ; or the committee of the whole miy be dissolved, and the question considered by the court in the usual order of business. Of decorum. 45. Without express permission, no mamber of a court, while business is going on, shall engage in private conversation; nor shall msmbers address one another, nor any person present, but through the moderator. 46. When more than three mamb^'s of the court shall be standing at the same time, the moderator shall require all to take their seats, the person only excepted who may be speaking. 47 (a). If any member act in any respect in a disorderly manner, it shall be the privilege of any member, and the duty of the moderator, to call him to order. (47 (b). A rule added in 1874 (see Minutes, page 496) : All expressions of appro- bation or disapprobation, by clapping of hands or stami^ing, or any audible ap- plause, shall be considered disorderly.) 48. No mamber shall retire from any court without the leave of the moderator, nor withdraw from it to return home without the consent of the court. Of cases unprovided for. 49. All cases ]that may arise, not provided Jfor in the foregoing rules, shall be governed by the principles of parliamentary law. Of closing the sessions. 50. The moderator of every courb, above the church ^session, in finally closing its sessions, in addition to prayer, may causa to bs sung an appropriate psalm or hymn, and shall pronounce the apostolical benediction. 168. Acceptiiuf invitations. Wlieuever invitations have been made to the Assembly, tendering to its members hospitahty, excursions, etc., the invariable custom has been to return thanks for the courtesy, and if deemed, advisable, to adjourn at such hour as will permit the members individuaUy to accept the invita- tion. The Assembly has not deemed it proper, in its capacity as a court, to attend entertainments, commencements, etc. (see 1881, p. 354, et passivi.) 169. FAectioneering pamphlets. 1880, p. 212. Whereas, a pamphlet, entitled " Discussion on Assem- Secs. 170-173.] Chxjkch Courts. 77 bly Deliverances," has been addressed to the moderator and members of this body and circulated among them, which pamphlet, moreover, contains a grossly personal assault on a member of this General Assem- bly ; and whereas, it appears that other pamphlets beaiing upon ques- tions still jDending have been put in circulation among the members, the General Assembly hereby expresses its disapproval of this method of attempting to iiilluence its decisions as disrespectful to this body, and an infringement upon its prerogatives. 170. Prayer for the General Assembly. 1863, p. 133. Whereas, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States fully recognizes the efficacy of the prayers of God's people, and the necessity for divine guidance in its own dehberations ; therefore, liesolved, 1, That the General Assembly recommend to all the churches under its care, to offer special prayer during the devotions of the Sabbath preceding the meeting of the General Assembly in each year, that God would of great mercy so give the Assembly the wisdom that Cometh from above, and so direct all its plans, discussions, and decisions, as to j^romote his own glory, and advance the kingdom of Jesus in the earth. Resolved, 2, That the above preamble and resolution be printed an- nually in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Assembly. 171. Permanent'^StancUng Committees. 187(5, p. 239. Overture from the Presbytery of Mecklenburg, asking the Assembly to provide that its Committee of Bills and Overtures, and its Judicial Committee, be made permanent committees, whose duty it shall be to pubhsh in the newspapers reports of matters submitted to them, and their decisions, for discussion in the newspapers, before they be submitted to the General Assembly. Ansicer: The proposed arrangement seems not only impracticable, but apjDears to be grounded on an incorrect conception of the functions of the General Assembly as a supi'cme court of Christ, meeting, with the promise of the presence of Christ, to deliberate, and, under the leading of the Spirit, to decide upon matters pertaining to the general interests of the Church, and not merely to express the pubhc opinion of the Church. 172. Synods and Presbyteries to be arrangedjin Minutes alphabeti- c(dly. 1861, p. 34. On motion of Dr. John S. Wilson, the Assembly directed the stated clerk, in publishing the Minutes, to cause the names of the Synods to be printed in alphalaetical order, and the names of the Pres- byteries in the several Synods to be printed in the same manner. 173. Ooertwes and memorials may be referred tcithout being Jirst read. 1872, p. 158. Overture No. 13, asking that a rule be adopted re- quiring that all memorials and overtures presented to the Assembly shall be read before they are referred to a committee. Your commit- tee think such a rule would prove highly inconvenient, often vexatious. 78 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. and sometimes impracticable, and so report adversely to the overture. Adoj^ted. 174. Shall overtures he printed in the Miniites. 1873, p. 307. The Presbytery of Brazos requests that the text or the substance of all overtures presented to the Assembly appear in the printed Minutes of this body. ■ Ansxoer : We think our Minvites are sufficiently full on the subject of overtures. Adopted. 1883, p. 28. Overture from the Presbyteiy of Winchester, asking that the substance of all overtures sent up to the Assembly be printed in the Minutes of the Assembly. Granted. 175. Advisable that overtures should come throuf/h the Stjnods. 1876, p. 219. JResolved, That in view of the multiplication of over- tui'es fi'om the Presbyteries to the General Assembly, and without in- tending to pronounce judgment upon the question whether, under Sec. IV. of Chap. XI. of the Form of Government, the Presbyteries have the constitutional right to pass by the Synods and overture the Gene- ral Assembly directly on all proper questions, the General Assembly reminds the Presbyteries that this growing practice is of doubtful ex- pediency ; that it consumes the time of the Assembly in many instances without any practical benefits ; and that it woixld be better for the in- terests of the Church if all overtures shall be approved by the Synods before they are sent to the General Assembly, except in extraordinary cases. 1883, p. 59. This deliverance was in substance reaffirmed. 176. Overtures shotdd pass through the lower courts. 1879, p. 43. Overture from the Eev. James Woodrow, proposing the following question for answer by the Asseinbly, viz. : "From whom is it proper for the General Assembly to receive over- tures, according to the constitution ? " Rephf : In the judgment of this Assembly, aU overtures to the high- est court of the Church ought to come from the lower courts, and not from individuals ; and, further, that the highest court ought not to be asked for "advice and instruction" (Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. VI., Art. V.) in any cases in which the said "advice or instruction" may be given with equal edification to the Church by a lower court. 1878, p. 610. Overture from the Sjoiod of Texas, asking the As- sembly to decide that "all overtures, appeals, comi^laints, etc., should proceed in regular gradation from the session to the Presb^-tery, from the Presbytery to the S^-uod, and from the Synod to the General As- sembly, and vice versa, without omitting any of the intermediate courts." Reph/ : 1. As to judicial cases, we refer to Chap. VI., Sec. III., Art. VI., ]3ook of Discipline. 2. That while the General Assembly may recommend that overtures should ordinarily be sent from the S>Tiod, it cannot deny the right of Presbyteries, the constituent elements of the Assembly, nor of individ- uals, to overture the General Assembly whenever circumstances may require. -Secs. 177-179.] Chitkch Courts. 79 8. That the General Assembh^ has the right to send its dehverances directly to the Presb^-teries. 1878, p. 041. The Committee on the Eecords of the S>Tiod of Texas recommend the following- exception : That on page 05 the Synod took the following action : " That in order to preserve the true relations of the correlative rights and obhgations of our several ecclesiastical courts, it is the judgment of this S^niod that all overtures, appeals and com- plaints, etc., shcnild proceed in regular gradation, rising from the ses- sion to the Presbytery, from the Presbytery to the Synod, and from the SjTiod to the General Assembl}^ and vice versa, without omitting or passing; over any of the intermediate courts, from the lowest to the highest." While tliis exception was doubtless sustaiuetl, it does uot appear from tlie Minutes that it was acted upon. — A. 177. 3Iinutes to be puMished bi/ the Committee of Publication. 1887, p. 202. Ordered : That the stated clerk be dii-ected to have the Minutes of the Assembly printed by the Publication Committee in Eichmond. This order to begin with the pubHcation of the Minutes of 1888. 178. Price of the Minutes. Fifty cents a copy was the selling price of the printed ^liuutes until 1864, when it was placed at $2, and one copy ordered sent annually to every minister of the Church free of charge. (P. 263.) In 1863, p. 151, the following was adopted : liesolved. That each Presbytery in connection -nith this Assembly be recjuested to contribute annually a sum which shall be equal to one dollar for each minister, and one dollar for each church under its care. Pesolvf'd, That a copy of the Minutes be sent annually to every min- ister, and to the clerk of every session belonging to each Presbytery which may accede to the foregoing request. 1865, p. 357. Money having returned to its normal value, the sell- ing- price per copy for the Minutes was again put at fifty cents. In 1866, p. 10, it was further ordered that one copy be sent to the clerks of Presbyteries gratis. 1874, p. 523. To every clnu'ch contributing- to the contingent and commissioner's fund, according to the plan this year inaugiu'ated, one copy of the annual ^Minutes shall be sent free. In 1870, ]). 505, the price was fixed at thirty cents a copy, pixmded as many as twenty-five copies should be sent to one address. In 1873, (see p. 314), the price was made thirty cents in case ten copies should be ordered sent to cme address. In 1885, in response to several overtures, the following- was adopted : That the stated clerk be directed to send a copy of the i\Iinutes each year, without charge, to every minister of the Church. (P. 404.) 1887, p. 247. The stated clerk is instructed to present each session with a cojn' of the ]\rinutes free of charge. 179. Committee to verifi/ the printed Jfinutes. 1884, p. 237. The Synod of South Georgia and Florida overtures ihe Assembly to appoint a committee whose duty it shall be to examine, 80 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III by comparison, the -written record and printed Minutes, and make re- port touching the correspondence of the two records. Avsver : It would not be practicable for the committee asked for to act, even if it were appointed, inasmuch as it woiUd be required to re- vise the Minutes of an Assembly which has been dissolved, and report the same to another which has no power to amend. 180. Contingent fund. 1861, p. 24. The Assembly will need funds for its own contingent expenses ; for the salaries of its clerks ; for its commissioners to cor- responding bodies, and for publishing its Minutes ; to which may also be added a commissioners' fund, out of which should be paid the mileage and expenses of commissioners to the General Assembly from Presby- teries that are not able to bear this expense. 1864, p. 263. Travelling expenses of the committees of the Assem- bly, and its other agents, enumerated as ordinary expenses. 181. IToio this fund shall be raised. 1861, p. 18. Resolved, That the Assembly request the delegates from each of the Presbyteries represented on this floor to pay over to the stated clerk of the Assembly the sum of fifty cents for each min- ister in said Presbytery, for the purpose of constituting a contingent fund. P. 39. To this was added the proceeds arising from the sale of the Minutes and Address ordered to be sold. An assessment, ranging from five to twenty dollars, was made upon the Presbyteries, to be sent up to the next General Assembly. This assessment was continued for two years. 1863, p. 151. Seven hmidred and eighty-five dollars were assessed and apportioned among the Presbyteries, at rates from ten to twenty- five dollars on each. This assessment was quadrupled in 1864. 182. Standing Committee on Finance. 1864, p. 281. Resolved, That there be now estabhshed, as one of the standing executive committees of the Assembly, a Committee of Fi- nance, consisting of the stated and jDermanent clerks, together with the treasurer of the Assembly, to whom shall be referred all the finan- cial matters of the Assembly connected with the publication of the Minutes, and the providing of ways and means to meet the annual ex- penses of the Assembly ; and that this committee be required to re- port, as the other executive committees, annually to the General Assem- bly. 183. Assessments and the contingent Jui id. The assessments were changed in amoimt from year to year. 1870, p. 519. An overture from brethren in Texas concerning a new assessment to provide for a commissioners' fund, induced (1871, p. 33) the Assembly to so far raise the assessments as to provide a fimd for meeting, in part at least, the expenses of commissioners from the more distant and impoverished Presbyteries. Sec3. 184, 185.] Church Couets. 81 184. Another plan adopted. 1874, p. 523. Overtvu-e No. 7 is a request from the SjTicd of Texas and from the PresbA-tery of Erazos, and also from the Presb^^:ery of Texas, that the Assembh' adopt a system of per capita assessment to defi'ay the expenses of the commissioners' and contingent fund, and that the rate of assessment, at present, be fixed at ten cents for each com mimic ant of the Church. • It is recommended that the request be granted, and that, in order to initiate the plan, the Assembly adopts the following rules, subject to such modifications as experience may show to be advisable, to-wit : 1. There shall be appointed at each meeting of the Assembly a stand- ing committee of the commissioner's fund, Avho shall present an esti- mate of the amount needed to defray the contingent exj)enses of the next Assembly, and also the travelling expenses of its members, with a statement of the per capita rate necessaiy to secure it. 2. Presbyteries, at the next stated meeting after the adjoimiment of the Assembly, shall apportion, as they may deem best, the amoimt re- quired from the communicants within their bounds. 8. Churches shall be instructed to pay over their resj)ective appor- tionments at the stated meeting of the Presbyteiy next preceding the meeting of the Assembly, and the amount due from the Presb}-tery shall be forwarded by the commissioners. 4. The apportionment of each Presbjiierj', and the bill of the travel- ling expenses of its commissioners, shall be presented to the standing committee as early as the fifth day of the sessions of the Assembly. 5. The standing committee shall reserve from the amount received enough for the contingent expenses of the Assembly, and shall then proceed to audit the bills of the commissioners, and pay the pro rata, as far as the fimds received will permit, the suii^lus, if any, to be placed in the hands of the treasurer of the Assembly. 6; Presbyteries must contribute their full proportion, according to' the per capita rule, in order to avail themselves of the proceeds of this fund. 7. Every church contributing to the fund shall be entitled to a copy of the Annual Minutes of the Assembly. 8. The travelUng expenses of commissioners fi'om Presbyteries in foreign lands shall l)e estimated from theii' place of residence in this countiy. 9. Eveiy Presbytery, therefore, is hereby requested to forward to> the Standing Committee on the Commissioners' Fund of the next As- sembly an amount equal to ten cents for every communicant imder the care of their churches, as determined by the statistical report herewith printed. Adopted. 185. How it ^corked. 1875, p. 35. Ordered, That, on account of the small number of Pres- byteries adopting, and the insufficiency of the sum i)rovided, the com- missioners from the Presbyteries furnishing an assessment of ten cents per member for the present yesu-, retain in their hands, for expenses, all the money remaining after paA'ing to the Assembly's treasurer, for the contingent fund, the assessment made upon them in 1871. That the Assembly contiuue its present plan for raising its contin- gent and commissioners' fimd, with certain modifications (noted below);. 6 82 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. and iirges the adoption of this scheme by all the Presbyteries, not so much as a matter of constitutional right, but as a measiu'e of Christian courtesy and brotherly kindness, which should prompt us to help the weak and "to "bear one another's burdens." These raodifications were substantially : that the necessary expenses of commissioners coming to the Assembly may be presented as a part of the apportionment. That the apportionment for next 3-ear shafl. be eight cents per member, designed to raise a sum of at least eight thou- sand dollars. That the Presbyteries dechning to co-operate in the scheme for a general commissioners' fvmd, and prefeiTing to paj' the expenses of their own delegates to the Assembly, be directed to con- tribute to the contingent fund a sum apportioned to them at the rate of two cents per member. This apportionment will provide an aggre- gate contingent fund of $2,090. That the three missionary Presby- teries of Hangchow, Sao Paulo, and Indian be not at this time as- sessed for the contingent fund. 1876, p. 232. The Standing Committee on Commissioners' Fimd beg leave to make the following report : The committee have received reports from but seventeen Presbyte- ries out of the sixty-fom* belonging to the Assembly, who have gone into the per capita scheme recommended by the Assembly. It is proper here to state, by way of information as to the history of said scheme, that it originated in 1874, and at the Assembly of 1875 it was found to be a failure ; whereupon it was again urged upon the Presbyteries, and the experiment was made a second time ; which ex- periment we now iind has resulted as it did before, in a failui'e ; there being only about one-fourth of the whole nmnber of Presbyteries re- ported to us as adopting this scheme, and these for the most part being the more remote Presbyteries. It is, therefore, evident that the com- missioners of the Presbyteries which have adopted this scheme cannot have theii' travelling expenses defrayed luider it. We therefore think it but just that the frontier Presbyteries be reheved this year from the payment of any part of the assessment for the contingent expenses of the General Assembly. We further recommend to the Assembly, that in consideration of the fact that this per capita scheme, has been twice tried, and has re- sulted both times in failm'e, it be now abandoned, and that the Pres- byteries be instructed to return to the original plan of assessment. Adoi:)ted. 186. Having re-adox>tedthe old plan, the Assembly declines to change it. 1880, p. 213. In reply to an overture from the Presbytery of Dallas, asking that some plan be devised for equahzing the expenses of com- missioners, the following was adopted: Various plans for equalizing the expenses of commissioners have ah-eady been tried and failed. The present plan, however faulty in theory, is the only one which has at all answered the purpose of seeiu*- ing due attendance at the meetings of the General Assembly. If, how- ever, the present rate of General Assembly assessments on Presbyte- ries be ccmtinued, it will yield a fund which may be apphed towards measm-ably accomplishing the desired end. It is therefore inexpedient, in the judgment of this Assembly, that any change be made in the pre- sent plan. Secs. 187-19L] Chitrch Courts. 83 1881, p. 383. To a similar request from the Presbytery of St. Johns, the same answer was returned. The schedule of assessment adopted in 1875 continued in force vmtil 1881, when it was revised, and, as then revised, is in force at this date, 1887. 187. The Assembly without poioer to organize a Presbytery. 1867, p. 1-48. Overture from the commissioners from the Presby- teries of Arkansas and Ouachita, asking for the formation of a new Presb^-terv^ in view of the difficulty of now seciuing a meeting of Synod, owing to the small number and remote locaHty of one of the Presby- teries (Indian) comprised in the Synod of Ai'kansas. Resolved, That this Assembly is constitutionally incompetent to grant this request. (For a violation of the law in this particular, and the manner in which the eiTor was redressed, see chapter on Presbyteries, seetiop** on Hangchow and Sao Paulo Presbyteries. — A). 188. Auditing fa tancial reports to the Assemblt,. Prior to the Assembly of 1864, the reports of the trecosurers of the various execu- tive committees were simply audited by sub-committees, before beiug sent to the Assembly, and there inspected by the respective standing committees. (See 1862, pp. 10, 17.)— A. 189. /Special Auditing Committee to be appointed. 1864, p. 278. Hesolved, That the Assembly appoint annually a committee of thi'ee, unconnected with the Executive Committee of Do- mestic ]\Iissions, to audit all the accounts of the treasiu-er ; that it be made the duty of the treasiu'er to have the report of these auditors en- dorsed upon his accoimt before lapng it before the Assembly. P. 266. A similar provision was made for the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions : "these committees to be appointed by one Assem- bly to audit reports sent up to the next Assembly. This plan does not appear to have been adhered to for more that a year or two. — A. 190. An Auditing Committee to be appointed annually among the standing committees. 1868, p. 271. Hesolved, That each of the executive committees of the Assembly shall, along with its annual report, send up also the treasurer's book and vouchers, and also the book of records contain- ing their proceedings; and that an auditing committee shall be ap- pointed annually among the standing committees. 2. That the treasm-ers be requested to attend each meeting of the General Assembly. 191. The various executive committees to first audit the reports of their respective treasurers. 1882, p. 554. The auditing committee, in riew of the great labor and time necessary to examine the books and accounts of the Execu- tive Committees of Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Education, Pub- lication, Tuskaloosa Institute, and Board of Trustees of the General 84 Digest of the Acts of the General Assejibly. [Book III. Assembly, as submitted at each General Assembly, would suggest and recommend that hereafter each of the committees above named, previ- ous to submitting their reports to the General Assembly, be directed to appoint from among their own number respectively, a sub-committee to audit the accotmts of their respective treasurers ; who shall submit a wi'itten report, which shall accompany the report of the committee as made to the General Assembly, and form a joart of the same. Adopted. 192. Qiiarto-cejiteimial services of the Assembly. 1885, p. 400. The follomng committee was appointed to arrange for quarter-centennial services commemorative of the organization of the General Assembly, viz. : Eev. J. E. Wilson, D. D., W. P. Webb, Esq., Eev. E. M. Green, D. D., and John W. Wallace, Esq. P. 421. The committee appointed to arrange for the quarter-cen- tennial exercises to be held during the sessions of the next Assembly at Augusta, Georgia, would recommend that this Assembly request the officers of the fh-st General Assembly, all of whom are happily still hv- ing, viz. : Eev. Dr. B. M. Palmer, moderator; Eev. Dr. John N. Wad- del, stated clerk ; and the Eev. Dr. J. E. Wilson, permanent clerk, to dehver addi'esses upon that occasion, upon such topics as may seem to them to be appropriate ; and that this committee be continued ad in- terim to arrange the details of these commemorative exercises, with in- structions to report to the next Assembly. 1886, p. 12. The committee appointed by the last General Assem- bly "to arrange for quarter-centennial services commemorative of the organization of the General Assembly," with instructions to report to- this Assembly, beg leave to suggest the followmg plan, viz. : 1. That the Assembly, in closing its business sessions on Monday, the 24th inst., adjourn to meet on Wednesday morning, the 26th, so as to devote the whole of the intervening Tuesday to the services indi- cated; and that, during the continuance of these services, the chair- man of this committee be requested to preside, assisted by the moder- ator of the first Assembly, by the moderator of this Assembly, and by the pastor of the Augusta chiu'ch. 2. That (interspersed with appropriate religious exercises) the per- sons designated by the last Assembly to deliver addi-esses on the pre- sent occasion, shall discharge this duty in the following order : 1st, An opening address by the Eev. Dr. Wilson ; 2nd, An intermediate addi-ess by the Eev. Dr. Waddel ; and 3rd, The principal address by the Eev. Dr. Pahner; the entire service to be concluded at an hoiu' not later than 2 p. m. 3. That Tuesday evening, from 8 o'clock imtil 10^, be given up to such social intercourse as shall be indicated by the chiu'ch committee of arrangements. Adopted. P. 21. This order of exercises was carried out. P. 25. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, desiring to express and permanently record its apprecia- tion of the exercises held in Augusta, Ga., May 25th, 1886, commem- orative of the (quarter-centennial of its organization, therefore. Resolved, 1, That the Committee of Publication be instructed to pubUsh in pamphlet form the action of the last Assembly pr(ividmg for this celebration, the report of the committee of arrangements, the pro- Sec. 193.] Church Courts. 85 gramme or order of exercises, and the three addi'esses deHvered on the occasion by Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., Rev. J. N. Waddel, T>. D., and Rev. B. M. Pahner, D. D.; that live thousand copies be so pubhshed and sent to oiu' ministers, for gTatuitons distribution by them in their respective congTegations. liesolved, 2, That the thanks of the Assembly are tendered to the First Presbyterian Church of Augaista, for its hearty and efficient ef- forts in aid of the execution of the programme, and especially to the ladies of the Fu'st and Second Presbyterian Chiu'ches, for the dehghtful reception given by them, and wliich contributed so much to the enjoy- ment of this interesting occasion. 193. Centennial of the first General Assembly in America. 1886, p. 20. The following commvmication was received by tele- gi'aph from the General Assembly of the Presb^'terian Church, U. S. A. : Minneapolis, Minn., May 24, 1886. To the General Assembly in session at Augusta, Ga.,from the General Assembly in session at 3Iinneapolis, Minn., Greeting: 1. Jiesolved, That this General Assembly, congratulating the Pres- byterians of the country upon the happy re-establishment of fraternal relations between the two great branches of the Chiu'ch in this laud, most cordially and earnestly invite the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States to co-operate with us in the year 1888 in the celebration of the organization of the General Assembly at Philadelphia. 2. That the committee of this Assembly, on the one himdi-edth Gen- eral Assenably, be, and they are hereby, directed and empowered to confer with a similar committee from the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States : and if this invitation be accepted and such committee be appointed, to arrange the method and plan of such co-operation. 3. That the moderator be requested to communicate these resolu-- tions by telegraph to the General Assembly now sitting in Augusta, Ga., in behalf of the General Assembly. D. C. Marquis, Jloderator. W. H. Roberts, Stated Clerk. P. 22. The following reply was adopted: Augusta, Georgia, May 25, 1886, To the General ^issembly in session at Minneapolis, Minn., from the General Assembly in session at Augusta, Ga., Greeting : Resolved (1,) That this General Assembly, particiioating in the glad- ness caused by the re-establishment of fraternal relations between the churches which we respectively represent, willingly accept the cordial in\'itation of the Genertil Assembly of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch in the United States of America, to co-operate with them in the year 1888 in celebrating the organization of the General Assembly at Philadelphia in 1788. liesolved (2,) That a committee of this Assembly be appointed to act with a similar committee of the Assembly at Minneapohs in arraiigiug the mode of co-operation and the plan of this celebration. 86 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book, III. Resolved (3,) That the moderator of this Assembly be authorized to communicate these resokitions by telegraph to the General Assembly now in session at Minneapolis. J. H. Beyson, MiKlerator, Joseph R. Wilson, Stated Cleric. The following resolution, reported from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, was also adopted, viz. : Resolved, That the committee appointed to confer with a similar committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America for the purpose of arranging for a centennial celebration, shall also constitute the committee of this Assembly for carrying out such arrangements. This committee shall be composed as follows : Eev. Dr. B. M. Palmer, with Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Wilson as his alternate ; Rev. Dr. M. D. Hoge, with Rev. Dr. Alexander Martin as his alternate ; Rev. W. F. Juukiu, D. D., with the Rev. Dr. G. B. Strickler as his alternate ; R. L. Dabnej^, D. D., with Rev. Dr. R. K. Smoot as his alternate ; Alphonso Avery, of North Carolina, with B. F. Hall, of North Carolina, as his alternate ; Patrick Joyce, of Kentucky, with Thomas W. Bullitt, of Kentucky, as his alternate ; Thomas A. Hamilton, of Alabama, with J. A. Leland, of South Carohna, as his alternate. 1887, p. 193. The committee appointed by the last Assembh^ to confer with a similar committee of the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States of America, for the pui-pose of arranging for a centennial celebration in the year 1888, would respect- fully report: That, by agreement, this conference was held in the city of Balti- more on the 22d of December, 1886, aU the members of your committee being present, with the exception of Dr. Dabney, decHning to serve be- cause of the state of his health. Dr. Smoot, his alternate, also excused himself on account of the distance of the place of meeting. It is needless to say that the conference was harmonious and cordial tkroughout. A printed copy of the j^roceedings is herewith submitted, from which all the arrangements may be gathered for the proposed celebration. In order to reach the masses which will doubtless assem- ble in Philadelphia, six public meetings will be held — two in the morn- ing of the foui'th Thursday of May, 1888, two in the afternoon, two at night- — these meetings to be held respectively at the same hour in dif- ferent halls, and to be presided over by representatives of the two As- semblies. To redeem the occasion, as far as possible, from mere sentimental self-appreciation, as weU as to make it bear upon the futiu'e advancement of the Church, twenty addresses wiU be delivered upon as many dis- tinct topics, ten speakers being selected from each of the two concur- ring Assemblies. This equal division was insisted upon by the breth- ren of the other part, notwithstanding the disi^arity in numbers mod- estly urged by us, on the ground tliat the two bodies met as units in this memorial service, which should be made to appear upon the face of the occasion. Your committee did not feel disposed to assume the responsibility of appointing the speakers who shall represent us upon the platform, and accordingly refer tliis to the Assembly itself at the present meet- ing. Sec. 193.] Church Courts. 87 The following suggestions are respectfully submitted: 1. That the General Assembly adjourn, to meet next year at some point as near as possible to the city of Philadelphia, so as to seciu-e the fullest co-operation in this joint celebration. 2. That on Memorial Day, the fourth Thursday of Miiy, 1888, the Assembly shall suspend its usual sessions, allowing all its members to participate in this reunion. 3. That this General Assembly appoint a committee, which shall nominate the speakers for the centennial— four of these speakers, at least, to be chosen from the laity : this nomination to be made before the Assembly rises. 4. It being possible that some of these appointees may decline to serve, that a local committee (for convenience of consultation) be ap- jDointed, which shall choose others in their stead, giving nine months' notice, if possible, of the duty expected of them. 5. That the matter of raising a memonal fund be left to the differ- ent jDortions of the C'hiux-h w4iich may choose to embark in it. G. That the Assembly recommend to the Presbyteries to collect his- torical materials within their bounds, and forward the same to the As- sembly of 1888. All which is respectfully submitted. B. M. Palmer, M. D. HoGE, AV. F. JUNKIN, Alphonso Avery, Patrick Joyce, J. A. Leland. This report, with other documents, was refen-ed to a special Com- mittee on the Centennial Celebration, of which Rev. T. L. Preston, D. D., was chairman. (P. 201.) P. 218. This committee made the following report, which was adt)pted : Your committee has had submitted to it the following papers, ^dz. : 1. An invitation to this General Assembly to hold its next session in the city of Philadelphia, from the Presb^-teiy of Philadelphia. (P. 195.) 2. An invitation from the Second Church of Philadelphia, inviting the Assembly to hold its sessions in that church, tendering to it the hospitality t)f the church and people. (P. 190.) 3. The printed minutes of the (id iiiteriin committee, appointed to make arrangements for the centennial celebration on the fom'th Thurs- day of May, 1888. 4. A report from the committee of our General Assembly, ap])ointed to confer with a similar committee appointed by the General Assem- bly, U. S. A., making certain suggestions to this Assembly with regard to carrying out the plan proposed by the joint committee of the two Assembhes. (1.) To the invitation of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, we recom- mend the following response : That this Assembly has received the kind and courteous invitation of the Presbyteiy, and recognizes the Christian sentiment and fraternjil regards which prompted the breth- ren of the Presbyteiy to desii-e to have oiu- Assembly to meet with them; that the Assembly very highly api)reciates the cordial terms in which the Presb\'terv jjreseuts its request, and reciprocates heartily the expressions of friendliness and fraternity contained in their letter. 88 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. But the Assembly does not deem it judicious to appoint a meeting of the body outside our own bounds, or to depart from the invariable custom of meeting within the limits of one of our own churches. In dechning to accept the iuAdtation tendered us, we would not have the Presbytery suppose that we are in the least degree insensible to the generous impulse that prompted the Presbytery to desire to have our Assembly meet within their bounds. (2.) To the invitation of the Second Church of Philadelphia, we re- ly of 1888. 7. Assignment of subjects for speakers: (1.) Histoiy of Presbyte- rianism: its work for the future: Dr. Girardeaii. (2.) Calvinism and reUgious hberty : Mr. Breckinridge. (3.) Adaptation of Presbyterianism Sec. 194, 195.] Chukch CotiUTS. 89 to the masses : Mr. Tucker. (4.) City evangelization : Dr. Hoge. (5.) Calvinism and human progress : Judge Cothi-an. (6.) Lay effort among the masses : Mr. Anderson. (7.) Foreign Missions : Dr. Hous- ton. (8.) Home Missions : Dr. Moore. (9.) Children of the covenant : Dr. Palmer. (10.) Closing address : Dr. Witherspoon. P. 219. To the local committee appointed above, styled elsewhere (p. 287) the " Committee of Arrangements," it was assigned as a duty to make all necessary additional arrangements. P. 221. The treasurer of the Assembly is directed to pay the ex- jDenses of those who shall represent this Assembly at the centennial celebration, and of the local committee, in the discharge of the duties imposed on them. CHAPTER Y. GENERAL PO^^^ES OF CHURCH COURTS. 194. Church courts have potoer to make deliverances affirrtxing what is an ojfense. 1865, p. 361. Inquiry from the Rev. Dr. Ross, whether everj- chui'ch session has the right to make it a rule that dancing and other amuse- ments are disciplinary? Answer : No chiu'ch judicatory has a right to make any new rules of chiu'ch membership different from those contained in the constitu- tion ; but it is the undoubted right of the church session, and of every other judicatory, to make a deliverance, affirming its sense of what is " an offense," in the meaning of the Book of Discipline, Chap. I., Sec. in. 195. The nature and authority of in-thesi deliverances of church courts. 1879, p. 23. Overture from the Presb}i;ery of Atlanta, asking the Assembly for definite instructions upon the following points, to-wit : J^irst, Are the deUverances of 1865, 1869, and 1877, on the subject of worldly amusements, to be accepted and enforced as law by judicial process ? Second, Are all the offenses named in them to be so dealt with, or are exceptions to be made ? Third, Are the deliverances of all our church courts of the same nature and authority, so far as the boimds of those respective courts extend ? In answer to these questions, the Assembly imanimously adopted the following minute : First, This Assembly would answer the first question in the negative, upon the following grounds : First, That these deliverances do not require judicial prosecution ex- pressty, and could not require it, without violating the spirit of our law. /Second, That none of these deliverances Avere made by the Assembly in a strictly judicial capacity, but were all dehverances i/i thesi, and therefore can be considered as only didactic, ad\-isory and monitoiy. 90 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. Third, That the Assembly has no powei- to issue orders to institute process, except according to the provisions of Book of Disciphne, Chap. VII., in the old, and Chap. XIII., Sec. I., in the re\dsed Book; and all these provisions imply that the court of remote jurisdiction is dealing "with a particular court of original jurisdiction, and not with such courts in general. The injunctions, therefore, upon the sessions to exercise discipline in the matter of worldly amusements are to be imderstood only as utterances of the solemn testimony of these Assemblies against a great and growing evil in the Church. The power to utter such a. testimony will not be disputed, since it is so expressly given to the As- semblies in the Form of Government, Chap. XII., Sec. V., of the old, and in revised Book of Church Order, Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. VI., Art. VI., and this testimony this Assembly does hereby most solemnly and affectionately reiterate. In thus defining the meaning and intent of the action of former As- semblies, this General Assembly does not mean, in the slightest degree, to interfere with the power of discipline in any of its forms, which is given to the coiu'ts below by the constitution of the Church ; or to inti- mate that discipline in its sternest form may not be necessary, in some cases, in order to arrest the evils in question. The occasion, the mode, the degree, and the kind of discipline must be left to the courts of origi- nal jimsdictiou, under, the checks and restraints of the constitution. All that is designed is to deny the power of the Assembly to make law for the Church in the matter of " oflenses," or to give to its deliverances in thesi the force of judicial decisions. Second, The second c[uestion, which is, "Are all the offenses named in the deliverances of 1865, 1869 and 1877 to be dealt with in the way of judicial process, or are exceptions to be made ?" needs no answer after what has been said in answer to the first. Third, In answer to the third question, relative to the nature and authority of our different church courts, this Assembly would say that the nature and authority of all our church courts are the same, so far as the bounds of these respective courts extend, subject, of course, to the provisions for review and control of the lower courts by the higher. The power of the whole is in every part, but the power of the whole is over the power of every part. The perplexity about the nature of the deliverances in question has arisen from confcjunding two senses in which the word discipline is used in our constitution. One is that of "judicial process," the other is that of inspection, inquest, remonstrance, rebuke and "private ad- monition." (Form of Government, Chap. IV., Sec. III., Art. IV.) The one is strictly judicial or forensic ; the other is that general oversight of the fiock which belongs to the officers of the Church, as charged by the Holy Ghost with the duty of watching for souls. The one can- not be administered at all except by a court of the Chm-ch ; the other, while it is a function of that charity which all the members of the Church are bomid to possess and cherish for each other, is yet the special and official f miction of the rulers, to be exercised with authority toward those who are committed to their care. In the judgment of this Assembly, great harm is done by the custom of identifying, in popular speech, these two forms oi discipline, or, rather, by forgetting that there is some other discipline than that of judicial process. Many an erring sheep might be restored to a place of safety within the fold Secs. 196-198.] Chukch COUKTS. 91 by kind and tender, yet firm and faithful efforts, in private, who might be driven farther away by the immediate resort to discipline in its sterner and more terrifying forms. The distinction here asserted is recognized in the Word of God, and in onr constitution, for substance at least, in the directions given for the conduct of chiux-h members in the case of personal and private injuries. (8ee Chap. II., Art. III., of the old Book of Discipline, and Chap. I., Azi;. IV., of the revised; also, Matthew xviii. 15, IG.) If scandal can be removed or prevented in such cases, more effectually oftentimes by faithful dealing in private with off'enders than by judicial process, it does not appear why similar good results maj- not foUow from the like dealing in the matter of worldly amusements. 196. No deliverance in thesi can modify or set aside a judicial sentence. 1879, p. 57. Overture from the Synod of Kentucky, asking the Gen- eral Assembly to reconsider the action of the Assembly of 1878, ap- l^roving the action of the Presbytery of Louisville " in restraining from the exercise of the functions of the ministry a minister deemed irre- sponsible for his words and acts by reason of unsoimdness of mind, •without the usual forms of judicial process." And the S;\Tiod furthermore ask the Assembly to "make such a de- hverance on the subject as shall obviate any Habihty to misinterpreta- tion, or danger of the introduction of principles or usages at variance with the regiilation of our standards, and threatening to the rights and liberties of our ministers and people." The Assembly made the following answer: While it might be competent for one General Assembly, imder such rules as the constitution provides, to grant a new hearing of a case which has been judicially decided by a prerioiis General Assembly, yet inasmuch as this memorial simply asks for a deliverance in a case ad- judicated by the Assembly of 1878, this Assembly declines to grant the recpiest of the memorial, for the reason that no deliverance in tJtesi can modify or set aside a judicial sentence." 197. Declines to repeal or modify this deliverance. 1880, p. 201. " The S^^-nod of South Carolina hereby overtures the General Assembly, respectfully praying that it will consider and I'epeal, or at least seriously modify, so much of the dehverance of the last As- sembly at Louisville, in relation to worldly amusements, as declares that all deliverances of the General Assembly, and by necessary impli- cation, of the other coiuis of the Chui'ch, which ax*e not made by them in a strictly judicial capacity, but are deliverances in thesi, can be con- sidered as only didactic, advisoiy, and monitory." To this request the Assembly made the following reply: 1. This Assembly interprets the language complained of in the over- ture, as by no means declaring that (dl deliverances >n thesi, uttered by a General Assembly, are to be considered as merely "didactic, advisory, and monitoiy;" but only as assuming that, when any in thesi deliver- ance bears upon the law of offenses and the administration of disci- pline, it is not to be regarded as fm-nishing a sufficient ground for ju- dicial process by the coinis of original jurisdiction, a part of which original jurisdiction is the power of interpreting for itself the law of offenses, as laid down in the constitution of the Chui'ch. 92 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book III. 2. This Assembly declines to repeal or modify the deliverance of the last General Assembly referred to, as thus interpreted. 198. The right of private judgment. 1881, p. 383. To an overture from the Synod of Texas the following answer was made : The Form of Government (Chap. V., Sec. II., Art. II.,) declares that " chiu"ch courts can make no laws binding the conscience, but may frame symbols of faith," etc. It follows that church courts are not infallible, but on the contrary, "all may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as a help in both." (Confession of Faith, Chap. XXXI., Sec. III.) Thus the right of private judgment is asserted ; this right, however, is not op- posed to lawful authority, but to the assumption of power to bind the conscience. 199. Limitation on the right of protest. 1875, J). 23. Overtui-e from James A. Wallace and others, proposing the follovFing questions : "Is it regular for a member who was not present to vote at a meet- ing of a judicatory, to protest against an act of that judicatory at a sub-' sequent meeting ? " " Should there be any limitation of time, when a protest may be admitted to record against such action, after the rising of the judica- toiy ? " "Is it regular to protest against an act after the records have been approved by a higher judicatory ? " The committee recommend the following answer : In the judgment of the Assembly, a protest should be submitted at the meeting at which the action was taken against which the protest is offered. Adopted. 200. Mode of representation in the higher courts. 1882, p. 572. Overture from the Synod of Georgia, requesting that the Assembly take the necessary steps for effecting the following change in our Form of Government in reference to the constitution of our chiu'ch courts, to-wit : That as the Presbytery is composed of represen- tatives from the church sessions, or parochial Presbyteries, the Synod in Uke manner be composed of representatives of the Presbyteries, that is, of commissioners appointed by the Presbyteries, and the General Assembly of representatives from the Synods, or commissioners ap- pointed by the Synods. The Assembly decHned to take the step proposed. 201. Authority of deliverances of church courts and force of logical inferences from the same. 1881, p. 300. To an overtm-e from the Synod of South Carolina, the Assembly returns the answer : That all just and necessary consequences from the law of the Church are a part of the same, in the logical sense of being implicitly contained therein. The authority of this law is, however, two-fold : it binds all those who profess to live under it as a covenant by which they are united in one communion, so that there is Secs. 202, 203.], Chukch Coukts. 93 no escape from its control except by renouncing its jiu'isdiction ; and it binds because it has been accepted as a true expression of what is revealed in Holy Scripture as infallible truth. The consequences de- duced from it cannot, therefore, be equal in authority vdih. the law it- self, unless they be necessarily contained within it, as shown by their agreement also with the Divine Word. 202. Tenure of office for clerks. 1887, p. 232. Overtiu'es from the Presbyteries of Lexington, Mont- gomery, and Central Texas, asking that an amendment to the Book of Church Order be sent down to the Presbyteries, making certain Hmita- tions to the office of clerk, that a re-election shall be had eveiy tlu'ee or five years. Answer : The General Assembly declines to send down the proposed amendment. 203. Commissioner to a higher court may he required to report on other matters than his diligence. 1887, p. 205. The Committee on the Eecords of the Synod of Mis- sissippi reported the following exception : That on pages 213, 214, an overture from the Prytania-street chui'ch was answered incoiTectly. A commissioner from one coui't to a higher is required to render a report of his diligence only. (Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. III., Ai*t. v., last part, and Sec. IV., Art. VI., last part, and Sec. I., Art. I.) This exception was not sustained. (P. 210.) BOOK IV. THE AGENCIES OF THE CHURCH. CHAPTER I. FOREIGN MISSIONS. 204. ConsHtutio7i of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. 1861, p. 15. For the organization of a permanent agency for conduct- ing Foreign Missions, the following resolutions were adopted : Hesolved, 1, That this General Assembly proceed to appoint an ex- ecutive committee, with its proper officers, to carry on this work, and that the character and functions of this committee be comprised in the following articles as its constitution, viz. : Akt. I. This committee shall be known as the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions of the Presbj^terian Church in the Confederate States of America. It shall consist of a secretary, who shall be styled the Secretary of Foreign Missions, and who shall be the committee's organ of communication with the Assembly, and with all portions of the work entrusted to tliis committee ; a treasiu'er, and nine other members, three of whom at least shall be ruling elders or deacons, or private members of the chiuxh, all appointed annually by the General Assem- bly, and shall be directly amenable to it for the faithful and efficient discharge of the duties entrusted to its care. Vacancies occurring ad interim it shall fill if necessary. Art. II. It shall meet once a month, or often er if necessary, at the caU of the chairman or secretary. Five members may constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. It may enact by-laws for its government, the same being subject to the revisal and approval of the General Assembly. Art. III. It shall be the duty of the executive committee to take di- rection and control of the Foreign Missionary work, subject to such in- structions as may be given by the General Assembly "from time to time ; to appoint missionaries and assistant missionaries ; to designate their fields of labor, and provide for their support ; to receive the reports of the secretary and treasurer, and to give such directions in relation to their respective duties as may seem necessary ; to authorize appropria- tions and expenditures of money, including the salaries of officers ; to communicate to the churches from time to time such information about the missiimaiy work as may seem important to be known ; and to lay before the General Assembly from year to year a full report of the work, and of their receipts and expenditures, together with their books of minutes for examination. Hesolved. 2, That this committee shaU be located at Columbia, S. C. Sec. 205.] The Agencies of the Church. 95 205. Work of the Proviswiud Committee of Foreign Missions. Brethren in Columbia, S. C. , having called the attention of the church through- out the Confederacy to the pressing demand of our missions among the Western tribes of Indians, and having received and disbursed funds sent forward, to the amount of more than $4,^^00, and having reported its labors to the convention of delegates from various Presbyteries in the Confederate States of America, commonly known as the Atlanta Convention, which met in Atlanta in August, 1861, that convention fully endorsed their action, and as far as it had authority, and to the extent of the Presbyteries represented therein, ai^poiuted the same brethren at Columbia to con- tinue the work till the meeting of the General Assembly to be held in Augusta in December next, when the whole subject of Missions, Foreign and Domestic, as well as all other objects of Christian enterprise in which our Presbjiierian people are en- gaged, would be provided for. This convention further apjioiuted Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., and Rev. Charlton Henry Wilson, formerly missionary to the Choctaws, a commission to visit the missionaries and native preachere among these Indians, to prevent their entire disiJersion and the loss of what has already been accomplished among them, with instructions to re^jort fully the state of those missions to the General Assem- bly at its first meeting. All our churches were requested to contribute to the sup- port of these Indian missions, and of those missionaries in more distant fields, as China, Siam, and Japan, wh(j went from our Southern country. Provision was further made for the payment of the salary of Rev. J. Leighton Wilson from the time he entered ujjon his duties at Columbia, in June last. The cost of this entire work, together with the expenses of the commission to the Indians, was estimated to be about ^20,000 per annum. (Condensed from the pubhshed proceedings of the convention of delegates held in Atlanta.) — A. 1861, p. 44. The commission above alluded to presented to the Augusta As- sembly an elaborate and exhaustive report of its visit to the Indian Territory, and of the outlook for missions in that field. It described the countrj', its situation, population, and direction of its sympathies, the mode in which missionary work has heretofore been conducted among the Indians, the recent excitement, its cause and its results. It spoke of the interviews held with the missionaries and addresses made to the Choctaw coiincil, with the results of the same. It declared these mis- sions entitled to the confidence of the Southern States, spoke of the measure of success so far achieved, and its great need of being sustained ; declared that the Indian tribes, in the providence of God, have been thrown upon the care of the Southern Church, and that their sympathies were with the Southern people in the great conflict now agitating the land. (Condensed. ) 111 regard to this report, and the minutes of the provisional com- mittee, the following resolutions were adopted : 1861, p. 16. Resolved, That thi-ee thousand copies of this report be printed under the direction of the executive committee, and we ear- nestly recommend that it be read to all our congregations cm some suit- aljle (Occasion, and that the minutes be committed to the executive com- mittee to be appointed, and entered on theii* book of records as an in- troduction to their own minutes. 2. That the Assembly accepts with joyful gi'atitude to God the care of these missions among our Southwestern Indian tribes, the Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks, Seminoles and Cherokees, thus thrown upon them by his pro\idence : missions whose whole history has been signalized by a degree of success attending few other modern missions — to a peo- ple comprising near seventy thousand souls, to whom we are bound by obhgations of special tenderness and strength, and whose spiritual in- terests must ever be dear to the Christians of this land; a people des- tined, ere long, to share ■nath us the fuU enjoyment of the social and political blessings for which we are now strugghng. And the Assem- bly assures those people, and the beloved missionaries that have so long and successfully labored among them, of om* fixed purpose, under God, to sustain and carry forward the blessed work whose foundations have 96 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book IV. been so nobly and so deeply laid. We, therefore, decidedly approve of the recommendation of this report, that six new missionaries be sent to this field speedily, two of them to commence a new mission among the Cherokees, and tliat a few small boarding schools be established, with the special design of raising up a native agency. 3. That in the striking fact that the same upheaving and overturning that have called us into existence as a distinct organization, and shut us out from j)resent access to the distant nations, has also laid thus upon our hearts and hands these interesting missions, with their fifteen sta- tions, their twelve ordained ministers, and sixteen hundred communi- cants, so that, at the very moment of commencing our separate exist- ence, we find them forming in fact an organic part of our body ; and also in the gratifying promptitude with which our church has advanced to their support — the Assembly recognizes most gratefully the clear foreshadowing of the Divine purpose to make our beloved church an eminently missionary church, and a heart-stirring call upon all her people to engage in this blessed work with new zeal and self-denial. 4. The Assembly further rejoices to know that there are a few of the sons of our Southern Zion who are laboring in distant lands, and ap- proves heartily of the action of the committee in forwarding funds for the sujDi^ort of the missions in which they are engaged, trusting that the committee to be appointed will, as soon as possible, ascertain the facts on the svibject necessary to their futvu'e guidance, and takes this occasion hence to direct the longing eyes of the whole chiu'ch to those broad fields where Satan reigns almost unclisturbed — to India, Siam, China, Japan, and especially to Africa and South America, which have peculiar claims upon us, as fields where we are soon to be called to win glorious victories for our King, if we prove faithful, and solemnly charges them that now, while in the convulsions that are shaking the earth we hear the tread of his coming footsteps to take the kingdom bought with his blood, they should be preparing to meet him with their whole hearts and their largest offerings. 5. Finally, the General Assembly desires distinctly and deliberately to inscribe on our church's banner, as she now first imfurls it to the world, in immediate connection with the Headship of her Lord, his last command : " Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ; " regarding this as the great end of her organization, and obedience to it as the indispensable condition of her Lord's prom- ised presence, and as one great comprehensive object, a proper concep- tion of whose vast magnitude and grandeur is the only thing which, in connection with the love of Christ, can ever sufficiently arouse her en- ergies and develop her resources, so as to cause her to carry on, with the vigor and efficiency which true fealty to her Lord demands, those other agencies necessary to her internal growth and home prosperity. The claims of this cause ought, therefore, to be kept constantly before the minds of oui* people and pressed upon their consciences ; and every minister owes it to his people and to a perishing world to give such in- struction on this subject as he is al)le ; and to this end the monthly con- cert ought to be devoutly observed l\y every church on the first Sabbath of each month, for the purpose of missionary instruction as well as prayer, and it would be well to accompany their prayers with their of- ferings. To the same end the Assembly earnestly enjoins upon all our ministers and ruling elders and deacons and Sabbath-school teachers, Secs. 206-200.] The Agencies of the Church. 97 and especially ixp^u pai'ents, paiiicular attention to our precious j'outh in training them to feel a deep interest in this work, and not only to form habits of systematic benevolence, but to feel and respond to the claims of Jesus upon them for personal service in the iield. And shoidd a Sabbath-school paper be estabhshed, they recommend that at least one page be exclusively devoted to this subject. The above report is somewhat abridged. — A. 20G. Tlie committee organized. 1862, p. 30. The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, immedi- ately after the adjournment of the General Assembly in December last, organized themselves as a committee, and entered upon the work as- signed them by the Assembly. A room was secured in Columbia for the secretary and treasurer, and also as a place of meeting for the com- mittee, and thus a local and permanent character has been given to this branch of the Church's benevolence. 207. Monthly Concert of Prayer for Foreign Missions. 1862, p. 10. liesolced, That this Assembly renew the recommend- ation for a concert of prayer, to be held on the first Sabbath of each month in all our churches, for the Lord's blessing upon the cause of Missions, and that contributions be made at those meetings whenever expedient. (This recommendation is renewed from year to year in substantially the same words.) 208. Collections at the Monthly Concert. 1868, p. 276. Fegular collections should be taken up at such meet- ings, in addition to the annual collection for this object, as heretofore advised and urged h\ the Assembly. 1872, p. 168. Jiesolved, That the collections made in connection with the monthly concert of prayer, on alternate months (^. e. on the first Sabbath in Februar}^ April, June, August, October and De- cember) be devoted to Foreign Missions. 209. The Missiomiry. 1862, p. 31. From the report of the executive committee : The com- mittee have thus far used the weekly religious journals as the medium of communicating missionary intelligence to the churches, and it is their opinion that so long as the editors of these papers are wiUing for their columns to be used in this way, there will be no necessity for any other organ of commimication with the churches. 1867, p. 138. The committee is authorized to pubhsli a monthly missionary paper for gratuitous circulation to ministers and Sabbath- school superintendents. 1873, p. 315. lieso/rcd, That 77/t' Mi.^sioiKO-y he strongly commended as an instrumentality of great value in difiusing information, and in creating and extending an interest in behalf of ^Missions. The ex- ecutive committee is encouraged to press the circulation of this journal by all the means in their power. Similar recommendatitms have been made from year to year. lu 98 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 1887 it was ordered that this journal be enlarged, and that the sub- scription price be fixed at $1. (P. 229). 210. Women as missionaries. 1873, p. 365. Resolved, That the executive committee be advised to consider carefully, in the light of the Scriptures and of missionary enterprise, the propriety of engaging, to a larger extent, pious women, in the distinct character of missionaries in the service of the Church, and make report of their views to the next General Assembl}'. In the twelve months following the adoption of this resolution, five females were sent out to foreign lands as missionaries. (1874, p. 548.) 211. Women's Missionary Societies. 1875, p. 37. This Assembly calls attention to the remarkable fact that the gifts of our Sabbath-schools and the "Women's Missionary Associations," during the }^ear past, amount to one-third of the entire sum furnished by the regular contributions of the churches. And in view of this fact, the churches are urged to a large increase of these associations. 1878, p. 619. Congregations are exhorted to encourage the forma- tion of Ladies' Missionary Societies, wherever they do not already exist, for the purpose of raising funds for the cause of Foreign Missions. 1877, p. 419. Resolved, That while the Assembly rejoices in the rapid multiplication of Ladies' Missionary Societies, and would not by any means discourage their increase, yet a tendency manifested by some churches, to have the ladies contribute alone, or to appear as the only contributors of the church, would seem to be attended with the evil ef- fect of a failure to cultivate that spirit of benevolent liberahty in all the members of the church which is inculcated in the gospel. 212. Dayofprai/erforJfissioiis. 1880, p. 206. The Assembly recommends that the last Wednesday of October bs observed as a day of prayer for the continuance and in- crease of the success of our mission work ; and that as a Church we may be enabled with cheerful zeal to meet the fresh demands which the providence of God now makes upon our fidehty, in order that we may share more largely than ever in the work which is the crowning duty and crowning glory of the Church, to give the gospel to the world. 213. Pastors required to preach on the subject of Missions.^ 1877, p. 418. Resolved, That it be enjoined on all the Presbyteries to require each pastor and stated supply, at the commencement of every ecclesiastical year, to preach an instructive, faithful sermon on the great duty of sending the gosjjel to the unevangehzed nations of the earth. 1884, p. 212. This Assembly urges upon our ministers that at least once a year they preach on Foreign Missions, and that in the conduct of public worship they fail not to remember in the jirayers then offered a cause which lies so near the Saviour's heart, and upon which the Divine blessing is so much and so constantly needed. (See also 1878, p. 619.) Secs. 214-218.] The Agencies of the Chitech. 99 214. Evening session of the Assembly in the interest of Missions. 1867, p. 138. Resolved, That the Assembly hold an evening session on Monday next, commencing at aexen o'clock, at which time the inter- ests of the foreign missionary enterprise shall be the special topic of discussion. This precedent has been annually observed ever since thus instituted. 215. Foreign Missions and the /Sabbath-school. 1868, p. 276. Resolved, That the superintendents and teachers of GUI' Sabbath-schools, in co-operation with the pastors, be lu'ged to bring the subject of Foreign Missions before their respective schools and classes frequently, and to invite regular monthly offerings for this cause. (See also 1873, p. 314; 1875, p. 37; 1867, p. 138; et passim.) 21(). Missionary interest in the seminaries. 1884, p. 212. This Assembly recommends to the faculties of our theological seminaries that in some way they seek to beget and foster among the students a lively interest in Foreign Missions. Eeport of the Executive Committee for 1885 says : The missionary interest in the theological seminaries has been reported as excellent. 217. 3fissionary meetings at Presbytery. 1882, p. 546. Resolved, That the General Assembly advise the Presbyteries to devote one evening diu'ing the spring sessions, or such other hoiu" as may be convenient, to the general discussion of the sub- ject of Foreign Missions, in the presence of the congregation among whom they meet, and that during the fall sessions a similar meeting be held in the interest of Home Missions. 218. Contributions to sjjecial objects. 1884, p. 262. Extract from the executive committee's report : Letters are received from Sabbath schools, from missionary societies, and sometimes from churches, proposing that they shall contribute to some special object, and asking that an object be designated for them. Now, the position which this committee has held in this matter is well known. It has seemed to them desirable that with all our people, great and small, an interest and a liberality should be shown towards all parts of our mission work. It could be wished that every object which om* Chm-ch has in hand for the extension of the Eedeemer's kingdom among the heathen should be to om' people a special object. At the same time it is apparent that there is a desire in many quarters that special objects shall be assigned. The fact, too, is recognized that the energies of some will be better called forth if they are directed to one particular object. And now, in riew of the repeated requests which are made for special objects, the committee has determined to accede to these requests as far as possible, and would inform the As- sembly and the Church that our missionaries in each field have been requested to fiuiiish a hst of all the objects in their field to which the money of our Chm-ch goes; and when these hsts are received the committee will be prejjared to gratify all those who wish a special ob- ject. 100 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 219. Statistical reports from the foreign field. 1883, p. 32. In response to an overture from the Presbyteiy of New Orleans, the General Assembly instructs our foreign missionaries in their respective fields of labor to furnish annual statistical reports of the churches, officers, and members under their care : also of baptisms, Sabbath-schools, and contributions to the various objects of benevo- lence, corresponding to the statistical reports of our churches at home, which should be printed opposite their names in the Minutes of the General Assembly. This action is found also, in substantially the same words, on page 40 and page 61, Minutes of 1883. 220. Co-operation in the foreign field 1881, p. 361. Resolved, That this Assembly empower the Execu- tive Committee of Foreign Missions to conduct such correspondence with missionaries and missionary committees and boards as may be necessary to ascertain if it be desirable for us, and if so, the best prac- ticable method of carrying out the scheme of co-operation between the missionaries of the "Eeformed Churches" in the foreign field sug- gested by the Pan-Presbyterian Council, and report to the next Assem- bly. 1884, p. 213. This Assembly directs that, inasmuch as the execu- tive committee has been authorized to conduct a coiTespondence rela- tive to co-operation in the foreign field and has reported progress, the committee keep the matter in charge, with the hope that, in the provi- dence of God, the way may be open for the formation of one Presbyte- rian church in each mission field. 1886, p. 75. Extract from report of the executive committee : Five years ago the Assembly empowered this committee to conduct correspondence with the missit)uaries and missionary committees and boards, to ascertain the best practical method of attaining co-operation between Presbyterian missionaries in the foreign field. In this corres- pondence the committee stated to the sister churches and theii* mis- sionaries that the prevailing view in our own Church favored the me- thod of having the Presbyteries on mission ground composed exclu- sively of native presbyters, the missionaries holding only advisory rela- tions to the Presbytery. It appears that the method thus advanced has met with increasing favoi' among those who seek for a satisfactoiy basis of co-operation. 221. The Manual for Foreign Missions. 1877, p. 418. The Manual submitted for the action of the Assembly, designed for the use of the missionaries and missionar}' candidates, has engaged the careful attention of yoiu- standing committee also, and is commended to the approval and adoption of the Assembly. Adopted. The following is the Manual : The Executive Committee. The officers and executive coiimiittee are api^oiutecl annunlly by tlie General As- sembly, ami are responsible to the same for all their acts and procc'eclinfj;s in the prosecution of this ^rcat cntoiprise. The (•omniitteo, in virtue of the authority conferred iipou thcni by th<> (icncral Assembly, directs and superintends the mis- sionary work in all its departments, l)nt exercises no ecclesiastical fnncticms. It may, however, give friendly adviral Assembly, and acts under the general direction of the Executive ("om- mittee of Foreign Missions. His business is to preach the gospel ; to found churches ; to aid ill forming Presbyteries when the native churches are prepared for such ; to translate the Word of God, if necessarj' ; to train native preachers, and to do what- ever else maj- be necessary to the promotion of evangelical religion. He shall not become the settled pastor of a church, biit shall establish native pastorates over all snch churches as soon as suitable persons can be found, whilst he himself shall go on founding new churches wherever God's providence may make it proper to do so. He may advise a church session, or may preside at its meetings when requested to do so, but ho shall not have an authoritative voice in any of its jiroceedings. So he may aid in establishing a Presbytery, when the native churches are prepared for it; he may, upon invitation, sit as a corresponding member in the Presbytery and give advice ; but he is not to be regarded as a member, or to exercise any of the rights of one, but retains his connection with his Presbj'tery at home. Assistant MissioxAraEs. This term is indifferently apjilied to laymen sent out as teachers; to missionary pliysicians; to immarried ladies, and to the wives of missionaries. The labor of these different classes, with the exception of that of the wives of missionaries, is prosecuted under the general dii'ection of the Mission, whose powers are defined hereinafter. The wives of missionaries, being provided with outfit and other gen- eral expenses, are expected to do what they can to promote the general work, but in view of their necessary domestic cares, their labors must be of a voluntary and somewhat desultory character. The Mission. At every central station there is a mission, technically so-called— a sub-commit- tee— acting in direct and constant commTinication with the Executive Committee of Missions. It is composed of all the missionaries and male assistant missionaries of the different stations. No native can be a member of it, except by the appoint- ment of the executive eomuiitttee, on the recommendation of the mission. All members of tho^ mission are expected to correspond freely with the Home otiice, but in relation to business matters, such as appropriation of funds, the establish- ment of schools, the formation of new stations, the return of missionaries and the like, the correspondence shall be between the mission as such and the executive committee. The mission shall be organized with chairman, secretary and treasurer, and shall transact its business according to the ordinary rules of all organized bodies of the kind. It shall meet once a year, or oftencr if necessary, at the call of the chairman, and shall keep a full and regular record of its iiroceediugs ; any portion of which may be reviewed by the executive committee, when they shall deem it necessary, or when requested to do so by any member of the mission. The mission at its regular meetings shall designate the particular W(U-k of each mis- sionary laborer, provided this has not been previously done by the executive com- mittee, and shall send up at the close of each year a report of the condition of the whole work. All appropriations are made through the mission, its treasurer being the recipient and custodian of the same. The mission shall send up before the end of each year a carefully prepared schedule of all the funds that will be needed the ensuing year, for salaries, for the sujiport of si'hools, for expenses of I'olpin'teurs, for native teachers, and f^r whatever else may be necessary to the iiroiuotion of the general work. Each item shall be accompanied with reasons for and explanations of the same. These applications should be so complete and full as to preclude the necessity for special appeals, either by the mLssion or any member of it, to churches, 102 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. Sabbath-schools, or ladies' missionary associations in this conntry. Special ap- peals, which may sometimes be proper, can be judiciously made only by the execu- tive committee, who are supposed to be best acquainted with the condition and circumstances of the chnrches, as well as the condition and wants of the whole missionary field. The committee are always disjiosed to make the most liberal grants, bnt when the exigencies of the treast;ry or their own judgment make re- trenchment necessary, it always falls on those items the omission of which, it is supposed, will be the least harmful to the general work. Qualifications foe the Missionaey Woke. As a general thing, the same qualilications which will render a minister useful in the home lield, Adll make him equally so in the foreign. One who does not pro- mise to be useful and efhcient at home ought not for a moment to think of going abroad. The missionarj' oiight to have an unimpaired physical constitution, good intellectual training; a reasonable facility for acqi;iring language; a sound judg- ment of men and things; versatility of gifts, tact and adaptation to men of all classes and circumstances ; a cheerf ^^l, hopeful spirit ; ability to work harmoniously with others ; persistent energy in carrying out plans once formed ; consecrated com- mon sense; all controlled by a single-hearted, self -sacrificing devotion to Christ and his cause. These qualilications are equally necessary for all classes of mis- sionai'y laborers. Persons of delicate but pure physical constitution may live longer and enjoy better health in some of the missionary tields than at home. No one who has made creditable progress in acquiring the Latin, Greek or Hebrew languages needs to fear about mastering any of the foreign living languages. Appoiktmekt of Missionaeies akd Assistant Missionaeies. In making application for appointment, in the case of those who are ministers or expect to become such, a full written statement should be made of the age of the apjjlicaut, his health, his capacity for acquiring language, his expectation of going single or married, whether he has dependent relatives, his preference, if any, for any particular Held of labor, the reasons which have influenced him to wish to engage in the work, and whatever else it may be important for the com- mittee to know. Every such application ought to be accompanied Avith a testimo- nial from one or more of the professors of the seminary where he has studied, as •to his fitness for the work. A similar testimonial, when practicable, should be ob- tained from his Presbytery. As to laymen, missionary i^hysicians, and unmarried women, information is needed regarding their piety, prudence, good sense, energy, health, zeal in work- ing for Christ at home, and probable adaptation to a foreign climate. This infor- mation should be communicated by the ai:)plicant and be confirmed by testimony from the church session to which he belongs; or from any well-known minister in the Church. In the case of medical missionaries, satisfactory testimonials should be furnished of their professional skill. The offer of those who are to become the wives of missionaries is usually made by their intended husbands. The appoint- ment of a missionary is for life, if God so will. This purpose, however, cannot always be carried out, as will more fully appear in another section. As a general thing it is desirable for young men in theological seminaries who ■wish to engage in the missionary work, to make application at the end of the second or at the beginning of the third year of their course. It is important to the committee to know what force will be at their command at least one year in ad- vance. It is not necessary to designate the field in which the missionary is to labor, or the time of his departure when his aijpointmcnt is made. These details are frequently left to be settled by correspondence with the office. No one is ever ap- pointed to the work without a personal acquaiutance with one of the secretaries, or unless he is well known to some member of the executive conmiittee. It is desir- able, when practicable, that every missionary should become acquainted with the executive committee before he leaves this country. Outfit, Travelling Expenses, Etc. It is necessary, when not otherwise i^rovided for, that every missionarj' should have an oiitlit of clothing, books, medicines, and furniture. The amount required is less now than it was in former years, in vi(nv of the two-fold fact that the voyage does not take more than oue-fourth of the time than foimeily; and that clothing, furniture, medicines, etc., can be as easily and as cheaply purchased in most for- eign countries as at home. The usual api^ropriatiou for a married couple is f'GOO ; for a single man or woman, f|300. The allowance for one going to the Indian Sec. 221.] The Agencies of the Church. 103 country and Mexico is less. Sometimes tlae outfit is provided for a missionai-j' by his friends, or by the members of some particular church. If the amount given for this purpose is reported to the treasiirer as a contribution to the cause of Mis- sions, and is expected to api^ear in his accounts, the amount will be charged to the account of outfit. The travelling expenses of a missionary from his home to the place of embarkation is always considered a part of his travelling expenses to his field of labor. SUPPOKT OF MiSSIONAEIES. The salary allowed a missionary is not regarded in the light of compensation for services rendered. The Chiirch, in the prosecution of this work, aims simply to enable the missionary to carry out with efficiency the desires of his own heart to preach the gosijel to the unevangelized nations of the earth. She proposes, there- fore, to give him what may be regarded a comfortable but economical supi^ort— such a supijort as will free him from all anxious cares aboiit his temporal comfort, and enable him to give himself wholly to the work of the Lord. Ihe amount of salarj' varies in difi'ereut countries, according to the less or greater expense of liv- ing, and is always determined by the statements and representations made Ijy the missionaries on the ground, and is liable to change whenever circumstances make it necessary. Usually a house is furnished, or rent is paid for one, in addition to the ordinary salary. A married man is allowed a larger salary than a single man or an unmarried woman, and a specific allowance is made for every child under sixteen years of age. The salary in every case begins on the arrival of the mis- sionary at his station aud ends when he leaves it to return home, or when his con- nection with the committee terminates. To a missionary remaining at his post whilst his family returns to this country, the same salary is given as to an immar- ried man. No missionaiy is allowed to combine with his ordinary missionary work any secular engagement jdelding pecuniary profit withoiit the concurrence of the mission, and any profits arising from such secular employment are to be turned over to the missionary treasiiry, inasmuch as the person is receiving full support from the committee. Any funds given by friends living in the vicinity of the mission, or elsewhere, for any particular purpose connected with that mission, and when it is not iutended that such funds should be acknowledged as mission funds, the mis- sion has the right to apjily in accordance with the wishes of the donors. By the ac- tion of the committee approved by the General Assembly, all married missionaries in sound health are placed on the Belief fund, so that if they die in the missionary service their families will be entitled to $^400 annuallj' for six consecutive years. ReTUKN of MiSSIOXARrES. The missionary enters upon his work as a life service, if such be the will of God. This does not preclude the idea of a temporary return to his native country when failing health, the exigencies of his family, or other causes make it necessary. As a general thing, it is perha^js desirable for a missionary to return to his native land in ten or twelve years from the time he goes out, even when failing health or other providential caiises do not make it necessary. A visit, after a prolonged period of labor, woi;ld be refreshing both to himself and the Church. Nf) missionary, how- ever, is expected to return to this country at the expense of the missionary treasury without first having secured the concurrence of the mission aud the approval of the committee. In certain providential emergencies, when there is not time to wait for the action of the committee, the mission has the authority to grant permission and also to furnish the means necessary to pay his travelling expenses home by the ordi- narj' route of travel. While in this country, aud expecting to return to his field of labor, a home allowance is ordinarily made of if-'700 for a man and his wife, !*-iOO for a single man, and *3oU for an uiuiiarriod woman or the wife of a missionary. These amounts may be sujjplemented by sjjccial grants if necessary. The commit- tee also defrays the travelling expenses of missionaries in this country wliile visiting churches and ecclesiastical bodies at its request. Their travelling exisenscs back to their fields of labor are also paid by the mission treasury. In the event of with- drawal from the missionary service, for reasons that may be considered sufficient, the committee may, if the case seems to demand it, make a tempor.ary giant for such person; after which, the missionary, if incapable of further active service, will have the right to draw, like any other invalid minister, u])on the ordinary funds i)rovided by the Church for such. Childrex of Missioxauies. In most of the foreign fields, the sum of §,75 is allowed for every child, in addi- tion to the ordinary salary of a married man, aud this amoimt is continued 104 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. "whether the child remains with its parents iu the foreign liehl, or is sent to this country for education, until it is sixteen years of age. If the father dies in the missionary work, the allowance is continued until the child reaches the si^ecihed age. But if he withdraws from the service the allowance ceases. 222. Treasurer's bond. 1864, Y>- 266. JR,<'solved, That the treasurer be required to give a bond of $10,000, and that an auditing committee be appointed by the Assembly, who shall not be members of the executive committee. 223. Seeretarifs sajury. 1861, p. 16. The salary of officers was left to the discretion of the executive committee. (1885, p. 418). 1884, p. 213. The salary of the assistant (contemplated in a previous action) shall be fixed by the executive committee, provided it be not more than $2,000. 224. The foreign evangelist, his ecclesiastical character and powers. See section on Hangchow Presbytery. 1879, p. 27. An overture from the Presbytery of Abingdon, and one also from the Presbytery of Louisville, in regard to the ordination of Mr. G. W. Painter by Eev. J. L. Stuart. The main facts iu the case were as follows : Mr. Painter, candidate under the care of Abingdon Presb\i;ery, and for some years a teacher in connection with the mission in China, was ordained to the ministry of the gospel in that country by the Rev. J. L. Stuart, an evangelist and missionary of the Presbyterian Chvirch in the United States, and a minister of the Presbyteiy of Louisville. There are two questions proposed to the General Assembly, viz : 1. Is the action of Mr. Stuart in ordaining Mr. Painter valid ? 2. If so, to which Presbytery — Louisville or Abingdon — does Mr. Painter belong ? Answer to these overtures : 1. The ordination of G. W. Painter by Rev. J. L. Stuart, both of the mission in China, is hereby declared to be valid. 2. Inasmuch as Mr. Painter was a candidate at the time of his ordi- nation, under the care of the Presbytery of Abingdon, he is hereby de- clared to be a member of that Presbvterv. 3. Rev. Drs. J. A. Lefe^Te, J. L. VViison, T. E. Peck and J. B. Adger are hereby appointed a committee to repoit on the whole subject of the office and powers of the evangelist, his relation to the General Assem- bly and the Preslivtery at home, his relation to the Church scattered among the heathen, and his relation to his f elloAV-evangelists in the same missionary field; and said committee shall report to the next General Assembly, by a proposed additional chapter to om- Form of Govern- ment or otherwise. 1880, p. 200. This committee? reported progress and was continued. Drs. B. M. Palmer, James AVoudrow, and Stuart Robinson were added to the committee, and Dr. Palmer made its chairman. 1881, p. 387. This committee made the following report, which was adopted : Sec. 224.] The Agencies of the Chitbch. 105 The Committee ou the Office and rowers of the Evanj^elist, apijomted in 1879 by the Assembly at Louisville, ami which was enlarged and continued in 1880 l)y the Assembly at Charleston, find their instructions in the resolutions under which they were apjwinted, which are: "To report on the whole suljject of the office and powers of the evangelist, his relation to the General Assembly and the Presbytery at home, his relation to the Church gathered among the heathen, and his relation to his fellow-evangelists in the same missionai-y field ; and said committee shall re- jjort to the next General Assembly by a proposed additional chapter to oiir Form of Government, or otherwise. " (Minutes of Assembly for 187',l, p. 28.) After careful consideration of the whole subject, it does not ajjpear to your com- mittee to be ue(tessary to add a new chapter to the Form of Government, for the reason that the doctrine of the evangelist is set forth with sufficient ch-arness in Chap. IV., Sec. XL, Arts. I. and VII. Nothing is required but the api)lication of the general principle to the conci-ete case of the evangelist at home or abroad, which can be dtme in a declarative paper without importing into the organic law details of legislation upon which there may be more or less diversity of opinion in the Church- The committee therefore avail themselves of the discretion with which they are indulged, and submit their conclusions in a form to be adopted by the As- sembly, if it sees fit, as simply interpretative of the law which already exists. The office and poicers of the evangelist. The only feature that distinguishes the evangelist from the ordinary ' ' minister of the Word " is, " that he labors to plant the gospel and the institutions of the Church in places where they do not exist. When his field lies within the territory of the (-'hurch as already organized, his i)owei*s are circumscribed within those of the court having jurisdiction over the same. As the Form of Government (Chap. v.. Sec. IV., .\rt. VI., and Chap. VI., Sec. II., Art. I.) assigns the jwwer of form- ing new churches and of ordaining to office to a court, these extraordinary func- tions of the evangelist can be exercised only when exjiressly delegated by the coui"t to him as their agent. When his field lies beyond the territory which the Church occujiies, his powers are necessarily enlarged. There being no ct)urt to discharge these functions, the constitution recognizes as inhering in his office all the powei-s that are necessary to constitute the Chiirch. He may organize churches and ordain to all the offices recpiired to make them complete; and also, with a view to the ex- tension of the Church, he has the power to ordain other evangelists, both natives and foreigners, provided that the latter be not under the jurisdiction of a Presby- tery at home, in whic-h case the concurrence of said Presbytery shall first be ob- tained. As soon, however, as a court is created, even the lowest, his extraordinary powers cease within its jurisdiction, and can be resumed only in the region that is beyond ; the guiding principle being, that the powers of an evangelist cannot su- persede nor impair those which ^lertain to a court, either at home or abroad. TIic eviinrjelisfs relation to the General Assembly and the Presbytery at home. The evangelist is a member of the Presbytery to which he belongs, in the same sense with every other "minister of the Word," with the same rights and privileges, •equally amenable to its discijiline, and sustains, through the Presbytery, i)recisely the same relation to the Church at large; but as the foreign missionary issnjjported by the whole Church, and as the Form of Government (Chap. V., Sec. VI., Art. V.) vests in the General Assembly the power "to institute and superintend the agencies necessary in the general work of evangelization," the mimediate direction and con- trol of his labors is remitted by the particular Prcfsbyteries to the Assembly, as the Presbytery which is ccmnnon to them all. This control is exercised, tid interim, by the Assembly, through its ExcMMitive Committee of Foreign ilissions, as a commis- sion created for that purjjose, with suc;h powers as the Assembly may, from time to time, see fit to delegate, and equally responsible with the evangelist himself to the Assembly, in which body vests the authority to decide all questions that may arise in the exercise of their respective functions. Upon the remaining tojiics, viz. : "The evangelist's relation to the Church gathered among the heathen, " and ' ' his relation to his fellow-evangelists in the same field, " your committee find themselves, after two years of conference, unable to agree. It would be easy to bring in two reports running counter to each other, which would only involve the Church in the absti'act discussion of points which must, at last, find their practical solution in the foreign field. Your committee can, therefore, agree only in recommending to the Assembly to droj^ for the pre- sent the consideration of these topics, and to wait for their practical solution in the future history of oiu- missionary operations. 106 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 1882, p. 558. Eev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., having submitted a memorial with reference to the office of the evangelist m the foreign field, the following resolution was adopted : That the. memorial of the Eev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., to this Assembly be referred to a special committee, with instructions to pre- pai'e and report to the next General Assembly an additional provision to oiu- Form of Government in relation to the powers of the evangehst in the foreign field, especially defining the scope of those powers, whether of an evangehst acting alone or conjointly with other evange- hsts, previous to the organization of a classical Presbytery. P. 559. Committee on memorial of Dr. Wilson, as provided for above: Dr. H. C. Alexander, Dr. A. W. Pitzer, Col. C. F. CoUier. The me- morial is as follows : " It is the judgment of the Assembly, that when a Presbytery ordains an evangelist to the foreign mission work, it clothes him, for the time being, with all the powers necessary for planting the Church of Christ in lands where it has not heretofore existed. In these powers is in- cluded the authority to organize particular churches, and, until the regular court exists, to ordain pastors and evangelists ; it being under- stood that when there are two evangelists in the same field, these jDowers, as a matter of ecclesiastical propriety, are to be exercised jointly." P. 569. The following overture from the Presbytery of Orange was, together with the subjoined answer, referred to the Committee on the Memorial of Dr. J. Leighton Wilson : The General Assembly having endorsed the recommendation of their Committee on the Official Powers oi the Evangelist, that no addition is needed to the Book of Church Order in relation to this subject (see Minutes of Assembly, 1881, p. 387), the Presbytery object : 1. To the statement that no amendment is needed — the evangelist having the right to ordain ministers in foreign fields ; that the Book is held by many to hmit the evangelist's power t(j the ordination of ruling elders and deacons; and that this interpretation of the Book by the General Assembh' is' tantamount to legislation. The Presbytery ap- l^rehends future trouble and confusion on this subject, because the lan- guage of the constitution is not explicit. 2. To the statement that the evangehst is not an ordinary minister of the gospel. 3. To the statement endorsed by the General Assembly, that the evangelist is nothing but a missionary. This Presbji;ery, therefore, very respectfully asks the Assembly that the subject be reconsidered. The following is the answer proposed and referred with the ovei-tiire tsition of Presbyteries." This report, which is found in the Apj^endix to the Minutes of that Assembly, was adopted, together with certain resolu- tions not recorded. On the next day that Assembly reconsidered its action respecting Hangchow Presbytery, and adopted instead a resolu- tion declaring that it was unconstitutional for the Assembly to establish or dissolve Presbyteries, and declaring the act of a previous Assembly void whereby Hangchow Presbytery was formed. In this reconsid- Secs. 226-230.] The Agencies of the Church. 109 eration of the case no action was taken in regard to the fonnation of mixed Presbyteries. The answer is, therefore, made to the overture of the brethren in Brazil: The Assembly sees nothing in the enactments of the General Assembly of 1870 bearing upon the question of mixed Presbyteries. The exception asked is therefore needless, as that Assembly did not abridge or modify any right in this regard which the missionaries had prior to that time. Adopted. 226. TVansferring a missionarij to a foreign Presbytery. 1887, p. 230. Overture from the Presbytery of East Hanover, wish- ing a viniform practice to be indicated in transferring a missionary to a Presbytery' in a foreign land. Ansirer : No minister can constitutionally be, at the same time, a member of two Presbyteries. Hence the transfer to a foreign Presby- teiy involves the complete severance of previous^ existing Presb}-terial relations, preciseh' as at home. 227. Joint Committee for Home and J^oreign Missions. For changes in the location of the executive committee and its sec- retaries, for the plan of co-ordinate secretaries, and rehnquishment of that plan, tinal severance between the departments of Home and Foreign Missions, and the creation of two separate committees, see under Home Missions. 228. Free-will offerings. 1886, p. 35. As the committee is laboring under the pressure of debt, and it has fiu'thermore been foimd that the single annual collec- tion in ^lay, ordered by the Assembly, does not gather satisfactorily the full Contributions of the Church, it is hereby ordered that the ex- ecutive committee be empowered to make, during the months of Octo- ber and February of each year, special appeals for fi'ee-will offerings from the chm-ches and from individuals, and that such appeals shall not be made at other times. 229. Consolidation of the Committee of Foreign Missions with the Northern Hoard. 1886, p. 36. Upon the overtiu'e from Pahmi-a Presbytery, asking a consohdation of the Committee of Foreign Missions of oiu* Chiu'ch with the Board of Foreign Missions of the Northern Presb^-terian Chiu'ch, we recommend that it is not expedient to take such action at this time. 230. llic secretary and treasurer of Foreign Missions vindicated. 1876, p. 8. Dr. J. L. "Wilson also presented a paper in behalf of himself and the Pev. James Woodrow, D. D., treasiu'er of Susteuta- tion and Foreign Missions, caUing attention to ceriaui charges affect- ing their official character, and requesting of the Assembly an imme- diate investigation in relation to the same. This request was granted, and the matters involved were refeiTed for investigation to a special committee, consisting of the following persons: P. 'M. Patton, G. T. Swann, J. A. Euslow, J. P. Bmgett, D. D., J. L. Kii-kpatrick, D. D. 110 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. P. 35. The report of the committee of investigation was taken up, when a substitute for the report was unanimously adopted; and, upon motion, the moderator led the Assembly in prayer for the happy result just reached. The substitute is as follows : Resolved, That the General Assembly, having- received the report of the special committee appointed to investigate the charges or com- plaints respecting the official conduct of the secretary and the treas- urer of the Executive Committees of Foreign Missions and of Sustenta- tion, in comphance with the request made by those officers, and having received full and exphcit information concerning the several matters involved in said charges or complaints, does not deem it necessary to take any further action in the premises than simply to declare, as it does hereby declare, in the most emphatic and unquahfied terms, that it finds nothing in any of the facts brought to its view to shake, but much to strengthen, the confidence hitherto reposed in the tidehty of the said officers to the trusts committed to them, and in then* wise, vigilant, and successful management thereof. 231. Memorial of liei). G. Nash Morton. 1883, p. 23. A memorial was received fii-om the Eev. G. Nash Mor- ton, whereupon it was resolved that a committee of five, three of whom shall be a quorum, be appointed, to whom the matter shall be referred. This committee was subsequently appointed, to consist of Kev. A. C. Hopkms, D. D., Rev. H. M. White, D. D., Eev. A. W. Pitzer, D. D., with Euling Elders James D. Armstrong and James V. Brooke. 1884, p. 199. A report was presented by the committee appointed by the last Assembly on a memorial of the Eev. G. Nash Morton. Also a report from a minority of said committee, which papers were re- ferred to a special committee, consisting of Messrs. J. B. Shearer, G. L. Petrie, F. L. Leeper, W. C. Bullock and M. P. Jarnagin ; and it was ordered that in the consideration of this matter the pri-\dleges of the floor shall be allowed to Eev. A. C. Hopkins, who conciured in the report of the minority. P. 221. This committee made a report; a substitute was offered by Eev. Dr. Pitzer, which was rejected, and the report of the commit- tee was adopted, and is as follows : 1. The ^majority and minority reports of the committee appointed by the last Assembly, and "to whom the matter was referred," came into onr hands, together with an exhibit of books and papers representing many phases and facts of this complex matter. These reports and exhibits furnish evidence of great labor and patient investigation on the part of the committee of the last Assembly. Three members signed the majority and two the minority report. It is dne to these two reports to say that they agree on many of the points raised in the investigation, while on a few confessedly material points they reach different conclusions as to the questions of facts from the same sources. On certain other questions of facts both m-ijority and minority confess their inability to reach conclusions, owing to the absence of certain data. Had your special committee found it necessary and proper to review in detail all the matters touched in these reports, we would, no doubt, have found ourselves surrounded with the same difficulties. Happily, however, we hnd the triie solution of the rk be directed to furnish ilr. ]Mortt)n with a copy of said paper, and be, and he is hereby, empowei-ed to call a meeting of the Presbytery as soon as may be convenient after Mr. Morton shall have inft)rmed him of his readiness to proceed with the investigation. (2, ) That the stated clerk be directed to inform the committee in Baltimore that the Presbytery will expect them to appear at a time and jjlace of which due notice will be given, and fiunish the proofs of the two fol- lowing allegations, contained in their paper laid before the Asscmblj*, to-wit : ('<,) That Mr. Morton obtained $750 from the treasm-er of 'the mission,' on the plea of Ivnng .about to return to the United States with his family, and that he did not return, and has never refunded, nor given any information that he intended to re- fund, the amount thus obtained. (/*,) That Mr. Morton sold for his own benefit property of the church, of which he was notoriously, and by his own acknowledg- ment, onh' a trustee. (3,) That the remainder of the committee's jjaper, concern- ing, as it does, matters of finance and administration as between the committee 112 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. and one of its missionaries, and not necessarily, so far as appears, implying moral deliuqiiencj' on the part of Mr. Morton, calls for no action on the part of the Pres- bytery. ."A true copy: "H. A. Beown, ^^ Stated Clerk of Roanoke Presbytei'y." At the next meeting the investigation was made to cover ' ' the whole matter, " as shown in extracts as follows : Extracts from minutes of RoanOke Presbytery, in session in Danville, April 20th and 23d, 1883, viz. : (1.) On the 2Uth "Dr. Peck offered the following resolution, which was adopted, viz. : ' That whereas the investigation in the case of Eev. G. Nash Morton has taken a ^^ider range than the two points to which the Presbytery at its fall meeting confined it, the whole matter be now thro^rtii open for investigation. ' '' (2.) On the 23d, "In the matter of Mr. Morton, the Presbytery has jaartially heard the statements and papers on both sides ; and while very far from approving of Mr. Morton's disregard of the instructions of the Executive Committee of For- eign Missions, and while deprecating the spirit manifested in his memorial and other papers, and while doubting the propriety of taking passage money when he did not expect to return home immediately, and while disapproving his method of getting paid a debt which he supposed to be due to him, yet judge that there is no evidence of auj'thing dishonorable or immoral in his conduct. They ascribed his disobedience to instructions, and unauthorized contracting of debts for the making of improvements upon the mission property, to enthusiasm in the prosecution of a great enterprise. " 6. This finding of the Presbytery of Roanoke embraces both the questions of fact of the alleged imputations on the character of the memorialist. No part of it can be challenged in a constitutional way. It is not competent for this Assembly to re-investigate the matter as to mere facts for the purjiose projDOsed. And were the Assembly to start on such an investigation, the findings of the Presbj"tery of Roanoke would meet us on the threshold, as unchallenged and unchallengeable evidence, as to facts sought, whether we view these facts as confirmatory or in re- buttal of the statement investigated. 7. The Presbytery of Roanoke also passed the following resolution touching the connection of the Committee of Foreign Missions with the matter : "The Presby- tery further are of opinion that the committee could do nothing less than demand that all exjienditures should be made under their directions, and were therefore only acting as faithful and trustworthy servants of the Church in requiring strict accountability on the part of those to whom they were furnishing the Church's money. " 8. While the Assembly cannot lawfully enter upon the investigation in the form requested, it seems reasonable that the whole prtjceediugs of Roanoke Presbytery should be spread upon the minute book of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, and proper notes of reference be api^ended to the statements of 1880 and 1882, so as to complete a record of the case, and the Assembly does so order. In answer fo the second part of the memorial : In case an executive committee makes any record on its minutes of any moral delinqiaency of one of the mission- aries, whether expressed or by plain and necessary implication, the person inter- ested would be entitled to a copy of the same. 232. Rer. Dr. Woodrow. 1872, p. 164. The Staudiiij^- Committees on Susteutation and For- eign Missions, in joint session, to whom was referred the letter of the Eev. Dr. Woodrow, asking that he might not be appointed to the office of treasurer of Susteutation and Foreign Missions, report to the As- sembly : 1. That the reason assigned for this request by Dr. Woodrow, viz. : his impaired health, and the imperative direction of his physician that he cease from all labor for a season, render it the duty of the Assembly to comply with tliat request. 2. In view of the long and faithful sei"vi(;es of Dr. Woodrow, rendered in times of great trial, to the Chui'ch, and the knowledge of the fact that it is to this service, in part, we miist trace his impaii'ed health, the Secs. 2:^3, 2:J4. ] The AiiExciEs of the Chirch. 113 Assembly canuot purt with him without recording- its devout thanks- giving to God, who h:is spared him in health to us so lointed Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, D. D., Rev. Messrs. Cyrus Byingtou, Ebenezer Hotchkin, C. C. Copeland, Ohver P. Stark, Alexander Reid, Pliny Fisk, native preacher, and Thomas Benton, native licentiate, members of the Choctaw Mission ; Rev. Hamilton Balentine, and Rev. Allen Wright, native Choctaw preachers, members of the Chickasaw Missicm; Rev. John Lilley, of the Seminole, Rev. R. M. Louglmdge, of the Creek, and Rev. S. Foreman, native Cherokee, of the Cherokee Mission. There are a number of other native preachei's and licentiates, who were formerly engaged in the missionary work, but who are now in the Confederate service, and for wh(jm no missionary api)ointmeuts could be made for the present. All those above named have been en- gaged in the missionary work for periods var^dng from five to forty yeai's. 18G9, p. 169. The whole missionary corps, under the direction of the committee, and supported by the funds of the Chiu'ch, inclusive of five female teachers, consists of twenty missionary laborers. 116 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 238. Schools among the Indians. 1863, p. 171. Executive committee's report : Tlie missionaries in the Choctaw conutry eame to the couchision. during the sum- mer, that the further suspension of their schools, even for a limited time, would prove very disastrous, both to the social and religious interests of the people, and they resolved at once, ■«ith the concurrence of the committee, to establish day schools at all their principal stations. There were a number of white women in the country, most of them the wives or daughters of the missionaries, and educated Choctaw women, whose services were found available, and schools were accordingly established at Wheelock, at Pine Ridge, at Good Water, Good Laud, Bennington, and Living Land. One of these schools is now taught by Miss Augusta Bradford, a member of the Presbyterian church in Talladega, Ala., nnd one of those who responded to the call of the committee for teachers last summer. She is the first missionary laborer who has left her home to engage in the missionary work among the heathen under the direction of the committee, and this fact is recorded here to the honor of the church of which she is a member. All of the schools above men- tioned are reijorted as doing well. 1866, p. 55. In the recent treaty with the United States Govern- ment, provision was made for the support of schools. 1871, p. 45. The committee, after much prayerful consideration, have determined to resuscitate the school for boys at Spencer Academy. Such an institution is greatly needed in the nation, but the Choctaws do not themselves feel able to conduct it, and the committee were forced to the alternative of undertaking its management or allow it to fall into hands that would probably make it a curse instead of a blessing to the nation. The committee have special reference to training teachers and preachers. The school is to have sixty boys, for whose support the na- tion is to pro\ide ; but the committee will have to provide for the sup- port of the superintendent and two teachers. 239. Ohoetaui Bible — R< v. Cyrus Bi/ington. 1864, p. 325. Mr. Byiugtou has spent a portion of time in translat- ing the Scriptures into the Choctaw language, and also in preparing a grannnar of that language, both of which will be important acquisi- tions to the religious and literary world, when the circumstances of the country will allow of their publication. 1866, p. 353. The Rev. Cyrus Byington, who has labored in that field with indefatigable zeal for more than forty years, has recently been compelled, by feeble health and the infirmities of old age, to retire from active missionar}' labor, but will devote the remainder of his days to the completion of the translation of the Bible into the Choctaw lan- guage. His life of self-denial, of persevering labor and consecration to the service ol Christ, has few parallels in the history of the Chvirch, and vvdll command the respect and admiration of the people of God wherever it is kn(jwn. 1867, p. 160. Mr. Byingtcm is in New York, superintending the printing of the Choctaw Bible. The American Bible Society has very Idndly undertaken to print an edition of the Pentateuch in that language for the use of the mission, and will also print (^ther portions of the Bible as they are prepared f ( )r the press and are needed liy the peo^ile. It is a kind providence that has s})ared the life and health of our aged and venerable brother to carry on this great and important work. 1869, p. 407. This mission has, during the year, been deprived by death of one of its brightest ornaments. The name of the Rev. Cyrus Sec. 2-iU.] The AciENCiEs of the Chirch. 117 Byington has long since become a household word with all who feel any interest in the missionary work. He was one of the founders of that mission, and had labored among the Choctaws with luitiring assiduity for very nearly fifty years. Scores and hundi-eds of Christian Choctaws, some akeady in the mansions of glory, and others on theii* way thither, will ascribe their salvation under God to his instrumentality. 2-40. In Jionor of Iiev. ('i/ncs Ixliif/sbufij, I). IJ. 1870, p. 507. On motion of Rev. Dr. Robinson, a committee was ap- pointed to prepare a paper suitably expressing the sympathy of the As- sembly with the Rev. C^i-us Kingsbmy, D. D., its venerable missionaiy among the Choctaw Indians. This committee was appointed, to con- sist of the Rev. S. Robinson, D. D., Rev. Allen Wright, and Rev. J. M. Brown. P. 513. The following is their report, which was adopted ; This Geueral Assembly desires for the whole Church to give expressiou to its deep sense of the great goodness of God iu prolonging into this, another generation, the life, and, in a measure, the health and strength of the Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, D. D., founder of the Choctaw Mission, now near his four-score and fomih year, and hav- ing for more than half a century faithfully labored and courageouslj' suffered with the Choctaw people. 1. Having been first to carry the gospel to the Choctaws, then a tribe of savage heathen in IMississippi, having been \\'ith them through all the ten-iljle afflictions of their removal, and the founder of those gospel institutions for them in their new home, by means of which they have been brought io a high degree of civilization and Christian culture, he has lived to see his work and the cause of Missions nobly repres3ut-^l iu this Assembly by a sou iu the g.)-ii);^l, whose earnest zeal has fired our hearts and strengthened our faith in the work of Missions. Thiis has this venerable father lived to demonstrate, by actual experiment, how the gospel is no less the power of God to the barbarian than to the Greek. 2. This Assembly desires to exjiress for the whole Church the love and reverence of the Church for this venerable servant of Christ; and to give him assurance that, in his old age and solitude, he is not forgotten. That while he prays with the Psalm- ist: "O (xod. thou hast taught me from my youth, and liitherto have I declared thj' Avondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not' —he may feel asstired that the people of God throughout our bounds join xA-ith one accord and one heart in the petition, and earnestly hope that the remnant of his pilgrimage may be the happy waiting of a veuer.able apostle, saying, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I hax'e fought a good tight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid' uji for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. " 1871, p. 42. Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, D. D., the founder of the Choc- taw Mission, and tV)r more than lifty years sm active and untiring la- borer ui connection with it, departed this life on the 27th of June, after severe and somewhat protracted sickness. The last Assembly, being informed of his enfeeliled condition, directed a letter of condolence and sympathy to be addressed to him. He lived to hear oi the land inten- tion of the Assembly: but before the letter itself reached its destina- tion he had been called up higher. Few ministers have left behind a brighter record. He had many noble associates in the missionary work, but to none more than himself are the Choctaws indebted for all the social, mtellectual, ci\dl and religious progress they have made in the last half centiu'y. His name is held in the highest veneration by that whole people, and eternity alone will show how much he has done to l)romote their spiritual and everlasting welfare. 118 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 241. Cherokee Mission suspended. 1878, p. 677. This mission has been discontinued, mainly, if not wholly, because the committee did not have the means either to sustain or reinforce it. 242. Indians tninsferred to the care and control of the Executive Com mittee of Home 3fissions. 1886, p. 35. The executive committee is authorized and instructed to transfer to the Executive Committee of Home Missions the entire di- rection, control and support of the missions among the American In- dians, so soon as the Home Mission Committee shall be able and -o'llling to receive them under its care. 1887, p. 229. This transfer being not consummated, it is recom- mended that, for prudential reasons, the whole matter be postponed for the present. 243. Second mission — Ch in a. 1866, p. 55. Condensed fi'om executive committee's report : Rev. Elias B. Inslee, a member of the Presbytery of Mississippi, went out as a missionary to Cliina under the direction of the New York Board in 1856. For reasons not necessary here to state, his connection with that board was dissolved, and since that time he has carried on his work, in a great measure, at his own charges. It has not been imtil within six or eight months past that Mr. Inslee has been able to effect any commmiication, either with the committee or with his private friends in this part of the country. A letter was published from him recently in all our religious journals, giving some account of his sufferings and labors in China, and was accompanied with an appeal from the commit- tee for five hundred dollars in his behalf. Within a few weeks Mr. Inslee has aiTived in this country. He desires to return to China imder the direction of this committee and spend the remainder of his days in proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation to that benighted people. It appears to the committee that God is thus opening up a door by which we are to enter that great empire of darkness and sin and take an hon- orable position among other branches of the Christian Church in diffus- ing the knowledge of the gospel among that dark-minded and multitu- dinous race. The committee have accepted the offer of Mr. Inslee, and have appointed him a missionary to China under their care and di- rection. . P. 19. This brother (the Assembly saA' s), who is in'ovidentiaUy with us, whose heart God has touched, and who has resolved to devote the remainder of his life to the myriads of China, must be sustained. 1867, p. 161. Bev. E. B. Inslee and family sailed for China in June last The selection of a particular field of labor will necessarily have to be left verj^ much to himself ; but it is exj)ected that he will settle in the great city of Hangchow. Hangchow is situated about one hundred miles west of Shanghai, is easily accessible from the seaboard, enjoys a healthful location, and is supposed to contain about one mil- lion of inhabitants. Mr. Lislee, during his previous missiouarj^ hfe, spent some time in this place, and is the only missionary, so far as is known, who has ever preached the gospel to that people. Hangchow is in easy reach of at least six other cities of equal size, besides towns and \dUages almt)st without number. (See 1868, p. 292.) yEc. 244.] The Agencies of the Church. 110 18(59, p. 40(;. l?ev. Messrs. :M. H. Houston, B. Helm, and J. L. Stuart sailed from New York to China on the 9th of September, and reached Shanghai on the 7th of November. They proceeded thence to Hangchow, where they have been since engaged in studpng the lan- guage. Rev. T. E. Converse and wife wUl join them in September next. 1870, p. 555. A second station, at Gu-tsiu, has been opened, about one hundred and tifty miles west of Hangchow. The city contains about 200,000 inhabitants. Rev. Messrs. Inslee, Houston and Converse, with Mrs. Inslee and Converse, occuj^y the station at Hangchow, while Rev. Messrs. Stuart and Helm occupy that at Gu-tsiu. 1871, p. 9. The condition of oiu' missionaries in China, as probably exposed to pecuHar danger at present, was brought to the attention of the Assembly; and, upon request, the Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., led the Assembly in special praj^er for their protection and welfare. 1873, p. 364. Condensed : The mission at Gu-tsiu was siu-rendered and another opened mstead at Soochow. This city is situated between Shanghai and Hangchow and is characterized not only by great com- mercial activity, but the people are more kind and liberal in their feel- ings toward strangers. The station is occupied by Rev. Messrs. Stuart and DuBose. 1873, p. 358. The funds raised two years ago for the purchase of a press for the Chinese Mission has, in accordance with the recommenda- tion of the missionaries themselves, been turned over to the current fund for the support of that mission, but subject to the approval of the Assembly, a?'d with the engagement on the part of the committee to furnish a press for this mission, should one be needed at any future time. The funds were raised in the first instance at the earnest re- quest of the lamented Inslee, who was familiar with the management of the press. None of the brethren now in the field have any knowledge about managing one. Besides which, they find that they can get all the printing needed done at the large pi'iiiting estabHshment at Shanghai, and at a much lower rate than could be done on a press of their own. Approved by the Assembly. 244 Provision for tlie. fimily of Rev. E. B. Inslee. 1871, p. 9. The subject of making some provision for the family of the Rev. E. B. Inslee, one of oiu' foreign missionaries, who has lately deceased, was presented by Dr. J. L. WUson, and was referred to a special committee, (consisting of Rev. R. IMcInnis, Wm. Bartlett, W. H. Tappey, R. S. McAllister, and A. M. Smylie. P. 22. This committee made the following report, which was adopted : The special committee appointed to sugfgest some plan by which suitable provision may be made for the family of the late Rev. E. B. Inslee, who was for foiu'teen years a faithful and laborious missionary in China, imder the care of the Presbyterian Church, would report that, after duly considering the i)eculiar obligations which rest upon us as a Chiu'ch to provide for this family, the amount necessary' for this piu'posc, and the best method of raising the amount, would submit the following : That this Assembly recognize the peculiar obligations which rest 120 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. ■upon the Cliiu'cb, to provide for the support and education of this fam- ily ; and that, mth the view of secui'ing- a home, and making other neces- sary provision, which will require at least $.5,000 ; and, believing that the best method (jf raising this amount is by an appeal to the ladies ; therefore : Hesolred, 1, That each minister in our Church be directed to pre- sent this impoi-tant subject, and endeavor to enHst the female members •of their respective congregations, sir fifth mission — Brazil. 1866, p. 19. With regard to the overture from the Sjmod of South Carohna, which was referred to this committee, touching a mission to Brazil, it is recommended that this Assembly express its hearty sym- pathy with the Christian brethren who pro2:)ose to leave us for strange shores, in their desii'e for a pure gospel and for the voice of the Hving minister, whom they ask that we should send ; but it is the opinion of your committee that all action on om* part looking in that direction would be at this time prematui-e. 1869, p. 386. The Committee on Bills and Overtures, in answer to an overture from Bethel Presbytery, in reference to the propagation of the gospel in the Empire of Brazil, would recommend to the Assembly to refer the whole matter of the overture to the Executive Committee on Foreign Missions, instructing that committee to investigate the sub- ject, and authorizing them to take such action in the case as in their discretion may be deemed proper. Adopted. P. 406. Eev. G. Nash Morton, according to previous aiTangement, sailed from New York in Aug-ust last, for the purpose of exploring cer- tain portions of Brazil, with reference to the establishment of a perma- nent missicm in that part of the world. He returned in November. Result: Mr. Morton and his associate, Eev. Edward Lane, together with Mrs. i\Ioi-ton, will sail from Baltimore about the first of June, and commence their permanent missionary labors in the city of Cam- pinas. 1870, p. 555. Campinas is in the central pai-t of the province of Sao Paulo, and two himdred miles west of Eio Janeiro. It connects by railroad with Sao Paulo, a large seaport to the south of Eio. It has a population of 20,000, and is one of the most flourishing cities of the interior. The climate is pleasant and healthful, and the people, it is thought, are favorably disposed to listen to the preaching of the piu'e gospel. For the organization of the Presb;\-ter)' of Sao Paulo in 1872, see chapter on Presbyteries. 1871, p. 46. An institution of learning, especijilly where boys and young men can be fitted for teaching and preaching the gospel, is greatly needed; and as a part of the object of Mr. Lane's visit to this countiy is to obtain means for the establishment of such an institution, it is earnestly hoped that his mission will be regarded Avith great favor by all who love the missionai-}' cause and pray for the coming of Christ's kingdom. 1872, p. 186. The most intelhgent portion of the community have manifested a very strong desire to have such an institution established. Sec. 248.] The Agencies of the Chtrch. 123 and it would no doubt be thronged with pupils as soon as opened. A vei"}' ehgible lot, sufficient for both missionary residences and the edu- cational institution, has been purchased and paid for. Six th(jusand dollars are needed to put uj) the necessaiy buildings. The executive committee have not felt able to appropriate more than $1,000 from the general fund for this purpose, and it is now proposed to raise $5,000 by contributions from individuals. In 1876, bonds to the extent of $3,900 were issued to meet a debt iacuiTed in the erection and improvement of the buildings above con- templated for the college, Campinas Institute. For the greater part of tliis debt, however, a note was given to the builder of the college. The note was for $7,043. In 1886 this note had been paid, and in 1887 the bonds were aU redeemed. 1877, p. 469. The number of pupils in the college has been one hundi-ed and twenty, and it will probably continue to range at about this number. The condition of the gTounds and premises has been greatly impi'oved. There are now five separate church organizations in connection with this mission. 1873, p. 363. When Mr. Morton visited Brazil foiu* years ago as a missionaiy explorer he felt great doubts, as the committee also did, whether the first mission should be attempted in one of the large sea- port cities t)f northern Brazil, or at Campinas, in southera Brazil. The committee finally decided in favor of Campinas, but with the express understanding at the time that Pernambuco, or one of the other large cities of northern Brazil, should be occupied at as early a day as possi- ble. Eev. J. Bockwell Smith having offered his services, and the churches in Mobile and New Orleans having agreed to furnish the means necessary- to found the mission, the committee felt no hesitation in going forward. Mr. Smith sailed from New York on the 23d De- cember, to visit Pernambuco and the surrounding coimtiy. He was cordially received on his arri\al there by the Enghsh and American residents of the place, and finding no obstacles to the estabUshment of a mission there, that would not have to be encovmtered in any other Roman CathoHc countiy, but much on the other hand to encourage the undertaking, he immediately set to work to found a mission, wliich, it is hoped, will jirove a great blessing to the coimtry. ' 248. IVie, Synod of Brazil 1887, p. 229. In answer to memorials from several of oui- mission- aries in Brazil, who have imited with the representatives of six native chvu'ches in organizing the "Presbyteiy of Campinas and Western Minas," and who desu'e to know whether the Assembly will apprt)ve their combining with the Presbytery of Bio Janeiro, belonging to tlie Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of United States of Ameiica, in forming the S^Tiod of Brazil, in answer also to an overture from the Presbytery of Chesapeake favoring this movement, it is recommended that the Assembly give its approval to the formation of a Brazilian Synod formed of Presbyteries which shall be separ.-ited from both the Assembhes in this country, and constituting in Brazil a distinct and in- dependent church, free from lV)reign control. It is further ad\dsed that our missionaries, as soon as these native Presbyteries can be safely left, push forward as rapidly as possible into the destitute regions be- yond, fulfilling the evangelist's office in them. Adopted. 124 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 249. Our sixth tnission — 3fexico. 1873, p. 858. Eev. A. T. Gravbill, a native of Virginia, and recent graduate of Union Seminary, left South Carolina t)n the 2d April, on his way to explore northern Mexico, with reference to the estabhshment of a mission somewhere along the borders of the Eio Grande. Eev. John W. Neil, of San Antonio, Texas, has been invited to accompany Mr. Graybill, and assist him on this tour of exploration. It is ex- pected that Mr. Graybill will retui'n and report the results of his obser- vations before the severe heat of summer. Should the field appear to be as inviting as it has been represented tt) be, Mr. Graybill, accom- panied by another missionaiy brother, will retiu'n there in autumn for permanent occupation of the field. 1874, p. 551. Matamoras was selected as the site for this mission. It is on the southern side of the Eio Grande, and has a population of 15,000 or 20,000. Mr. and Mrs. Graybill arrived there in January last, and were cordially welcomed by Christian friends there and in Brownsville. On April 21, 1884, the Presbytery of Tamauhpas was organized as the outgrowth of this mission. It is composed entirely of native min- isters and chui'ches. 250. Our seventh mission— Greece. 1878, p. 315. Eesolved, That in ^iew of the fact that the Eev. M. D. Kalopothakes, a native missionary in Greece, and a minister of the gospel in connection with ovu- Church, has been for years engaged in an interesting and peculiarly difficult work, and is now, in the providence of God, left without the fostering care of any missionary society, his case is entitled to the sympathy of our Christian people, and its con- sideration commended to our executive committee for such fraternal in- terest and aid as, in their judgment, may be deemed advisable. 1874, p. 547. The executive committee annoimced that the Greek mission had been opened in Athens, and that Eev. M. D. Kalopothakes, Mr. George Kazacos, and Mr. J. S. Dewar had been added to the list of missionary laborers. 1875, Salonica, in European Turkey, was occu- pied as a new station, and four new missionaries reported as sent out to the Greek field. 1882, p. 579. The committee reported the estabhshment in Greece, as the result of our missionary labors, of an evangelical Greek Presby- tery, composed entirely of native Greeks ; a fact, the committee say, that ought to kindle a noble and holy pride in the heart of every South- ern Presbyterian. The name of this Presbytery is the " Greek Evan- gehcal Synod." It stiU maintains an organic existence. 251. Our eiiflith mission — Japoii. 1885, p. 489. Condensed from the report of the executive committee : There are indications of God's providence that this Church is called now to take pai-t in the work of making known the gospel to the thirty- five millions of people in Japan. That island empire is the part of Asia which lies nearest our own land. For eighteen years our missionaries have passed by its shores and touched at its ports as they went to China, and the inquiry might well be raised, Why should we continue to do nothing to save a bright and interesting people, who number not one- Secs. 252, 253.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 125 third less than the whole i)opulatiou of the United States ? The rapid l^rogress of events in Japan is well known. The openings which now present themselves for mission work are more than the missionary force on the groiand can take advantage of. It is ah'eady recognized among the people of Japan that the old superstitions of the land are passing- away. The (]^uestion of the hour is whether infidelity from the west, or Christianity from the west shaU take their place. Japan is uatui'ally a sanitarium for our China mission. The missionaries in Japan lu'gently ajjpeal to oui* Church to enter the field with them. Six hiuidi-ed dol- lars have been oftered the committee for the establishment of the mis- sion. Your committee are unanimously of the opinion that the next mission field which this Church should enter is Japan. 1885, p. 418. In regard to the oveiiirre from Chesapeake Presby- teiy, your Committee on Foreign Missions recommends the approval of the first request in said overture, viz. : that the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be authorized to establish a mission in Japan and in the valley of the Amazon, when m their judgment the way is clear. Adopted. 1886, p. 35. Tlie field of operations has been enlarged by the addi- tion of a Japanese mission to the number of those previously admin- istered by the executive committee. Koclii has been selected as the station, and Eevs. E. E. McAlpine and E. B. Grinnan, with Mrs. Grin- nan, have been sent out to found the mission. 252. Africd. 1865, p. 872. The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions is espe- cially aiithorized to direct their attention to Africa as a field oi mis- sionaiy labor peculiarly appropriate to this Church, and with this ^•iew, to secure, as soon as practicable, missionaries from among the African race on this continent, who may bear the gospel of the grace of God to the homes of their ancestors. 1881, p. 361. Mesoh'cd, That in view of facts recently discovered respecting the resoiu-ces, the highways, the people, and the prospects of the great continent of Africa, this Assembly authorizes the executive committee to establish a mission in Africa whenever in theii' discretion the way is made clear, provided that this measure shall not interfere with the support of other missions already established, nor prevent the extinction in a reasonable time of the debt ah^eady incurred by the com- mittee. In 1885 the connnittee recommended that, instead of Africa, a mis- sion be undertaken to Japan, which was done. 253. Thv Jeirs. 1873, p. 306. An overture from the Presbytery of Sao Paulo, asking the Generiil Assemljly to consider the religious condition of the Jews, and to put forth some eiibrt to bring them to Christ. The committee recommend that this overture be referred to the Executive Committee on Foreign Missions. 1874, p. 5i)8. liesolccd, That the Assembly appreciates the foi*ce of the scruples which have deterred the executive committee from em- barking in the attempt to found a mission among the Jewish race, and while cherishing the hoi)e that the way may ultimately be opened for 126 Digest of the Acts or the Genekal Assembly. [Book IV. our Church to take part in the effort to restore "the lost sheep of the house of Israel " to the Shepherd's fold, yet, in the absence of a clear call at the present time to engage in that effort, would hmit its agency to the dissemination of such information, through the columns of The Missionary or otherwise, as may educate the mind of oiu' people to a l^roper apprehension of the claims of that work. 254. Amount of money called for by the committee. In 1861 the committee estimated its wants at f 20,000 and called for that much. In 1871 the Assembly made an appeal for f 50, 000 ; in 1872, for f GO, 000 ; in 1876 for $75,000 ; in 1882 for $100,000 ; in 1886 for $85,000. CHAPTER II. HOME MISSIONS. 255. Some account of the Southwestern Advisory Committee of Domestic Missions. 1861, p. 49. Extract from a report of this committee to the General Assembly : The Southwestern Advisory Committee was created by an order of the General Assembly of 1859. It did not, however, go into active operation until November of that year. The first annual report, clos- ing March 1, 1860, and embracing of course only the proceedings of four months, was presented through the parent board to the Assembly of 1860. The second annual report, covering an entire year, was through the same channel laid before the Assembly of 1861. Upon its exami- nation, the receipts from March 1, 1860, to March 1, 1861, will be found to be $15,580.69; which, with a balance of $9,536.16, remaining in the treasury at the commencement of the fiscal year, made the cash resources of the year $25,116.85. Since the first of March, 1861, the receipts to November 1, 1861, as will be seen from the statement of the treasurer herewith submitted, have amounted to $4,490.37. From the printed report of March last, it will be seen that thh^ty- eight missionaries remained in commission at that date. Since then, ni/ie have been re-commissioned, and iiliic from different causes have withdrawn. Eleven new commissions have been issued ; so that the number dependent upon the committee for support is substantially the same as eight months ago. After the extraordinary action taken in May last by the old Assem- bly, and war had drawn its bars and closed the gates of all commimi- cation between the North and the South, no other course was left the committee but to assume the independent management of this great interest of the Church, without reference any longer to the parent b(jard at Philadelphia, to which hitherto it has been amenable. Nor can we fail to notice the wonderful manner in which God pre}>ared and equipped the Southern Presbyterian Chm-ch for the storm which has so recently bm-st over our heads, in the creation of this agency, without Secs. 256, 257.] The Agencies of the Chubch. 127 which the work of Domestic Missions upon oui- extended frontier must have been brought abruptly to a close, and many faithful laborers, without a warning, would have been cast loose upon the world, -vvith- out visible prospect of support for themselves and theii* suffering famihes. This report was signed by the following as executive committee : B. M. Palmer, R. Mclnnis, I. J. Henderson, S. B. Newman, J . A. Maybin, W. C. Black, F. Stringer, and H. Thomas, Jr., and was adopted by the Assembly. 1861, p. 12. The entire number of laborers aided by this advisoiy board during 18G0 and 1861 was seventy-two. 1861, p. 20. Hesolved, 2, The Assembly cordially approves the ac- tion oi the C(jmmittee in conducting their operations for the past eight months, without reference to the Board of Missions at Philadelphia, thereby continuing our missionaries in the field without embarrass- ment, and also d) cordially commend the zeal and fidelity with which they have discharged the trusts assumed by them. 8, That the Assembly accepts the trusts surrendered to it by the committee, and requests the committee to turn over to the Assembly's Committee on Domestic Missions all its books, papers, accounts and funds, and missionaries, so soon as that committee shall be appointed and located by the Assembly, and the said transfer and receipt for the same to be formally entered upon the minutes of the Assembly's com- mittee. 256. Co.'is'itution of the Executive Committee of Domestic Missions 171 the Confederate States of America. 1861, p. 2U. The constitution a.loptsci for this committee and this branch of the Church's work is, inutntis mut'indis, entirely similar in its provisions to that adopted for the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. In phraseology they ai'e almost word for word alike. The location of the committee is New Orleans. — A. 257. The secretary allowed to change the location of the committee. 18(52, p. 18. Resolved, That the secretary of Domestic Missions be, and he is hereby authorized to select any place of temporary residence in the Confederate States where, in his judgment, he can best accom- plish the work which he is commissioned to perform ; and whenever the secretarv shall determine his temporary location, the thi'ee nearest ministers shall bo associated with him as a committee ad interim, with which they shall associate three laymen as integral members thereof, and, for the time buing, the whole of the jiowers of the executive com- mittee shall devolve on the committee ad interim. This committee, moreover, shall be authorized to appoint a treasurer pro tern. In case the secretary shall find it necessary to change his location again, he shall be clothed with like power. 1863, p. 158. In pursuance with the above resolution, the secretary removed the seat of his oparations to Athens, Ga., a change from New Orleans having been made necessary by the fall of New Orleans into the hands of the enemy. The committoc there organized consisted of llev. N. Ho^t, D. D., chairman; Wm. L. MitchoU, Esq., treasurer; Rev. Henrj^ Saflford, Rsv. Henry Newton, Hon. Joseph H. Lumpkin, and A. M. Scudder, Esq. B}' the approach of autumn, experience had shown that the remoteness of Athens from the great thoroughfares, and the want of commercial facilities for the trans- mission of funds, was a serious drawback upon the successful prosecution of the 128 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. work from that poiut, and it was therefore thought best to chauge the seat of oper- ations to IMoutgomery, Ala. This chauge was effected early in November, and a committee organized, consisting of the Eev. G. H. W. Petrie, D. D., chairman; Rev. G. K. Foster and Eev. J. K. Hazen, and Messrs. John Whiting. Walter Smith, W. B. Bell, and Israel W. Roberts, treasurer, and member ex officio. 258. GoiisolidaU'd until the Foreign Mlsslnaiu-[/ (Joiiiiulttcc. 1864, p. 278. The committee, secretary, and treasurer appointed for Foreigii Missions were also appointed for Domestic Missions, and Colum- bia, S. C, was made the seat of their operations. 259. Church extension. 1861, p. 35. Hesolve.J, That in view of the service rendered by the action of the Church Extension Committee, as organized tmder the Old Assembly, and the importance of continuing" to extend aid to feeble chm'ches in erecting church edifices, the duties of that committee be put in charge of the Committee on Domestic Missions, until otherwise ordered by the General Assembly. (See by-laws adopted for the Com- mittee of Sustentation in 1868.) 260. Chaplains and the army. 1861, p. 18. A report from the Committee on Bills and Overtiu'es, recommending the appointment of a committee to prepare a respectful memorial to Congress, urging the importance of suitable persons as chaplains in the army, and, in order to secure the greatest benefit pos- sible from their services, that they be allowed a sufficient salary for theii" support, and a rank that shall command respect, was, after dis- cussion, laid upon the table. 1862, p. 18. liesolred, That the secretary be, and he is hereby, in- structed to do all that he may judge expedient to secure the appointment of suitable c-haplains in our army, using personal efforts with the authori- ties of the Government, but in aU cases, wherever practicable, confer- ring with the Presbyteries as to the selectit>n of the candidates for the office. 1868, p. 139. liesolred, That in view of the fact that the active men of this Confederacy are in the army, are to a great extent without the ministry of the Word, and in many instances are longing for the stated ordinances of the gospel, there is an imperative need of a fuU and regular su})ply of chaplains throughout the service : and, therefore, that we proceed to establish the office of ccmnnissioner from this As- sembly to each of the grand armies of the Confederacy, the duties of these officers being: (1,) to labor as chaplains; (2,) to select with great care, and secure other chaplains for the arm}', by correspondenc-e with ministers and Presbyteries, with the Executive Committee of Missions, and with colonels of z'egiments; (3,) to procure these chaplains com- missions, and to open their wa}' as strangers to the different camps; (4,) to welcome and employ other ministers on temporary visits to the anny, and to give them opportunities of usefulness: (5,) to cix'culate books and tracts, and to organize this species of labor: and lastly, in all respects to organize the work, that our Church, under God, may be put in possession of prompt opportunities of doing good in this inter- esting field of labor. Sec. '2G0.] The Agexcies of the Chitech. 120 lii.solred, That the Rev. B. T. Lacy be hereby appointed such a commissioner for the army of Vii-ginia : that the Rev. B. M. Pahner, D. D., having offered to do service in the "West, on his own charges, if, he be left to some measure of discretion in respect to the length of time, be most cordially accepted in this offer of his labor, and be com- missioner, provisionally, to the army oi Tennessee ; that the executive committee have liberty to appoint another commissi(jner to each of the other great armies of the Confederacy ; that the salaiy of this office be not less than dollars ; that those whom we appoint to it be en- couraged to seek regular connuissious in the army of the Confederate States, provided that they can make it certain that they will be de- tached to the more general duty ; that the executive committee be charged to collect and pay over their stipulated support, and that the churches be enjoined to give hberally t(j supply this department of our missionary treasiuy. Itesoli'ed, That other Chi'istian denominations are incited to join with us in this effort for organized labor in the army, and that we in- vite commissioners from other evangelical bodies to be associated with om's, in an attem})t to seciu'e at least one suitable chaplain for each brigade in the service of the Confederacy. liesoh't-il^ That our Presbyteries can greatly assist in the supply of the army by designating such of their own number as, in their judg- ment, would be best fitted, and can be procured for the chaplaincy, or for temporaiy missionary service. 1864, p. 315. It was not intended that these commissioners should exercise any kind of ecclesiastical control over their brethren in the same field, but simply to advise and aid them to get into positions where they coTild be most useful, and where the general object of the undertaking could be most effectually secured. The experience of the committee fully demonstrates the wisdom of the Assembly in ordering these appointments to be made. In consequence of the studied reti- cence of the government in relation to the organization and disposititm of the army, and the constant changes .which result from shifting different portions of it from one place to another, it would be impossible for the committee, remote as it is from the centre of ojierations, to conduct its measures with prudence and wis- dom without such agents to keep them iuff)rmed of the actual state of things. Mr. Lacy soon found that he coiild not attend to the whole of the Army of Northern Virginia, and Rev. Theodorick Pryor, D. D., was appointed commissioner to the first corps, leaving the second and tliird to Mr. Lacy. At the same time, John N. Waddel, D. D., was appointed commissioner to the Army of Mississippi; Drury Lacy, D. D., to the Army of Eastern North Carolina and South-eastern Vir- ginia ; Rev. John Douglas, to the Army of South Carolina ; Rev. Ruf us K. Porter, to the Army of Southern Georgia and Northern Florida ; and Rev. H. M. Smith, to the Army of the trans-Mississippi department. Dr. Lacy was prevented by ill health from entering upon the duties of his office, and the army in that part of the country became so much reduced, soon after, that it did not seem necessary for any one to be appointed to take his place. Dr. Palmer, after a few montlis' active labor in the Army of Tennessee, was compelled, by providential circumstances, to leave his field of labor and return" home. Rev. William Flinn, of the Presbytery of Hopewell, Georgia, and who had been in the service as chaplain almost from the beginning of the war. was appointed to fill the jilace vacated by Dr. Palmer, which he has continued to do with much acceptance since that time. The committee resolved to try to have one chaplain or permanent missionary from our Church in every brigade throughout the C'onfederate Army, besides a propoitionate number of laborers for the various hospitals scattered over the land. At the same time they resolved to make the effort to raise the funds necessary not only to give a fiiU support to those who might engage as missionaries, but to sup- plement the salai-ies of all those who held commissions as chaplains, it being known that the government allowance was entirely insufficient for their support. In order to carry out this general jilan, it was understood that it would require at least one hundred and twenty-five laborers, more than one-fourth of our whole ministerial 9 130 Digest of the Acts of the Gener.\l Assembly. [Book IV. force outside of the enemj-'s lines, aud at least !j8,l)00 per mouth, or something like SfilOOjOUU per auuum Under this new arrangement, commencing in the autumn, one hundred and one • names have been enrolled on the list of the committee, all of whom fall i;uder the general arrangement, and all of whoni, with a few exceptions, are to receive their support, in jaart or in whole, from the contributions from the churches. Of this nrimber, 21 are connected with the Synod of Virginia; 14 with the Synod of North Carolina; 17 with the Synod of South Carolina ; 15 with the Synod of Georgia; 6 with the Synod of Alabama; 13 with the Synod of Mississii)pi ; 2 with the Synod of Memi^his ; 1 mth the Synod of Texas ; 3 with the Synod of Nashville. Of the whole number, 36 are laboring in the Army of Northern Virginia ; 12 in the Army of Tennessee; 9 on the coast of South Carolina; 5 in Southern Georgia aud East Florida; 3 in Eastern North Carolina, and 22 in the hospitals of Virginia, Georgia, and Mississippi. Besides those acting in connection with the committee, there are thirty or more ministers of our Church holding commissions as chaplains, or sup- jjorted by Presbyteries or private beueticeuce, making the whole number of Pres- byterian ministers now in the army about 13U. The committee can have no con- trol over the location of those who hold commissions under the government; but they can arrange those who act as missionaries so as to secure, as far as possible, an equal distribution of ministerial labor throughoi;t the whole army. 1864, p. 278. The Assembly, re-asserting the high imi^ortance and superior in- terest of the armies of the Confederate States as fields of missionary labor dm-ing the war, and bidding the execiitive committee God-speed in their laudable exertions to occui^y it more fully, instruct them — (1,) To sjaare no reasonable pains and exi^ense to send a special commissioner to the department of trans-Mississippi, to assist any laborers now in that field. (2,) To make a judicious distribution of the ministers in their employ between the work of the commissioned chaplain and the permanent missionary, giving the larger number to the former work, yet so as to retain the advantages of both sys- tems, and to distribute their aid in such manner as to seciu-e, if possible, one minis- ter of our Church in each brigade of the armies. The Assembly earnestly advises all Presbyteries, as to those labors which they may attempt for the armies, so to jserform them in concert with the executive committee and secretary, that the whole force of the Church may have unity and connection ; and that, instead of dissipating the efforts of many ministers in temjiorary services, often evanescent in their effect, such number of their members as the great work may demand, well chosen for energy and zeal, be released for the service of these missions, and the remainder render their indirect aid by suppljang the charges of these during their absence. But the Assemblj' does by no means depreciate the usefulness of even the shortest visits of pastors to the troojDS, and encourages all to undertake them as they have opportunity. The Assembly returns devout thanks to God for his wonderful works of grace in the armies, in which, we are informed, twelve thousand souls, during the last year, are supposed to have made a hopeful profession of faith in Christ. The Assembly, having engaged in frequent and solemn acts of devotion to inter- cede for our brave soldiers and their ofticers and commanding generals, does ear- nestly exhort all the ministers, chiirches, and people, in like manner, to constant supplications in the same behalf. This last resolution was adopted in view of the request made in behalf of General E. E. Lee for the prayers of the Assembly and the Church, in view of his great re- sponsibilities as the commander of one of our iorinci2)al armies. (P. 251. ) 1865, p. 390. The work in the army, to which the attention of the committee was mainly directed, was carried on with systematic efiicieucy, and jierhaps with as important results as those of any previous year. More than one hiuidred mission- ary laborers were commissioned during the year, nine-tenths of whom were in active service for longer or shorter periods, and all of whom received their support, in part or whole, from the contributions of the churches. "What number were in actual ser- vice at the time of the surrender of our two main armies is not certainly known, but perha])s more than fifty. A large proportion of these l)rethren had been con- nected with the army for periods varying from two to four years, and performed labors and endm-ed hardships which perhajis will never be fully understood in this present life. The churches, to the last, were exceedingly generous in their contri- butions, and at no tune was the work retarded for the want of funds. Thousands of our beloved soldiers were converted through the instrumentality of these la- bors. Secs. 261-263.] The Agexcies of the Chuech. 131 261. Kon-co-operatiiKj Presbyteries urged to help mid report. 1868, p. 139. Resolved, That those Presbyteries which conduct the work of Domestic ^lissions f(jr themselves, and are situated in the por- tions of the Confederacy best supplied with the gospel, should not be content with pi'oviding for their own spiritual wants, but ai'e enjoined to remember those elsewhere who are destitute of the ordmances of God's house, and to send a proper portion of their funds to the treasury'- of the Executive Committee of Domestic Missions, to be expended by them in extending the gospel ; and this whole cause is anew commended to the liberality of the Church. Hesolrcd, 2, That the Presbyteries be directed to furnish to the sec- retary of the executive committee an annual statement of their efforts in this cause, including the missionaries employed and the funds ex- pended for their support. 1880, p. 208. The Assembly being persuaded that the efficiency of this arm of ser\'ice largely depends upon its intimate contact with the mind and heart of the Church at large, earnestly invites the co-operation of all the Presbyteries with the executive committee in the prosecution ■of its work. 1885, p. 421. The attention of the Assembly is called to the follow- ing clause in the Assembly's Home Mission Manual, p. 8: "If any Presbytery shall insist upon managing its own Avork in sepa- ration from the executive committee, the General Assembly does not enjoin upon such Presbytery to send all the moneys raised to the central ■committee, provided that a collection shall be taken in all its churches ior the work committed to the Home Mission Committee." The com- xaittee asks the Assembly tcj call the attention of those Presbyteries which conduct their work separately to this clause in the Manual, and ui-ge upon them that the unity of the Church and the imperative needs of the cause seem to call loudly upon them to comply with this wish of the Assembly. 262. The treasurer's ((crotoits, hon' aiiditt^d. 1864, p. 278. That the Assembly appoint annually a committee of three, unconnected with the executive connnittee, to audit till the ac- counts of the treasurer; that it be made the duty of the treasurer to Lave the report of these auditors endorsed upon his account before lay- ing it before the Assembly ; and that the auditing committee for the ensuing year consist of Messrs. John Crawford, of Columbia, E. Nye Hutchison, of Charlotte, and Jas. R. Aiken, of Winnsboro. 263. The treasurers sa>ari/ and Jxmd. 1864, p. 278. That the executive committee be instructed to pay a suitable salary to the treasurer, and to require of him a bond of ten thousand dollars to the trustees of the General Assembly, with good securities, for the faithful discharge of his trust. This is in view of the fact that the treasurer. Prof. Woodrow, gave his services the past year without compensation, both for this dcpartnieut and that of Foreign Missions, for which generous and disinterested conduct the Assembly returned suit- able thanks. (1863, p. 140.) The Assembly of 1887 (p. 237) declined to order any change in the amount of the treasurer's bond. 132 Digest or the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 264. A Sustentation scheme. 1865, p. 391. Extract from report of executive committee : The restoration of our crippled and broken down clinrehes is undoubtedly the ob- ject which claims the immediate and earnest attention of this Assembly. These chiirches are to be found in everj' section of our coxintry that has been occupied for any length of time by Northern soldiers, and especially along the broad track of those desolating marches that were made through most of the central Southern States. Wherever the armies have gone the countrj' has been desolated, the people have been impoverished, and in the great majority of cases, the sanctuaries of the living God have either been entirely destroyed, or so much injured as to be unfit for use. In many places our people are not only without houses in which to wor- ship, but are withoiit ministers to break to them the bread of life. Some of our ablest and most earnest ministers have been compelled to betake themselves to school-keeping or some other secular employment, in order to provide their families with the means of subsistence. Worse than all, in the very midst of this distress and i^rostration, an enemy threatens to invade our borders, sow dissensions among our people, and gather our flocks into folds which they have not known. If ever there was occasion for the people of God to ralty as one man, and put forth all their energies with imited front against those who are seeking to divide and destroy, the present is that occasion What seems especially necessary at the present time, in the judgment of your committee, to rally the whole Southern Church, and bring out all her disjiosable resources, is to bring forward some feasible plan by which their gifts may be brought together and be laid out wisely and jiidicioiislj' in relieving the distresses of the suffering churches. The committee, therefore, would recommend the ap- pointment of what may be called a Sustentation Committee, somewhat after the plan of the Free Church of Scotland, whose duty it shall be to raise and disburse funds in connection with this great object. That committee need consist only of a chairman, a secretary, and one commissioner from each Synod. Let it be the duty of the chairman, or secretary, to occupy some central position in the country, from which he can have easy access to the chiirches and the commissioners, and for the time being have the general direction of affairs. Let it be the duty of the com- missioners to canvass their respective Synods, ascertain what churches are needing helj), what ones are able to contribute, and do all they can, by corresjjondence and visitation, to collect funds for this general object. At the expiration of three months, or as soon after as practicable, the secretary and the commissioners shall meet to- gether, and with all the facts they have gathered, proceed to disburse the funds ac- cording to their best judgment. It would be also well for the Assembly to desig- nate a day when collections should be taken up in all the (churches for this object. It is not proposed that the commissioners should receive any compensation for their services further than have their travelling expenses paid. It is confidently believed that there are brethren in all oiir Synods who, if called by the Assembly to this work, would cheerfully devote three months to this piirj)ose without any pay, iwc- ther than the satisfaction of knowing that they are engaged in a work of mercy. If objection is felt to the multiplication of agencies under the di- rection of the Assembly, then the same object may be attained simply by uniting the commissioners above mentioned to t^ie Executive Committee of Domestic Mis- sions, and giving them the power of committee-men, so far as this particular enter- prise is concerned. 1865, p. 370. Resolved, That the General Assembly adopt the sug- gestions of the executive committee in relation to the raising of a " Sus- tentation fund " for the existing exigencies of our churches, but assign the condiict of this agency to the Executive Committee of Domestic Missions ; also, that a member from each S^Tiod be appointed to co- operate with the general scheme set forth in their report. That Rev. T. R. Welch, Little Rock, Arkansas, be the commissioner from the Synod of Arkansas; Rev. R. Nail, D. D., Tuskegee, Ala., from the Synod of Alabama ; Rev. D. Wills, Macon, Ga., from the Synod of Georgia; Rev. J. O. Steadman, Memphis, Tenn., from Mem- phis; Rev. J. A. Lyon, D. D., Columbus, Miss., from Mississij^pi ; Rev. W. E. CaldweU, Pulaski, Tenn., from NashviUe; Rev. J. Rumple, Salis- Sec. 265.] The Agencies of the Church. 133 bmy, N. C, from North Carolina; Rev. S. A. King, Milford, Texas, from Texas; and Rev. J. D. Mitchell, D. D., Lj-uchbiu-g, Va., from Virginia. That the General Assembly order collections in behalf of the Susten- tation fund to be made in all oui' churches on the second Sabbath of February next, or as soon thereafter as practicable ; and that the pro- ceeds be forwarded immediately to the treasurer of the executive com- mittee, Professor James Woodrow, at Columbia, S. C, or to the Sy- nodical commissioners. 188G, p. 44. From the executive committee's report : The appointment of Synodical commissioners to act in concert ^\•ith the commit- tee proved to be a wise and judicious measure. In no other Avay would it have been possible, either to hiive ascertained the condition and wants of brethren, or to have distributed the funds in the hands of the connnittee in a just and equitable manner. ]^y vigorous and persevering efforts on the part of the commissioners, the whole tield was thoroughly explored, the condition and wants of every destitute brother accurately ascertaineil, and the committee was thus enaljled, in view of all the circumstances f)f the case, not only to distribute the fund under their control in the most equitable manner, but, so far as is known, to give universal satisfac- tion, and at the same time relieve an immense amount of suffering. The commis- sioners, without (!xccption, discharged their duties A\'ith zeal, energy, and lidelity; and they deserve the thanks of the whole Church The sums of money ajipropriated to the relief of brethren have varied from $50 and uuchn- to *3()(). The whole number who have received aid from the Sustenta- tiou fund, iiududing sixteen families of deceased ministers, is upwards of two hun- dred and twentv. The whole amount laid out in this department was upwards of $23,(J0U. 265. Bourd of Aid for /SoNt/icrn P)-esJ)yterhni Pastors. 1865, p. 353. A letter was received by the moderator from James H. Huber, Esq., secretaiy ajid treasurer of the "Board of Aid for Southern Presbyterian Pastors," located in Louisville, Ky., introducing Rev. R. Morrison, of the Presbytery of Louisville, who was authorized to explam to the Assembly the plans and purposes and hopes of that organization. P. 355. Rev. R. Morrison, on being introduced, laid before the As- sembly a salutatory letter from the above-named board, which stated that already $G,00t) had been raised for the purposes of the board, and asked that the brethren of the Assembly be joined together with one heart in this Avork. It furthermore asked the Assembly to appt)int one or more brethren from each Presbytery, whose duty it shall be to cor- respond with this board and indicate as to whom our offerings of love shall be sent. This letter evinced the earnest desire of the board to meet promptly and efficiently the needs of the numerous indigent pas- tors within the bounds of the Southern Church. (Cimdensed.) Mr. ^Morrison having further addressed the Assembly on his mission, and the Assembly having expressed its great satisfaction at his presence and voted its sincere thanks for his able and interesting addi'ess, the fol- lowing resolutions were adojited: P. 370. That the General Assembly express their proftnmd gratifica- tion at the manifestation of Christian sympathy and kindness on the pai't of our brethren in Kentucky, as exhibited in their fraternal letter to this body, and in the name of the great INIaster, theirs and ours, ac- cept their generous tender of aid in ministering to the necessities of our impoverished churches. Further, that the moderator of the Assem- 134 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. bly address a coiiimunication to those brethi'en, expressive of our feel- ings in this regard. That the General Assembly appoint the executive committee our agent for receiving and disbursing such aid as may be forwarded to them by the Kentucky Board of Aid for Southern Pastors, and enjoin upon the committee promptness in distributing the benefaction accord- ing to the ui'gency or the necessities existing in the various portions of the country. 266. Aid from Kentucky and Balthnore. 1868, p. 286. Report of executive committee : Of the sum this year received for Sustentation, $9, 190. 73 has been contribiated by Christian friends outside of onr own connexion, and mainly by those residing in. Baltimore and vicinity and in the State of Kentucky. The committee would re- spectfully suggest the duty and the propriety on the part of the Assembly of mak-- ing some formal acknowledgment of their obligation to those Christian friends for their timely, continued, and most generous aid. Duiiug the last two and a half years, more than #40,000 of their contributions has passed directly through the^ hands of the Executive Committee of Sustentation, and been applied to the imme- diate wants of the Church; whilst their more general contributions in food, cloth- ing, and in money for the education of young luen, and for the re-eudowment of oiu' theological seminaries, have amounted in the aggregate to considerablv more, than f 100,000. P. 274. The General Assembly hereby gratefully ackno'v^ledges the: Christian liberality hitherto shown towards our impoverished people,, churches, and seminaries, by many known and unknown friends beyond, our bounds ; especially is this due the S^^nod of Kentucky and the^ Presbyterian churches of Baltimore, for their timely, continuous, and. most generous aid. The Assembly does not doubt that a time will, come when these Christian friends shall find that in so doing to the: least of Christ's disciples, they did it unto him. They are invited more- over to behold, in the facts disclosed in the Annual Eeport, the best, evidence that their assistance has not been given in vain. (See also- 1867, p. 143.) 267. The Southern Aid Societij of New York. 1874, p. 488. To the Southern Aid Society of New York this Assem- bly tenders the expression of its grateful acknowledgment for its verj' timely and generous donation of !ei5,525 for disbursement by the Execu- tive Committee of Sustentation for the objects already named, and the: co-ordinate secretary of Sustentation is herebj' directed to communi- cate this acti(jn to that society. P. 531. Extract from report of executive committee explanatory of the above: This society, which was organized a few years before the late war, for the pur- pose of rendering aid to feeble chxirches in the Southern country, is an incorporated body, and consists of ge7itlemen of the highest moral and social position. For sev- eral years dm-ing and .^ubstHpicnt to the war, the society had no funds to distribiite, and few functions to perform, but about two years ago they came into possession of some Si<10,000, devised to their society, to be disbursed in accordance with their con- stitution. This fact having been brought to the knowledge of the Committee of Sustentation, and the further information that the society was anxious to disburse this amount with tli(> greatest intelligence possible, so as to secure the largest ulti- mate good to the churches, one of the secretaries had an interview with the execu- tive committee (if the society, the result of which was that tin' society agreed to make its annual approiu'iations with the advice and under the direction of the Gen- eral Assembly's Connnittee of Sustentation. This entire amount has been disbursed for strictly Sustentation purposes, and in accordance with previoiis recj^ests of the chairman of the Presbyterial committees. Sec. 268.] The Agencies of the Church. 135 This society the next year appropriated in similar manner *2,40Q, for which another vote of thanks was made. (1875, p. 24.) 268. The Executive Committee of Susteiitation appointed. 1866, p. 9. A memorial from Rev. Dr. Leighton Wilson, secretary of Domestic Missions, on the subject of a change in the name and man- ner of working of this whole department, was read to the Assembly. (See p. 49.) P. 27. Thereupon the following was adopted : With reference to the memorial presented by the Rev. Dr. J. Leigh- ton Wilson, which- was referred to this committee, we beg leave re- spectfull}' to report that in demising a plan and organizing an agency for carrying on the work of Domestic Missions, it is necessary to keep constantly in view two essential principles : First, That the Church of Christ is one body, having one glorious Head, and pervaded and actuated by a common divine spiritual life. Second, That it is a free spiritual commonwealth, calling no man master on the earth ; but whose onl}' Lord and Master is in heaven. The liberty of the Church is protected by a written constitution, founded on the Word of God, and is also guarded by the wise arrange- ment of its several courts, in accordance with the principles taught in the Holy Scriptures. To the General Assembly it specially belongs to manifest and exem- pHfy the unity of the Church. It is the province of the Presbytery to conserve the freedom of the Christian commonwealth, by occupying the jDosition and performing the functions of the chief executive agent in conducting the whole work of the Church. Under our constitution, the Presbyteries have original authorit}- and jurisdiction in the Lord over all the ministei's, churches, and missionary fields, within their respec- tive bounds, independently of all control, except such as may be exer- cised, in a regular and orderly manner, by the Synods and the General Assembly over such subjects as may be brought before them in accord- ance with the pro%'isions of the constitution of the Church. To the Presbytery it belongs to ordain and commission ministers of the gos- pel, to commit t<,) them the oversight of the particular congregations, upon the call of the people, and to appoint them, with their own con- sent, to fields of missionary labor. It is also the province of the Pres- bytery to determine what part of its territory is to be regarded as mis- sionaiy ground, and what churches ought to receive assistance in main- taining their pastors, or in erecting houses of worship. It is the duty of the Presbytery to superintend the work of its missionaries, to re- ceive their reports, and to the Presbytery alone are they responsible, in the first instance, under God, for the faithful discharge of their duties. It is therefore incumbent upon the Presbyteiy to provide for the worldly maintenance of the Lords ministers, by seeing that the churches fulfil their- obligations to their pastors, to the extent of their ability, and also that they make regular and systematic offerings to the treasuiy of the Lord for the sup})ort of the ministry among those who are unable to provide for themselves. If all the Presbyteries were equally strong and were all blessed alike with the wealth of this world, it would only be necessary for each Pres- bytery to appropriate the contributions of the Lord's people, in due proportion, according to the exigencies of every part oi the Held. But 136 Digest or the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. inasmuch as there is very great inequaUty in the strength and re- sources of the different Pres'b;\'teries, and because, according to the law of the Hfe of the Chvirch, it is the imperative duty of the strong to aid the weak, in order that the healthful vigor of the whole body may be preserved, it becomes necessaiy to have some central agency, through which the vital current of the Church's life may flow in due proportion to every part, and that all the energy, zeal, and resources of the whole Church may be combined in the prosecution of its most important work. This is the office of the General Assembly ; but it can only be practically fulfilled through the agenc}^ of a committee. Be it therefore Resolved, That in the place of the present Executive Committee of Domestic Missions, the General Assembly do api^oint a committee, to be called " The Executive Committee of Sustentation." It shall consist of a secretary, who shall be elected annually by the General Assembly, and shall be styled " The Assembly's Secretary of Sustentation," and who shall be the organ of communication between the Assembly and the committee, and also between the committee and all portions of the work intrusted to its care ; a treasurer ; and nine other members, three of whom shall be ruhng elders, all to be appointed annually by the General Assembly, and dii-ectly amenable to it for the efficient dis- charge of their duties. Vacancies occurring ad interim shall be filled, if necessaiy, by the committee. Any five members l^eing assembled shall constitute a quorum. This committee shall be located for the present at Colum- bia, S. C. It shall meet once a month, or of tener, at the call of the chair- man or secretary. It may enact by-laws for its government, subject to the revisal and approval of the General Assembly. It shall be the duty of this committee to receive into its treasury, and take the general management of all the funds contributed for Sus- tentation, and to make appropriations and expenditm'es of the same, inchiding the salaries of its officers. It shall, however, make no appropriations for the support of any pastor or missionary laboring within the bomids of any Presbytery, except upon the requisition of that Presbytery or its Committee of Do- mestic Missions, and all the appropriations thus made shall be based upon the recommendation of the said Presbytery or its committee. If at any time the funds entrusted to the Assembly's committee should prove insufficient to meet in full the demands of the several Presbyteries, it shall exercise a sound discretion in determining what amount shall be appropriated to each, taking into consideration the necessities of the whole Church, as well as the particiilar circumstances of the Presbytery making the demand. Pyoridcd always, that no ap- proiH'iatiou shall exceed a certain maximum amount, to be fixed by the committee, subject to the approval of the General Assembly. In the exercise of its advisory powers, it shall report to the General Assembly every year the condition and wants of the whole field, and shall annually present to the Assembly an account of its receipts and exjienditm-es, together with its minutes, for examuiation. It shall also communicate to the churches and Presb3-teries, fi'om time to time, . such information with reference to the necessities and the progress of the work as will tend to incite them to greater liberal- ity and more earnest efforts for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. Sec. 268.] The Agencies of the Church. 137 It shall also aid the Presbyteries in procming missionaries, and trans- feiTing- them from one field to another. It may also, by the direction of the General Assembly, send mission- aries or evangelists into pai'ts of the coimtiy not inchided in the bomid- aries of the Church, and make pro^•ision for their support. The central committee and the Presbyteries should be united and brought into harmonious action, Iw constituting the chairman of the Presbyterial Committee of Domestic Missions a corresponding member of the central committee. It will thvis be made his duty to keep the central committee informed, either by his personal presence or by cor- respondence, of the condition and wants of his Presbytery, and also to see that all the chiu'ches in his Presbytery take up regular collections for the central conniiittee, thus acting at the same time as agent for the Presbytery and the central committee. The chainnan should be compensated for his services, and his expenses of travelhng should be borne. It will be expected that the older and stronger Presbyteries will always, except imder some special providence, contrilnite a larger amount to the general fund than they expect to draw, that the weaker Presbyteries may be provided for. There wiU, however, be no olijec- tion to any Presbvtery taking up a second and further collection in the churches under its care, when the sum appropriated by the central committee does not fully meet its wants, nor to the salary of any par- ticular missionary or evangehst being supplemented l)y private benefi- cence when it may be found necessary. But if the Presbytery should insist upon managing the fmids col- lected within its bounds, as well as aU other parts of the work of Sus- tentation, the Assembly will not enjoin upon such Presbytery to send all the moneys raised to the treasury of the central committee, provided that a collection shall be taken in all its churches for the woik com- mitted to the Sustentation Committee; and also that the Presbvtery shall rept)rt to the General Assembly, thrt)ugh the Committee of Sus- tentation, what amoimt of money has been raised and expended within its own bounds, so that the General Assembly may see at one view what the whole Church has done in this great work. 18(i7, p. 155. Extract: " The Executive Committee of Snsteutation respectfully rei^ort that, immediately after the atljoiirumeut of the General Assembly, in No- vember last, they met iu Columbia, S. C, orj^auized themselves as a committee, and entered ni)on the work assigned them !)y that venerable body. A circular was addressed to the churches, exphiininj^ the nature of that plan, and urt^infj; their co-operation ; the chairmen of the various Presbyterial Cdmmittees of Jlissions were inforniiMl of the duties that had hccn laid ui)on them, and they were ur<^ed likewise to enter upim those duties at once. It was not until the middle of the sprinjT, however, that most of the Presbyteries could take action in relation to the plan of Sustentation recommended by the Assembly; but the committee are happy to report that the s, and thus accomplish the two-fold object of maintaining the stated preaching of the gospel in all these churches, and at the same time secure a competency for every lalxn-ing minister throughout the whole Church. This 138 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. principle, if fully carried oiit as it should be, will place our Church, so far as the support of her ministry is coucerued, on the same solid foundation with the Free Church of Scotland, but so as to avoid some of the evils inherently connected with their system, and at the same time be brouf:(ht about by a process miich more ac- cordant with the o;enius of our i)eople. 2, To aid in the support of missionaries and evangelists, wherever such aid is asked. 3, To assist in rebuilding or repair- ing church editices, where the people have not the means of themselves to do it. 4, To assist missionary or ministerial laborers in getting from one iield of labor to another, where they are without the means of doing this of themselves. 1868, p. 287. The committee is happy to report that all the Presbyteries, with three or four exceptions, have adopted the Assemblj^'s plan of Sustentation in full; and the impression is becoming general, if not almost universal, that the plan is not only wise and judicious iu itself, but that this or something of a kindred nature is indisjjensablj- necessarj' to sustain our churches in their i^resent afflicted con- dition. 269. By-lavs for the government of the Executive Committee of Sustentation. 1867, p. 159. The follo\\ing- rules and by-laws were approved by the Assembly, (p. 143) : 1. All a2)propriations made by this committee, whether to assist feeble chiu'ches, to aid iu church erection, or to support missionaries and evangelists, must be based on the recommendation of the Presbytery's Committee of Domestic Missions within whose bounds the money is to be expended, it being understood that the chairman or secretary is regarded as the organ of the Presbytery's committee. 2. The committee shall always appropriate specifically to the differ- ent objects presented by the Presbyterial Committee of Missions ; and unless a preference is expressed to the contrary, it will always give the precedence to applications in l^ehalf of feeble churches. 3. No appropriation shall be made to supplement the salary given by a feelile chiu'ch unless the Presbyterial committee, through which the api^lication is made, can certify that the congregation itself has done aU that could reasonably be expected of it to raise a sufficient salary ; and further, that the minister is not himself engaged in any secular business which renders him a competent support. The sum of $250 per annum shall be the maximmn given to aid a feeble church, except in extraordinary cases. 4. The maximum appropriation that shall be made for the support of a missionary or evangelist shall not exceed $600, except in extraor- dinary cases. (Superseded; see below, on p. 142.) 5. No appropriation shall be made to aid in repairing or erecting a church edifice, except where the Presbyterial Committee of Missions can certify, 1, That the ccmgregation themselves have not the means to do it ; 2, That no application has already been made to chiu'ches which are expected to contribute to the general fund ; 3, That the amount approinuated by this committee wiU be sufficient to put the house in a condition to be used for pubhc worship. (Amended, p. 143.) 6. No approi)riiition shall be made to churches or missionaries in Presbyteries which do not carry on their domestic missionary work in accordance with the plan adopted by the General Assembly of 18G6. 7. All appropriations made by the committee in the way of salaries shall be paid by the treasurer in semi-annual instalments. 1868, p. 286. Manner of payment : AU appropriations made toward^ church l)uilding are paid down in full at the time, whilst those made to supplement the salaries given by feeble clnu'ches and for the sup- Sec. 269.] * The Agencies of the Church. 139 port of missionaries and evangelists are paid, as above directed, in semi- annual instalments. 1868, p. 278. "Whereas, The eontril)nting of our substance is not an op- tional, but a necessary part of the worship of God, a fruit, an e^•idence, and a means of grace, without which a scriptural piety cannot be maintained and developed : therefore, as a means of hastening a wider practical recog- nition of this truth throughout our whole Church, be it Ht'solvetj, 1, That all appropriations hereafter made by the Commit- tee of Sustentatiou in aid of pastors, supplies, missionaiies, and evan- gelists, shall be subject to the two following conditions, in addition to those already embodied in the by-laws of the committee already ap- proved by the Assembly : 1, That the pastor, supply, (jr evangehst shall, at least once a year, in a discourse exclusively devoted to the subject, set before each of the churches and missionary stations regularly min- istered tlaced in Preshyterial blanks. 1871, p. 522. The Assembly so ordered. S03. ISynodical Evangelist. 1883, p. 38. Resolved, That the General Assembly answer the over- tures from the Presbyteiies of IVIissoui'i, Potosi, and St. Louis, as fol- lows : "While fully appreciating the earnest desire of these Presbyteries for the enlargement of Zion and the strengthening of the feeble churches in theu' boimds, the General Assemblv has no authoritv for 154 ' Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. the apiDointment of a Syuodical evangelist or Synodical superintendent of missions. 304. Evangelism in the Seminaries. 1886, p. 44. In reference to the overture from Lafayette Pres- byterj^ touching EvangeHstic work, your committee w^ould recom- mend : That the Assembly remind the churches, («) That Presbyterianism cannot accomplish its mission unless it become more aggressive ; (5) That constant aggressiveness, in other words, preaching the gosj)el to the regions beyond, is one great mission of the Church ; (c) Thati^reach- ing the gospel to the poor is the distinguishing characteristic of the true Church. That the Assembly hereby recommend our Seminaries to make due provision for proper instruction upon this subject, either by procuring annually a series of lectures by some regularly ordained and exper- ienced evangelist, or by adding to the course on Pastoral Theology the full instruction concerning evangelism, which its pressing importance demands. 305. Tlie Worlcman legacy for the Kentucky field. 1886, p. 55. The Board of Trustees of the General Assembly are authorized to take such legal steps, and execute such legal papers, as are necessary to enable the Board to receive the moneys coming to the Board under the terms of the compromise which has been made in ref- erence to the wiU of Wm. Workman, deceased, and to invest said moneys in some safe interest-bearing securities ; and that the Board shaU pay over the annual interest accruing from said investment to the treasurer of the Synod of Kentuck}', to be applied under the directions of that Synod in the promotion of the cause of Christ and the extension of the Presbyterian Church within the bounds of said Synod, in accordance with the provisions of the said wiU of Wm. Workman. 306. Regulations apjylying to the Evangelistic fund, adopted for the gidd'ince of the executive committee. From the Manual : 1. The time lor the annual collection is the first Sabbath in Septem- ber, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable. 2. Appropriations from this fund will be made in January, one-half being paid immediately and the balance in July, subject to the condi- tions which are specitied under Sustentation Fund, iSlo. 2. 3. By-law No. 4 must be rigidly observed in the conduct of this work. The following particulars are worthy of special notice : {a) The evangelist is " an officer." He must, therefore, be an or- dained minister. A licentiate does not fulfil the requirements of the rule, and cannot receive an appropriation from this fund. {h) He is " duly and formally set apart by a Presbytery." His work, therefore, is specific and important. (c) His duty is to " take (charge of feeble churches and destitute fields." His work, therefore, is not to j^rea^h in churches already sup- pUed with the ministrations of the Word, but to represent the Presby- Secs. 307, 308.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 155 teiy in j)laces where his serN-ices are needed to strengthen the weak and build uj) new organizations. {(l) The executive committee does not pay a salarj' to the evangehst, except b}' way of supj)lement, or until they are certified that the fields served by him are contributing their equitable proportion to his sup- port, nor then unless the Presb}i:eiy conducts its work on the Assem- bly's plan. (e) It is contemplated that the evangehst's salary shall be such an amount as in the judgment of the Presbyterv' shall be sufficient to en- able him to devote his whole time unembarrassed to his work, and to keeji him without iuteiTuption in the field. Great care ought to be taken by Presbyteries in the selection of this officer, and great honor be put upon the office. The duty of appointing him should seldom be entrusted to a committee, and such appointments should never be sanc- tioned and continued imless Presbjtery is fully satisfied of their suita- bility. No minister who is unwiUing to work on the Assembly's plan ought to be appointed an evangelist by a co-operating Presbytery. The executive committee are prohibited from making an appropriation to such. By-laws 9-12 are imperative. 4. Applications for aid from the Evangelistic fund ought to be sent in by the Presbyterial committees in December, so that they may re- ceive the most favorable consideration at the time of annual appropria- tion in January. Note : Up to 1874 appropriations were made in Marcli, when tlie Siistentation ai^iiropriatious were made. — A. 307. ^Vork among our colored people assh/ned to the Connnittee of Domestic Missions. 18G1, p. 20. Resolved, That the great field of missionaiy operations among om- colored population falls more immediately under the care of the Committee on Domestic IMissioiis; and that committee be urged to give it serious and constant attention, and the Presbyteries to co-operate M ith the committee in secui'ing pastors and missionaries for this field. 308. Pastoral letter on the religions instruction, of the colored jy^Ojyle. 18G1, p. 15. On motion of Dr. Lyon, the Assembly Jie.-iolved, That a committee, of which Dr. Jcmes shall be chairman, shall be appointed to prepare a Pastoral Letter on the subject of the rehgious instruction of the colored people, to be submitted to the next General Assembly. At his own request Dr. Jones was excused from serving as chairman of this committee. The committee was afterwards constituted as fol- lows : Dr. James A. Lyon, Dr. C. C. Jones, and Dr. Theodoric Pryor. 1863, p. 126. Pev. Dr. James A. Lyon read the report of the com- mittee appointed by the first Assembly to prepare an address to the churches on the sul)ject of Slavery, which was received, and, on motion of Dr. J. Leighton Wilson, it was Resolved, That this paper be referred to a committee of at least one commissioner from each Synod, to consider its subject-matter, to sug- gest what disposal shoiUd be made of it, and to report, at the same time, some plan by which the religious and moral improvement of our slaves may be more effectually secured. 156 Digest of the Acts of the Genebal Assembly. [Book IV. This committee consists of Dr. J. L. Wilson, Eev. W. Baird, Dr. John N. Waddel, Dr. B. M. Palmer, Rev. A. Baker, Eev. J. M. Atkinson, Eev. T. E. Peck, Judge ^Miitner, D. A. Davis, James F. King, Col. Preston, G. S. Cecil, W. A. Bartlett, and Col. G. J. S. Walker. P. 138. The committee to whom was referred the address of Dr. Lyon respectfully report, that in view of the great leng-th of the ad- dress, the variety and importance of the topics involved in it, and the difficulty of examining it thoroughly in manuscript foiin, they would embody their recommendation in the following resolution, viz. : Resolved, That this address be recommitted to the Eev. Dr. Lyon,. Dr. J. Leighton.WUson, Dr. Palmer, Mr. D. A. Davis, Mr. G. J. S. Walker, and Judge J. N. Whitner, to consider the subject-matter of the same, and report at the next General Assembly : and that in the meantime they are authorized to publish the address of Dr. Lyon in any way they may think best : and further, that the rej^ort they may propose to submit to the next Assembly be printed in advance of the meeting for the use of the members. 1864, p. 283. The second order of the day, ^dz. : to hear the report of the Committee on the Eehgious Instruction, etc., of the Negroes, was called up, when the Eev. Dr. Lyon, chairman of said committee, proceeded to read said report, which was discussed. Pending this discussion, on motion of W. L. Mitchell, the Assembly heard, in connection with Dr. Lyon's report, a minority rejiort, which was presented and read by the Eev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., a mem- ber of the above-named committee. On motion of W. L. Mitchell, these reports were both referred to a committee, of which Dr. Dabney shall be the chairman, to report action with reference to them to this Assembly, if practicable ; and if not, to the next Assembly. The other members of this committee were an- nounced by the moderator as follows: the Eev. E. Mclnnis, Eev. Dr. Kirkpatrick, W. L. Mitchell, and Samuel Barnett. 1865, p. 351. The following letter was read from Dr. Dabney, and admitted to record, whereupon the committee was discharged. The letter was addressed to the moderator. Eev. and Deae Bkothek: I beg leave to retiirn to the General Assembi.y. through you, the papers of the committee, revised by that body at Charlotte, N. C. , in May, 1864, touching the relations of the Church to our slave population A previous committee, of which Dr. Lyon, of Mississippi, was chairman, had prepared a re- port, and this was submitted, with further instructions, to a committee, consisting of Messrs Dabney, Mclnnis, Kirkpatrick, Mitchell, and Barnett, to rept)rt iu May, 1865. The same public calamities which prevented the meeting of the Assembly has prevented action by this committee. I have not assembled them since, because the almost impossibility of travelling made it unreasonaljle, and the violent revolu- tion which has since occurred makes the relations of the Africans to us so different from the former. As the subject is now totally new, I have judged it best to remit it into the hands of the Assembly, in order tliat they may be unobstructed in the power of forming a new committee, and of issuing new instructions, should they see proper. 309. A plan for the religions instruction of colored people. 1865, p, 369. Resolved, That there be a committee to prepare and submit to the next General Assembly, for review and approval, a prac- tical scheme or plan for the religious instruction of the colored jjeople adapted to their now altered civil and social condition, and that this Skc. 309.] The Agencies of the Chtjech. 157 committee be earnestly desired to give to this task their best attention and efforts. P. 370. Overtiu'e : "NMiat is the course to be piu'siied towards the colored people within our bounds ? On this subject your committee recommend the following action : Whereas the colored people never stood in any other relation to the Church than that of human beings lost with us in the fall of Adam, and redeemed with us by the inlinitely meritorious death and sacrifice of Christ, and participants \\ith us in aU the benefits and blessings of the gospel ; and whereas our clnu'ches, pastors, and people have always recognized this claim to Christian equality and brotherhood, and have rejoiced to have them associated in Chiistian union and commimion in the public ser\ices and precious sacraments of the sanctuary : Resolved, 1st, That the abolition of slavery by the ci^il and inihtaiy powers has not altered the relations as above defined in which our Church stands to the colored people, nor in any degree lessened the debt of love and service which Ave owe to them, nor the interest with which we would still desire to be associated Avith them in aU the privi- leges of our common Christianity. Mesolred, 2d, That whereas experience has invariably proved the advantages of the colored people and the white being vmited together in the worship of God, we see no reason why it should be othervsise, now that they are freedmen and not slaves. Should oui- colored friends think it best to separate from us, and organize themselves into distinct congregations under white pastors and elders for the present, or under colored elders and pastors as soon as God in his providence shall raise up men suitably qualified for those offices, this Chm*ch will do all in its power to encourage, foster, and assist them. Resolved, 3d, That the Rev. J. L. Girardeau, of Charleston Presby- tery ; Eev. David Wills, of Hopewell Presbytery ; Rev. H. C. Alexan- der and Rev. Alexander Martui, of Roanoke Presbytery, and Dr. J. L. Wilson, be appointed a committee to report on this whole subject, and to recommend ac-ti(jn to the next General Assembly. Resolved, 4th, That the committee appointed in the above resolution be also the committee provided for in the report on Domestic Mis- sions. Adopted. 1866, p. 20. The chairman of this committee informed the Assem- bly that no report had as yet been prepared. A paper sent by the Eev. J. L. Girardeau, the chaimian of the committee, was ordered to be read. Amendments were offered by Drs. Atkinson and Palmer, and the whole discussed. P. 33. An amendment, by way of substitute for the whole, was of- fered by the Rev. Dr. Baird. After discussion, the whole subject was recommitted to the same committee which had brought in the report, the Rev. Drs. Baird and Atkinson, and Ruling Elder J. L. Mars-e, Jr., bemg added to it. P. 35. This committee made a report, wliiuh was adopted, and is as follows : Resolved, 1, That this Assembly entertains for the freed people the sincerest sentiments of good will and affection ; that it earnesth' desires and prays for theii' salvation, and would encourage the emploATaent of every legitimate means for the promotion of their spiritual good ; that this Assembly beheves the present condition of the colored race in this 158 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. countr}^ to be one of aJ arming spiritual jeopardy, and that it is binding on us, as Chiistians, to do all that lies in our jDower to save them from the calamities by which they are threatened, and to confer on them the rich blessings of the gospel. 2. That it be recommended to all our ministers and churches to exert themselves to the utmost of their ability to continue to give the gospel to these people; to church sessions to urge upon parents among them the duty of presenting their children for baptism, and of bringing them up in the nvu'ture and admonition of the Lord ; and especially to pas- tors, evangeHsts, and missionaries, to devote a portion of their labors to the promotion of the salvation of the freed people. 3. That in the judgment of the Assembly, it is highly inexpedient that there should be an ecclesiastical separation of the white and col- ored races ; that such a measure would threaten evil to both races, and especially to the colored, and that therefore it is desirable that every warrantable effort be made affectionately to dissuade the freed people from severing their connection with our churches, and to retain them with us as of old. Should they decline this fellowship of ordinances, and desire a separate organization, then our sessions are avithorized to organize them into branch congregations. In such cases, the Assembly recommends that such congregations shall be allowed, under the sanc- tion of the sessions, to elect from among themselves, every year, such number of superintendents or watchmen as the session may advise, who shall be charged with the oversight of such congregations. These superintendents shall report to the sessions, for their action, all matters relating to the welfare of said congregations. 4. Whenever Presbyteries may find it necessary to organize separate colored congTegations, they shall appoint a commission of elders, who shall discharge the functions committed to the sessions in the preceding resolution. 5. That whilst nothing in our standards or in the Word of God pro- hibits the introduction into the gospel ministry of duly qualified per- sons of any race, yet difficulties arise in the general structure of society, and from providential causes, which may and should restrain the appli- cation in the Church of this abstract principle. Holding this in view, the Assembly recommends that wherever a session or Presbytery shall find a colored jDcrson who possesses suitable qualifications, they be au- thorized to license him to labor as an exhorter among the colored peo- ple, under the supervision of the body appointing him. 6. That the Assembly recommends that, wherever it is practicable. Sabbath-schools for the benefit of the freed people, especially the young, be established in connection with our churches, and that the sessions of the chui'ches take these schools into their charge, and provide suitable teachers for them. 7. That the heads of families a^'e exhorted to encourage the freed people in their households to attend upon family and public worship, and that they provide for them, as far as possible, catechetical in- struction in the doctrines and duties of the g )spel. 8. That the General Assembly eai'nestly desires the intellectual and moral improvement of the colored race, and hereby tenders to aU per- sons suitably qualified, who may labor in this work, its hearty encour- agement and support. Sec. 310.] Thk Agencies of the Church. 159 It was resolved that the elaborate report on the above subject by the Eev. J. L. Gii'ardeau be pubHshed in the ^Southern Presbyterian Me- vieio. 1867, p. 145. The Committee on Bills and Overtures report an overture from the Synod of Vii'ginia, proposing a revocation of the acts of the last Assembly on the relation of our Church to the colored peo- ple ; also an overtiu'e from the Presb_)i;ery of MississijDj^i, proposing such a modification of said action "as shall authorize the Presbyteries, in the exercise of their discretion, to ordain to the gospel ministry-, and to organize into sej^arate congregations, duly qualified persons of the col- ored race, and so declare that mere race or color is not regarded as a bar to office or pri\'ilege in the Presbyterian Church in the United States." Your committee rejDort the following minute : Hesolved, 1, That believing the resolutions of the last Assembly, pp. 35 and 36, were evidently designed to be of temporary operation, and that they contain many clauses w^hich do not adequately express the sentiments of oiu' Chui'ch on the svibject contemplated, they be and are hereby revoked. 2. That inasmuch as, according to om- constitution, the duty of ad- mitting candidates to the office of the gospel ministry devolves solely on the Presbytei'ies, and that of electing elders and deacons solely on the congTegations, all male jDersons of proper quahfications for such offices, of whatever race, color, or civil condition, must be admitted or elected by these authorities respectively, in accordance with the principles of our Church government and in the exercise of a sound Christian dis- cretion. 3. That the Assembly dechnes, on the ground of constitutional in- competency, to make any declaration resj^ecting the future ecclesiastical organizations of such freedmen as may belong to oui' commimion, be- lieving that the responsibihty, as well as the course to be piu'sued, de- volves on those j^ersons, who are both politically and ecclesiastically free, as all others, to sei've God according to the dictates of their own consciences. 4. The Assembly earnestly enjoins on all our ministers and people to use all dihgence in affectionate and discreet efforts for the spiritual benefit of the colored race within reach of their private and public min- istrations, and to seek, by all lawful means, to introduce them into a permanent connection with oui* Church ; and for this purpose, the As- sembly recognizes the lawfulness of measiu'es such as have long been used in various portions of oiu- Church, contemplating the judicious selection and empkmnent of the more pious and intelligent persons among colored communicants in suitable official capacities for the spiiit- ual benefit of their own race. Adopted. 810. Co-operation with, the Northern Presbyterian Committee on Preednien. 1869, p. 373. Dr. A\'ilson also presented a verbal statement con" earning the action of the Old School General Assembly (North), and a correspondence he had held with the secretary' of its Committee on Freedmen, as to a co-operation between our churches in labors for the benefit of this class of people. In connection with this, the Eev. Dr. Girardeau obtained leave to present an overtui-e from sundry persons bearing upon this subject; 160 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. and the whole matter was referred to a special committee, to be ap- pointed by the moderator, and to consist of one minister and one elder from each Sjoiod. P. 374. The following were appointed such committee : Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D., J. A. Reedy ; J. N. Lewis, H. W. Heath ; J. J. Long, J. H. Johnston: H. Quigg, J. J. Gresham; John D. Matthews, D. D., D. H. Hughes; J. N. Waddel, D. D., A. G. Buford; Joseph Bardwell, E. S. Keep; G. A. Caldwell, John W. Burton; John Douglas, Thomas Webb ; J. R. Hutchinson, D. D., R. H. Orr ; W. T. Richardson, G. Dabney Gray. P. 379. The special committee to whom was referred the statement of the secretary of Sustentation relating to the subject of a proposed co-operation of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of Ameiica with the General Assembly of our Chui'ch in labors among the freedmen, would respectfully recommend the adop- tion of the following resolutions : JResolved, 1, That, inasmuch as the correspondence of the secretary of the Committee on Freedmen of the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States of America with the secretary of Sustentation of our Chiu'ch has developed no practicable mode of co-oper- ation between the two Churches in efforts to evangelize the freedmen, this Assembly is not prepared to take any steps contemplating the pro- posed concert of action. Resolved, 2, That the secretary of Sustentation is hereby instructed to communicate the foregoing resolution to the Committee on Freedmen of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Adoj)ted. 311. A plan inaugurated. 1869, p. 388. The same committee reported further the following, which, being amended, was adopted : The special committee to whom was referred the overture of several ministers and ruling elders, asking the Assembly, in view of the great desirableness of such action, to adopt some definite plan of operation among the colored peoj^le, and to recommend the same to the Presby- teries and churches in connection vnth it, would respectfully present the following report : Our Church, thi-ough her General Assemblies, since the year 1866, has expressed her kindly feelings for the freed people, and deprecated their ahenation from her fold. The developments of providence, how- ever, have not hitherto appeared to be sufficiently clear to warrant the adoption of any definite scheme of operations among them, designed to be uniform and general in its application. The time would seem to have arrived for pronouncing such a policy. Your committee concur in the opinion of the petitioners, that it is highly desirable that some such action be taken by the Assembly as is suggested by the overture. The want of a recognized and general plan is tending to the adoption of variant and incongruous lines of pohcy in different parts of our Church. The result will be, that our relations to the colored race and our schemes of labor among them wiU become needlessly complicated and confused. The prominent view which has impressed itself on the minds of the committee, and which they respectfully propose for the consideration of the Assembly, is, that the colored people who adhere to us be allowed Sec. 311.] The Agencies of the Church. 161 a formative organization, a sort of gradually maturing process, to be ai'rested at a certain point, until, imder proper training, it is prepared to pass on towards completion. To be more explicit, what tbey need is, for the present, separate, particular cbiux-bes, witb their own deacons and elders, and at the same time instruction by an educated white ministiy, mitil they can prove their abihty to produce a competent min- istry of their own. To combine these requii'ements into a practical scheme w'ould, in the judgment of the committee, go far towards solv- ing the vexed problem of our relations to them and our operations among them. In this way, moreover, may alone be reaUzed, if at aU, the hope that from their number men may aiise who would carry the gospel to their benighted kinsmen in Africa, In conformity to this leading idea, the committee wovild, with great deference, submit to the Assembly the following plan for its consideration, and if the way be deemed clear, for its adoption : 1. That separate colored chiu'ches may be established, the same to be miited with adjacent white chiu'ches under a common pastorate; to be allowed to elect deacons and ruling elders ; and to be represented in the upper courts by the pastors in charge of them, and by the ruling elders of the white churches with which they would thus be associated, imtil they are sufficiently educated to warrant their becoming indepen- dent : Provided, That the colored people themselves do not oppose a change in their existing relations, and that they consent to the forego- ing arrangement. 2. That where no white churches are accessible, evangehsts may es- tabhsh colored mission aiy churches, and preside over their sessions in admitting members and exercising discipline. 3. That churches in cities with which colored chiu-ches would, on this plan, be united, may secure, if practicable, two pastors each, in order to compass the work contemplated. 4. That a committee (say of two ministers and one ruling elder) may be appointed b}' each Synod, to cany, in co-operation with pastors and presbyterial evangehsts, this scheme into effect, as fai* as practicable, in its bounds ; one member of each committee to act as evangehst among the colored people, and to receive his support, in part, from the Assem- bly's Committee of Sustentation. 5. That suitable colored men may be employed to speak the word of exhortation to their people, under the direction of pastors or evangelists. 6. That when colored candidates for the ministiy are able to stand the usual examination, Presb^'teries may proceed to license them ; and in the event of these licentiates being qualified and desired to take charge of colored churches, Presbyteries may either ordain and install them over such churches still holding their connection with us, or ordain and install them over such churches, with the understanding that they shall thenceforward be ecclesiastically separated from us. 7. That such of our ministers as are willing to chscharge that office are encoiu'aged to assist trustworthy colored men who seek the gospel ministiy, in their preparations for the same. 8. That our people be encouraged to give the colored people instruc- tion in Sabbath-schools. 9. That the Assembly recommends the adoption of the foregoing plan of operations among the colored people to Synods, Presb}i;eries, and churches, so far as it is practicable. II 162 DtpxEst of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 312. SeparaiK, organization for the colored churches. 1874, p. 516. The subject of an African Chui'cli was taken up, and "the following paper was unanimously adopted : Overtm-e No. 8 is a paper adopted by the Synod of South Carolina in November, 1872, and which was providentially hindered from being laid before the General Assembly which met at Little Eock last year. It declares that, " in the judgment of the said Synod, the way is clear (the General Assembly concurring) for our ministers to assist the colored people to organize themselves into Presbyterian churches, separate from ovir Presbyteries, with the understanding that they may look to us for religious instruction, as far as we can fm^nish it, until God in his providence shall raise up comjoetent ministers of their own to lead them in the right way." In view of the above, and to promote harmony of view and action in the whole Chm-ch, the Synod overtures the Assembly to reconsider the plan recommended by the Assembly in 1869. This action of Synod was re-affirmed at their nest meeting. Overture No. 9 is a memorial from the Presbytery of East Hanover, asking the Assembly " to take order as far as practicable for organiz- ing the colored members into a separate ecclesiastical organization," this being, m the judgment of Presl3}iieiy, the best solution of difficul- ties supposed to be connected with the plan of having both races asso- ciated in a common organization ; it being also the plan which is most acceptable to the colored people themselves, and which, moreover, ex- perience has shown to be most successful. Presbytery invites attention to a paper to be j^resented to this Assembly from the Synod of Missis- sippi, ua which these views are more fully presented. Overture No 10 represents that, in the judgment of the Synod of Memphis, our Church can most efficiently promote the spiritual inter- ests of the colored people by organizing them into a separate church ; and that it is our dut}" to initiate such a work at the earliest day. The Assembly is thereupon overtured to provide a plan for the use of our Presbyteries in prosecuting such a work, and is also requested to pledge the Chm'ch to assist the enterprise with whatever counsel, instruction, or pecuniary aid may be in om* power. Overture No. 11 is a memorial from the Synod of Mississijjpi, recit- ing the action of the Assembly in previous years with a view to evan- gelize the colored people. It sets forth that the several acts of the As- sembly's past legislation indicate that the sentiment of our Chiu'ch has been steadily moving in this direction, and that a natural instinct leads the colored people to desire a separate organization ; and that the most hopeful prospect of visefulness to them is that which can best assist them in the process of self-development, upon which they have entered. Such being the case, the Synod asks the Assembly to consider that the policy of advancing the work of evangelization among the colored peo- ple, by aiding them to secure separate organization and a ministry of their own, is simple, natural, and Hexible ; and further asks the Assem- bly to enact such legislation as will enable Presbyteries and churches to carry these suggestions into effect. These overtures, coming at the same time from venerable courts in sections of the country so widely sejjarated, clearly indicate that there is no disposition to relax our activity in the work of securing the bless- ings of the gospel for the colored race. On the contrary, from all parts Sec. 312.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 163 of the Chm'cb, the Assembly is respectfully urged to provide means for prosecuting that work with greater vigor and success. There is also a striking unanimity of sentiment in reference to the best methods of ac- comphshing these results. We recommend, in answer to these overtures, that — The Assembly acknowledges with profound satisfaction the Chris- tian zeal of our Synods and Presbyteries in behalf of this important "work. The Assembly approves the sentiment of those venerable courts ; that, in further prosecuting this work, it is desirable in every respect to avail ourselves of the additional Hght which experience has thrown upon this important question. The action of 1860 is therefore hereby amended by the adoption of the following j^lan, to-wit : 1. Presb}-teries and sessions are recommended to encourage and aid in the formation of colored churches, having ruling elders duly chosea by the people, to be regularly ordained and installed by said sessions and Presbyteries, with the view to form these churches in due time into Presbyteries, as convenience may dictate. 2. When two or more of such Presb^-teries shall exist, they may unite to form a Synod. As was the case in our own history, this may, for a time, continue to be their highest court. A time, however, may arrive when, from the increase in the number of its churches and Pres- byteries, said Synod may tind it expedient to divide, and combine in a General Assembly. 3. These churches, though under the government of their own Pres- byteries, must at lirst, and to a large extent, be dependent for instruc- tion upon our own ministers and Presbyteiies, until colored preachers can be obtained. It is therefore recommended that, for the present, Presbyteries, through committees appointed for that purpose, take charge of the prehminary education of candidates. Meantime the Committee on Sustentation are requested to take into consideration the best method of providing training for the colored candidates for the ministry, and report thereupon to the next Assembty. 4. We recommend to our Presbyteries a hearty co-operation with theirs in seeking from amongst them men of approved piety, whether old or young, who are suited to the work of the ministiy, and institute such measures as may seem best for their instruction. It may be suf- ficient for the present emergency that the candidates be instructed in the doctrines of grace and in the principles of Church order, as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and in our standards, in order that, as soon as practicable, they may be sent forth to minister in the Word. 5. We further recommend that our churches and people assist these infant organizations whilst they are struggling toward complete devel- opment, aiding in the establishment and instruction of Sunday-schools, and contributing to the erection of plain and modest houses in which to assemble for the worship of God. 6. To further these objects a separate fund shall be established, to be called "The Colored Evangelistic Fund." This fund shall be ad- ministered by the Sustentation Committee, and that committee is re- quested to invite contributions to their fund from all persons who are favorable to the work of evangelizing the colored people of the South, and favorable to providing them with an educated ministiy of their own. 164 Digest of the Acts of the General Asseiibly. [Book IV. 7. Presbj^teries engaged in this work are authorized to enter into correspondence with the Sustentation Committee, and to request such aid and co-operation as their necessities may require and as the condi- tion of the fmid may enable the committee to give. The committee recommend that the overtures answered by the above paper be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes. They are found on pages 588-597, Minvites for 1874. * 1881, p. 372. The Standing Committee on Home Missions, to whom was referred the overture of the Synod of Virginia, respecting the or- ganization of our colored churches into an independent body, recom- mend the following resolution for adoption : Whereas the coloi'ed people have always manifested a preference for an organization of their own, which has been recognized by us at all times as both natural and proper, the attention of Synods be specially called to this matter, with a view to forming such churches as may be within their bounds into Presbyteries, if the way should seem clear ; and that adjacent Synods correspond with each other in the incipiency of this movement, in order to secure the necessary co-operation. Adopted. 1883, p. 49. The report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures on the organization of a colored church was adopted as follows : In reply to the overtures on the subject, the following action is recom- mended : Resolved, 1, That the Synods be advised and instructed to organize the colored ministers and churches under their care into separate Pres- byteries as speedily as they can do so, consistently with a wise regard to stabihty and growth, and that these Presbyteries should be formed into an independent Synod by the General Assembly as soon as the way may be clear. 2. In the meantime, it is inexpedient to reopen the question of the constitutionality of the Assembly's decision in the Park case, or of the plan vmder which the Chiu-ch has been conducting its work among the colored people. 318. Appropriations hij the Executive Committee of Sustentation to aid the work among the colored people. 1873, p. 327. In regard to the colored population, we recommend the General Assembly to encourage, by their cordial and expressed ap- probation, any and all contributions heretofore made by the executive committee, on the recommendation of Presbyteries, to sustain any la- bor of love among this class of our population, and advise them to con- tintie in this line of action until, in the providence of God, a way of more definite and active operation shall be opened up before us. Adopted. 314. Five per cent, of the Sustentation funds appropriated to colored evangelization. 1875, p. 24. Having, after much anxious deliberation, settled upon a scheme of evangelization acceptable to the colored people themselves, and generally approved by our ministers and churches, that scheme should now be vigorously supported by the Uberality of our churches, and prosecuted by the Presbyteries, acting through the Sustentation Secs. 315, 316.] The Agencies of the Chi-rch. 165 Committee. Aud with a view to prevent failure in this work of evan- gehzation in its ineipiency, the Executive Coniiuittee of Sustentation is hereby authorized, if necessary, to appropriate, for the present, five per cent, of the Sustentation funds in support of the work of evan- gehzation among the colored people. This Assembly recognizes the special obhgation resting upon Southern christians, of eveiy name, to give the gospel to this class of oui- population, so far as their hmited means permit. 1879, p. 51. Resolved, That this Assembly removes the present I'e- striction which binds the executive committee not to appropriate for this cause more ih-AW f i^c per cent, of the whole contributions for Home Missions. The Assembly thinks it right and wise to leave the pro- portion of appropriation to the wisdom of the committee. 315. Presbyteries to 7'epo7't to t/ie executive committee on all xcork done for colored people. 1879, p. 50. Resolved, 1, That the Presbyteries be requested to send up from year to year to the Executive Committee of Home Mis- sions statements of the work undertaken, independently of the execu- tive committee, by the churches under their care, on behalf of the colored people, and of the contributions made in support of such work. 1880, ]). 221. 1. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Home Missions be directed to rejDort to the General Assembly, year by year, a compendious statement of the amoimts of money contributed for the evangelization of the colored people, and of the amoimts disbursed by the committee for the same. Also, that the committee include in such reports the amounts con- tributed and exiDended on behalf of the same object by individuals and chiu'ches, other than the sums passing through the hands of the com- mittee, as far as those amounts can be ascertained ; provided, however, that the committee shall not by anything in this resolution be restricted in their appropriations in behalf of the colored people to the funds re- ceived fur their sjjecial and exclusive benefit. 2. Resolved, That oiu* Presbyteries be requested to furnish aimually to the Executive Committee of Home Missions, in time for use in the preparation of the aforesaid reports, statements, as full and par- ticular as may be practicable, of the funds received from all sovu'ces, and of those exjiended for the spiritual welfare of the colored people within the bounds of the Presbyteries respectively. 316. Bylaios for the Colored Evangelistic Fund. This fund was established in 1874. No rules or precedents prevail with regard to its administration, except that it is subject to the gen- eral principles of the Sustentation and Evangelistic work, so fai" as they may be applicable. It is to be administered wholly with reference to the extension of the gospel among the colored people, either through ministers of theu- own race or by ministers of our Church, and all ap- propi-iations are tt) be made upon the recommendation of Presbyterial Committees of Domestic Missions. As no annual collection is appointed for this object, it is to be hoped that brethren who feel interested in it will give their people an opj)ortunity statedly of contributing to it, so that the executive committee mav be able to cariT out the benevolent 166 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Booe IV. intention of the General Assembly with regard to this important poi'- tion of onr population. The General Assembly has directed the execu- tive committee to supplement the deficiencies of this fund, so far as may, in its judgment, be proper, by appropriations from the Sustenta- tion fund. Presbyteries are also requested to report to the Executive Committee of Home Missions aU that is being done in their bounds for this branch of the \voi"k, so that its state may be annually set forth in its rej)orts. Applications for aid ought to be made, as far as practi- cable, in Febiaiary, so as to be considered at the March meeting of the executive committee. (Taken from the Manual.) 317. Missionao'ies among the colored 2^eople. 1885, p. 422. In answer to the overtures from Charleston and Eethel Presbyteries, and the suggestions of the Executive Committee of Home Missions in its report, in regard to evangelistic work among the colored people, the following action is recommended : That the Assembly em- powers the Executive Committee of Home Missions to deal in this work directly with men and fields, and that, when a Presbytery shall endorse one of its white ministers as a suitable person to engage in missionary ' labor among the colored race, and gives him permission so to do, the executive committee, if it can command the means, may employ him ; and that it may also employ any colored Presbyterian minister, proj^erly endorsed, to go and labor as a missionary among these people ; that these missionaries m^j preach to them, organize Sabbath-schools, and enlist as they may be able local white Christians in the work, and ad- vise and aid the colored people in the effort to organize themselves into a Presbyterian ckurch ; and that the ministers who may be thus em- ployed by the committee shall report their work to and receive their pay from the committee ; but anj^ minister so employed shall, in aU other respects aud concerning all their ministerial acts and character, be under the authority of, and I'esponsible only tt), their respective Pres- byteries; and they shall be subject to the further restriction that they ^shall not labor in the territorial bounds of any Presbytery objecting. 318. Collection for this ioork. For annual collection ordered for the evangelization of the colored race, see Tuskaloosa Institute. 319. Progress of the work. 187G, p. 2-49. Somethiug is beiug done for this branch of labor by thirteen Pres- byteries. Five Presbyteries have been aided in carrying on this work. 1877, p. 4()0. Eighteen Presbyteries report that something is being done in their bounds for tlie work among the colored people. From the reiiorts it also appears that there are twenty-one churches for the colored people, five colored ministers, three colored licentiates, and six colored candidates for the ministry, under the care of the fifty-four reporting Presbyteries. This shows an increase of seven churches, of two ministers, and of five candidates over last year. The number of licentiates is the same. It is probable that the increase in candidates is due, at least in some degi-ee, to the stimulating cflFect of the action of the last General Assembly in es- tablishing the training schocjl for colored ministers at Tuskaloosa, Alabama. 1878, p. G74. Payments to the Presbyteries have been made to the amount of $1,050, which is !f!l75 more than last year. 1879, 1). 69. Ten Presbyteries have been aided during the jmst year, to the amount of if; 1,007.50, in the support of thirteen laborers, in whole or in part en- Sec. 320. ] The Agencies of the Chitkch. 167 gaged in this service. Of those aided, six are ministers of our Cliurch, and seven colored men approved by the Presbyteries. 1880, p. 232. The same nmnber of Presbyteries received aid as last year, but for three less laborers. None of the Presbyteries seem miach encouraged in the prosecution of this l)ranch of work, nor have they generally taken action on the subject. In a few Presbyteries all our mini.sters occasionally preach to the colored people, and some statedly. Thirty-six Sabbath-schools are reported as known to the Presbyterial committees. Doubtless there are others of which they have no knowledge. As far as reported, there are fourteen colored ministers and licentiates, eighteen churches, and four candidates under the care of the Presbyteries. Some of the churches which were reported two or three years ago have gone into the Northern Church, but they still receive the symjjathy and assistance of our minis- ters and people. In some portions of the Church there seems to be little demand for special effort on the part of our Church in this field, other denominations fully occupying the ground and having the ear of the i)eople. 1881, p. -407. The total apiiroi^riation to this work this year has been 5^1,386. The Presb^'teries have twenty -live churches lender their care, seven more than last year, with sixteen ministers and licentiates. There were aided eleven ministers, of whom nine are colored, within the boiinds of ten different Presbyteries. The sum of !j! 1.320 is reported as raised and expended within the Presbyteries themselves. The Assembly expressed its judgment (page 377) that at least ^^lOjOOO shoTild be raised this year for evangelistic work among the freedmeu within our bounds. The number aided in 1882 was twelve. 1883, p. 72. Seven Presbyteries report over ii'2,000 as contributed by them for this branch of work within their bounds during the i^ast year. Amount paid out by the connnittee, 61, 448. Statistics show twelve ministers and licentiates, twenty- eight churches, twelve candidates, and twenty-three Sabbath-schools. 1884, pp. 2G6, 268. Contributions received from two churches onlv. Amount charged to Sustentation, 6 1,737. In 1885 it was ifl,308, while $1,837' was known to have been contributed that did not pass through the committee's hands. 1886, p. 70. Number aided sixteen. Amount charged to Sustentation, $850. 320. Disabled Ministers' Fund. 1863, p. 128. An overture from the Presb^-ten' of Mississippi was received, uroiug the Assembly to provide a fund for the relief of super- aminated and disabled ministers and their families: which was re- ferred to the Committee on Bills and Overtui'es. (P. 129.) 1863, pp. 123, 129. Also the foUowing from Rev. C. W. Lane: "The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States is respectfully overtured to adopt the following or some similar plan of pro\iding for the support of disabled and sujjerannuated ministers, and the widows and families of deceased ministers: ' ' ^\■hereas it has been recognized as the duty of the Presbyterian Chnrch in the Confederate States to make provision fur the support of her disabled and sujjeran- nuated ministers, and for the .support of the widows and families of deceased min- isters when left in straightened circumstances; therefore " licsohrd, 1, That it is hereby enjoinecl upon all our Synods and Presbyteries to take such acti(m as will secure in each of our churches an annual contribution to a fund for the sup^xirt of disaljled and superannuated ministers and the widows and families of deceased ministers. "2. That a separate column be added to the statistical rei)orts of the churches for these contributions. ' ' 3. That to the list of standing c-ommittees usually appointed by the moderator of the General Assend)ly, shall be added a Staiuliug Committee on the Disabled Ministers' Fund, to whom the report hereinafter mentioned, and' the whole subject- matter to which it relates, shall be referi'ed. "4. That we invite special donations and legacies iu order to form a permanent fund, the income of which, together with the annual contributions of the churches on this behalf, shall be applied for the object above indicated. "5. That the funds thus obtained be placed in the hands of the Board of Trus- tees of the General Assembly — permanent funds to be invested by said Trustees in 168 Digest of the Acts of the Genek.ul, Assembly. [Book IV. such form as to tliem shall appear most judicious — the income of said permanent fund and the annual contributions of the churches to this object to be disbursed by said trustees, or a committee of trustees, to be appointed by the Board itself, for the support of disabled and superannuated ministers and the widows and families of deceased ministers, upon the recommendation of the Presbytery to which the party or parties for whom relief is desired most naturally belong — or upon the re- commendation of the moderator and stated clerk of said Presbytery. ' ' G. That the Board of Trustees report their action in the premises to the Gene- ral Assembly at its annual sessions. " 7. That in order to give due prominence to this object in the prayers and sym- pathies and contributions of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States in the outset of her career, each and every pastor and stated supply in our connection be requested to preach upon the subject before the next meeting of the General As- sembly. "8. That when a form of devise or bequest is prepared and juiblished with the Minutes of the Assembly, or in any other publication, for the other benevolent ob- jects of the Church, there shall also be prej^ared arid published a form of devise and bequest to the Disabled Ministers' Fund; also, that in the form for a charter of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly, immediately after the mention of the other benevolent operations of the Church, shall be inserted the words, 'and of providing for the support of disabled and superannuated ministers and the widows and families of deceased ministers,' or equivalent words." The Committee on Bills and Overtm-es report that they have had be- fore them the two overtures above recited. One of the overtures is from a member of this Assembly, and embraces the outline of a plan of operation which shows that its author has bestowed no little thought upon the subject. There are, however, certain questions preliminary to the adoption of any scheme in regard to which the committee was not apprised that the mind of the Assembly has been expressed, or even formed. One of these is, whether the support for the classes named shall be derived from the proceeds of a fund raised and invested for that jDiirpose, or from annual contributions made by our churches, and expended as they are received. Another question is whether it is advisable that the Assembly should assume the responsibility of making the much-needed provision, or should remit the matter to our Synods, severally, to attend to the duty within their own bounds. As youi- com- mittee have no instructions to guide them in relation to these and sim- ilar questions, they are not prepared to recommend any definite plan of operation to be adopted by the present Assembly. The subject, however, is one of great importance. The reception of two overtures, from different sources, shows also that the minds of our i:)eople are turned to it with special interest. The committee, therefore, recommend that a committee be now ap2:)ointed to consider the whole subject, in all its bearings, including the questions already mentioned, "with such as may be suggested in their inquiries and conferences, and to report to the next Assembly a scheme for carr^-iug into effect the plan which shall commend itself most strongly to their judgments. The committee further recommend that this committee consist of the Rev. C. W. Lane, the Rev. David Wills, Hon. E. A. Nisbet, Washington Poe, and Wm. L. Mitchell, Esqs., all of the S^oiod of Georgia. 1864, p. 279. This committee reported the following resolutions and recommended their adoption : Resolved, 1, That the form of a call to a pastor prescribed in the Form of Government be enlarged and amended so as to read: "And that you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay to you the sum of in regular quarterly (half-yearly or yearly) payments, during the time of yom* be- Sec. 321.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 169 ing and contimiing- the regular pastor of this church ; and should you become disabled, or depart this Ufe, whilst you are the regular pastor of this church, -vve hereby promise and obhge ourselves to furnish you, or, when you are dead, your family, with all proper sujiport, including the education of yoiu' children." And that the last question proposed to the people at the instalment of the pastor be enlarged and amended so as to read : " And do j'ou engage to continue to him, while he is yovu* pastor, that competent worldly maintenance which you have promised, and whatever else you may see needful for the honor of religion, and his comfort among you ; and should he become disabled, or depart this life, while he is youi* pastor, do you engage to furnish him, or, when he is dead, his family, with all proper suj^port, including the education of his childi'en ? " Ilesolved, 2, That the General Assembly raise a permanent fund, by inviting the ct)ntributions of individuals and churches, by donation, be- quest, and devise, and place the same in the hands of its trustees or other committee for investment, the income of which shall be applied to the support of disabled evangehsts and missionaries, their widows and children, in such amount and in such manner as may be consid- ered practicable and expedient ; and when it shall be made to appear upon the rei^resentation of the session of a chiu'ch that the supj^ort which they had promised to furnish t(j theii' disabled pastor, or, when he is dead, to his family, as contemplated in the foregoing resolution, cannot be fiu'nished by reason of the inability of said church, it shall be the duty of the said trustees or other committee to inquire into the matter, and apply to the relief of such pastor, or his family, when he is dead, such amount of the income of said permanent fund, and in such way, as may be deemed practicable and expedient. Resolved, 3, That it shall be the duty of the trustees, or other com- mittee of the Assembly, to invest any surplus income from year to year, to make annual reports to the Assembly, and to prepare and keep be- fore the public proper forms of gifts, bequests, and devises. JResolved, 4, That these resolutions be transmitted to the several Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America for approval, and to take effect when declared by the General Assembly to be approved by a majority of the Presbyteries. P. 288. This report was recommitted to the same ct)mmittee, with instructions to report to the next Assembly. It does not appear that the committee ever made auy further report. — A. 321. A teynporary fund for the disabled. 1867, p. 1-48. An overture from Eev. J. T. Pollock, asking aid from the Assembly for the family of a minister of this Church recently de- ceased. Reply : Inasmuch as this Assembly has control of no funds for the pui*i30se proposed, and this re(]uest cannot at once be granted, yet the Assembly appreciates the importance, not only of this sj^ecial case, but of all such as it represents : Jiesolved, 1, That the Committee of Sustentation be authorized to appropriate five per cent, of all contributions to its object to the relief of destitute widows and children of ministers, and to indigent ministere in infirm health ; provided no such per cent, be appropi-iated from the contributions of any church or person prohibiting such appropriation 170 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book IV. and provided further, that this plan of operation shall not continue longer than the meeting of the Assembly for the year 1869. 322. A 2ycrmanent fund undertaken. 1868, p. 274. 5. In lieu of the appro2)riation of five per cent, of the Sustentation fund, it is enjoined upon the Presbyteries to have a collec- tion taken up in all the churches under their care for a rehef fund, which shall be devoted to the relief of disabled ministers, and of widows and orjohans of ministers deceased. These collections are to be forwarded to the treasurer of Sustentation, and disbursed accord- ing to the discretion of the committee, upon application made through the Presbyterial Standing Committees on Domestic Missions. P. 280. It was recommended that this collection be taken up on the first Sabbath in July, or as near thereto as may be convenient. (1869, p. 396.) 323. Tlie Relief scheme. 1869, p. 373. Eev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., obtained leave to present, on his own behalf, a memorial in regard to a plan of rehef for families of deceased ministers, which memorial was referred to a com- mittee, to consist of one minister and one ruling elder from each Synod. Names of the committee on p. 374. P. 396. After a discussion on the report of this committee, the fol- lowing resolution was adopted : Mesolvt'd, That the whole siibject be referred to the Committee of Sustentation for further investigation, and with a view to the perfec- tion of the plan. This committee shall repoi't to the next General As- sembly the result of their labors. 1870, p. 500. This committee submitted a report, which was re- ferred to a special committee of one commissioner from each Synod. P. 523. This committee reported, and so much as related to the protest from the Presbytery of Montgomery was adopted, and is as follows : The Committee on Eelief Fund, to whom was referred the " Protest on a Plan for Eelief Fmid," from Montgomery Presbyter}^, would re- port for answer to the same as follows, to- wit : The committee recommend that the General Assembly declare, that it is not the purpose of this Assembly to inaugurate an}^ sj^stem of life insurance ; and that the scheme of co operative relief suggested by the Presbytery of Montgomery is impracticable, on account of the difficulty of collecting the sum of one dollar from each minister and elder ; and unequal, because the burden would fall as heavily upon the smaller and weaker churches as those of larger nvimbers and greater resources. P. 524. The report of the Committee on the Eelief Fund, after some amendments, was adopted by a vote of ayes, 67 ; noes, 27. This report is as follows : The Committee on the Eelief Fund, to whom was referred the " Ee- port (jf the Executive Committee of Sustentation on the Eelief Fund for the Widows and Orphans of Ministers at their Decease," would re- port as follows, to-wit : 1st, That it is eminently desirable that a fund should be provided for the f amihes of ministers at their decease ; and that the best and Sec. 323.] The Agencies of the Church. 171 most effectual mode of raising that fund is by annual contributions from the churches. 2nd, The j)roposed scheme is not to interfere in any way w-ith the an- nual collection that has ah'eady been ordered for the relief of disabled ministers and the families of ministers deceased, it being eAddent that this fund will always be needed, not only for infirm ministers, but for the families of svich ministers as may not be included in the provisions of the scheme under consideration ; and it being equally evident to the committee that it would be disastrous to both to merge them into one fund. 3rd, It is not proposed, nor is it thought desirable, to accvimulate a large fund under the care of the Assembly for the purpose under con- sideration : but the demands or liabilities are to be met mainly by the annual contributions from the churches. The accruing or siu'plus fund should be held to meet any emergency that might arise from irregu- larity in the mortality of ministers, or any general disasters that might visit the country and prevent the churches for a time from making their regular annual payments. This fund should not be allowed to exceed $100,000 as an investment. Any increase beyond this sum might, under the direction of the Assembly, be used to augment the amounts paid to the famihes of ministers. 4th, The security for the payment of the proposed amounts is to be based entirely upon the mutual faith and conlidence of the chiu'ches in each other. Neither the Assembly, nor the committee that they may appoint to carry the plan into etiect, can be considered as hgaUi/ hound to pay the stipulated sums, except so far as the churches, in fulfilment of their pledges, shall furnish the means for paying them. This mutual faith between the churches, however, is undoubtedly the best of all se- curities. The foreign missionary goes to the remotest ends of the earth relying upon it for the means of liis support ; and as it has seldom or never failed him, why should we distrust the steadiness and the fidelity of the churches in relation to a matter that must lie quite as near to their hearts? 5th, The annual contributions which the churches are expected to make to the fund are to be regarded as an addition to the salaries of their jjastors. The only difference in the case is, that this portion of the salary is given vmder the condition that it be reserved for the ben- efit of his family. The Free Church of Scotland carries out the same principle by deducting so much from the minister's salary when it is jiaid. The plan under consideration projioses to lay an additional tax upon the churches for the same purpose. 6th, The scheme under consideration, unlilce life assurance, makes no discrimination on account of the age, the health, ox the number of years that a minister may have been engaged in preaching the gospel. All ministers are regarded as officers of the Chm'ch and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ : and their families, in consequence, as equally en- titled to the beneficent })rovisions of the genertd arrangement. The only limitation or discrimination, as will appear in the further develop- ment of the plan, will be in relation to the number of annual payments that nnist be made by a church before its minister's family can be en- titled to the full amount. Having premised these general piinciples, the committee would now propose — 172 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book rv. 1st, That every conoTegation, or union of congregations under the same pastorate, that will pay $30 annually to the general fund, will es- tablish a claim for the family of its pastor, or any other minister en- gaged in the work of the Church whom the congregation may select, at his death, to an annuity of $200 for six consecutive years. And "where a congregation, or union of congregations, pays $60 per annum to the fund, the claim for his family will be an annuity of $200 for twelve consecutive years, or of $400 for six consecutive years. The only limitation to the above conditions is, that no congregation will es- tablish a claim for the family of its pastor to the full amounts above mentioned imtil it has made its fourth annual payment. Previous to that period, the family will be entitled to four times as much as the congregation has paid to the public f imd. For example : If the con- gregation has made one payment of $30, the family will receive $120 ; if $60 has been paid, the amount awarded will be $240. As soon as the fourth annual payment has been made, the famil}' will be entitled to the full amount, to be paid as an annuity. 2nd, If a minister is transferred from one church to another, he for- feits the claim established b}^ the church he leaves, but he may be placed upon the one to which he goes. If a minister is entirely cut off from the work of the ministry by a failure of health, his family after his death will be entitled to the claim established by the church where he was laboring when his health failed, and that church will be re- garded as commencing another claim, but without the conditions affixed above. In cities, where the expense of living is necessarily great, a church may be allowed to establish a claim for its pastor's family to an annuity of $600 for six consecutive years by j^ajdng annually $100, sub- ject, however, to the same limitations as to the lirst four years as in other cases. A pastor, however, or any minister of the gospel other- wise engaged in the work of the Church, may, by paying the above mentioned sums for himself, estabhsh a claim for his family to the same amounts as other ministers. 3rd, The execution of this scheme shall be committed to the care of the Executive Committee of Sustentation. The executive committee shall be dii'ectly responsible to the General Assembly for its proper ad- ministration. The Assembly shall have the right to frame any by-law, or make any changes or alterations in the plan that may be deemed necessar}^ ; provided no pecuniary obligations to the donors of this fund are thereby violated. 4th, The plan may be carried into execution as soon as one hiuidred churches, or union of churches, shall have adopted it ; and the Execu- tive Committee of Sustentation is hereby directed to call the attention of the churches to the subject, and invite them to enter into the pro- posed arrangement. 1871, p. 19. The Assembly having apj)ointed a special committee (page 8) to consider so much of the executive committee's report as bears on the Eelief fund, that committee reported as follows, and their report was adopted : The Committee on the Relief fund respectfully report, that they have carefully examined the subject committed to their hands, and find that it was the object of patient and thorough investigation by an able committee of one member from each Synod, in the Assembly of 1870, and that their action, which heartily commended the plan of this fund, received the cordial approbation of that body. Secs. 324, 226.] The Agencies of the Church. 173 We are clearly of the opinion that the plan is the best that can at present be devised, and in this we are sustained by the judgment of some of tlie ablest actuaries of this countr}^ We therefore recommend that the seci*etary of the Committee of Sus- tentation be hereby authorized to place in the hands of ever}^ session a copy of the report adopted bj^ the Assembly of 1870, together with this report, and any other matter which in his judgment may commend this object to our people ; and that it be made the duty of the sessions to lay it before their respective congregations. We farther recommend that this Assembly do hereby heartily en- dorse the plan as meeting an existing want in the Church. We recom- mend, finally, that the Assembly take steps to have the charter amended so as to authorize the investment of the funds of this Helief fund, and the funds of any other eleemosynary object of the Church, to be vested in the trustees of the Assembly. The rejDort of the executive committee alluded to above (1871, p. 51) is very elaborate ; from it we make this extract : The committee regret to have to report that the scheme authorized by the last Assembly for the relief of ministers' families at their decease has not met with all the favor on the part of the great body of the chnrches that was exi)ected, or its gi-eat importance deserves. As yet, only about two-thirds of the number requisite to piit the plan in operation have signified their intention to enter into the arrange- ment. Among these, however, are a large number of our wealthiest and most in- telligent congregations, as well as many of our leading and prominent ministers, who have not only examined the scheme with the utmost care, but are thoroughly convinced that it is alike practicable and suited to the wants and circumstances of the Church. The tardiness or reluctance of the great body of the churches to enter into the arrangement proceeds from a variety of causes. 324. The relief scheme in operation. 1872, p. 192. The committee are gratified to be able to report that the number of churches and individual ministers necessary, accoi'ding to the direction of the last Assembly, to jiut the Relief scheme into full ojieration has been secured, and information of the fact has been publislied, so that all such churches and individuals might send on their first annual installment. The plan will be considered as com- mencing with Januar}', 1872. There has been some hesitation on the part of the churches to enter into the plan ; but this has been owing, it is confidently believed, to the fact that the scheme has not generally been imderstood by the churches. When it has once been put into operation, and its practical benefits have been seen, it will no doubt become a popular and favorite scheme both with ministers and churches. 325. None to be enrolled over fifty years of age. 1873, p. 327. Touching the Relief fund, we recommend that the Assembly commit the whole administration of this matter to the wis- dom and discretion of the executive committee ; and that, in accordance with their request, a provision be added to the scheme of the Relief fund, which shall prescribe that, after Janutuy, 1, 1874, the name of no one over fifty years of age shall be entered upon this fund. (The reasons that induced the committee to recommend this course are found on p. 353, 1873. — A.) 174 DiaEST OF THE Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 326. Applicants must he in good health. 1874, p. 488. The Executive Committee of Sustentation is hereby authorized and directed to prescribe an additional condition on which ministers may become subscribers to the ReUef fund, viz. : " Whenever any minister, for himself, or any church or other party for him, pro- poses to subscribe to this fund, there must be furnished to the com- mittee satisfactory evidence that such a minister enjoys ordinary good health." 327. Deferred payments to the Relief fund. 1875, p. 54. Several contributors to this fund have failed to pay theu' quota for two years. With reference to such cases the executive committee have adopted the rule that " deferred payments mv^st be ac- companied by interest at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum ; and if pajnnent is deferred longer than one year, the name of the party shall be considered removed from the Eehef lists, and shall not be restored thereto until such party has paid up arrearages in full, with iuterest thereon." This rule is deemed necessary to the security of the scheme. 328. 'When annuities areto he paid. 1875, p. 54. The rule adopted in reference to payment from the fund is as follows : "The annuities due to families of ministers de- ceased are to be paid beginning with the first of January next succeed- ing the death of said minister.' This rule was adopted as a precau- tionary measure, because the income of the Eelief fund is received mostly on or about January first of each year. The executive commit- tee have, however, always ^hus far directed the payment of benefits im- mediately on the receipt of authentic information of the decease of the contributor. 329. The Redef plan modified. 1876, p. 228. That the General Asseijibl}^ approve the new plan of rehef as the same is set forth in the Report of the Executive Commit- tee of Sustentation of the present year, giving, however, to the said committee full aiithority to change the details of said plan whenever they shall deem it proper to do so. The following is the plan : I. The rights and privileges in the Eelief fund, as heretofore ad- ministered, shall be, and are hereby, guaranteed to all who are on its lists, and these shaU be preserved to them intact. II. The Eelief scheme, as heretofore administered, shall be, and is hei'eby, repealed (except for those who are already beneficiaries under it), and the following scheme substituted therefor, to-wit : (1,) Any congregation, or miion of congregations, whose pastor at rhe time may be in sound health, which shall pay $:^0 annually to the Eelief fund, will establish a claim at his death to an annuity of $200 for six consecutive years. If $60 per annum is paid to the fund, the claim for annuity will be for $400 for a like term of years. If $100 per annum is paid, the annuity will be $600 for a similar term. It is understood that the benefit thus secured shall accrue only to the fam- ily or other heirs of the regularly installed pastor of the contributing church. Sec. 329.] The Agencies of the Chxjkch. 175 (2,) Any minister, in sound health, at the age of forty-five years may be entered on the fund by the payment of $30, S60, or $100, as the case may be, by himself, his congregations, or other person. Any minister who is less than forty-five }ears of age may enter the fund by the pajTnent of an annual amount less than $30, $G0, $100 by 2 per cent, of said sums for each year that he is younger than forty-tive years ; and any minister older than forty-five years, up to seventy years, may have the same privilege by the annual payment of an amount larger than $30, $60, or $100 by the addition to said amount of eight per cent, per annum for every year of said excess of age. The only hmitation in the case, either of churches or individuals, be- yond the above conditions, is that no claim on the fimd will be estab- Mshed to the full amcjunts above mentioned until the fourth annual payment has been made. Previous to that period the family or heirs will be entitled to four times as much as has been jDaid into the pubUc fund. And further, failure to make regular and annual payments shall ■work the forfeiture of interest in the fund, except at the death of any pastor or other minister, whose claim is thus forfeited, an amomit equal to all that has been contributed to the fund on his account shall be paid. III. It is further provided that, as heretofore, the Eehef scheme shall continue to work for the sole benefit of those who are subscribers to it, and if hereafter it shall be found able to pay a larger amount to the families of its deceased subscribers than is herein pledged, svich an amount shall be sacredly conveyed to them under regulations approved by the General Assembly. IV. The following particulars shall be obsei-^-ed : (1,) All entrants to this scheme shall be dated as of January 1st of the current year. (2,) Annual payments must be made prompt!}' on or before January 1st of each year, so that the habihties of the fund may be met at that time and investments may be made. Failure to make paj'ment beyond the month of January shall forfeit the rights in the fimd of the party thus faihng, unless for good reasons and without injujy to the fund, the executive committtee shall restore its privileges on the payment in fuU of arrearages, with interest thereon at the rate of six per cent, per annvun. (3,) The annuities due the families of deceased ministers are to be paid beginning with the first of January next succeeding the death of Baid minister. (4,) All fiu'ther detail in the management of this fund is entrusted to the Executive Committee of Sustentation. V. The investment and re-investmeut of funds in permanent stocks shall be under the care of the executive committee, who shall report annually to the General Assembly their accounts, with a statement of the funds in hand, whether invested or not, and all other matters per- taining to the fund. The permanent investments of the fund shall be held as heretofore by the trustees of the General Assembly, who shall be responsible to the General Assembly for theii* safe custody. Tliis change of plan was designed to make tlie scheme more iiseful — tirst, by presenting greater inducements to our young ministers to enter it; and second, by opening the way for those who are now in advanced years. (187(5, p. 2-19.) 176 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 330. Investing committees for the Relief jund. 1872, p. 163. Resolved, That the executive cominittee be authorized to ai^poiat two investing committees, consisting- each of two laymen, with the secretaiy of the executive committee as ex-officio member of both, to be located, the one in Baltimore, and the other in AugTista, Georgia. 1873, p. 352. In accordance with the authority given by the last Gene- ral Assembly, two investing committees have been appointed, the one in Augusta, Georgia, consisting of Messrs. Wm. E. Jackson and J. W. Bones, and the other in Baltimore, Maryland, consisting of Messrs. G. F. Anderson and J. L. Weeks, through the kind advice and assistance of whom our fimds have been invested, as will be seen in the treasurer's report. The bonds belonging to this fund have been deposited with Jesse H. Lindsay, Esq., treasiu'er of the Board of Trustees. 331. ~Who shall make and control investments. 1879, p. 56. In answer to the question of the Board of Trustees, as to duties and responsibilities of the board in relation to the investment of the Belief fund, the Assembly instruct the board that no duty or resj^onsibiHty rests on the Board of Trustees as to making or changing these investments, but that the duty and responsibility rest on the Executive Committee of Sustentation. 1880, p. 213. The Assembly orders that all securities belonging to the Relief fund be placed in custody of the Executive Committee of Home Missions, with instructions to deposit them in some safe deposit company, for safe keeping. P. 249. The Assembly had provided thcat the permcauent investments of this fnnd shoiikl be held by the Trustees of the General Assembly, who shall be re- sponsible to the General Assembly for their safe cnstodJ^ The language imparts an absolute liability without limitation or condition. The trustees protested against any such liability, and asked the Assembly to modify or change the words of this clause, so that they should not be responsible, except with the usual qualifications of trustees. It was because of this protest that the above action was taken. — A. 332. The Relief fund to he taken from under ecclesiastical control. 1880, p. 208. The Assembly expresses its gratification at the satis- factoiy condition of the EeHef fund, but being convinced that this im- portant and valued interest can be as successfully operated without ec- clesiastical supervision, instructs the executive committee to confer with the beneficiaries of the fund, and, if practicable, report to the next General Assembly a scheme of management by which it may be placed hereafter on an independent basis, and the Assembly discharged from aU responsibility. 1881, p. 382. An earnest effort has been made by the executive committee to carry out the wish of the last Assembly to transfer this business to a corporation outside of the Chui'ch, in which ah. the in- terests of the beneficiaries shall l)e fuUy secured. The fulfihnent of this desire of the Assembly has been barred by the refusal of some of the contributors to consent to any arrangement by which the Assembly shah be discharged from the obligations of its own contract. In view of these facts, the executive committee are hereby instructed to retain the oversight of this business as heretofore, but to permit no new Sec. 332.] The Agencies of the Chitkch. 177 names to be added to the list of beneficiaries, with a view to the grad- ual extinction of the Church's responsibility ; and further, that the ex- ecutive committee re-open negotiations with the contributors of this fund, and lU'ge upon their consideration the strong desire that is felt by this Assembly to have this business brought to an early close in any fonn satisfactoiy to the parties interested. In explanation of the i)lan above alluded to, the follovsing extract from the execu- tive committee's report may he read (p. 408) : A number of gentlemen in Balti- more, most of whom are members of the executive committee, consented to form a corjDoratiou, to hold, manage, and disburse the fund, as trustees for the subscribers, under the relief scheme as adopted and modified hj the Assembly ; and this was the plan proposed, and to which some of the contributors objected. — A. 1884, p. 234. A proposition to transfer the management of this fund to a coiiwration in Baltimore was brought before yovu' committee in two forms : (1,) By a paper adoj^ted by the executive committee and recorded in its minutes. (2,) By a petition fi'om C. F. McCay, LL. D., to whose wisdom and genei'ous labors is largely due the success of the Eehef fimd in meeting the aims of its foimders. It is recommended that this matter be referred to the executive committee for further con- sideration, with direction to report to the next General Assembly. 1885, p. 423. As to the offer of the coi^Doration in Baltimore referred to in the report of the Committee of Home Missions, it is recommended that in the form presented it be dechned. If, however, the Committee of Home Missions can make a contract with that coi-poration, or any other of equal integrity, under satisfactoiy security, to manage the Re- He f fund, it be empowered to do so ; provided, (1,) That the coi^ora- tion shall manage the fund at an expense no greater than under the present management (2,) That it pay to the famihes of the benefici- anes not only the sums promised, but the profits which shall accrue, for their benefit. (3,) That it deposit with the Executive Committee of Home Missions all the bonds and stocks now accumulated to meet the ob- ligations to the present beneficiaries of the Belief fimd, and aU it shaU hereafter obtain from these contributions, as secimty for the faithful performance of its obhgations. (4,) that it deposit as collateral secimty with the executive committee such additional bonds and stocks as will satisfy the committee that it will perform its obhgations beyond doubt or question. Adopted. 1886, J). 32. As to the Eehef fund, the executive committee has, in comphance with the Assembly's instructions, entered into a contract with "The Clergy Friendly Society," of Baltimore, composed of gentle- men of the highest standing in every respect. The terms upon which this contract has been made ax'e recorded in fuU in the secretaiys re- port as presented during the present sessions, and it will appear that this corporation is connected with our executive committee only by spe- cial contract to manage om* Belief fund. The Assembly should authorize and direct the Board of Trustees to sign this contract, because the con- tract is drawn in the name of the trustees. We also recommend that the Assembly direct the trustees to give a regular power of attorney to some reliable paiiy or pai'ties i-esiding in Baltimore, who shall there represent said trustees in the matter of this fund. Adopted. From the published annual report of the executive committee it appeai-s that this transfer was effected October 31st, 1885, and that the corporators of the "Clergy Friendly Society " are Messrs. C. F. SIcCay, L. C. Inglis, J. Hnrmauus Fisher, W. 12 178 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. K. Ca)-son, W. J. Dickey, aud Christian Devries, and that the memberB of the Home Missions Committee were elected as honorary members by the society. 333. Supervision of this contract transferred to the Executive Com- mittee of Foreign Missions. 1886, p. 40. In consequence of the removal of the Home Missions department from Baltimore, the following resolution was adopted : That the Executive Committee of Home Missions and Trustees of the General Assembly be directed and empowered to do whatever may be necessary to substitute the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions for the Executive Committee of Home Missions, so that the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions shall be authorized to take the place of the Executive Committee of Home Missions in carrying out the contract with "The Clergy's Friendly Society" concerning the Eelief fund. 334. T/ie Stuart Hohivson legacy, 1882, p. 561. The late Dr. Stuart Robinson has shown the jDrincely liberality so characteristic of his noble nature, in a munificent donation of $25,000, as a permanent endowment fund for this cause, of which of- ficial notice has been given the General Assembly by his legal repre- sentative, Col. Bennet H. Young. P. 562. Touching the large bequest left by the late Dr. Stuart Eob- inson for this particular fund, on condition "that the General Assembly shall encourage and organize an effort to increase the amount to one hrmdred thousand dollars," it is recommended that the General Assem- bly gratefully accept this large donation on the condition specified, and that the executive committee at Baltimore be directed to take such steps as in their judgment may seem best to increase this fund to the specified amount, and that the fund be called the " Stuart Robinson Invalid Endowment Fund." P. 551. Thfe moderator and the chairman of the Standing Commit- tee on Home Missions were appointed a committee to prepare a suit- able response to the family of the late Rev. Dr. Stuart Robinson, rela- tive to the above endowment fund. 1884, p. 234. Whereas, The late Rev. Dr. Stuart Robinson be- queathed the sum of $25,000 toward the endowment of the Invalid fund, on the condition precedent that there should be an "organized efifort" to increase the endowment of said fund to the amount of $100,- 000; and, Whereas, The way is not clear to enter upon such an organized ef- fort as was evidently contemplated by this venerable servant of God ; therefore, Resolved, That this General Assembly hereby withdraws aU claim to this bequest, and directs the stated clerk to communicate this action to the executor of Dr. Robinson's will. 335. Benefit ;fund. 1885, p. 309, Whereas there is no efficient plan in our Church for the relief of the families of ministers who die in the service of the Church ; and Whereas the vast majority of our beloved ministers receive not more than a bare support, and are therefore unable to lay by anything for Secs. 336, 337.] The Agencies of the Church. 179 the support of their families after they themselves have been called to rest; therefore, Resolred, That a committee of seven ruling elders be appointed, who shall consider whether a practicable system, which will not interfere with collections for Invalid fnnd, can be adopted, by which oiu" mem- bers may be induced, by contributing small sums at stated times, to create a " benefit fund" to be paid to the widow of every minister who may die after such system is adopted, and that said committee report to this Assembly. The committee appointed under this resolution is as follows : W. W. Mun-ay, W. J. Leake, N. A. Floiirnoy, J. C. Peoples, C. E. Warner, John M. Gordon, and C. Bardwell. P. 421. The report of this committee, after being discussed, was laid on the table. 386. Jiutes cqyplying to the Invalid lund. From the Manual : 1. This fund is for the assistance of aged and disabled ministers, and the widows and orphans of deceased ministers. 2. The annual collection is taken up on the first Sabbath of July, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable. 3. Annual approjjriations are made on the first Tuesday of October, •on application presented by the Chairman of Presbyterial Committee of Home Missions. 4. It is the duty of said chairmen to inform themselves of all cases of need in the bounds of their own Presbyteries, and to forward the facts to the executive committee, stating the sum which is deemed necessary in each case. The executive committee has no authority to make appropriations, except they be first recommended by the Presby- terial Committee. 5. Appropriations from this fund are not to be regarded in the light of an annuity. Each case must be presented annually under its pre- sent circumstances. 6. Appropriations for the adidt children of deceased ministers cannot 1)6 made, except in extraordinary cases. 7. Applications from this fund ought to be made, as far as jDossible, in September, so that they may be considered at the time of the annual appropriation in October. Immediately thex'eafter one-half of appro- priations will be paid, and the balauce in the following March, if the iunds in the treasuiy shall justify payment in full. C H A r T E II III. EDUCATION. 337. The Executive Committee of Education constituted. 1861, p. 23. Resolved, 1, That this General Assembly solemnly re- affirms the deliverances made in its former connection concerning the responsibility that rests on the Church to secure and maintain for it- self a pious, gifted, and learned ministiy. 180 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book IV. Resolved, 2, That this Assembly do aj^point an executive committee to aid candidates for the gospel ministry who may need assistance, and to possess the following organization, viz. : Article I. The title of this committee shaU be " The Executive Committee of Education of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chi^rch in the Confederate States of America." Aut. II. This committee shall be elected annually by the General Assembly, and shall consist of eleven members, all of whom shall be communicants in the Presbyterian Church, viz. : of nine members, three at least of whom shall be ruling elders, deiacons, or private mem- bers of the Presb}i;erian Church; a treasurer and a secretary, who shaU be styled " The Secretary of Education." The secretary shall be the organ of communication between the General Assembly and the executive committee. Art. III. The secretary and treasui-er shall be elected annually by the General Assembly : but their salaries and their duties shall be de- termined by the committee. Any vacancies ad interim in the commit- tee may be filled by the rest of the committee. Art. IV. This committee shall meet at the call of its chairman or secretaiy, and when convened five members shaU be a quorum for the transaction of business. It shaU keep a record of all its proceedings, which, together with the report fi'om the treasurer, concerning its fi- nancial condition, and one fi'om its secretary, concerning its educational operations, shall be laid before the General Assembly annually. Art. V. It shall be the duty of this cominittee to dispense aid, in prosecuting their education, to such candidates for the gospel ministry as may be recommended to them by the Presbj'teries. It shall hold and disbiu-se aU funds put into its hands for this purpose. It shaU also have a general oversight of the diligence and deportment of those who are aided by it. Art. VI. The committee shall prepare a set of rules for the prosecu- tion of its pecuhar work, which shall be submitted to the next General Assembly for approval or correction. All changes in these rules must be sanctioned by the General Assembly. Art. VII. This committee shall be located in Memphis, Tennessee. 338. The work turned over to a provisioned committee. 1863, p. 174. The following is an extract from a report to the As- sembly : In consequeuce of the occiipation of Mempliis, Tennessee, by Federal troops last summer, the Assembly's Committee of Education, stationed at that place, was broken np and dispersed. Dr. Gray, the secretary, tiudin^ it impossible to conduct its af- fairs there, and, at the same time, deeming it unsafe to retain its funds where they would be liable to confiscation, remitted them to Columbia, as a safer place of de- posit, with the request that the undersigned would take charge of them, and attend to the general affairs of the committee until the meeting of the Assembly. In ac- cordance with this request, the undersigned organized themselves into a jirovi- sional committee, by the appointment of Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., chairmiin, Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., secretary, and Rev. James Woodrow, treasurer; and this arrangement was made known to the churches generally through the medium of the religious newspapers. The committee, however, have had little else to do than act as custodians of the fnnds conunitted to their care. No applications for aid have been made, and consetpiently, no appropriations whatever have been voted by the committee. The fact that no application lias been made, the committee think, cannot be urged as an argument against the accumula- tion of a fund for educational purposes, but is to be ascribed, in this particular in- Secs. 339, 340.] The Agen'cies of the Church. 181 stance, to the circumstance that all the younp; men who would likely have needed aid in the proseciitiou of their studies have been called to the army. The funds remitted by Dr. Gray, amounting' to ^1,180.74, were at once invested in Confederate interest-bearinji; notes, with the view of beiu<^ converted into cur- rent funds at any time they might be needed. Since the organization of the com- mittee, the treasurer has received from churches and individuals the sum of $1,884.41, which, added to the original sum remitted by Dr. Gray, places in his hands, at the present time, the sum of $<3,0G5. 15, which is in Confederate interest- bearing notes. P. 184: Hesolred, 1, That the Assembly approve of the prudence and judgment of Dr. Gray, the secretary of Education, in appointing so suitable a provisional committee, and in transfeiTing the funds to a place of greater safety than 'they were, as, from the presence of the enemy in Memphis, it was impossible for him either to discharge his duties as secretaiy or to preserve the funds in safety. 2. That the investment, by the provisional committee, of the funds in Confederate notes, which can be converted at any moment into cash funds, be approved. 8. That the Assembly concur with the committee in urging upon our chiu'ches the continued collection of funds for Education, as the demand will probably, at no distant day, be very great for them, and it is wise thus to lay by in store, that there be nothing wanting. 339. The Executive Committees of Education and Publication united. 1863, p. 134. Your committee recommend that, for the present, the Committee of Education and that of Pul)lication be united under one management, as the labors of each are very light, and one secretaiy and committee can discharge them both. Adopted. 340- Beneficiary education. 1863, p. 127. Overture from the Presb;\-tery of Lexington: "In view of the doubts of many in our Church, in respect to the beneticiars^ system of education as provided for the ministry, and believing that such a system too long and generally jnirsued may attract a wrong class of candidates, with false motives and infeiior qualitications, and may also repel another class, (imwarrantably, it is true, but yet as the ac- tual experience of the Church,) believing, also, that in this Southern Confederacy yoimg men of suitable gifts can, in most cases, without in- jurious delay, pay their expenses in study by teaching and other useful pursuits, or by winning, in fair competition, certain bm-saries or scholai'- ships that might be provided at our seats of learning; and that in the few cases imperatively needing help, private hands or individual chiu'ches might more intelhgeutly and watchfully bestow it ; this Pres- bytery hereby overtures the General Assembly to appoint a committee, at its approaching sessions, to revise the whole subject of beneticiarj' education, and to report to the General Assembly next ensuing. Also, this Presb;\'tery makes overture that the Church be not committed to any mt)re permanent arrangement than now exists for the education of ministers, till this report be j^resented and acted upon." The Committee on Bills and Overtures would report : That they have given to the subject presented in Overture No. 1 the best consideration which the time at their command would permit. It is one of the first importance to the Chmch in this and in future generations. 182 Digest of the Acts of the Genekal Assembly. [Book IV. At the organization of the General Assembly, the duty, as it would seem all regarded it, of providing for the education of such candidates for the ministry as might require pecuniaiy aid in the prosecution of their studies, "was assumed as one of the leading enterjDrises which ap- pertained, if not exclusively, yet dii'ecth' and prominently to the Assem- bly. Nothing short of the most cogent reasons wovild justify so early an abandonment, or even any important modilication of a scheme thus incorporated with the original structure of oiu* ecclesiastical oj)erations. It would appear to be too soon to begin to "pull down." On the other hand, however, it is undeniable that the Education Board of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, whilst we formed a component part of the body, at no time received the general support of the Southern portion of the Church. With all the tendencies to centralization, our Presbyteries, except to a very limited extent, supported their own candidates, without reference to the Board. Further, the overture before us, coming from one of the largest and most influential Presbyteries on our roll, indicates a dissat- isfaction with the plan of operation existing in the old Assembly and adopted by the new, which it might not be wise in us to disregard. Withal, there is reason to believe that the views set forth in the over- ture are not confined to that Presbytery. Then, also, our Executive Committee of Education have been arrested in their work at its commencement by the troubles of our country, and ma}' be said to have been disbanded, with no prospect of being per- mitted, for another year at least, to resume their work. The Assembly has now before it a proposition to reconstruct the scheme, so far as its practical operations are concerned, in order that it may not fail alto- gether. This does not, indeed, afford a sufficient reason why we should overthrow what has been established, but it does offer an opportunity, without serious inconvenience or other injury, to review the whole sub- ject, with the hope that if there be a better way of managing this most valuable and, now more than ever, imperatively needed agency for car- r^dng forward the work given vis to do, that better way may be discov- ered ; and if not, that the minds and affections of all om* Presb;s-teries and churches may be united in stronger confidence and more earnest zeal in the support of the scheme already adopted. The committee therefore recommend the appointment of the com- mittee asked for in the overtiu'e. Adopted. The following were appointed as the committee contemplated above r Eev. Jos. B. WUson, D. D., Kev. John N. Waddel, D. D., Eev. George Howe, D. D., Eev. John Miller, and Col. J. T. L. Preston. 1804, p. 267. (1.) JResolved, That the report of the committee is hereby adopted, as settmg forth, with much clearness and force, the views of this Assembly on the question discussed in it, and it is ear- nestly recommended that it be published by the Committee of Publica- tion for general circulation, and as one of their permanent tracts. (2.) liesolred, That the committee be continued, and be requested to report to the next Assembly on the question, whether the support of candidates for the ministry should be provided for and superintended by the General Assembly, or by the Presbyteries, or in what other way. (3.) Resolved, That Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick and Wm. L. Mitchell be added to the committee. Sec. 340.] The Agencies of the Church. 183 The following is the report of the committee which was thus adopted, and which is foimd in the Appendix to the Minutes of 1864. In lueasiiriug the field of iu(niiry allotted to us, we could discover no necessity for occupying your attention with an argument in favor of an educated ministry ; for there never has been a time in the history of the Presbyterian Church when there was serious difference of opinion upon this well understood jDoint. From the earliest jjeriod of her existence she has, bj* every form of official action possible to such a testimony, littered a distinct voice in behalf of the highest standard of min- isterial qualification. While no church has more strenuously insisted upon the un- speakable imijortance of pieti/ in the pulpit, none has been more determined to possess a puli^it characterized bj' something more than the impatient zeal, the un- guarded enthusiasm, and the heated impulses in which mere vehemence of religioxis emotions is so apt, when left to itself, to waste its fires — a pulpit where ardor of soul shall be tempered and directed by discipline of mind, breadth of knowledge, and accuracy of scholarship. Regarding, therefore, the conclusions of the Church touching this matter as sound and irreversible, our attention was principally fixed upon another point to which the wisdom of our denomination has been long di- rected, but where the decisions of that wisdom have not appeared so satisfactory to all good men. This relates to the great subject of what is styled henejiciary educa- tion, and particularly to the question whether that scheme of stipendiary schooling, with whose details our connection with the Presbyterian Church in the former United States has rendered us familiar, is the best one for us in our new condition as a separate ecclesiastical organization to continue. It will be recollected that the Assemblj' which convened in December, 1861, in the city of Augusta, unanimously passed a series of resolutions ' ' solemnly re-affirm- ing the deliverances made in oiir former connection concerning the resiionsibility that rests on the Church to secure and maintain for itself a pious, gifted, and learned ministry;" and, in conformity with this re-affirmation, ajjpointed "an ex- ecutive committee to aid candidates for the gospel ministry wlio maj' need assis- tance," chose a "secretary of Education," and did all other things to set in motion a system whose ojieration might impart efficiency to this arm of the Church's use- fulness. Your committee was, therefore, under the necessity of propounding to it- self not simply the qiiestion, shall the scheme of beneficiary education, so long in prosperous use by the old Assembly, and so much in favor throughout the entire country— shall this be set aside for a new and altogether difl'ereut j^lan ^ but, in addition, we were constrained to inquire, shall the solemn action of our own initia- tive Assembly, which formally contained a substantial adoption of this tried scheme, be, before three years have elapsed, and time has beoi allowed to test its vahie un- der changed conditions shall this, too, be swept away to make room for the inau- guration of some policy wholly foreign and novel y The fact that our first Executivi' Committee of Education was suddenly arrested in their work by the i)aralysis of war, and compelli>d even to disband almost at the beginning of their career: and the additional fact that the new committee appointed in their stead have been unable, owiug to the continuance of the same causes which operated at the outset, to do much more than maintain a luminal existence; this state of facts, throwing us back to the point whence the original Assembly started, would appear to offer an oi)portunity for reviewing the whole subject as ausi)icious as if nothing whatever had been done. But still that Assembly (Jid act, and its action was, no doul)t. as maturely considered by that body as it could have been, had it been assured beforehand that the fairest and fullest play would have been secured to its proposed policy by every favoring circumstance of peace. And your commit- tee felt that it ought to be only under the stress of solinin convictions of duty, whose path is illuminated by light which our highest court did not possess in ISO'l, that its successor in 1H('>4 shall undertake to reverse its decisions in a matter so grave and so vital, or that this report should venture to suggest any material change in a great law of the Church. The Church should lie sK)w to alter, where alteration is not demanded by the detection of serit)us error or the discovery of some hitherto nnsusiieoted truth. In permanem y re])oses strength. It is believed, however, that those who most desire to see the whole field of beneticiaiy education again explored have difficulties to examine and to remove that lie back of every possible scheme. These difficulties attach to certain injurious consequences involved in the policy which exhibits its essential character in the use of the word " bc/Kjician/." It is thought by many that there should be no ecclesiastical recognition of indicunn/ iu candidates for the ministry, and that the Church has no authority to bestow tenefits out of her meagre treasury upon aspirants to the sacred office wlio are too poor to 184 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV, help themselves. They would, therefore, disencumber the Church altogether from the charge of their maintenance, and throw this burden where (say they) it honestly belongs, i. e., upon the students themselves ; a measure which would neces- sarily revolutionize the entire subject of ministerial education as it has been hereto- fore understood. Your committee are of the opinion that the confusion of thought which has re- sulted from the use of the term " beneficiary, " as applied to the matter before us, and many of the difficiilties which seem to obstruct the Chiirchs path of duty in the premises would be removed If a clear statement of her true relation to the can- didate coiild be authoritatively made by the General Assembly. It seems to us to be expressed -N^ith sufficient distinctness in the following proposition — a proposition that, we feel confident, indicates the real belief of the great body of God's people touching this jjoint. It is this : Every candidate for the gosj^el ministrj^ does, in sundering the ties which connected him with secular avocations, so far dedicate himself to the service of God in the Church as entitles him to expect at her hands the education which he may yet need for that service ; and he is, therefore, not to be regarded by the Church, or by himself, in the light of an object of charity, biit as a laborer already occupying a place in the field of ministerial dutj". This state- ment it is not proposed to elaborate. When once announced, it immediately com- mends its self -evidencing truth to every thinker. It sets aside altogether the com- mon notion that a receiDtion of pecuniary aid by the candidate, when such aid is administered by the authority of the Church, places the recipient in the attitude of beggary, and the giver in the attitude of benefaction — a notion cruelly iinjust to the candidate, dishonoring to the Church herself, and opposed to every intelligent idea of the ministerial work which, from the first step of incipient candidacy to the last step of the preacher's finished labors, righteously demands for the spiritual workman his hire, and this, too, by the express ordinance of God. The association of charity with the subject of beneficiary education is, therefore, uncalled for, and is plainly inJTirious to the honor of that blessed Master who will have no man whom he calls into the immediate service of his Church, and thus of himself, become the bearer of his own charges. And so prevalent and so vicioiis is the habit of associating these two things together — so widespread is the unhappy assumption that the Church, in the relation she sustains to her candidates for the ministry, is a grand eleemosynary institution — that you find it impossible to prevent mankind from going further, and carrying forward this assumption to its logical result in the consequent belief that all ministerial support is, from first to last, mere tender-hearted bounty, which may be withheld without sin, but which, when be- stowed, entitles the bestowers to the high praise of disinterested benevolence. With this deep-seated impression in the public mind the pulpit itself has had to maintain a constant and a wasting struggle. And this struggle must continue between the pastor's demand for an adequate support while exclusively devoted to the fiill ser- vice of the Church, and the people's resistance to such a demand, imtil it comes to be distinctly understood that, from the very oiitset of the minister's career — from the moment when he first jjuts his hand to the ijlough in the field of preparation — he is a claimant, not upon the Church's generosity, but upon her jiistice, not upon her feeling of pity, but upon her sense of duty. Having given himself to her, does he bespeak her charity, when, with all her wealth, she could not repay his service, or with aU her endowments, do without it ? No ; the favored party all along — if either may be so styled — is not he. So that every consider|ition, whether of grati- tude to her Lord for bestowing the young man upon her, or of honesty in her treat- ment of him who has cheerfxilly acceded to this disposition of his person, by which he chooses her service in preference to all others, gives force to the proposition that he is entitled to her sympathies not onlj', but also to the utmost liberality of support at her hands, as well while taking the ste^js that maj' conduct him to her pulpit as during the whole jieriod of his incumbency therein ; the strength of which position will further apj^ear when you reflect that, although God has imparted to the Church the indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost, and cheered her with the promise of glorious triumphs over every opposing kingdom, yet, iu ordfr to give her a formal completeness for her gigantic work, he has so organized her as to se- cure the co-operation of the principle of self-perpetuation— a principle which obviously lodges with her the elements of a distinct and solemn responsibility iu the matter of providing, throv;gh her licensing and ordaining agency, her own minis- ters, down to the end of time. And the duty to provide involves the duty of mak- ing provision effective. Effective, however, it cannot be, unless those candidates for sacred office whom the Master has called and placed in the Church's hands as a precious gift, be by her properly trained for their destined work ; and, clearly. Sec. 340.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 185 this indispeusable training includes all that is ever meant by " ministerial educa- tion. " She has no right, therefore, to compel or even advise the candidate to sup- port himself, much less to treat him as a burden upon her charity iu the event of his declining to do this. The obligation is all her own, as the benefits accruing are hers. And so she herself acknowledges, by ordaining those inexorable laws for his education, both as to its nature and its extent ; a departure from which, so far from being optional with him, may debar him from all access to her pulpits. Thus binding him to her service with one hand, can she with the other repel him, when he demands the means of engaging himself iu it ? Thih would, indeed, be recjuir- ing bricks while refusing the straw. But if they who come to her doors, seeking entrance into the ministry, choose, or their immediate friends choose for them, to afford all needful pecuniary aid to help them onward to the period of their ordination, this is another matter. The Chiirch may accept this assistance ; but, in doing so, she is simply accepting a contribution to her treasury for which she ought to be gi'ateful. She has no authority to de- mand it. It is, indeed, no wonderful sacrifice for a J'oung man to make, when, casting all those worldly prospects which offer to him the rewards of ambition, or wealth, . or ease, in a hundred other pursuits of life, he resolves to devote his energies and his time to the service of God as a herald of salvation ; and, thus resolving, seeks to prepare himself, at his own cost, for so high and so sacred a calling. Doubtless it is an honor unspeakable to be selected bj' the Holj' Ghost to be a messenger of gi-ace to lost men. And he who is thus distinguished, by being permitted to look forward to unusual labors and uncommon sacrifices, and it may be to pre-eminent usefulness, in the cause of Christ, may well afford to inaugurate his career by cast- ing all his property, as he does his talents, into the effort to prove worthy of so pe- culiar a distinction. But the jjoint at issue does not lie here. It is not what the candidate may esteem as his privilege, but what the ChTirch must regard as her duty. If he be in the condition which enables him to enjoy the luxury of offering to the Church himself not only, but himself prepared for his ordination vows, let him think it no hardship to taste the honey of such an act of dedication. But nevertheless, if this he cannot do, or if this he feels that he ought not to do, then must the Church take him up from the beginning, conduct him into her schools, and, by every means in her power, endeavor to make him a workman who will never "need to be ashamed." We are aware, indeed, that however you may dispose of this fundamental posi- tion in a discussion of the subject of beneficiary education — even though it may readily be granted— yet objections are urged to the existing scheme adojjted by the wisdom of the almost unjinimous Church for meeting her acknowledged obligations in the premises; and on the ground of these objections the plea for a radical change is set uj) with a degree of plausibility. That this system is free from diffi- culties no one will pretend. That it has been, and is, always liable to be abiised, every observing and refiecting Christian must promptly allow. But if we steadily look at some of the dilficulties which have been pointed out — if we measure their true magnitudes — it will be seen that they are by no means insuperable in them- selves or fatal to the system with which the Church is familiar, but that they are simply those inseparable adjuncts to it, as a system whose working has been necessarily intrusted to the imperfection of human wisdom, and is applied to the weakness of human subjects. It may be well, however, to glance at a few of the difficulties which are said to beset this path of the Church's usefulness. 1. The objection, often Tii-ged, that a promise of support to indigent candidates is fraught with the danger of attracting men from the lower orders of society, thereby threatening the pulpit with the evils of rustic coarseness on the one hand, and. on the other, deterring men of commanding social station from seeking it, is hardly deserving of serious refutation. I'nder any state of things, seeing that "not many wise, not many noble are called," it must be the case that comjiaratively few iu affluent circumstances would l)e expected to enter the ministerial ranks. To the poor, and, to a large extent, hy the poor, was the gospel ordained to be preached. But notwithstanding this, your committee are of the belief that the ministry of our Church, comjiosed. to a considerable extent, of those who were once beneficiaries, has never been materially damaged by any lack of proper refinement in its incumbents. Gods order is the best. 2. A more formidable objection lies against a tendency which the beneficiary •cheme is said to strengthen, to induce men to aspire to the sacred office from im- proper motives ; for its high social position ; its sources of personal iufiueiicr and aggrandizement ; for the assurance it gives, iu most cases, of a respectable li-ving. 186 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. That this tendency lias, in some instances, become eifect is as undeniable as lament- able. But it is, on tlie other hand, historically true that the exam^Dles of genuine piety, whose prevailing inducement for seeking this holy service has been the de- sire to promote the glory of God rather than to aim at the prizes of worldly ambi- tion or of mere professional emolument, are as numerous under the system in ques- tion as could be hoped for under any jilan which implies the abandonment of this. The objection, therefore, f)resses only upon the corriiptiou of the human heart as lying back of the whole matter, viewed in whatever asjiect it may present itself. 3. A third drawback is, that it is supposed to beget a spirit of mendicity, instead of cultivating that of personal thrift and manly independence. This may be said to be practically counteracted by the fact that no candidate has ever yet been sup- ported from the treasury of the Church to siich an extent as to remove all care from his mind touching his daily sustenance. We, however, believe that, as a general thing; our candidates have not been liberally enough supplied with pecuniary help; and that, whenever the feeling of mendicity has humbled their honest pride, this has been due, not to the aids they have received, but to the spirit in which the stinted allowances have too often been extended. Spirited young men have been made to experience the emotions of a beggar becaiise the hand which doled out to them their pittance has been that of a lordly benefactor. But let this notion be once removed from the mind of the Church ; let it be well understood that her candidates are not her debtors, but her creditors ; that they are receiving simplj' what is their due, not what is their need in distress, and, in no case, will they sink beneath the consciousness of shame, but will hold iip their heads in the conscious- ness of unabashed self-respect. The same result, indeed, might be reached (it is contended) by driving these men from the doors of the Church, with the haughty command to do the doiible work of elevating their characters and providing for their own education, by employing themselves in teaching or some other useful pursuit, or by stripping themselves for winning, in the arena of scholarly conflict, those bursaries which have been provided for the ambitious victors. But to say nothing more as to the want of right in the Church thus to treat her future minis- ters, such a plan is surrounded with formidable impediments on the ground of simple expediency. Experience shows that those students who, in order to secure a livelihood which shall maintain them throughout their coiirse of preparation for the pastoral pthce, seek. to devote their energies to teaching or to mechanical labor, do, in a majority of cases, waste, in harrassing efforts to ol)tain a sujiport, that precious time which would otherwise be far more profitably employed in direct and consecutive study. Thus their education is delayed, unless they meanwhile study privately ; and if this be done, their training is fragmentary, imjjerf ect, and in many ways damaging to their future usefulness. Or if they find, as has so often been the case, that they and theirs can be more easily supported by the methods they have been forced to adopt by a parsimonious Church, they, by and by, resist the gradually enfeebled call which once had stirred their souls, and fail to enter the ministry at all. And as to bursaries or scholarships to be contended for as the reward of talent, these do not exist to any extent; and if they did, they would necessarily be open to all students, religious and irreligious, and to those seeking the several professions alike. By means of such a plan, therefore, if brought into being, we might secure a talented ministry, but it would be an insignificantly small one. And besides, God, under no dispensation, has called only those of high intellecti;al gifts — men of commanding genius— to the. ministry; while yet there has been a place for every one who was divinely called where he might be useful, whether great or small in the order of his native abilities. To the reply, however, that the scholarships in question might easily be increased in number by the use of those moneys which are now expended in beneficiary education, and might also be confined in their destination to candidates for the ministry— the obvious and crushing rejoinder is, that thus there would be lodged in the very bosom of the Church a source of evil, from whose baleful presence must necessarily issue ambi- tions, envies, jealousies, to poison the fountain of ministerial character and jeopard the dearest interests of Zion. For, in the emulation of an excited contest for pre- cedence, the contesting candidates would experience every influence which fosters pride ; and, after a generation or two, the fatal effects would be witnessed in the disf)rders of a torn (Church, where the humanity of John has given place to the vain glory of Diotrcjihcs. Still other objections to the present scheme of beneficiary education exist, and are urged. But it would not be possible to discuss them all in a document like this, which can serve only as an introduction into a field which is capable of the widest exploration. But we l)elieve, that however far such exi)loration might be con- Sec. 340.] The Agencies of the Church. 187 ducted, at each successive step friends of tlie existing jilan would find new cause for admiring the wisdom which devised it, for applying themselves to the effort to perfect it, and (whik' praising the Head of the Church for the emiuency of its past success) for exerting every appliance of spiritual foresight to expand its useful- ness. We can see, then, no cause for alarm in the j^roper administration of this scheme, in any evil influence it may exert upon the beneficiary, provided care be taken to instruct him in his true position as such ; nor in any wrong it can do the Church, provided care be taken to place her npon the true ground of unencumbered and absolute duty in tlu; premises. Without opening, therefore, any other door through which to enter upon views of this subject that may serve to exhaust it, without attempting an argument with reference to the extent of mental and morjd training that ought to lie insisted on in every case, or an argument in favor of adopting some new plan for multii)lying the number of ministers beyond any jDast experience in the Presbyterian Church, or without engaging in any historical investigation touching the ab^ises into which the existing scheme of ministerial education is likely to launch, even without sug- gestions of certain manifest improvements in this scheme, the details of whose man- agement hail better be left ti> the future action of the committee and the Assembly, we clos(! by recomiuendiug the adoption of the following resolutions: Resolved, 1, That, in the judgment of this General Assembly, it is the duty of the Church to pray unceasingly to her Head for a large increase of candidates for the gospel ministry; and when they arc received at his hands it is her further diUy to provide them with a suitable education in the way of preparing them for their work, and to provide it, rH>t m a matter of charity, hat of justice to all the par- ties concerned. Resolred, 2, That this Assembly can discover no sufficient reason for superseding at this time the organization of the Executive Committee of Education. 1865, p. 364. Tlie report of tlie Committee on Beneficiary Educa- tion was heard, accepted, discussed, and recommitted to the committee t(j report to the next Assembly. 1866, i^. 11. This committee submitted a I'eport accompanied with cer- tain resohiticms. The report was approved and ordered to be printed in the Appendix. The resohitions were referred to the Standing- Com- mittee on Education (p. 2:J). They were reported back, as a minority- report, substituted for the majority report, adopted seriatim, and then as a whole. The report is found on p. 72, the resolutions on p. 34, and are as follows : Srt many of the original committee, and of those who were in 18H-i added to its number, as were in attendance at the Assembly of 18(i5 jn-esented, through one of its members, a report under this resolution. This document presented arguments which were intended to display the wisdom of taking the direct educational control of beneficiaries out of the liauds of the Assembly, and placing it in those of the Presbyteries. It was discussed at some length and recommitted, with instructions to the committee to re])ort again to the Assc mbly of 1HVA\. We deem it proper to state that the author of the referred paper was the Kev. John Miller, wlio has long been the able advocate ^ti its peculiar views. And we take the present opi)ortunity to make honorable mention of his name in this connection; the more especially be- cause apparent injustice was done him in the report of 18(54, inasmuch as in the body of that document no notice was taken of the fact of his dissent from its views and conclusions, although the Assembly was otherwise infcumed of it. We also take this occasion to say that Mr. ^liller is believed to dissent from this report as he did from that. All the other numbers do, however, (so far as their views have been ascertained by correspondence with the <-hairman) agree to submit what fol- lows as embodying their convictions touching tbe important subject \vi' were re- quired to reconsider. One Assembly, that of 18(!4. having already declared its purpose to adhere, first, to the principle that it is the duty of the Church to provide a suitable education for its ministerial candidates "as a matter of justice to all the parties concerned " ; and second, to the policy of continuing fiu the present the organization of the Execu- tive Committee of Education, but having, at the same tinu> that it announced this purpose, thrown some doubt over the jjropriety of perpetuating this agency of the 188 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book. IV. Church by assigning to us the duty of inquiring whether it might not be set aside for the adoi^tiou of some better plan ; and another Assembly, that of 1865, having declared its unwillingness, without further investigation, to adopt a report which decided in favor of a Presbyterial scheme in XDreference to the present one, the committee has now to inquire if there be any mode for securing the great end in view that is likely to prove sui^erior to that now existing. It will be seen at on -e that this inquiry might extend to a prolonged and various discussion of all the projects which have found favor in the Church, and have been proposed by thinking minds as siibstitutes for that scheme which is embraced in the constitution of the Assembly's Executive Committee, and which has been so long in use. Some have supjDosed that, for many reasons, ministerial candidates ought, as a general rule, to be left entirely to themselves in procuring, out of their own unaided resources, the education which is to tit them for the sacred office. The principal arguments in sujaport of this view are two : 1, The Church will be likely to secure a ministry from the better classes of society, when every candidate is relieved from the temptation of a bribe to mere mercenary feelings, and is made to understand that the office he is seeking is a prize whose obtainment is worthy of all the sacritices he can make to secure it, just as in the case of any of the other learned j^rofessions ; and 2, That setting this consideration aside, tlae self-reliant candidate is apt, on the independent jDlau, to approve himself as possessing those more manly qualifications of character which do, in themselves, reveal a peculiar fitness for iindertaking ministerial obligations. This latter argiiment involves all those considerations, so often insisted ujion, which bear njion the point that ev^ry beneficiary scheme of education tells injuriously upon the self-resjject of its objects by ranking them among the children of charity, and thereby imposing iipou their minds a sense of needless degradation. It is undeniable that the views thus an- nounced carry weight mth them, and cannot be lightly set aside. But they have been carefully discussed in our report of 1864, and decided by the Assemblj^ of that year to be destitute of substantial force. Others, again, have contended for the founding of scholarships in different liter- ary institutions, or in the theological seminaries, themselves, and holding up the income from these as an attractive prize to be won by superior intelligence and ca- pacity in the way of awards of merit ; so that, whilst the candidate shall ambitiously contend for his support from a quarter which draws forth all his energies as a stu- dent, the Chi;rch will reap the benefits of his mental activity in his demonstrated fitness and his augmented capacities for imdergoing the duties of the ministry. This branch of the subject has also been considered in the report already mentioned, and the mode in which it was treated, as containing an unsound i^rincii^le, apjiroved by the Assembly. We are at liberty, therefore, to pass by any further discussion of the fundamen- tal question, whether the Church does not owe it to herself to provide in some re- giilar way, and to her candidates to provide in some efficient manner, for the sup- port of such of their number as do not find it possible, or do not feel it right, to provide for themselves. The deliverance of the Church is sufficiently clear and, probably, conclusive upon this point. We turn, then, to the question as it remains to us, narrowed down to this inquiry : Is it not wiser to regard the Fresbytej'ies as the exclusive almoners of the Church's bounty, and, for the purpose of allowing them the utmost freedom of action, to re- move all the machinery which a great central agency under the control of the As- sembly involves ? » In meeting this grave inquiry we are free to say there are several objections that may be plausibly, and that to some minds are conclusively, urged against continu- ing the Executive Committee of Education. The princii^al of these are : 1, It is attended by considerable expense, or would be, if in active existence under its proper organization, and separated from the Committee of Publication. 2, That its constitution may be so interpreted and applied as to throw the solemn resptmsi- bilities involved where they do not properly belong, viz. : upon a body which has no ecclesiastical jurisdiction and power. 3, That it is lial)lc to have its confidence abused by the intrusion of undeserving candidates upon its fiinds. And 4, That the past exjierience of the Board of Education, of which our executive committee is a partial imitation, seems to give potency to these and other objections, so much 80 as to have (rften brought it into reproach with great and good men. So far, then, as these things are concerned, it would a])pear to be wise for the Presbyteries alone to decide upon the qualification of candidates \inder a sense of undivided and directly pressing responsibility; and, without the interposition of any costly or exceptionable agency, themselves to collect and disburse money for Sec. 340.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 189 the support each of its own chosen candidates, in whatever waj's they maj' severally elect. In the opinion of many persons whose zeal for the glory of God and the welfare of the Church cannot be questioned, this plan of exclusive Presbyterial con- trol over the whole subject of education is not only regarded as being in its theory most nearly in accordance with the whole requirements of the problem to be solved, but that it would be found the most efficient in actual practice, in every way conducing to relieve the entire interests involved from all needless embarrass- ment. Without, however, discussing the (juestion as if it were now new, but re- garding it as an old issue which has elicited the attention and brought out the talent of the Presbyterian Church in this country from the tirst year of its existence, our purpose shall be to present merely a brief historical view of the subject as one which will best serve to set forth the true grovmd upon whose solid strength the Assembly ought to rest this matter. It is undeniable that our Church has from the beginning, and always, felt the force of many of those objections which theory at first, and observation afterwards, have contributed to bring against the employment of a central board or committee which should represent the whole Church in the management of its educational in- terests. At the opening of our ecclesiastical history in America no plan was thought of but that of separate and independent Presbyterial action in the premises. To go no further back than the year 1805, when more general attention began to be called to the necessities of this subject, the notice of the General Assembly was arrested by the presentation of an overtiire from the venerable Dr. Ashbel Green, in which he urged that body, to use his own language, ' ' to recommend earnestlj'' to the Presbj'teries" the proprietj' of their ' 'looking out among themselves pious youth of promising talents, and endeavor to educate and bring them forward into the minis- try. Such exertions, " he goes on to argue in the true spirit of those who now advocate this ijlan, "are likely to be made with, greater ease, cheerfulness, and spirit, by each Presbytery within its own bounds, and in behalf of young men selected by its own acts, than if the proposition were that each Presbytery should contribute some- thing to a general fund, and for the geneird purpose of educating candidates for the gospel ministry. The youths selected, living commonly within the bounds of each Presbytery concerned, will be well known to a number of the members ; will have their character's favorably represented even to many of the individuals of the several congi'egations, and will usually have some particiilar friends who ■will afford special aid in defraying the expenses which may be incurred in the prosecution of their studies." These and kindred arguments in favor of i)urely Presbyterial action met with extreme sympathy in the Assembly of that year, and present, with sufficient clearness, some of the determining views of those who at this day defend that plan. The importance i)f the subject, however, induced that body to let it lie over for maturer consideration, until the meeting of its immediate successor, to which it was strongly recommended as of great practical interest, and ordered ' ' that the Presbyteries instruct their commissioners respecting the measures which they may think advisable to be adopted," in order to give the whole matter the form of a working scheme. Accordingly, in 1806, the commissioners from each of the Pres- byteries, having been called upon to state the opinion entertained by their respec- tive constituencies on this subject, it appeared that the overture had been seriously considered by most of them ; that some had been long in the habit of employing the measures contemiilated in the overture, and that others had adopted and or- ganized such measures within the year, in consequence of the recommendation of the Assembly. Then, after anxious deliberaticm, the Assembly resolved to end the matter by urging every Presbytery "to make vigorous exertions to raise funds for assisting all the youth within their respective l)ounds who might need aid; to choose for them such schools, seminaries, and teachers as thvy may judge most proper and advantageous, and generally to inspect their education during the course of both their academical and collegiate studies. Thus did the Presbyterian Church, at that early day, solemnly sanction the Pres- byterial plan of ministerial education, as being the nearest to the true theory of its organization, and as meeting, in the best manner, the demands of the case. But, after several years of faithful experiment in this direction, it was found that, whilst this obvious plan had accomplished much good, it nevertheless altogether failed to develop, with any completeness, the resources of the Church, or bring into action its whole energies in the supply of a ministry that was adequate to the growiug de- mand. Hence, an atteuq)t was made, in the year 1817, to obviate some of the de- fects of the original plan, by a resolution of the Assembly reconnuending " to those Presbyteries which have funds for the education of beneficiaries, or which are able to raise funds for this puri^ose, but can find no suitable young men for education 190 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. ■within tlieir own bounds, to take measures to obtain candidates from the bounds of other Presbyteries, and educate them for the work of the ministry ; or that they annuallj' transmit money for this object to the General Assembly, that the Assem- bly may appropriate it to the end for which it was raised ; or that they forward it to one of the theological seminaries within our boi;nds, to be applied by the jDrofes- sors to the education of indigent young men in said seminaries; and that the stated clerk of the General Assembly be the organ of communication between such Pres- byteries as have money to be applied to the above purpose, and those Presbyteries which may have imder their care young men who need their liberality." But the inadequacy of even this attempt at remedy soon became apparent, and broiight out propositions for still better plans. In consequence, there were three great organi- zations soon and simultaneously brought into being; two in the shape of educa- tional societies composed of Presbyterian ministers and ruling elders, one located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the other near by, in the city of Philadelphia. The third was the Board of Education. Finally, in 1820, every other scheme was merged in the latter, and this board was elevated to the place of the exclusive or- gan of the Church iu the matter of furthering its whole* jslau of beneliciary educa- tion with respect to ministerial candidates. This board did not, indeed, at once assume the shape into which it is now moulded ; biit after the trial of a great va- riety of modifications, all which were designed to leave to the Presbyteries the chief agency in the selection and the education of candidates, it gradually settled down upon its present foundation of apparent permanency. After this board our Southern Church has copied the leading features of that plan, which api^ears to have been the offspring of the practical wisdom of several generations of earnest thinkers and godly workers ; and the question now for our Church to decide is whether it ought to go back to the original and failing scheme of Presbyterial agency for prosecuting the work in question, or to any of those moditications which proved alike unsatisfactory, and out of which the existing one has grown as if by an uncontrollable necessity ; or whether it is not best to acknowledge at once the impolicy of so doing, on the simple ground that, be our the(jries of Church order in view of this whole subject what they may, experience must show that, at last, we too would be compelled to adojjt the same conclusion which our fathers in the Church so painfully reached, viz. : that a central board or executive committee is alone competent to manage, under the direct control of the Assembly, the practical details of that great scheme of education which is designed for the benetit of the Church as a united and harmonious whole. No human policy is free from objec- tions, and we seem to be shut up to the adoption of that which, in the matter be- fore us, actual experiment has demonstrated to possess the fewest and least damag- ing, all things considered. This conclusion, drawn from the historical argument we have presented, might, or might not, be sustained by other argiiments equally potent, were we to go over the whole ground and consider the subject of beneficiary ministerial ediication as an entirely novel one. But it has been again .and again presented to the Christian mind in every possible shape which its great and jjressing practical interest could have imparted to its consideration ; and whilst almost all persons who are friendly to such an education in anj' form would perhaps like to see in operation a scheme for its promotion which should throw the great responsibility iu the premises upon the Presbyteries, yet probably none can show how this can be satisfactorily done in any other way than that which the whole spirit of the central agency scheme pre- sents. To the Presb_>'teries must always belong the great, the solemn, the binding duty of recommending candidates for support from the common treasury of the Church. If they fail in this duty; if they are loose in its discharge; if they thrust forward beneficiaries who are undeserving of an education at the hands of the Church ; with them alone lies the blame, as to them, on the other hand, belongs the Master's commendation for searching out and bringing forward worthy men for this purpose, The chief responsibility of the committee must attach to its one gi-eat office of judiciously expending the educational funds of the Church, and to its duty of keeping the Presbyteries advised of the condition of the work it is pros- ecuting for them. If, therefore, the scheme be only well worked by all the parties involved, there can be no complaint lodged against it on the st^oro of its enii^loying a central agency to do for the Assembly what, in the nature of the case, the Assem- bly cannot well do exc^ept by a standing authorized commission. Were, indeed, our coiintry more (iompact than it is ; were all its scattered Presbyteries equally fur- nished with wealth ; were the candidates likelj' to be uniformly distributed through- out our bounds so as to give to each Presbytery a share in supporting them pio])or- tioned to its pecuniary means; and were it certain that they all would prosecute the Sec. 340.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 191 required work with an energy that would demand the addition of more of the stimu- lus which is confessedly derived from the properly administered influence of an Assembly's committee whose eye is upon the whole field as the eye of the Church it represents, and whose hand, being that of the Church's authority thus conveniently exhibited, is ready to push forward the lagging wherever this is needed — or, were vee to leave out altogether the grand thought that the Church is one ; that its visible unity is embodied in the Assembly where all its Presbyteries coalesce and combine ; and that, therefore, its ministerial candidates ought to be all gathered under the wing of its indivisible resijonsibility, just as all its other common interests are,— then there might be room for the inauguration of some plan of beneti(dary education, in carrying forward which the. Assembly should not be the principal party concerned. As it is, however, your committee can comt; to no other conclusion, all things being taken into the ac(u)unt, than that which imjiels us to recommend the adoption of the following resolutions, in which such a modification of the present constitution of the executive committee will be seen to be presented as is designed to carry into more complete effect the conclusions of the report. Jiesolved, 1, That this General Assembly re-affirms the deliverance of the Assembly of 1864 concei'ning the responsibility that rests on the Church to secure and, maintain a pious and learned ministiy. liesolved, 2, That this General Assembly resolves to continue the Executive Committee of Education, and appoints for it the following constitution : Article I. The title of this committee shall be " The Executive Committee of Education of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States." Article II. The executive committee shall be elected annually by the General Assembly, and shall consist of eleven members, thi'ee at least of whom must be ruling elders of the Presbyterian Church, of a treasurer, and of a secretary, who shall be styled the " Secretaiy of Education," which secretary shaU be the organ of communication between the General Assembly and the executive committee. The salaries and duties of these officers shall be determined by the committee ; and all vacancies, ad interiin, in the committee, it may fiU. Article III. This committee sbaU meet at the call of the secretaiy, and five mem- bers shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. It shall keej) a record of its proceedings, which, together with the reports of the secretaiy and treasurer, shall be laid before the General Assembly an- nually. Article IV. It shall be the duty of this committee to receive all the contributions of the Church which may be made for the purpose of aiding candidates for the ministiy in the prosecution of their studies, and to dispense these to said students ; but no student shall be supported by this com- mittee, except upon the recommendation of the Presb^iiery to which he belongs, or its Executive Committee oi Education. And all candidates shall be solely responsible to their own Presbyteries. If at any time the funds intrusted to the committee shaU be insuffi- cient for the support of all the candidates recommended, preference shall be given to such candidates as are nearest to the close of their course of studies. 192 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book IV. Article V. It shall be the duty of this committee to place itself in correspon- dence w4th the Executive Committees of Education appointed by the several Presbyteries, the chairman of each of which Presbyterial com- mittees must be regarded as a corresponding member of this commit- tee. And it shall be the duty of the committee to procure from these corresponding members semi-annual reports with respect to the state of the work within their respective Presbj'teries, and, in turn, to trans- mit to these members, for the information of their Presbyteries, semi- annual statements of the condition of the whole field. Article VI. This committee shall, for the present, be located in Eichmond, Va. Hesolved, 3, If any Presbytery should insist upon managing the funds collected within its bounds, as well as all other jDarts of the work of education, the Assembly vnll not enjoin upon such Presbyteries to send all the moneys raised to the treasury of the central committee, pro- vided that a collection shall be taken in all its churches for the work committed to the committee : and also, that the Presb^'tery shall report to the General Assembly, through the Committee of Education, what amount of money has been raised and exj^ended within its own bounds, so that the General Assembly may see at one view what the whole Chui'ch has done in this great work. As explanatory of the puriJort, as well as effect, of the above action, we quote the following from the executive committee : 1868, p. 294. The committee has the pleasure of reporting to the Assembly that several of our Presbyteries, which have heretofore conductecVtheir educational affairs independently, have cordially resolved on co-operating with the Assembly's plan. The objections which they had to the scheme of the Assembly were removed by the action taken at Memphis in 18G6, according to which the whole responsi- bility for the candidates is left where the constitution of our Church places it — in the hands of the Presbyteries. The committee is no longer esteemed superior to the Presbyteries, clothed with the aiithority to revise their proceedings, or inquire into the propriety thereof ; but is simj^ly the executive agency through which the Presbyteries perform this jjart of their work. Appointed by the General Assembly as a central committee for the whole Church, it is the recipient of the Church's bounty, and dispenses it wherever needed, thus constituting a bond of concord be- tween the Presbyteries, giving unity to their action and efficiency to their efforts. There are but few of the Presbyteries, so far as the committee is aware, that still stand aloof and prefer to isolate themselves in conducting their educational affairs; and it is believed the agreement in the principles on which this committee is now organized is so cordial that the only obstacle to the unanimous co-operation of all our Presbyteries is their distrust of the ability of the committee to meet their wants. 1871, J). 57. The sphere of the committee is limited. So far as the students are concerned, its relation is simply financial; and so far as the General Assembly, the lower courts, and the churches are concerned, its relation is that of an agency for facilitating their work; and with reference to all, its relation is titly described as an executive committee. It originates, and can by its constitution originate, nothing; it simply executes the orders of the Assembly on the one hand, and re- sponds to the wishes and facilitates the work of the lower courts on the other hand. It is made its im2:)erative duty, by the constitution adopted for its guidance, to keep the Church informed of its wants and of the actual state of the work intrusted to 341. Discouraging state of this work in 1866. 1866, p. 70. Extract from report of the executive committee : When this executive committee was organized last January the sessions of all our literary institutions were far advanced ; and as no candidate can be received as a Secs. 342-344.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 193 beneficiary without the recommenclation of his Presbytery, nothing could, in any event, have been done previous to the spring meetings of these courts. This threw the subject beyond our reach for the sessions of the seminaries then current, which immediately thereafter came to their vacations, and of the colleges, which were far advanced in their last term. This fall the case was even worse ; for the fate of the committee, now in suspense for two years, was so near its crisis that our Presbjteries and candidates would be unwilling to hang their hopes on so slender a cord, and the committee was reluc- tant to assume future obligations which it might not be permitted to live long enough to fulfil. The consequence was that nothing could be done. In response to all applications, answer was given in accordance with these facts. Students were encouraged to believe, however, that they woiild receive such aid as they might require, if not from the committee, at all events from the various institutions to which they might resort. The consequence was, they all turned away from the precarious terms offered them by this committee. Our two theological seminaries, in the absence of the assured help formerly de- rived from the central committee, have originated measiires for securing aid to their own students by independent agencies. So far, no evil is seen to result from this temporary expedient; but it does not require a suiierior sagacity, in view of past experience, to see that there is danger of this system resulting in rival institu- tions presenting themselves before the Church with antagonistic claims for popu- lar favor. This result the most courageous among us cannot anticipate without just alarm. So that, instead of one central agency to act for the whole Church and harmonize its efforts, we are threatened with the naturalization among us of rival agencies for this object. 342. Condition of the committee in 1867. 1867, p. 163. Extract from the executive report : The Executive Committee of Education is again called upon to express its regret at the meagre results of its operations dimng another year. The consequences of the tardy and hesitating action of the General Assembly on the subject of the con- tinuance of this agenc}' of the Church's benevolence was exi^lained in our last re- port ; and now we have to record the adverse effect of the action of the last Assem- bly in appointing the time for taking up the annual collection for this object. The continuance of this committee had been in peril for two j^ears, and then, after the Assembly had, by a decided vote, determined on its continuance, the unfortun.ate action was taken to postpone the collection for this committee's uses untU Novem- ber, the time at which this report closes. That we should have a very meagre ac- count to render, under such circumstances, was a foregone conclusion Nearly all the Presbyteries, either at their spring or fall sessions, took action on the subject, appointed corresponding members of this committee, and exhorted co- operation with it according to the plan of the Assembly. 343. Certain questions referred back to the executive committee. 1867, p. 147. The Executive Committee of Education addresses the Assembly several queries asking for instruction. This committee think such matters must generally be decided by the committee, as they pos- sess all the facts in the case, biit subject to the review of the Assembly. These queries are on p. 165, and are as follows: 1. What is the proper course for the committee to adojit when Presbyteries which decline to contribute to the funds of the committee, but keejj their own treasuries separate and attempt the support of their own candidates, have called on the committee for assistance ? 2. Should candidates, in any circumstances, be allowed to give their notes or obliga- tions for the aid they receive ? 3. Is the committee ever to make appropriations to cover past expenses of young men after thej- have finished their course ? 344. Mev. Dr. Hamner as travelling agent. 1869, p. 410. The gratuitous services of Rev. J. G. Hamner, D. D.> were secured as a traveUing agent to present this cause and its ur- gency on such of our churches as he might be able to reach. Dr. Ham- ner rendered valuable assistance by his zeal and energy ; and the fimds 13 194 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. of the committee were much increased as the result of his self-deny- ing and unrequited services. 1870, p. 558. The suggestion has been made that personal appli- cation fi'om the secretary of Education, or from some one immediately connected with this work, would secure larger contributions. This pro- position would lead us back to the old system of jDaid agencies, which it is not believed the Chui'ch would ever again tolerate. But, never- theless, the committee has had the very best opj)ortunity of testing the utility of this suggestion. The Eev. Dr. James G. Hamner offered his services gTatuitously as a traveUing agent, to go wherever the interests of the cause, in oiu' judgment, could be promoted by his presence. The offer was cordiaUj^ and hopefully accepted : for, though we knew weU how distasteful to the Chui'ch the employment of paid agents was, we thought the zeal shown by this venerable minister in offering his ser- vices for the good of the cause, without compensation, would challenge approbation. In this particular we were not disappointed. Dr. Ham- ner was gladly welcomed by the brethren to their pulpits ; but they, with few exceptions, required that the collection for this cause should occiu" on the day appointed by the General Assembly, and desired his presence on that day. Dr. Hamner persevered for several months in his efforts to accomplish something for the cause, but finallj'- gave it up as a waste of time, so far as this interest was concerned. No moi-e fav- orable trial of this plan could possibly have been given it, and yet it did not fulfil our expectations. The committee has no disposition to try it again, but believes patient perseverance in carrying out the plans de- vised by the Cluu'ch for s^'stematic benevolence will ultimately produce the desired results, and that every effort by all the courts ought to be directed toward the wise and efficient administration of those plans. 345. Moneys, hoio to he remitted and hno reported. 1872, p. 170. For the purpose of simplifying the business of the committee, and presenting in a single tabular form all that the Church does from year to year, it is recommended that all the funds contri- buted to this object be forwarded to the treasurer of the executive committee, and reported to the Presbyterial committee. 1885, p. 416. Your committee (auditing) recommend that hereafter, should moneys be rejDorted to the treasurer as sent direct to students, he will make a sej)arate note of the amoimts, so as to prevent con- fusion. 346. Report to Presbytery from candidates. 1873, p. 331. Presbyteries are urged to require of each candidate a semi-annual report to Presb^-tei-y of aU funds received by him*from the Assembly's committee, or from church collections, and to be fully in- formed as to the character, dihgence and proficiency of all candidates for the gospel ministry under their care. 1874, p. 514. This action was enlarged by adding a request that the professors of the institutions in which the candidates are pursuing their studies should send the Presbjteries sessional reports of their charac- ter, diligence and proficiency in their studies. 1881, p. 384. The Assembly recommends : That the Presbyteries be very thorough in their examination of candidates as to personal piety Sec. 347.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 195 and views in seeking the ministry', and request the faculty of the insti- tution which their candidates are attending to send to the Presbyterial chairmen of Education monthly statements of their deportment, and of their standing in their studies. 347. Location of the executive committee changed. 18G7, p. 135. An overture from the Presb}-ter}' of Memphis, to have the Committee of Education again lucated at the city of Memphis. liesolved, That the Assembly cannot approve of the change desired. Adopted. P. 147. The Assembly pro^'ided that, in case the Committee of Pub- lication shovdd be removed to Baltimore, the Committee of Education should be hkewdse removed, and apjDointed a provisional executive com- mittee in Baltimore to serve in that contingency. 1870, p. 534. Overture from the Presbyteiy of Noi-th Mississippi relative to the separation of the Executive Committees of Pubhcation and Education, and the removal of the Education Committee to another j)oint than Eichmond, which overture was referred to the Standing Committees on Publication and Education. The Standing Committee on Publication beheve it would be inexpedient to make any change in these committees. Adopted. 1870, p. 535. The Standing Committee on Education, to whom were referred the two overtures — one from the Presbytery of Memphis, *' touching the propriety of the division of the Committees of Educa- tion and Publication, and whether it would not be for the interest of the Church to estabhsh the C\)mmittee of Education at Memphis, or some other convenient point in the Southwest ; "' the other from North Mississippi Presbytery, touching the same subject, and making the same request as to the establishment of the Committee of Education at ^Memphis — would recommend the folloAving answer on the part of this Assembly to both these overtures, so far as the location, etc., of the Executive Committee of Education is concerned, to- wit : That the pre- sent condition and promising prospects of this great and vital interest attest the blessing of God, and the industiy, capacity, and fidelity of our executive committee : that the circumstances and exigencies of our Chin'ch demand and reciuire the utmost economy in the collection and disbursement of her alms and offerings : that there seems to be no im- perative or general call for such change, and therefore it is at present inexpedient to make the change proposed in the above overtures. 1874, p. 515. liesolved, That the Executive Committee of Educa- tion shall be located at some central point in the gi'eat western field, and it shall be the duty of the secretary, in addition to visiting the Presbyteries and Synods for the purpose of raising funds, to act as a medium of communication between our candidates and the Presbyte- ries, for the pvu-jiose of securing prompt and remunerative emplopnent for our candidates duiing their vacatit>ns. ]\Iemphis was chosen as such point. 1879, p. 37. Overture asking the removal of the office from Mem- phis to some city where its business will not be hable to inteniiption from fretiuent epidemics. The Assembly declined to make any change. In 1880, p. 211, the Assembly declined to remove the committee from Memphis to Nashville. 196 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 348. The Assembly declines to enlarge the powers of the executive committee. 1875, p. 61. The committee, which is now simply a disbursing agency, and therefore powerless to guard against the appropriation of funds to rmworthy recipients, invites the Assembly to inquire as to the possibihty of enlarging the powers of the executive committee, so as to make them joint super \'isors with the Presbyteries of the young men who are assisted by the funds of the Chui'ch. The committee suggest that they be authorized to require quarterly reports of the standing, diligence, and piety of each beneficiary. (This request was not acted on by the Assembly.) 349. Care to he exei'cised in receiving caiididates. 1876, p. 230. In order to secm-e a class of candidates for the minis- tiy which shall more fully meet the requirements of the sacred office which they profess to seek — Mesolved, 1, That this General Assembly enjoins it upon the Pres- byteries more carefully to investigate the antecedents, and inquire into the character of the candidates for the gospel ministry. 2. That the Presbyteries be advised, as a general rule, to receive under their care no candidate for the ministry at the same meeting when the apphcation is made. 350. Maxim^um appropriation for each stude7it. 1871, p. 25. Resolved, That the executive committee be instructed to adhere to the principle of aid in the contributions they make for the support of students ; and that the maximum of said contributions, except in special cases, be $200 to students in theological seminaries, and $175 to students in colleges. Hitherto the maximum had beeu $250. (See 1870, p. 559, aud 1871, p. 59, for reasons for reduction.) The Presb}i;ery of Montgomery asked, in 1872, p. 159, that college students might receive $2(J0 per year, instead of $175. The Assembly did not think it prudent to change the rule. In 1877 the executive committee re- ported that it had been compelled to reduce the ordinary api^ropriations from $200 and $175 to $175 and $150 respectively (p. 473). The executive committee rei^orted, in 1879, p. 74, that in carrying out the in- structions of the Assembly of 1878, to so regulate its pledges and expenditures for the ensuing year as to secure by the end thereof a cash-working balance such as to enable it, along with the annual collections, to make positive pledges to the can- didates in the future, they had proceeded at once to regulate the appropriations by diminishing each of them as much as $50. Appropriations to seminary students were reduced from $175 to $125, and those to college students from $150 to $100 each; and these pledges were made absolutely and unconditionally. The committee, however, further resolved that whatever amount should be found in the treasury after paying its positive pledges should be distributed 'pro rata among all the candidates under the care of the committee. In 1881-'82 the com- mittee were able to pay $1,332 to the students in excess of the amounts promised. 1882, p. 556. Resolved, That in view of the importance of an in- crease of candidates, this Assembly authorizes its Executive Committee of Education to pledge to its candidates, in both the college and semi- nary coui'ses, one hundred and fifty dollars ($150), and to those in a preparatory coui'se fifty dollars ; but in view of these enlarged appro- priations Presbyteries are urged to use great caution in receiving can- didates under their care. For the year 1886-'87 only $100 were paid to college and seminary students, and $25 to sub-collegians. Secs. 351-353.] The Agencies of the Chukch. 197 351. Only the candidates of co-operating Presbyteries to be aided. 18G9, p. 388. Those Presb^ieiies which have acted independently are requested to co-operate with the executive committee ; and it is re- commended to that committee to withhold their aid from Presbyteries which neglect to do so, until those Presbyteries which act in union with them have their wants supplied. Under the discretion given the committee by the Assembly of 1867, aid had been up to this time extended to those Presljyteries which did not co-operate in raising funds. But the claims upon the committee having so increased, and the necessity of system become so pressing, they asked that the above restriction be made. — A. 352. The advancement required in order to receive aid. 1870, p. 520. Your committee recommend to the Assembly to ap- prove the rule adopted by the executive committee as to making the appropriations prospective, and that they be not bestowed until the ap- plicant has made some trial of his talents and gifts, etc., by having prosecuted 'his studies to about what is usually called the freshman class. Adopted. 1873, p. 310. Overture from Winchester Presbytery, that the com- mittee limit its appropriations to such candidates as are sufficiently ad- vanced in their studies to enter the junior class of our colleges. Not gi'anted. 1879, p. 37. Overture to instruct the executive committee hereafter to furnish assistance from its funds, except in veiy extraordinary cases, only to such candidates for the ministiy as are actually in prosecution of their theological course. This the Assembly deemed unwise, inasmuch as it would ^-iiiually shut off that class of young men which we aim to assist. With a col- lege education young men are in a condition to help themselves, while without it they are helpless. 853. The Lusk legacy. Several years ago, and before the organization of oiir Assembly, Eobert Lusk, Esq., of Water Vallej^, Miss., made his will, by which he gave the undisposed of balance of his estate to be equally divided between the Board of Education and the Board of Domestic Missions of the Old School Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, amounting, as was supposed, to ten or twelve thousand dollars, subject to certain trusts expressed in the will. A large part of this legacy has been paid over to the Northern Church, and now they projxjse, through their boards, to turn over the residue of the estate in the hands of the executor of the will to the executive committees of our General As.sembly, on condition that our Church provides for the payment of an annuity of one hundred dollars to the Water Valley church, as provided for in the will, and save them from all fiirther costs and ex- penses, and leaving (hem in possession of all that they have received, freed from all the trusts in the will. The trustees respectfully ask the instructions of the Gen- eral Assembly upon this subject. (From the report of the Board of Trustees, 1873, p. 383.) P. 328. Resoliu'd, That the trustees (if the General Assembly be authoiized to accept fi'om the Board of Educatifm of the Presbyterian Church in the Ignited States of America in Philadelphia the transfer and relinquishment of one-half of the residue of the bequest imder the will of Eobert Lusk, deceased, of the State of Mississippi, upon the terms by said board proposed, and the same be held by the said ti'ustees for the use of the Committee of Education of this General As- 198 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. sembly, and the interest on said sum be paid tlie committee as it ac- crues, in accordance with the directions in the will of said Eobert Lusk, deceased, and that said trustees of this Assembly be authorized to re- ceipt the administration, with the will annexed, of said deceased, and the Board of Education respectively for said one-half of said residue of said bequest. 2. That the assent of the General Assembly is hereby given to the= transfer to Water Valley church, in the Presbytery of North Missis- sippi, by the Board of Domestic Missions of New York, of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, of the one-half of the residue of the bequest made by Eobert Lusk, de- ceased, of the State of Mississippi, to the said Board of Domestic Mis- sions, and upon the receipt by said church of said bequest from the administration, with the will annexed, of said Eobert Lusk, deceased, to be used and appropriated by said church as provided in the will of said Eobert Lusk, deceased. AH of which is submitted. In 1876, p. 267, the trustees reported that this matter had been brought to a close, and that the Northern Church had executed papera of relinquishment and transfer. Thereupon it was — 1876, p. 230. Hesolved, That imless some other more feasible plan be suggested, and if there be no legal obstacle in the way, the trustees of the Assembly be instructed to turn over the legacy of the Lusk es- tate (the transfer of which by the Northern Assembly to our Church has just been consummated, and which amounts to about $3,000) to the treasurer of Education, to collect and use the same for liquidating- the existing debt, or otherwise, as the exigencies of the cause may re- quire 354. Shall the present scheme of Beneficiarij Education he abandoned? 1875, p. 17. Overture from the Presbytery of Concord, asking the Assembly to consider the propriety of abandoning the present scheme of Education, and remanding this subject to the Presbyteries. The committee recommend that, as the overtiure contemplates a radi- cal change in the pohcy of the Church, a committee of two ministers and one elder be appointed to consider the subject maturely, and to collect the sense of the Church by correspondence, and feport to the next As- sembly. Adopted. Rev. J. B. Stratton, D. D., Eev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., and ruling elder J. L. Marye, were appointed such committee. 1876, p. 229. This committee made a rej)ort, which was referred to the Standing Committee on Education. Thereupon the following action was taken on the report of that committee : Resolved, That the overtures from the Presbyteries of Mecklenburg and South Carolina, asking for the abandonment of the present scheme of Education, and remanding the whole matter to the Presbyteries, be answered in the negative. That the very able and exhaustive report of the special committee on the subject of Beneficiaiy Education be approved, and printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Assembly, as expressing the views of the Assembly, and vindicating the poUcy of the Church on the whole subject to which it relates, viz. : (1.) The necessity of l)eneficiary education, in order to keep up the Sec. 354.] The Agencies of the Church. 199 suppl}' of ministers in the Presbyterian Cliurch, in which the standard of education is high, and the cost of it much beyond the reach of the most of those who are called of God to the work of the miuistiy in our Church. (2.) The fitness and the efficiency— above any other plan as yet tried or proposed — of the present scheme of conducting the beneficiary edu- cation of the Church, through the agency of a central committee, hav- ing the whole field of the Church under its supervision, biinging each part of it in this important work in contact with ever%- other part, and managing the whole in such a way that the strong shaU help the weak, and the weak be helped by the strong, according to the law of Christ. (3.) The wisdom of the present plan of making appropriations to candidates at all the stages of their preparatoiy studies, and without imposing on them the biu'den of debt. All of which in this admii*able report are most ably argued and conclusively proven. This report, as adopted above, is found on p. 278, ff., of the Minutes, and is as follows : The Committee appointed by the last General Assembly to "consider maturely" the subject of the educational policy of the Church, and to "collect by corre- spondence the sense of the Church " upon the same, beg leave respectfully to re- port— That, in the execution of the latter branch of the two-fold duty assigned to them, the conclusion has been reached, that "the sense of the Church" preponderates largely and decidedly in favor of retaining the jjresent scheme of Education, con- ducted, under constitutional regiilations, by a central executive committee. The precise evidence upon which this conclusion rests it would not be possible, within the compass of an ordinary document, to present. It vnil be sufficient to say, that it is the result of much careful observation and reflection, and of testimony derived through an extensive correspondence from ecclesiastical bodies, from officers of Presbyteries and Synods, and from representative minds in different sections of the Church. At the same time, it is not to be concealed that there is a serious dislike to, or dis- trust of, the present scheme, entertained definitely by certain portions of the Church, and more or less j^articipated in by individuals in all parts of the Church. This adverse sentiment, it is believed, does not at all impugn the principles which underlie the Assembly's present scheme. ^ All parties are agreed that an obligation rests upon the Church to perpetuate an order of ministers ; that this obligation binds the Chiirch to extend all necessary or practicable aid and encouragement to those who are ' ' called of God " to undertake the work of the ministry ; and that, as the ' ' call- ing of God " unquestionably embraces often "the weak things of the world," or the indigent and unlearned, this obligation, in such cases, takes the shape of a special requisition to extend to these embarrassed candidates pecuniary aid and en- couragement. But the moment the practical question, as to the method of dis- charging this conceded obligation, is approached, imanimity disappears, and we meet with, perhaps, an unusual diversity of opinion. While, as has been intimated, the prevailing verdict of the Church is in favor of employing a central committee, acting in behalf of the united Chiirch, in some quarters the opposition to this method is so extreme that a radical change, involving the dissolution of the central committee, and the remanding of the whole business to the hands of the Presbyteries, is called for. And again, amongst those who are in accord with the present policy of the Church, no inconsiderable difference of opinion exists as to the expediency of sundry of the actual details of that policy. In the view of some, the central committee should be reduced to the gi-ade of a mere disbursing agency, or cashier, whose function might be attached to one of the two other executive committees of the Church, or entrusted to some, as yet undefined, subordinate bureau. The argument used in support of this amendment is the sav- ing of expense, which, under the present system, it is contended, is disproportionate. Others, believing that the main defect in the present system lies in the opportunity it gives to untried and incompetent applicants to obtain the benefit of the Church's funds, and in the emasculating effect of gratuitous aid upon the recipients of it, 200 Digest of the Acts or the General Assembly. [Book IV. would obviate the difficulty by restricting apjiiopriations to candidates who have demonstrated their manliness and tenacity of i^urpose, by making their way by their own exertions to the doors of the theological school, or at least to the higher stages of a college course. Others, looking to a similar reform, woiild convert the dona- tion into a loan, distributed into such portions that one coiild be repaid before an- other is advanced. These examples ilhistrate, but do not exhaust, the modifications which have been proposed to the existing scheme of the Church. They show clearly that an amount of incertitude as to the right policy of beneficiary education exists at the present hour, which calls for the exercise of that mature consideration which your com- mittee has been enjoined to bestow upon this subject. In f)assing to this second branch of the duty assigned them, yoiir committee can only with difiidence present the aspect which this subject bears to their own minds. They are prepared to say, therefore, that in their judgment it is the duty and the interest of the Chxirch to adhere to its j)resent scheme of Education, without ma- terial modification; and they rest this judgment upon the following grounds: 1. This scheme is the outgrowth of long experiment and of careful and intelligent study. It was not the first expedient of the Church to reach the proposed end, but an expedient adopted in view of the inadequacy of other and prior expedients. In the process by which it has been constructed, many, if not all, of the measures now suggested as amendments have been actually tried, found unsatisfactory, and aban- doned for those included in the present scheme. It is a historical fact, that the plan of conducting beneficiary ministerial education by a central committee has been adopted by the Chiirch as a substitute for that of conducting it through the medium of the Presbyteries. This fact is clearly presented in the report of a com- mittee upon this subject to the Assembly of 1866, to be foiind on page 72 of the printed Minutes of that Assembly ; and your committee probably cannot better state their point than by quoting the following passages from that report: "Finally, in 182U, every other scheme was merged in the latter (the Board of Ediication), and this board was elevated to the place of the exclusive organ of the Church, in the matter of furthering its whole i^lan of beneficiary education with respect to ministerial candidates. This board did not, indeed, at once assume the shape into which it is now moulded, but after the trial of a great variety of modifi- cations, all which were designed to leave to the Presbyteries the chief agency in the selection and the education of candidates. It gradually settled do^vn upon its pre- sent foundations of apparent permanency. After this board, our Soiithern Church has copied the leading features of that plan, which appears to have been the off- spring of the practical wisdom of several generations of earnest thinkers and godly workers. And the question now for our Church to decide is, whether it ought to go back to the original and failing scheme of Presbyterial agency for prosecut- ing the work in question, or to any of those modifications which proved alike un- satisfactory, and out of which the existing one has grown, as if by an uncontrolla- ble necessity ; or whether it is not best to acknowledge at once the impolicy of so doing, on the simple ground that, be our theories of Church order in view of this whole subject what they may, experience must show that, at least, we too would be compelled to adojit the same conclusion which our fathers in the Church so pain- fully reached, viz. : that a central board or executive committee is alone competent to manage, under the direct control of the Assembly, the jsractical details of that great scheme of Education which is designed for the benefit of the Church as a united and harmonious whole. No human policy is free from objections, and we seem to be shut up to the adoption of that which, in the matter before us, actual experiment has demonstrated to possess the fewest and least damaging, all things considered. " 2. The defects or evils which are chargeable upon the present scheme, seem to be such as are confessedly inherent in all jirojects of an eleemosynary nature. Hu- man sagacity has been taxed to the utmost to devise methods of dispensing aid to the needy, without opening through these projects avenues for imposition and abuse, and as yet, the jiroblem is unsolved. Miscarriage, to a certain extent, ap- pears to be an incident inseparable from the whole class; and unless a margin is left for its occurrence the whole class of beneficiary enterprises must be abandoned. Such a conclusion, it is maintained, cannot be right. Unhappily, miscarriage in such cases, involving, as it does, a violation of the tender and benevolent instincts of the heart, is apt to produce a reaction in many minds which carries them to this conclusion, and so brings them under the infiuence of an unreasonable prejudice or scepticism in regard to all (charitable undertakings. It is obviously a pressing of Sec. 354.] The Agencies of the Church. 201 the argument farther than is legitimate, to infer, in the face of the acknowledged embarrassments of the general problem, that the failures imputed to the particular scheme of beneficiary education adopted by the Church is not as good as any other scheme which can be proposed, or may not even be the best scheme of the kind possible. 3. The diversity in the reforms recommended by the objectors to the present scheme, and the pertinacity with which they are urged, would seem to forbid the hope that a change of policy would effect any abatement of the dissatisfaction now felt by the Church ; and suggest the fear rather, that such a change might be the source of mischiefs greater than those which exist under the present scheme. In the language of one of our Synods, "the system under which aid is at present given to beneficiaries would be more likely to suffer detriment than experience advantage from any modification of that system. Without unanimity in the support of it, it is imjiossible for any system to be successful. If the system actually in use, combin- ing, as it does, the elements of simplicity, efficiency and comprehensiveness, cannot command this unanimity, it is more than imi^robable that any of the various sub- stitutes for it which are proposed will do so. 4. The present scheme has happily been so defined and regulated in its functions that under it no invasion or usurpation of the powers of the Presbyteries can pos- sibly occur. The presence of an executive committee of the whole Church doing the work assigned to it leaves the Presbj'tery in plenary possession of its right- ful control over the candidate for the ministry from his reception to his in- duction into the ministry. The execiitive committee occupies simply the position of a factor of the Presbytery, and a factor which, from the terms of its commission, is necessarily an obedient and a harmless one. The only conceivable objection to it, on the i^art of the Presbytery, is that it is a superfluous adjunct to its own me- chanism. That this objection does not lie, we shall proceed to show. 5. The policy which enlists the whole Church in the work of enlarging and per- petuating the ministrj^ is in accordance with the lU'inciple that the minister is the property of the whole Church, and the candidate for the ministry is the ward of the whole Church. The Presbytery, under a wise and, we believe, scriptural economy, formally conveys to the minister his office, and maintains the oversight of him in the discharge of it; biit he does not belong to the Presbytery. He is the servant of Christ — a "man of God" — a minister of the New Testament; and "the field" to which his Master's mission calls him " is the world." Wherever the in- terests of the Church or the kingdom of God need his services, thither he must go, and no claims of the Presbytery can interpose an interdict. The obligation under which the minister and the candidate stands is, therefore, one which binds him to the whole Church. And as a corollary to this, the whole Church is under an obli- gation to afford support, facility, and encouragement to the minister and the can- didate iia their respective works. The minister or the candidate who should be de- barred from doing the work to which his Master has called him would have a com- plaint to lay at the door of the whole Church. It is upon the recognition of this obligation that the scheme of Susteutation, by which provision is made for the ade- quate supi^ort of all ministers out of a common fund, has been so successfully built lip in Scotland, and is proposed as a desirable consummation in oiar own Church. It is right to say, theiefore, that the responsibility which lies someichere, in everj' case where a young man needs help to enable him to obey the Divine call to enter the ministry, is not restricted to the Presbytery with which he is formally connected, but rests upon the whole Church. Every part of the Church -everj' mem- ber of the one body - ought to feel the pressure of that res])ousibility, and ought to be put in a position to resjjond to its demand. Now, a scheme which recognizes this relation of the candidate to the whole Church, which says to him "the whole Church, through an executive committee, will help you to enter the ministry, just as the whole Churi-h, through an Executive Committee of Missions, after you have entered the ministry, will ecpiij) you and send you to the heathen, if the Lord com- mands you to go to them, " sucli a scheme seems to rest upon a principle so primi- tive and radical that it may he said to lie at the foimdation of the economy of the gospel and the kingdom of Christ. (). It is almost like presenting this idea under another form to say, now that the present scheme of beneficiary education accomplishes more than Presbyterial over- sight can do, in that it enables the weak Presbyterj' to draw aid from the strong one, and the strong one to extend aid to the weak one. The weak one has this right, and the strong one lies und(>r this obligation, in accordance with that law of corporate identitj' in the Church which has just been affirmed. The duty of bear- ing one another's burdens is a distinct article in this law, just as it is in "the law 202 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV, of Christ. " The Presbytery acknowledges it in requiring all the congregations un- der its care to continue in supporting the needy young man to be found in any one of these congregations who has presumptively been called to the ministry. But the scope of this law is co-exteusive with the interests and wants of the whole Church; and the case of any needy young man, presumptively called to the minis- try in any part of the Church, constitutes the burden of every other part of the Church. The candidate adopted by the feeble Presbytery on the frontier ia the burden of the able Presbytery in the interior or on the seaboard, though personally unknown to it. Any educational scheme, to be complete, must make provision for the bearing of this burden. The history of the efforts and experiments of the Church in this direction, as given in the reports of 18G6, above referred to, will show how signally the Presbyteries, while acknowledging the obligation to make provision for this burden-bearing, failed to acquit themselves of it. A common central committee of the Church, gathering up the resources of the Church, and distributing them withoi;t partiality, wherever a case of need calls for them, can and does secure this result. 7. The propagation of a ministry being a function which is vital in the economy of the Church, the organ that is used to effect it needs to be secured against inter- ruption or exhaustion. Such an organ, in order to do its work with steadiness and certainty, oiight to be put beyond the risk of those local and occasional disturbances which are adapted to obstruct or arrest its action. Experience, we think, warrants the remark that Presbyteries are subject to such disturbances. Their action is liable to become intermittent and irregular. It is so because it is dependent upon the ability or the disposition of the constituency of the churches which compose them ; and these fluctuate with the vicissitudes of the commercial world, or with the changes of moral temperature which occur in a community. To give stability and equability to the great interest represented by an educational scheme, it is ne- cessary that the element of subsistence should reach it in a uniform and constant current, and that a failure of support in one quarter should be compensated by the abundant supply furnished from another. A central reservoir is demanded, in or- der that the scheme may be put beyond the danger of collapse, through poverty or apathy on the part of Presbyteries. 8. As a general fact, the success of an enterprise depends upon the zeal and force thrown into it by one master-mind. Kesponsibility needs to be concentrated upon an individual ; and under that responsibility his facilities need to be concen- trated upon the enterprise in hand. So bodies of men are usually leavened into homogeneous masses and agencies. The present educational scheme of the Church recognizes this principle. The conduct of the scheme is lodged in the hands of a special executive committee, who certainly, under whatever constitutional restric- tions they are placed, are expected and are competent in many ways to foster the scheme entrusted to them; and upon the secretary of the committee is devolved the official duty of keeping the Church informed of the necessities of the scheme, and of inciting and stimulating the Church to a punctual and liberal support of it. The utility of this officer lies mainlj^ in the facilities which his position gives him for quickening the conscience and inspiring the heart of the Chiirch in behalf of the cause of which he is the overseer ; and knowing what the infirmities of human nature are,- and what derelictions are possible even in Christian communities, your commit- tee feel persuaded that, without such a reiJreseutative and monitor to define and to ad- vocate this cause in the eye and ear of the Church, the amount of interest entertained in it, and supjjort furnished to it, would be materially, perhajjs fatally, diminished. In these cojisiderations, which we have been oblig'Hl to state almost with the brevity of theses, and in the conclusion to which they point, your committee en- tirely and heartily concur. They seem to us to demonstrate clearly the expediency of adhering to the present general policy of the Church. In regard to the practi- cal details by which it is attempted to carry out this general policy, there is, perhaps, in certain particulars, occasion for objection and room for imjn-ovemeut. The changes, however, which have occurred to your committee, or those which have been suggested to them by other parties, appear to be attended -with such risks and diffi- culties that we hesitate to recommend the adoption of them, and prefer to leave the structure of the present scheme undisturbed. The attempt to reduce the expen- siveness of the scheme by substituting for an executive committee a mere pay-mas- ter, is in effect to abandon the scheme. It does not seem possible to maintain an executive committee, with a projjer equi^jment, at a less cost than that which is now annually incurred. And the question to be asked in this relation is really the simple one. Are the advantages of this scheme worth the cost ? To your commit- tee it is evident that they are. Under existing arrangements the executive com- Sec. 354.] The Agencies of the Church. 203 mittee, with its secretury, is a productive agent, capable of enlisting a strong moral power in drawing snpijort from the Church to the cause it rejiresents. To weaken the producer is to curtail the product. A cheap disbursing ofiice, it is feared, would entail the result of an insignilicant revenue to be disbursed. The expense, too, of the present sysfem can be regarded as excessive onlj' when viewed as a dis- l^roportiimate percentage upon the fund controlled. But this disproportion will diminish as this fund increases ; and that the contributions of the Church for bene- ficiary education are always to remain at their present low grade is hardly to be admitted. Besides, to give this primary intei'est a subordinate rank is to push it into the back-ground, and so to depreciate it in the eyes of the Chiirch. The damage which would be inflicted by discrediting a cause so fundamental to the existence of the Church cannot be balanced bj' a trifling pecuniary saving. The project of limiting the aid dispensed by the executive committee to the case of candidates who have reached an advau(^ed stage of education is urged strenu- ously by certain friends of the existing scheme; and the reasons given for the change undoubtedly possess weight. Your committee, however, are persuaded that it wo)]ld be inexpedient to make such a rule peremjitory and universal. De- pendent, as the (piestion of duty in this matter must be, upon the variable circum- stances of individual life, an invariable law of this kind would have in it an aspect of arbitrariness. The Church's aid seems to be ju-operly bestowed wherever there is a fair presumption that the applicant for it has been called of God to the minis- try ; and evidence of a Divine call certainly may appear in the incipiency, ag well as at the comj^letion of an academic curriculum. In its nurture of its wards it is probable that the Church should consider itself as standing in loco parentis, and should require no tests more rigid than the parent, or at least the private patron, would apply. In regard to the deteriorating effect of beneficiary education upon personal character, it is sufficient to remark that such an effect does not follow the bounty which the parent or private patron bestows upon the youth he is aiding in the ac- quisition of an education ; and that the annals of the Church give no evidence that such has been the effect of the help it has furnished to its beneficiaries. The evils which it is proposed to remove by the change in ^question your committee believe can be more eiicctually cured by vigilance and circumspection on the part of the Presbyteries. To the proposition to change the gift of the Church to its candidate into a loan, it may be objected, that it converts what ought to be eminently an act of faith, or service of piety on the part of the Church, into a mere commercial transaction; and that, if the self-respect of the candidate is sought to be preserved bj* it, it over- looks the fact that the result of the ^jrocess would be to put him, and perhaps keep him, indefinitely in the most humiliating of all positions — that of a debtor. The only compensation which can legitimately be required of him is like that which the country asks from the beneficiaries whom it educates for its army and navy — devotion to the sovereign who has called him to his service. The embarrassment which the executive committee is liable to suffer, and has actiially suffered, from the fact that, from the inadequacy of the funds contributed by the churches to meet the pledges given to candidates, a debt is each year created which passes over as a burden to the following year, has suggested the inquiry whether a rule should not be adopted by which each year should be requii-ed to complete its own work, and the annual jiledges of the committee be considered re- deemed when a pro rutn distribution of the funds actually given during the j'ear has been made. The subje(-t here presented appears to your committee one of ex- treme delicacy. The advantage to the Church of escaping from the incubus of debt which this plan would secure would be incalculable. But, on the other hand, the corps of camlidates might be serious sufferers; and what, perhajjs, is worse, others who had been led by the j)ledge8 of the Church to give them credit might be involved in loss. Upon the whole, it is questionable whether the embarrassment which would be likely to ensue from the change proposed is not more to be deprecated than that under which the executive comndttee now labors. A pledge to the can- didate, more or less definite, seems to be inseparable from a beneficiary system. A pledge, ordinarily, ought to be literally redeemed : and a failure in redeeming it, in the case of its candidates, would almost inevitably expose the Church to the charge of bad faith and wrong-di)ing. • Your committee have been the less disposed to look favorably upon these and all other modifii-ations of the present scheme of education, because they think they can see in the structure of the present scheme a complete capacity to overcome all the difficulties for which these modifications are proposed as remedies. They be- 204 Digest op the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. lieve that the machinery now in operation, if fully and regularly worked, wiU prove itself abundantly adequate to effect the object for which it has been erected. The obvious conditions upon which its success depends are these : First, That the Church shall realize the fundamental importance of the work entrusted to its executive committee. The perpetuation and miiltiplication of the ministry are simply identical with the preservation of the life of the Chiirch. Every one knows this; all need to feel the tremendous import of the proposi- tion. Second, That the Chiirch shall put in and express confidence in its executive committee. This confidence should go the length of assuming that they are honest in their motives and right in their policy, iintil the contrary becomes evident. Such confidence is due, in every case, to the servant or agent, and without it the latter must work to a disadvantage. Third, That the Church shall contribute with an equitable freeness and liberal- ity to the support of the cause. A minute addition to the present gifts of the Church, if generally made, would provide an ample treasury, and enable the com- mittee to exhibit a measure of success in their work which would effectually silence all objections. Fourth, That the ministry shall aim to relieve the cause of the popular prejudices which now encumber it. Especially that they shall combine to lift from the idea of a beneficiarj' education the stigma which it is manifest deforms and degrades it in the view of many minds. The obstinacy with which this stigma holds its ground is almost unaccountable. "From the origin of this Seminary," (Princeton,) wrote Dr. Archibald Alexander, in 1847, ' ' at least one-half of the students have been more or less dependent on charitable funds for their support ; and yet it has never been observed by the professors that these were, as a body, inferior to the others in any resj)ect whatever." "If we should now take a survey of all the pastors and evangelists in connection with the Presbyterian Church, whether laboring at home or in the foreign field, there would be f oiiud no marked inferiority in those educated on the fund of the Church, in manners, piety, talent, or iisef ulness. " And one of the most venerable and beloved professors in one of our own seminaries writes to your committee in the following terms : " As to the deteriorating effect of bene- ficiary education upon the mental and moral tone of its recipients, I can conceive that, on some dispositions, it might so result. On the contrary, it might put an in- genuous nature to its highest efforts to show itself worthy of the kindness shown it. How did it operate on men whom you and I know of, that are among the best, the noblest and most brilliant men in the Church that we love ? I have just looked over a long list of beneficiary students that I have had to do with, and I have not been able to put my finger on one on whom I can say that I have observed any such injurious effect to have been produced." Fifth, That the Presbyteries shall recognize and acquit themselves of the com- prehensive resiDonsibility with which they are charged, in the matter of selecting and superintending candidates for the ministry ; and that they shall so carefully ad- minister their trust in this respect that those errors may not occur, the odium of which is apt to fall uj^on the execiitive committee and the educational scheme. In conclusion, your committee would suggest that a certain amount of disaffec- tion and distrust, which it is probable, from the history of the past, will always at- tend this effort to extend aid to indigent candidates for the ministry, may be a wholesome check to the tendency to extravagant or enthusiastic measures into which the Church might be tempted to run, if the cause were unqualifiedly popular. Invoking upon your deliberations upon this critical and momentous subject the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we would respectfully recommend to your venerable body the adojjtion of a resolution to this effect : That, in the judgment of this Assembly, the unabated confidence of the Church is diie to its educational scheme, as at present organized and administered ; and that it is only necessary for the congregations under our care to extend to it their good- will, their prayers, and their regular coutribt;tions, to secure a success which shall satisfy our people and bestow a blessing upon the world. 355. Pledges to candidates must he absolute. The executive committee having (1876, p. 275) urged the necessity of the adoption of some plan by which the committee might escape Sec. 355.] The Agencies of the Chubch. 205 debt, aud having renewed this recommendation (1878, p. 682), along "with a second recommendation, that all pledges be made to candidates conditional upon the ability of the committee to paj' them without in- ciu'ring a debt, the following was adopted by the Assembly : 1878, p. G44. The attention of the Assembly is further and specially- called to one great practical difficulty in the operations of the Execu- tive Committee of Education, and its wisdom is invoked to determine upon a satisfactory solution. The difficulty hes in the want of some satisfactory plan for closing up its financial operations each year, with- out leaving on hand a debt of greater or less magnitude, that will eat into the conti'ibutions of the succeeding year Only two practical me- thods of sohdng the difficulty have occuiTed to jow: committee. One of these is to make all pledges to candidates conditional, thus leaving them in a state of uncertainty as to the arnoimts they will receive, till the close of the year. Such a course, it is believed, would embarrass our candidates, and, perhaps, tempt them to inciu* debts which, at the last moment, they might find themselves unable to discharge, and so prove imfaithful to theu* financial obligations. The other alternative is to make all these pledges to candidates at the beginning of the year absolute and imconditional, but of such amounts as to leave no reasonable doubt of the committee's abihty to pay them. This coiu'se would doubtless be somewhat embaiTassing to the young men in the beginning of the year, but they would have the advantage of knowing at once the extent of their resoiu'ces, and coiold regulate theu" outlay accordingly. This plan seems upon the whole the prefer- able one, and is recommended by yoiu* committee. If, in addition to this, the executive committee can manage to accu- mulate a small cash-working balance, from which they can draw to meet exigencies arising fi*om imforeseen increase of candidates, or faUing off in contributions, the system would be complete, and the ex- ecutive committee would be free from those painful embarrassments that sometimes arise. AvaiHng ourselves of the results of the study bestowed upon this subject by the executive committee, the following resolutions have been agreed upon, and are resj)ectfully recommended to the Assembly for adoption : Resolved, 1, That it is a fundamental pi'inciple that the executive committee should never incur a debt. 2. That inasmuch as the churches and people of God are the sole re- soui'ces whence funds for Education can be drawn, the executive com- mittee is not under obligation to pay more, or pledge moi'e, than is fur- nished by the chux'ches. 3. That each ecclesiastical year should close up its own financial matters, and that it is inexpedient to levy contributions on a succeeding year to meet the deficiencies of a previous year. 4. That it appears best, on the whole, that the appropriations made by the Assembly's committee to each student, whether more or less ample, be po.sitive; and therefore the Assembly recommends to the committee so to regulate its pledges and expenditures for the ensuing year as to secure by the end thereof a cash-working balance, such as will enable it, along with the annual collections, to make positive pledges .0 the candidates in the future. 206 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 356. Collecting hack appro2yriatio7is from candidates u^ho have aban- doned preparation for the ministry. 1879, p. 37. Resolved, That the Presbyteries exercise due diligence in assistance to collect back funds appropriated on their recommenda- tion to candidates ^ho have abandoned preparation for the ministry, except it be on account of unavoidable j^rovidences. 357. Preshyterial reports. 1879, p. 37. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended that all the Presbyteries furnish the secretary, in time to incorporate them within his annual report, full statements of all amounts contributed to aid candidates preparing for the ministry, so that the reports of the General Assembl}^ may show precisely what is being done by the Church for this cause. 358. Applicants before Presbyteries shoiddhave testimonials from their sessions. 1880, p. 211. With the recommendation of the executive committee, that all candidates coming before Presbyteries shall bear the certifi- cates of their sessions, testif\'ing to their qualifications, physical, men- tal, and spiritual, your committee heartily agree. Approved by the Assembly. 359. Address to the churcltes on ministerial education. 1880, p. 211. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of the modera- tor of this Assembly, the Eev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D., and Eev. William Brown, D. D., be appointed to prepare an address to all our churches, setting forth the claims of the cause of Education for the Ministry in their prayers and their pecuniary benefactions, and that the said address, when prepared, be published and put into circulation by the Executive Committee of Publication. Resolved, That ministers having charge of churches be requested to read the said address from their pulpits. 360. The secretary to visit Synods and Presbyteries. 1882, p. 557. Resolved. That while the salary and duty of the secre- tary and treasurer shall still be determined by the executive committee, yet this Assembly expresses its desire for the secretary to visit as many Synods as possible, and to see that the cause of Education is repre- sented in all of them ; and furthermore, that he pursue the same course as far as practicable in respect to the Presbyteries. 361. Alarming need of more ministers. 1882, p. 540. In view of the alarming fact, that while within the his- tory of our Church never have there been so many fields of labor ear- nestly, but vainly, seeking ministers, there appears to be a marked di- minution of the increase, if there be not a positive decrease, of the num- ber of our candidates for the ministry ; be it Rtsolved, 1, That this sad and alarming truth be hereby solemnly brought to the serious attention of our churches, that they may be led to call more earnestly and continually upon God (who, as Lord of the Secs. 362-364.] The Agencies of the Chukch. 207 harvest, can alone with authority and power lend efficient aid in this our hoiu' of need), that he raise up and qualify among us many laborers whom he will own and bless. 2. That the Chui'ch be urged to contribute liberally of her means for the education of om' candidates for the mmistry. 3. That the attention of Christian parents be directed to the especial propriety of bringing at this juncture their pious sons before the throne of Divine grace, and there tendering them unto the Lord for his pecu- liar service. 4. That our ministers be recommended to present earnestly and faith- fully this general subject before their several charges, thus laying be- fore both the younger men and middle-aged in our Chiu'ch the urgent necessity for an increase of laborers among us. 362. Duties of Preshyterial chairmen. 1883, p. 44. That the chaii'men of Presbyterial committees be di- rected by the Presbyteries to keejD themselves fully informed as to the circumstances and needs of the candidates ixnder their care, and to make their apphcations to the executive committee for pecimiary aid as early as practicable in the fiscal year, also to notify the secretary, in case any candidate should fail for any cause to enter upon his course of studies at the opening of the session in the seminary, and to ascertain, through printed forms to be furnished by the secretary, or otherwise, what churches have not contributed, and remmd them of their duty in this respect. 1875, p. 29. Resolved, That the chairman of the Presb}i^erial Com- mittees of Education be instructed to obtain from the professors of theological seminaries, colleges, and schools where our candidates may be pursuuig their studies, rej)orts of the diHgence, progress, and stand- ing of each beneficiary, so that, in case of any deficiency, the proper correctives may be applied without delay ; and also that these reports be forwarded to the Executive Committee of Education. 363. An apportionment. 1883, p. 43. In view of the necessity for enlarged contributions to the cause of Education, the Assembly recommended that an effort be made to secure not less than $21,000 for the current year : and in order to give more detiniteness and system to this effort, without proposing to make any assessment, or lay any bui'den, or jjlace any limitation upon any of the Presbyteries, it requested that each Presbytery raise, as a minimum, an amount not less than that named in a schedule reported by the chairman and found cm jiage of Minutes 43. (Of this, a little more than two-thirds was realized, 1884, p. 275.) In 1885 it was resolved to apportion $20,000 among the Presbrteries, and in 1887 $25,000, to be raised if possible ; the apportionment to be made by the executive committee. 364. The Education year. 1884, p. 240. Resolved, That the executive committee be allowed to close the year with the first of May, so that the Education year may more nearly correspond with the scholastic year. 208 Digest of the Acts of the Genekal Assembly. [Book IV. 365. Applications for aid — v)hen to he sent in. 1884, p. 2-40, Resolved, That this Assembly urge the Presbyteries to enact a standing rule requiring their Committees of Education to send to the secretary all applications for help as early as possible, and not later than January 1st, except in extraordinary cases. 366. Color of candidates to he reported. 1885, p. 407. It is recommended that in the statistical reports here- after it be shown how many of the candidates are white and how many are colored. 367. Churches to he informed. 1886, p. 29. Resolved, That Presbj-teries urge the chairmen of Presb}i,erial committees to inform pastors and sessions during the month of October of the pressing needs of this cause. 368. Form of application. 1885, p. 407. It is recommended that the form of Presbyterial ap- plication for aid, proposed by the executive committee, be approved as a judicious safeguard against imposition. The following is the form : 1. The Presbyteiy of hereby makes application to the Execu- tive Committee of Education for aid in behalf of . 2. We have made careful inquiry as to his other soiu'ces of help, and find he will need the above sum to meet necessary expenses. 3. Should he receive aid from other sources, rendering the full ap- propriation mmecessary, the committee will be notified, and the appro- priation maj^ be reduced. 4. The Presbytery is in full co-operation with the committee, and sends all the regular collections of its churches to its treasmy ; or 5. The Presb3i;ery is in partial co-operation with the committee, and sends per cent, of its collections to its treasur}^ 6. The Presbytery will make diligent eflbrts to secure collections for Education from all its churches. , Chairman Com. of Ed. of Preshytery . In this connection we note the following : 1886, p. 28. Resolved, That Presbyteries urge the chairmen of Presbyterial committees to inquire more particularly into the financial resources of such candidates as apply for aid, and urge them to di-aw on all private resources to complete, or at least supplement, the fluids necessary for their education. 369. Day of prayer for youtJi. 1861, p. 23. Resolved, That this General Assembly designates the first Wednesday in December to be observed annually as a day of spe- cial prayer for the youth of our coimtry; that the almighty grace of our God may sanctify them in their homes, their schools, their colleges, and their seminaries, to the great work of preaching the gospel to everj^ creature ; and that the churches take up a collection on that day for this purpose. Secs. 370, 371.] The Agencies of the Chttech. 209 370. Change in the day of prayer. 1862, p. 15. Hesolved, That this General Assembly, instead of the first Wednesday in December, as designated by the last Assembly, aj^- point the last day of February next, to be observed as a day of special prayer for the youth assembled in our various schools, colleges and seminaries, and for all the baptized children of the Church — that God would be pleased to pour out his Spirit upon them and sanctify them to the blessed "work of making his way kno"wn upon the earth, his saving health amongst all nations. This recommendation was renewed from year to year in words sub- stantially the same. We note the following : 1865, p. 368. The Sabbath preceding the day of prayer was ap- pointed as a day of sj^ecial instruction from the pulpit on the subject of increase in the ministiy. 1867, p. 151. Resolrcd, 1, That the General Assembly recommend the observance of the third and fourth Sabbaths of February as days of prayer for the youth gathered in the seminaries and colleges and schools of our land. 2. That all oiu' ministers be requested to preach on the Sabbaths above mentioned upon the subject of Christian education, and to call upon all the members of om- churches, by prayer and supplication, and by a dihgent use of all the means of grace, to dedicate their sons to God for the work of the ministiy. 1883, p. 43. In response to the overtures from Presbyteries propos- ing a change in the day of prayer for schools and colleges, the General Assembly deems it inexpedient to make any change, and ui'ges upon aU our people the devout observance of the last Thm'sday in Febru- ary, the day that for more than tifty years has been obsei'ved in the Church, and that has been so often and so signall}^ blessed in the out- poiu'ing of the Holy Spirit upon oui" institutions of learning. The General Assembly recommends that, in addition to this day, the first Sabbath in Novemljer, the day upon which the annual collection for Education is taken up in most of our churches, be observed as a day of special prayer for an increase in the number of candidates for the ministry ; that on this da}^ oiu* ministers are exhorted, either to preach a sermon on this subject, or in some way to direct the attention of theii- people most earnestly to the need for additional laborers, and to the call of God upon yovmg men in every walk of life to consider theii" per- sonal relations and responsibihties in this regai'd, and that our people be reminded of their obhgations to contribute freely and liberally to the Education cause. In 1878, p. 626, the Assembly declined to gi-ant an overture from Presb;\-teiy of Augusta asking that the day of prayer be changed to the last Thursday of January. 371. Prayer for youth in the army. 1862, p. 15. Resolved, That it be recommended to the churches under the care of this Assembly to offer special prayer on the last Sab- bath of every month for all our baptized young men now in the anny — that God would preserve them from aU evil, and make them faithfiil to the Captain of their salvation. 14 210 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book rv. 372. Week of prayer. 1873. p. 337. Resolved, That the Assembly recommend the obser- vance of a week of j^rayer for our institutions of learning, and for the youth of our Church and oui- country, beginning with the last Thurs- day of February. 373. Special prayer for increase in the number of candidates. 1884, p. 241. Overture from Athens Presbytery on this subject. Reply: We recognize the fact that the first available Sabbath of No- vember is formally set apart for the furtherance of the cause of Educa- tion in all its aspects, and trust that pastors will so use it at their best discretion. 374. Secular Education. 1867, p. 150. The following paper, offered by the Eev. Dr. J. A. Lyon, was referred to the Presbyteries, with direction to report on the subject to the next General Assembly : Whereas the Presbyterian Chm'ch has at all times been distinguished for the high degree of mental culture of its ministers and people, an honorable precedence which it will be commendable for us to try still to maintain; therefore, Resolved, 1, That in the judgment of this Assembly it comes clearly within the province of the organized Church of God to look after the mental, as well as the moral, culture of the people of God, with the view to their highest attainment in active vital piety. 2. That in view of this fact, this Assembly deems it of the utmost importance that the Church elevates its standard of learning, and widens its domain in prosecuting the educational interests of the peo- ple over whom it exerts a controlling inliuence. 3. That this Assembly' request the Presbj-teries throughout the bounds of the Church to take this subject into consideration at their next regular meetings, and report their action to the next General As- sembly. 1868, p. 266. The Committee on Bills and Overtures, to which were referred the answers of Presbyteries to the overture on Educatioji sent down by the last Assembly, rejjort that replies have been received from twenty- two Presbyteries. The object understood to be aimed at in the overture of the Assembly is embodied in a memorial from the Presby- tery of Tombeckbee, contained in their rejily, as follows : " Resolved, That this Presbytery hereby memorialize the General Assembly to take the initiative at once in establishing a great central institution of learning, under their supervision and control, in which the whole Church shall be united, and in which the youth of the Church shall be trained and qualified to become intelligent office-bearers in the Church of God, whilst at the same time they may pursue the dif- ferent professi(ms and callmgs in hfe." The memorializing Presbytery, and one other, have recommended the establishment oi. such an institution. Of the other Presbjderies seven deny the right of the Church to engage in the work of secular education, thirteen declare that it is inexpedient to imdertake such an enterprise, and one simply affirms the resolutions sent down by the As- sembly. Sec. 37;").] The Agencies of the Church. 211 In view of the above facts, and in view of the fact that twenty-six Presbyteries have not responded to this overture, the committee recom- mend the adoption of the following resolutions : 1. That the whole matter be indefinitely postponed. 2. That our people be urged to establish and encourage schools and colleges under Presbyterial influence, and be earnestly advised not to send their children to schools where they are likely to be enstranged fi"om their own Church. 375. A Southern Presbyterian University. 1870, p. 502. Rev. J. A. Lyon, D. D., read a memorial fi-om the SjTiod of ]Mississippi in relation to estabhshing a Southern Presbyte- rian University, and addressed the Assembly in its favor. This memorial, together with papers adopted by some of the Pres- byteries relating to the same subject, was referred to a special commit- tee, consisting of one commissioner from each 8vnt)d, to-wit : B. M. Palmer, D. D., E. M. Green, S. W. Davies, C. K.*^ CaldweU, John H. Eice, D. D., J. Henry Smith, J. W. MHler, D. D., T. A. Hamilton, Thos. H. Shelby, R. A. Fair, and J. L. Campbell. 1870, p. 519. The committee to whom was referred the memorial of the Synod of Mississippi, upim the establishment of a Church Uni- versity, and the overtiu'es of certain Presbyteries on the same subject, respectfully report : In relation to the memorial, they submit the following resolutions : licmhied, That this General Assembl}' be requested to recommend a convention, to consist of one representative from each Presbytery, to meet at 8 p. m. on the Monday before the opening of the next Assem- bly, at Huntsville, Alabama, for the purpose of discussing the whole educational policy of the Presbyterian Church, together with this scheme of a Southern institution common to the whole body, and to report to the next Assembly. Jiesolrcil, That the committee asked for in the above memorial be appointed for the simple purpose of calling the attention of the several Presbyteries to the above-mentioned convention; this committee to consist of tlie Rev. Drs. J. A. Lyon and C. A. Stillman, and T. A. Ham- ilton, Es<:(. To the overtures from the Presbyteries of West Hanover, of Roan- oke, and of Memphis, objecting to the establishment of a Church University, and suggesting doubts both as to the c(mstitutionahty and expediency of the same, and to the overture from the Presbyters- of AVestern District, calling for such an institution, this Assembly gives answer : That a scheme so vast can have no prospect of success without the hearty co-operatic^n of the entire Church ; and that, before its in- auguration, the judgment of all the Presbyteries should be obtained through a distinct response to some proposition hereafter to be sent down to them for that purpose ; and that, meanwhile, the Assembly does nt)t commit the Church either for or against the enterprise. Adopted. 1871, p. 9. Rev. Dr. J. X. Waddel, president of the convention on Education, presented and read the report adopted by that body. This report was received and referred to a committee, consisting of one from each S^-nod, of which Rev. D. Wills, D. D., was e-hai rman. 212 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. P. 16. The report of this committee, as amended and adopted, is as. follows : The committee to which was referred the report of the convention appointed by the General Assembly of 1870, and whose biisiness it was to consider the whole subject of the educational policy of the Presby- terian Church, having had this report under consideration, and having maturely discussed the whole matter, after full expression of the views of the members of the committee, beg leave to offer the following re- port for the action of the Assembly : We reconomend that the Assembly adopt, as the dehverance of its own \dews, the report of the convention, and that it be issued in the form of a circular letter to our churches, mutatis mutandis, as follows : To all tlie Churches under the care ofthe\Qeneral Assemhly of the Presbyterian OJiurch ■in the United States— Or eeting : Beloved Beethren : The General Assembly, in session at Huntsville, Alabama, having had full conference and comparison of views, and having carefullj^ deliber- ated and weighed the various and important questions connected with the educa- tional policy of our beloved Church, has reached with entire harmony certain well established principles, among which we enumerate the following : 1. The promotion of the great work of Education in all its departments is now, as in all our past history it has been, not only the true policy, but the indispensable duty, and an absolute necessity of our beloved Zion. 2. This necessity, in the opinion of this Assembly, exists not only in reference to the preparation of our young men for the ministry, but with equal certainty as it bears ujion the training of the entire body of our youth for their future career in every sphere of human effort, and that its obligation extends to both sexes alike. 3. While there may exist an honest difference of opinion in regard to the precise form of control whicli should be maintained over this great interest, there is a happy unanimity in the ssntiment that it is one too dear, too vital to us as a Church, to be remitted to the State, to other communions, or to any irresponsible body of edu- cators ; that, in a word, the education of our children can be safely surrendered to no other than a Presbyterian influence. •±. The experience of many, and the observance of all who have read the signs of the times intelligently, have revealed the fact that wherever Presbyterian parents have failed to recognize the influence of these principles in the education of their children, the results have almost invariably proven disastrous to the interests of our branch of Christ's Church. 5. Furthermore, it is the judgment of this Assembly, that never at any previous period of our history has there existed a more pressing demand for high intellectual culture under Christian influence than does exist at the present time. G. Therefore, in view of these weighty principles and facts, this Assembly, desir- ous of meeting this demand, would give direction, in some practical method, to the minds of our Presbyterian peo^ile in regard to this permanent interest. With reference to the establishment of one great institution of the higher learn- ing, to be conducted by Presbyterians, and in the interest of Presbyterianism, the judgment of this Assembly is that the peoj^le of our comnnuiion at large are not prei^ared to enter at once upon the important enteri^rise of putting such an institu- tion into immediate operation. It is believed that the existing want of harmony of views, and the apparent absence of zeal in this cause, would only tend to mortify- ing failure in any such attempt at present; while the fact of the desolated and pov- erty-smitten state of our jjeople appeals to us to forbear urgmg iijion their atten- tion this additional claim upon their resources. The Assembly, upon a general view of this whole subject, would lay before the churches the following recommendations : 1. The AssemV)ly earnestly recommends to all our people that strong efforts be made to siistain those Presbyterian colleges already in operation, to aid them by such pecuniary contributions as they may feel able to bestow, so that they may all be placed upon a permanent and self-sustaining basis. 2. The Assembly would recommend that to this end the multiplication of such institutions be not encouraged, but, on the contrary, that those Synods adjacent to such colleges be urged to concentrate upon them their interest, their means, their patronage, and their prayers, and in this way most effectually aid them in supply- Secs. 376, 377.] The Agencies of the Chtjech. 213 in^ the want now manifestly existing of a species of education not fully attainable ■with our present means. 3. The AssemV)ly deems it timely to speak a word of encouragment to those of our brethren engaged in the education of young ladies, and to exhort oiir people to send their daughters to institutions where their moral and religious training will be in accordance with the faith of their fathere. 4. Inasmuch as this Assembly has reason to believe there may be in some parts of our Zion benevolent individuals of large means and large hearts, who desire and prefer to invest a portion of their wealth in the particular form of a great uni- ver.sity, such oiferings of benevolence should be encouraged, and the Assembly feels called upon to provide some authoritative and responsible place of reception for these funds to be held in sacred trust for this purpose, giiarded by every se- curity i:)0ssible, and prudently invested. 5. The Assembly, therefore, in the exercise of its best judgment, deems it wisest for the present to designate its Board of Trustees as such authorized body for the reception and management of all such funds, and recommends to all the benevo- lent among our people that they entrust their offerings for this object to that body, to be held l)y them in trust until such time as a suitable university may be organ- ized under the sanction of some future Assembly ; to which future Assembly the qiiestion of the nature of control over said university is to be left. 6. Finally, the Assembly earnestly commends oui- educational interests to the prayers and benefactions of our people, praying that the great Head of the Church may put it into their hearts to "devise " wisely "liberal things." 376. Maryville College. 1870, p. 510. Yoiu" committee have received a statement from Hon. Jesse G. Wallace in relation to MaryNdlle College, an institution founded for the training of students for the ministry, formerly under the con- trol of the United Synod, which we herewith submit, and recommend that it be referred to the Trustees of the General Assembly, with in- structions to investigate the claim therein mentioned, and to take such steps as to them may seem expedient and proper to assert and secure the rights of this General Assembly in the premises. Adopted. 187*2, p. 210. It appears that the college was founded in 1819 by the S^oiod of Tennessee, and at first was called the Southern and Wes- tern Theological Seminary, afterwards IMaryville College. It seems to have been incorporated, having a constitution which was adopted by the said Synod, one of the provisions of which was, that the trustees and professors should be members in ftill communion in the Presbyte- rian Church. The board of trustees consists of thirty-six members, two-thirds ministers and one-third laymen. The said Synod has the sole power of appointing the trustees. It seems that the legal right to the property is in the Synod of Tennessee, or the trustees appointed by the said Synod ; that our Church never has had, and is not hkely to have, any right to the property. 377. Sayre Veniale Institute. 1870, p. 523. A memorial from David A. Sap-e, Esq., of Kentucky, was presented and referred to a committee, consisting of Messrs. J. E. Spillman, H. H. Hopkins, D. D., T. H. Shelby, T. A. Hamilton, and R. A. Fair. P. 52(5. This committee made a report, which was adopted, and, omitting the i)reamble, is as follows : Mesolved, That the prayer of the memorialist be granted ; and that this Assembly does hereb}' give its sanction and approval of the said deed of April 20th, 1870 ; and orders that, for convenience of refer- 214 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. ence to the facts upon which this action is based, said memorial, with the acts of the Legislature and the deeds and certificates accompany- ing the same, be pubhshed in the Appendix to the jMinutes of the As- sembly. Resolved, That this action is not to be understood as in any way committing the Assembly to all or any of the statements of said me- morial touching the divisions of the Church, or the healing of those divisions past or prospective^ but simply as the expression of a desire on the part of the Assembly not to trammel or restrain the memorialist in the control of an institution founded solely, and sustained in part at least, by his own funds. This fiction is not so expressed as to convey an idea of what was coutemi^lated. The facts were these : Mr. D. A. Sayre, in Jiily, 1860, conveyed to triistees certain property in Lexington, Ky., for the i3uri30ses of a female institute. This institute was chartered by the Legislature iu 1856, and its charter was amended in 1861 and 1870. The deed was designed to seciire the use and benefit of the institute to the Presbyterian Church, described in the deed as ' ' successors of the Rochester Assem- bly, " i. e. , the Old School Church. In the opinion of Mr. Sayre the purjioses of said deed were in danger of being defeated by the ecclesiastical changes that had taken place in the Presbyterian Church since its execution. Both Northern and Southern Assemblies might claim to be such successors. To prevent this result, and place the institutiim which he had founded in such a position that it would be free from danger of litigation, he executed, in April, 187t), a second deed. By this he made the Board of Trustees self -perpetuating, stipulating, however, that two-thirds of the number of trustees must be members of some Presbyterian church in Fayette county, Ky., and that the principal of the institute should be a member of some Presbyterian church in the United States. Mr. Sayre thought that this action would eventually secure the benetits of the institute to the Presbyterian Chiu-ch, and while it removed the school from ecclesiastical control, would unite both sides of the Church in its sup- port. The object of the memorial, which was sent to both Northern and Southern Assemblies, was to request the Assemblies to relinquish any rights of property which, by any construction of his first deed, might be vested in them. As seen above, the Southern Assembly at once granted the request. The Northern Assem- bly declined or neglected to take similar action. After Mr. Sayre's death the me- morial to the Northern Church was renewed by his nephew, but it was not granted. The time within which it would have been jiossible to contest the deed of Mr. D. A. Sayre has passed, and the last deed must now stand. Both memorials were ac- companied by a promise to endow the institution in the additional sum of $20,000, if the memorial should be granted by both Assemblies. — A. 378. 7Vifi J^loHda Land Company. 1886, p. 56. Your committee had information laid before it, show- ing that a land company, which owns a large tract of land in Walton count}', Florida, was proceeding to subdivide and lay out and improve its lands in such manner as to attract settlers, and that a considerable settlement of Scotch Presbyterians were already permanently located in the immediate vicinity of said lands ; and that said company has of- fered to donate and convey forty acres of its lands to the Trustees of the General Assembly upon condition that the General Assembly should pi'ovide, witliin three years from the date of the grant, that as much as six thovisand dollars should be expended in erecting upon the tract granted buildings adapted for educational or church purposes. There- fore, Remlved (1,) That the Board of Trustees be directed to accept the foi't}' acres of land offered by the Florida Land Comi)any, near l3e Fvi- niak (Springs, Walton coimty, Florida, upon the conditions specified in Secs. 379, 380.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 215 the offer of said company; and that Eev. "\Vm. Adams, D. D., Wm. C. Sibley, and S. M. Inman be a^jpointed a committee to raise the funds, and other\Yise aiTauge for the improvement of the property, in accord- ance with the conditions of the grant. Hesolred (2,) That this General Assembly instruct its Board of Tiiis- tees to accept the ofier made by the land company of AValton county, Florida, of the forty acres of land tendered, under the conditions spe- cified. 1887, p. 242. Presbytery of New Orleans asked the Assembly to recede from the proposition to accept these lands. Reply : For the purj^ose of obtaining fuller information on this matter, the ovei"ture is referred to the next Assembly for answer. 379. lieceipts and dlshursements to he 2^'>'wted, 1881, p. 375. The auditing committee recommend that hereafter the reports of the receipts and disbursements of the funds of this ex- ecutive committee (Education) be printed for tlie use of the Assembly. Adopted. CHAPTER IV. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES. 380. Columbia Seminary transferred to General Assembly. 1863, p. 125. Wm. L. Mitchell, in behalf of a committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Theological Seminary of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, presented the following paper, as formally tendering said Seminary to the Assembly, together with other papers germane thereto, which were referred to the Standing Committee on Theological Seminaries : Columbia, S. C, May 9, 1863. To the General Assembly of the Presbyterian (Jhnrch in the Confede- rate States of America : The undersigned were apiDomted a committee by the Board of Di- rectors of the Theological Semiuaiy of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, to carry into effect the unanimous desire of the three Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, in relation to the transfer of said Seminary to yoiu* venerable body, and to offer to you the same, with aU its interests, and the exercise of the like control over the insti- tution and its affairs which is now exercised by the Synods. In the discharge of this duty, the imdersigned herewith present, as parts of this communication, a certified copy of the action of the board of tlirectors, under the hand of the president and secretary of the board ; a printed copy of the constitution of the Seminary : a copy of the Act of Incorporation, passed by the Legislature of South CaroUna in 1832, and renewed and amended in 1854, as found in the statutes of South CaroHna, and a general statement of the property, assets, and en- 216 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. dowments of tlie Seminaiy, from which can be imderstood what is the •extent and present condition of the trust now oifered the Assembly. By reference to the proceedings of the board of directors, it will be noticed that, by the terms of the thiixl. resolution, when the General As- sembly accepts the trust now tendered, then and thereupon the Assem- bly becomes ^pso facto substituted in all respects in the place of the three S^Tiods, and is invested with all the authority and control over the Seminary. Having thus discharged the duty assigned, the undersigned have the honor to subscribe themselves, with sentiments of profound respect for yoiu" venerable body. Your most obedient, humble servants, Wm. L. Mitchell, J. Leighton Wilson, D. D. Sanderson, Committee of the Board of TJirectors of the Seminary. P. 142. The Standing Committee on Theological Seminaries would respectfully report to the General Assembly, that certain papers in ref- erence to the Theological Seminary of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia have been placed in their hands, and certain facts commimi- cated to them, of such importance as to demand the earnest attention of the Assembly. These papers ai'e as follows: (Here follows a de- scription of the papers.) P. 143. Yoiu' committee, after careful consideration of this impor- tant subject, feel prepared to recommend that the General Assembly at once accept the trust thus offered by the board, of the Seminary and all its interests, and that the Assembly assume and exercise henceforth the same control over the institution and its affairs which has been hitherto exercised by the Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, and Ala- bama, upon the conditions specified in the form of transfer, viz. : " That there shall be no change in the locality of the Seminaiy, and that the funds thereof shall be kept distinct and entirely separate from all others ; " and for the following reasons : 1. The reasons existing for objection to surrendering to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Clim-ch in the United States the control of this Seminary are not in existence as regards the Assembly of the Confederate States, as we are now a homogeneous people, and there is no danger of the evils which would have threatened the Seminary under our connection with that body. 2. The transfer of the Seminary to the General Assembly will have a tendency to extend its influence for good over a wider field, and to concentrate upon it the affections of a larger number of our people. 3. The Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, have unani- mously expressed the desire that the transfer be made at the earliest day practicable. 4. Legal gentlemen of eminent ability, to whom the question of rights of property involved in the proposed transfer was submitted, have decided that there is no legal difficulty to hinder said transfer. It is, therefore, the earnest recommendation of the committee, that the General Assembly do immediately accept the tender of this Semi- nary, thus made by the Synods, and undertake the management and control of its affairs, according to the constitution herewith presented. Should it be the pleasure of the Assembly to accept the trust thus Secs. 381, 382.] The Agencies of the Chitrch. 217 oifered, then yonr t-ommittee further recommend the adoption of the following constitution for the government of the Seminary. (Here the constitution was read.) This rejwrt was adopted, as was also the constitution that was read. (P. 142.) P. 148. The Committee on Theological Seminaries, in obedience to instructions from the General Assemloly, have had before them for their consideration, certain matters connected with the transfer of the Theo- logical Seminary f)f the S}Tiod/jf South Carolina and Georgia to the General Assembly, the proper an-angement of which is necessary to the completion of the transfer, and beg leave to offer to the Assembly the following recommendations as the result of their dehberations : 1. The committee recommend that the Assembly proceed to appoint, as the board of directors of the Seminaiy, the following persons : Andrew Crawford, treasurer. 3Iinixtfrs: Eev. John Douglas, Pev. J. R. WHson, D. D., Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Rev. Samuel H. Hay, Rev. E. P. Palmer, Rev. Rulus K. Porter, Rev. W. Banks. Rul- in., D. D., LL. D., Perkins Professor of Natural Science in connection with Revelation. 1886. 1867. William S. Plumee, D. D. , LL. D. , Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology. 1875. 1870. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D. , Professor of Pastoral and Evangelistic The- ology and Sacred Rhetoric. ■ 1874. 1875. William S. Plumee, D. D., LL. D., Professor of Pastoral, Casuistic and Historic Theology. 1880. 1876. J. L. Gieaedeau, D. D., LL. D., Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology. 1882. Chaeles R. Hemphill, D. D., Associate Professor of Biblical Litera- ture. 1883. 1882. Wm. E. Boggs, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. . 1885. 1883. Chaeles R. Hemphill, D. D., Professor of Biblical Literature. 1885. 1885. J. D. Tadlock, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. 1887. G. C. Heesman, D. D., Professor of Biblical Literature. TUTOES IN HeBEEW. 1851. Bazile Lanneait, A. M. 1855. 1856. James Cohen, A. M. 1862. 1874. Chaeles R. Hemphill, A. M. 1878. 1885. E. L. Patton, D. D. 1886. 398. The Assembly assumes revieio and control over Union Tlieological Seminary. 1861, p. 37. The Synods of Virginia and North CaroHna request that the General Assembly in the Presbyterian Chnrch of the Confed- erate States will assume the same I'eview and control over the Union Theological Seminary in Virginia which the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chm-ch in the United States heretofore exercised accord- ing to the plan of the Seminary, and that the Seminary shall be called the Union Theological Seminary, under the care of the General Assem- Secs. 399, 400.] The Agencies or the Chuech. 235 bly of the Presb-yterian Church in the Confederate States of America, and the board of dii-ectors shall report annually to the Assembly. This request "was granted. 1866, p. 10. A paper containing the action of the Synod of North Carolina in regard to a transfer of Union Theological Seminaiy to the care of the General Assembly was read and referred to the Standing Committee on Theological Seminaries. On the recommendation of that committee, it was resolved: That the memorial from the Sjnod of North Carolina, requiring the sanction of the SjTiod of Virginia, which sanction has not been reported, be filed amongst the papers of the stated clerk. 399. Opening and closing day at Hampden Sidney. 1864, p. 285. The following resolution was adopted by the directors of Union Theological Seminaiy, May 13, 1862 : Hesolved, That the S^-nods be requested to change the close of the ses- sion from the second IMonday in May to the last Thursday in Apiil, so as to aUow time for the report of the directors to reach the General Assembly of the same year ; and the succeeding session commence on the last Thursday of August ensuing. The Assembly is requested to assent to the above, that, when acted on by the S^Tiods, it shall be in force. Its assent was given. (A sub- sequent change was made in 1880, see below.) 400. Financial condition of Union Seminary. 1865, p. 412. (Abridged.) Until July the funds of the institution continued to }deld their usual income. After July such income ceased. So much of the fimds as was invested in bank stocks is totally lost. This amoimt is from $16,000 to $20,000. The remaining fimds, amounting to $90,000 or $100,000, consist of State or other securities, which may ultimately be available as soui'ces of income. For the pre- sent, and we know not how much longer, the institution has not one cent of income from any soiux-e. Diu'ing last summer benevolent per- sons in Baltimore made contributions of mone}' and goods. On invita- tion, a member of the faculty visited Baltimore and New York, and raised about $6,000 among Presbyterians friendly to the South. The S}Tiods of Vii'ginia and North Carohna have adopted plans for raising moneys, both for immediate and permanent wants, and have directed that a member of the faculty resume his financial agencv in the North. 1866, p. 63. The board reported that $7,944 had been secured by this agency, besides $1,540 from other sources, and that the invested fvmds had not yet become productive. 1866, p. 21. Your committee learn that, since the report of the di- rectors of Union Theological Seminary was prepared, in obedience to the order of the board of directors, under the advice of the S^Tiod of North Carohna, the Rev. Dr. B. M. Smith has prosecuted an agency for adding to the permanent funds of the Seminary, which has resulted in seciu'ing about $50,000 ; of which $30,000 was given by Mr. Cy- rus H. McCormick, of Chicago, as an endowment for a professorship; and $10,000 by a Christian lady of Baltimore, for the erection of a libraiy building. 236 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. In view of these facts, and the donation of $13,000 to Cokimbia, the following was adopted : 1866, p. 21. liesolved, That the thanks of this Assembly are due, and are hereby tendered, to Mr. Cyrus H. McCormick, of Chicago, for his munificent contribution of $30,000 to the funds of Union Theologi- cal Seminary, and to the other liberal friends who have come to the help of these Seminaries at this time of trial. 1868, p. 300. The library is in a good condition, comprising about 5,500 volumes, of which 570 have been added during the past year. Finances. — The whole amount of fimds deemed available b}' the treasiu'er for payment of salaries and expenses is estimated at $136,- 960.88. There are five completed scholarships, ($2,500 each,) one of which (the "Baxter Douglas") was constituted since the 1st of May, 1867, by the late Miss N. Eead, of Lexington, Virginia. There are other incomplete scholarships, of which $7,334.12 has been contri- buted. The condition of the buildings and grounds has, within the past year, been much improved by a judicious, tasteful and economical ex- penditure. 1869, p. 425. The invested funds are of the nominal value of $145,875, not all of which are available, however, for income at this present. The Cazenove scholarship has been founded, and the Oli- phant scholarship has been paid in. P. 384. The Committee on Theological Seminaries would further report on the " Constitution and Plan " of the Union Seminary, which has been placed in our hands, and which is referred to in the report of the directors, as follows : " The directors and trustees have found it necessary to revise the constitution and plan of the institution, to bring it into harmony with the provisions of the act of incorporation granted by the Legislature of Virginia. This amended constitution and plan is herewith submitted for the appi'oval of the General Assembly, and the Assembly is resj)ect- fully requested to approve the same at its meeting in 1869." The committee have had no means of ascertaining what alter- ations have been made in the constitution by this contemplated change ; and finding nothing in it of which they disapprove, would recommend the approval of the " Constitution and Plan " by this As- sembly. Adoi^ted. 1870, p. 571. From report of directors : The library contains about 8,000 volumes. $12,000 has been secured for erecting a library build- ing ; $4,000 has been added to the library fund, the interest only of which will be expended in the increase and preservation of the library. The Seminary will also receive, under the will of Rev. Uiias Powers, $3,000 per annum for three j^ears, to be expended in the piu'chase of books. The Seminar^'^ has ten scholarships, amounting to $2()^850 ; be- sides, the faculty has control of seven temporary scholarships. In 1874 the library contained 9,693 volumes ; in 1879 it contained 10,800. Ill 1875, T. M. Niven, Esq., of New York, and Joseph B. AVil- son, Escj., of Rockbridge, Va., founded each a s(4iolarship. (See p. 29.) In 1877 a system of written examinations combined with oral was ad- opted, and four new scIk )laisliii)s were founded. 1880, p. 247. The trustees deemed it expedient to change the time Sec. 401.] The Agencies of the Chdrch. 237 of beginning the terms to the first Wednesday in SejDtember, to termi- nate (jn the tirst Wednesday of May following. 1881, p. 414. Pro^•ision has been made for instruction in elocution, and addresses will be dehvered by the students at the anniversaries hereafter, at which time diplomas will be awarded in lieu of certificates. The amount invested in scholarships is S49,()()0. 1888, p. 82. The trustees, with profound gratitude to the Great Head of the Church for the signal favors shown this Seminary, would make brief mention of the following items worthy of special notice : (1,) The sound financial status of the institution. Reference is made to the ofiicial appendix of the treasurer for specific information. The buildmgs and grounds are in a good condition. The library has been added to, so that the present number of volumes is nearly twelve thousand. (2,) The increase in the number of matriculates and new students. (3,) Increased and liberal provision for such additional in- struction in the departments of theological education, and in earnest effort for more ample endowment, initiatory steps having been taken at this meeting to establish an additional professorship. Amount of in- vested funds, April the 1st, was $251,740. This amount is chargeable with (1,) mterest on the Hbrary fund of $8,000 and to (2,) scholai'ships, which was at 1st Ajml, $71,200, but will, no doubt, soon be $72,000; leaving an amount of about $171,740, from which income will be re- ceived to i3ay salaries and incidental expenses. The treasurer esti- mates the income from the whole invested funds for 1883-84, at $15,446. The legal title of the corporation is "The Trustees of Union Theological Seminary, in Virginia." (The words "in Virginia" dis- tinguish it fr(jm the Theological Seminaiy of the same name in New York city.) Trustees are by law only eUgible from the directors ap- pointed by the two S^Tiods. 401. Changes in the faculty at Union Seminary. 1884, p. 278. At a meeting of the trustees, called for the purpose, in Richmond, Va., in July, 1883, the resignation of Dr. Dabney was, with great reluctance, accepted, and the Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Peck, the then professor of Church History, was unanimously elected professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theolog}'^, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. Dabney. At the jDresent meeting (May, 1884) the trustees, by unanimous vote, elected the Rev. James F. Latimer, Ph. D., of Memphis, Tenn., pro- fessor of Ecclesiastical Histoiy and Pohty. At the same meeting, the trustees elected the Rev. W. W. Moore, of North Carolina, adjunct- professor of Oriental Literature, in which department Mr. Moore filled the position of assistant instructor during the past year with the most gratifying success. 1885, p. 452. Professor Moore has entered upon his work with great dihgence and enthusiasm, and has adopted the most approved modem methods of teaching Hebrew, and has inspii'ed his pupils with a re- markable degree of zeal in this department. Follo^ving what was be- lieved to be the demands of the occasion, the trustees have provided to continue the study of the Hebrew language through the whole coui'se, with the view of giving the students such a thorough acquaintance with the language that after gi-aduation they will be able to continue its use with pleasure. 238 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. The Rev. J. F. Latimer, Ph. D., D. D., entered upon his duties at the opening of the present scholastic year as professor of Ecclesiastical History and PoHty, and at the close of the year was inducted formally by the trustees into his professorship. 402. Condition of the Seminary in 1886. 1886, p. 85. The Hon. F. N. Watkins, secretary and treasurer of the corporation ha^dng died, Col. J. P. Fitzgerald, of Farmville, Va., has been elected treasurer, and Rev. Charles White, D. D., Worsham, Va., secretary of the corporation. The investments are : General fund, $171,996.33; scholarship fund, $83,200; and hbrary fund, $8,000, yielding an income of $480. The total income for the ^'•ear has been $16,691.65. There are 12,596 volumes in the Hbrary. 403. Historical statement. This Seminary was opened Janiiary 1, 1824, with one professor, J. H. Rice, D. D. , and three students. No building had been completed. In 183U-'31 an addi- tional professor had been seciired; the number of students was about fifty, and buildings had been erected, affording accommodations for two professors, a stew- ard, and sixty students, and also containing a chapel, a library, and lectiire rooms. Since that time three buildings for professors' residences and a spacious library have been erected. The appended lists give the names of the professors and assistant professors in the Seminary from the date of its origin to the present time. Assistant Peofessoks. HiKAM P. Goodrich, November, 1828, to April, 1830. Elisha Ballentine, February, 1831, to " 1834. Benjamin M. Smith, April, 1834, to " 1836. Elisha Ballentine (iterw?i), " 1836, to " 1838. Fbancis S. Sampson, November, 1838, to June, 1848. William B. Bkownts, August, 1848, to " 1849. Dabney C. Haeeison, September, 1854, to April, 1856. Thomas Whaeey, " 1859, to " 1860. RuTHEEFOED R. Houston, " 1860, to " 1861. Walter W. MooEE, " 1883, to May, 1884. Professors. I. Systematic and Polemic Theology : John H. Rice, D. D., From Jan., 1824, to Sept. 3, 1831. George A. Baxter, D. D., From Nov., 1831, to Ap. 24, 1841. Samuel B. Wilson, D. D., From " 1841, to Sept., 1869. Robert L. Dabney, D. D., (As adjunct) From Sept., 1860, to Sept., 1869. (As principal), From " 1869, toJime, 1883. T. E. Peck, D. D., From " 1883, to . II. Ecclesiastical History and Polity : Stephen Tayloe, D. D., From November, 1835, to 1838. Samuel L. Graham, D. D., From SeiDtember, 1838, to 1839. Samuel L. Graham, D. D. , (iferwrn), From " 1849, to 1851. Robert L. Dabney, D. D., From " 1853, to 1859. Thomas 'E. Peck, D. D., From Sept., 1860, to Sept., 1883. James F. Latimee, Ph. D., D. D., From May, 1884, to . III. Oriental Literature : HieamP. Goodrich, D. D., From 1830 to 1839. Samuel L. Graham, D. D., From Nov., 1839, to 1849. Francis S. Sampson From Sept., 1849, to Ap. 9, 1854. Benjamin M. Smith, D. D From " 1854, to . W. W. Moore, Adjunct Prof From " 1884, to May, 1886. W. W. Moore, D. D., Associate Prof., From May, 1886, to . Sec. 404.] The Agencies of the Chtech. 239 IV. Biblical Introduction and New Testament Literature : WiLM.iM J. HoGE, D. D., From Sept., 1856, to April, 1859. Henry C. ALEXANDER, D. D., From " 1869, to ■. V. Pastoral Theology and Biblical Introduction : Samuel B. WiLSOtf, D. D., From Sept., 1860, to Aug. 1, 1869. Since that time Pastoral Theology has been attached again to the chair of Syste- matic Theolog}'. 404. TusJcaloosa Institute. 1875, p. 28. Overtm-e from Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D., and other.s, asking the Assembly, at its present meeting, to take action looking to the estabhshment of an institute for the education of colored preachers, in pursuance of the poHcy recommended by the last Assembly ; or in case the way be not clear to do that at this meeting, to ajDj^oint a com- mittee to take the subject into consideration, and, if they deem it expe- dient and practicable, to digest a plan for the organization, manage- ment, and sui)port of such a school, and report to the next Assembly. The Assembly accedes to the latter alternative of this request, and appointed a committee for the purj^ose specified in the overtiu'e, to re- port to the next Assembly. Committee : C. A. Stillman, D. D., J. O. Stedman, D. D., and Ruling Elder B. M. Estes. 187G, p. 208. This committee made a report, which was referred to the Standing Committee on Education. Thereupon the following was adopted : P. 231. The Standing Committee on Education, having had refeired to them the report of the special committee appointed by the last As- sembly on the subject of estabhshing an institute for the education of colored ministers, and ha\ing given to the matter as mature delibera- tion as was possible, and having sought the wisest coimsel they could obtain, are imanimous in submitting the following report and recom- mendations for adoption by the Assembly: 1. That the paper referred to them be approved, as expressing the sense of this Assembly on the subject to which it relates, and as pre- senting the most feasible plan of accompUshing the object that is Bought. 2. That the Assembly, in discharge of the grave responsibihty which rests upon our Chm-ch in regard to the evangelization of the colored race, do now resolve to establish such an institute as is projwsed in the paper above referred to, for the education of a colored ministrv'. 3. That this institute be begun and conducted in the least expensive waj', compatible with the success of the object to be accomplished, and that the funds which may be raised for this piu'jjose, at least for the present, shall in no case be spent in the purchase or erection of build- ings, but onl}^ in defraying the necessaiy exj)enses of the institute, in the rent of suitable rooms, and in pajdng the salary of the teachers who may be employed. 4. That the instruction given in the institute shall, in the beginning at least, and until the way is opened for something more advanced, be limited to the ordinary branches of an EngUsh education, together with such instruction in Church Histoiy and Government, Theology, and the fules of interpreting and expoimding the Scriptm'es, as may be necessary to qualify the candidates fur preaching the gosj)el, and admin- istering the affairs of the Chui'ch to the edification of their own people. 240 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 5. That Rev. C. A. Stillmau, D. D., whose qualifications for the Avork are well kuowii, and who, if called by the Church, it is believed will not refuse the task, be now appointed to take charge of the institute, to be the instructor in Theology and its kindred branches therein ; and that he be authorized to employ a suitable assistant, who shall be the teacher of the English department, under his superintendence and con- trol ; and that in case the appointment be accepted by him, the insti- tute shall be located at Tuskaloosa, Alabama. G. That the raising of the funds for this cause be referred to the Ex- ecutive Committee of Education, and that they be authorized and in- structed to appeal to our churches and aU benevolent persons for con- tributions to this object. 7. That all delegates to the General Synod of the Reformed Chiu'ch be requested to lay the matter before that body, and if possible to secvu'e the sympathy and support of that Church towards this cause. It was resolved that the whole matter of raising fimds for the pur- pose contemplated in the above rejDort shall be confided to the agency of the Rev. Dr. Stillman, under the direction of the Committee of Edu- cation. 1877, p. 438. Resolved, 1, That an executive committee, to consist of a secretar}^ and four members, one of whom shall be by said com- mittee elected treasurer, be now appointed, clothed with powers, and subject to restrictions in every respect similar to the other executive committees of the Assembly, to be called the Executive Committee for the Education of a Colored Ministry. 2. That this committee shall be charged \\dth the duty of devising and executing, in accordance with existing restrictions on other ex- ecutive committees, aU that shall be useful to establish on a per- manent basis a suitable institution for the education of a colored ministry, and to do such other work as the General Assembly shall from time to time direct, for the evangelization of this element of our population. 3. That this committee be located at Tuskaloosa, Alabama, and the names of the following persons are proposed to constitute said com- mittee, viz. : Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D., secretaiy ; W. P. Webb, Jon- athan Bliss, J. T. Searcy and R. D. Webb. 4. That this executive committee prepare, and report to the next General Assembly for its action, a complete constitution and by-laws for itself, and for the institvition over which it is to be placed. 5. That the Presbyteries be again earnestly urged to consider this whole subject, in view of this action of the Assembly, and to co-operate with the executive committee in carrying out the work assigned it. 6. That for the present the support of candidates for the ministry at this institute be provided for through the Presbyteries having such candidates under care, as such bodies shall devise, and that Presby- teries having no colored candidates of their own, or having a surplus of funds for this puipose, shall send their contributions or surplus to the treasurer of the committee, to be invested or disbursed by it under the rules to be adopted for its action. 7. That in addition to the annual reports of this committee to the General Assembly, it be required to send to all the Presbyteries having candidates or contributing fimds a semi-annual repori, on the first of March and first of September of each year, setting forih the deport- Secs. 405-407.] The Agencies of the Church. 241 meiit and progi'ess of their candidates, and the disbursement of the funds. 8. That the whole Church be most earnestly and affectionately lu'ged to look with favor on this work, and to hberally aid it with their prayers, theu" influence, and theu" means. And inasmuch as this work is in its infancy, it is not inappropriate to add that contributions are greatly needed for its general supj^oii, as well as for the support of the students. 9. That the first Sabbath of December, or as soon thereafter as prac- ticable, be appointed for the annual collections for this object, to be taken up in whatever way shall seem best to each particular church. 405. Agency for the Institute. 1878, p. 630. The Presbytery of East Hanover recommends that the General Assembly shall be requested to consider the expediency of sending out one or more accredited agents upon a special mission to Great Britaiu in its behalf. We believe that this overture is based upon some personal knowledge of the feeUng among the Christian people of that country on this sub- ject. The same recommendation comes up to us from the executive committee of the Institute. We therefore recommend that the executive committee, as soon as the way may be clear, take the necessary steps to inaugiu'ate such a mission, and that the agent whom they select be accredited by the mod- erator and stated clerk of the Assembly. 1879, p. 82. In accordance with the recommendation of the last As- sembly, and upon the recommendation of a number of oiu- most judi- cious minister?;, the committee appointed Rev. B. T. Lacy, D. D., ovxr financial agent, to solicit funds for the endowment, builduigs, Hbrary and general support of the Institute, at a salary of fifteen hundi-ed dol- lars and necessary travelUng expenses, to be paid out of money raised by him mider this apjiointment. The field assigned to Dr. Lacy was the Reformed Church, the churches in Canada, and wherever the way seems oj)en in Great Britain. We learn fi-om his report to us that his agency has accomphshed a part of what was expected. He has col- lected GOO volumes for our library, most of them books of value and suited to our wants. 1880, p. 248. Dr. Lacy suspended his agency soon after the meeting of the last Assembly. 406. Salary of the corresponding secretary. 1882, p. 564. Resolved, That the executive committee be author- ized to pay the corresponding secretary such reasonable annual com- pensation as, in their judgment, the circumstances of the case may warrant. The secretary had, up to this date, given his services grattiitously. — A. 407. Tlie Institute commended. 1883, p. 35. Hesolved, 1, That in addition to other ways of sustain- ing the Tuskaloosa Institute, this Assembly would urge upon the Pres- byteries, chvu'ches and sessions under its cia-e the dut}^ of making it a special object to seek out colored men who give evidence of piety and i6 242 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. of a capacity for iutellectual and spiritual culture, aud encoui-age them to enter the ministry, and to avail themselves of the advantages afforded by this theological school. 2. That the Institute be commended to the people of God, not only as an important means of usefulness, but as the most direct method yet devised of relieving the Church of the immense responsibihty in regard to the African race which has been laid upon it. See also 1882, p. 573. 408. A column for the Institute in the statistical tables. 1882, -p. 547. Mesolved, That the Assembly order the Publication Committee, if practicable, to insert into the statistical tables of the Min- utes a column for contributions to the "Tuskaloosa Institute (colored)," and that the blank reports which are furnished to the Presbyteries be remodeled in accordance with this change. 409. Discretion given tlie faculttj as to retaining Incompetent students. 1885, p. 430. The committee having been obliged in several in- stances to recommend the withdrawal of students of good Christian character, but incapable of pursuing the course of study with any en- coiu'aging degree of success, asks the Assembly to instruct them whether any, and if any what, discretion is left to the faculty in retaining stu- dents sent to them by the Presbyteries, when in the judgment of the committee and faculty they are incompetent to take the full course of study. In reply, the Assembly would first lu'ge the Presbji^eries to ex- ercise great care in the selection of candidates, both as to character and mental capacity, and to endeavor to give them as much preparatory scholastic training as possible. But when, in the judgment of the fac- ulty, any student, after sufficient trial, proves incompetent to profit by the instructions offered, it is their right and duty, after duly notifying his Presbytery, to retm-n him to his home. 410. Change in the method of collecting and disbursing the fxinds of the Institute. 1886, p. 52. Overture from the Presbytery of Nashville, touching evangelistic work among the colored people, asking — " 1st, That a collection be ordered in all our churches, on the first Sabbath in December, for the evangelization of the colored race,, in- stead of for Tuskaloosa Institute, as at present. " 2nd, That the funds so collected shall be used, first, for supporting TuskaLiosa Institute, conducted upon its present plan, and that any surplus that may remain shall be used by the Committee of Home Mis- sions for employing evangelists to the colored people." Your committee recommend : 1. That these requests be granted, in the confident hope that in this way the funds contributed to this whole cause shall be largely increased. 2. That, if the Assembly approve the above, all fimds now in the hands of the treasurer of Tuskaloosa Institute, or that may hereafter come into his hands, contributed especially for the Institute, shall be held by him subject to the order of the executive committee of the Institute. The annual collections hereafter are to be sent to the Ex- ecutive Committee of Home Missions. Sec. 411.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 243 3. Ou the first of each month the treasurer of the Assembly's Com- mittee of Home Missious shall honor the di-aft of the treasiu-er of the Institute for such amount as shall be ordered by the secretary' of the Institute, and certified to be necessarj'^ for the current expenses of that month. 4. If, at any time, the Executive Committee of Home ^Missions shall have cause to fear a lack of funds for the cuiTent expenses of the In- stitute, they shall at once notify the executive committee of the Insti- tute, that they may be jirepared for such emergency. Adopted. 411. Progress of the Institute. 1877, p. 451. The Institute was located at Tuskaloosa, Ala. Eev. A. F. Dickson, of Chester, S. C, was appointed professor. Six students have been in attendance, two of whom were Presb^'terians, one imder care of Memphis and the other of Savannah Presbyteiy. 1878, p. G97. The executive committee appointed in May, organized in July, 1877, and adopted a constitution and by-laws for its own gov- ernment and that of the Institute. Dr. James T. Searcy was elected treasurer. The salary of Rev. A. F. Dickson was fixed at $1,500. P. G30. The Institute has no buildings. The constitution and by- laws were adopted. This required that two others be added to the executive committee. Mr. H. M. Sumerville, of Tuskaloosa, and Eev. D. D. Sandei'son, of Eutaw, were appointed. 1870, p. 81. Eev. A. F. Dickson died in January. His classes were taught the rest of the term by Eev. J. W. Kerr, M. D. 1880, p. 248. Eev. D. C. Eankin has been elected permanent pro- fessor, at a salary of 81,000 a year. A colored Presb}i;erian chiu'ch has been organized in Tuskaloosa, and a large and flourishing colored Sab- bath-school is maintained, in which the students take part. We have no contributions to a separate students' fimd, and we have used a part of the general fund in meeting the necessary expenses of students con- nected with our Chui'ch. 1881, p. 418. "We have continued the plan of last year in meeting the expenses of students of our own Chiu'ch. We pay theii' board, fuel, lights, etc., costing in all $8 per month, or §80 per year, they pro- viding their own clothing, etc., and supporting themselves during va- cation. We stni endeavor to procure this amoimt from the Presbyte- ries sending them, but ai"e obliged, in some instances, to supplement a deficiency. We have not yet provided a building for the Institute, but are tak- ing steps to do so, foUo^\'ing the instructions of the Assembly to incur no debt. We have not deemed it advisable to send an agent into the field to sohcit fimds. We have received some aid, however, from persons out- side of oiu- Chui-ch, both in the form of money and of books. 1882, p. 591. In accordance with the action of the last Genei'al As- sembly, we elected an additional professor, Eev. W. H. Eichai'dson, of the Presb>-tery of South Alabama, who entered upon his duties at the opening of the present session. We have thus had the services of two professors duiing the session. P. 592. Following the directions of the last Assembly, we have erected a neat and commodious building for the use of the Institute, 244 Digest of the Acts of the Genekal Assembly. [Book IV. which we entered on the first of January, and find admirably adapted for oiu" pvirposes. It contains two large rooms and one small one. The entire cost, including lot, enclosiu'e, furniture, and fixtures, was $1,888.35, and is all paid for, and insured. 1883, p. 81. The committee, at their recent meeting, appropriated $150 for the purpose of completing a church building in process of erection upon a lot given by Dr. J. T. Searcy to the Institute, and to be deeded to the Trustees of the General Assembly in trust for the use of the Institute as a chapel, and to be used by the colored chm-ch re- cently organized under the care of the Tuskaloosa Presbyterian chux'ch. We regard this as a necessary appendage to the Institute. We have no room suitable for public exercises. The exercises by the students, when conducted only in the presence of the school, are not sufficient to cultivate and develop their gifts. 1884, p. 276. Rev. D. C. Rankin resigned his professorship at the close of last session. Rev. D. D. Sanderson, D. D., was chosen as his successor. Rev. J. J. Anderson is the other professor. The ciu'riculum of study, adopted a year ago, has been extended to embrace four years, and has been kept up, and found to suit the capa- cities of the students. Yet we are deepl}^ impressed with the convic- tion that our terms of admission as to scholarship are too low, and that it is necessaiy to require that all students, upon their entrance, should show abihty to read correctly and intelligibly, and to write a legible hand ; also, a fair acqviaintance with the four elementary rules of arith- metic. We would respectfully, but earnestly, recommend that the Presbyte- ries use the utmost caution in the selection of candidates ; and also, that they endeavor to afford them a fair degree of academic prepara- tion before their entrance, so that the professors may be able to give more time to the Biblical and theological course. We find that the appropriation of $150 last year, to aid in the com- pletion of a church building for the colored Presbyterian church in Tuskaloosa, has been fully justified by the results. That organization has been strengthened, the congregation increased, and the Sabbath- school so developed as to justify the discontinuance of the colored Sab- bath-school, which had been taught by whites in our church for twenty- five years. » Our library has been kept in excellent condition, and has been en- larged by a generous contribution of books from the Board of PubHca- tion at PhUadelphia. 1885, p. 456. A suitable boarding-house has been established, con- ducted by a respectable colored man, a member of our church, and under the supervision of the faculty, and where a more careful super- vision is exercised than heretofore over the students. 1886, p. 86. Rev. J. J. Anderson resigned his professorship in Sep- tember, 1885. In January following Rev. J. G. Praigg, of Tuskaloosa Presbytery, was chosen to succeed him. 1887, p. 213. Hesolved, That the office of treasurer be abolished, and that all funds for this work be sent directly to the treasiurer of Home Missions at Atlanta. The f(jU(jwing request was granted, and the authority asked for was conferred: Resolved, That the General Assembly be requested to authorize Dr. James T. Searcy (with the assent of the sub-committee Secs. 412-415. J The Agencies of the Chtrch. 245 designated in our constitution and by-laws) to negotiate for the sale of the property of the Institute in or near Tuskaloosa, and when the same is sold, the Trustees of the General Assembly be instructed to convey the same to the purchaser ; the proceeds of the sale to be re-invested in constructing a new chvu'ch and buildings. This property includes a chinch lot and building, and the house and lot occupied as a semi- nary or school. 412. The Southwestern Theological Seminary. 1867, p. 140. Resolved, That the General Assembly decidedly adof)ts the views of the Presb^'teiy of North Alabama, that it is inex- pedient to take measures for estabhshing a third theological seminar}'. 413. Inspiration of the Scripttires in the Seminaries. 1867, p. 150. The Assembly would earnestly impress on the minds of all having in charge the government and instruction of oiu- Theologi- cal Seminaries, the vital importance of training our future ministers, not only to be able and f aithfvd ministers of the Word of God, but also to be fully imbued with an imphcit faith in the plenaiy and Uteral in- spired authority of the sacred Scriptures. 414. Standard of ministerial education. 1872, p. 158. The Committee of Bills and Overtures report oveiiiu'e from West Hanover Presbytery, respecting the standard of qualifica- tions for the sacred office. Your committee beHeve that the Presbyte- ries faithfully carry out the requirements of our Fonn of Government ; that the standard of qualification for licensure and ordination actually reached among us was never higher than at present ; that the measiu'es proposed in the overture would embarrass the Committee of Education, and introduce invidious distinctions among candidates for the ministry. Your committee therefore recommend that the further consideration of the overture be dismissed. Adoj)ted. The purport of this overture was, that Presbyteries should be earnestly enjoined by the Assembly to take order by which all candidates for the ministry under their care shall l)e induced to prosecute full courses of both academical and i^rofessional study preparatory to licensure; and that the Committee of Education be required to refuse reuderini^ aid to any candidate, unless the Presbytery recommending such candidate shall, with the ap2)lication for such aid, furnish evidence that the can- didate on whose account the application has been made has come under the obli- gation of a written pledj^e to pursue such a course of stu this rule, and not the reverse, as would be the case if the changes proposed were adopted, and should produce their legitimate effects. 7. The plea in favor of change is based upon the asmmption that there are many men qualitied for the ministry who are only awaiting the opening of this door for them, in order to enter and devote themselves to the work. We have not been able to discover the evidence that this is a fact. Probably there are cases of this character; but we do not believe that they are numerous enough to be treated otherwise than as exceptional or extraordinarj'. II. Iiifinor of the one change which we suggest, viz. : to add io pjarts of trial (Form of Governnieut, Chap. V., Sec. VI., Art IV.), "5. An analysis of one book of the Old Testament, and one book of the New Testament, each, according to the aw- thorized English version"— we submit, briefly, these reasons: 1. It wiU give to the systematic study of the English Scriptiires that i:)lace in the preparation for " j)reaching the Word " to which its importance entitles it. 2. It will insure that such study of the Word of God in the authorized version will always be ret<(ined ui the position to which, by solemn judgment of the Church, it will thus have been exalted. 3. It will afford wider scope for the regular judicious exercise of Presbyterial discretion in those cases in which valid reasons may exist for exemption from any of the parts of trial as now prescribed. 4. It appears to us better to add this as a fifth part of trial than to ^^ substitute " it for "the Latin exegesis," because — {a) The result intended will thereby be quite as effectually secured ; and, {h) We shall thus avoid the appearance of intimating that the thorough studj' of the Latin language is no longer regarded by our Church as of any special value. In conclusion, if the General Assemjjly should deem it wise to look further into the matter which, if we conectly apprehend the state of the case, has most moved the memorialist and those who agree with him, viz. : the urgent demand for an in- creeised suppli/ of ministers (f the gospel, we would venture, most respectfully, to suggest that the records of the Church show : 1. That similar necessities have been felt and iirged in the past. 2. That, upon the same plea, efforts have been made to secure some relaxation of the general reqiiirements as to the preparation for the ministry. 3. That such proposals have been imiformly declined. 4. That other measures looking to the same end were adopted ; and that, with the blessing of God, they were successful. For examples, we refer to the "Assembly's Digest" (Baird), pp. 80 to 82, and 397 to 399. All of which is respectfully submitted. James H. Naix, Heney M. SanTH, • William E. Boggs, W. A. Claek, W. G. Vaedell. Two members of the committee, Kev. Dr. Lane and lluliug Eder W. W. Lump- kin, not concurring in this report, have prepared a "minority report, " which is herewith transmitted. J. H. Nall. Minority Report. Without discussing in detail the paper referred to the committee, (though favor- ing, in the main, the changes suggested therein), and without reviewing in detail I? 258 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. the majority report, the minority respectfullj' recommeud to the General Assembly to send down the following or a similar overture to the Presbyteries, viz. : 1. Does the exception ' ' extraordinary cases, " found in our Book of Church Or- der, in Chap. VI., Sec. VI., relating to licensure, also belong to Sec. V., relating to ordinaUoii? 2. If not, shall the constitution be altered by inserting ' ' except in extraordinary cases" in Sec. V., or by adding a isaragraph defining in what cases Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and the higher secular education generally, may be dispensed with as pre- requisites for ordination, as well as licensure ? Many who favor the practical Avorking oi^t of the main principles of the paper referred to the committee are of the opinion that to do this requires no alteration in the Book; that it can be done under the j^rovision for "extraordinary cases." A careful examiuatiou of the section in the Book on Ordination leads the minor- ity to the conclusion that in all cases, iiuthoiit ani/ exception whatever, the Book re- quires Greek, Hebrew and Philosophy, as well as Divinitj', as conditions precedent, not to licensure, but to ordination. The design of our venerable fathers in the sec- tion on Ordination apjjears to be to present a minimum of requirements for ordina- tion, whether the licensure had been an ordinary or an extraordinary case. Hence in the ordination section they left out three important things found in the licensure section, viz.: (1.) The exception of extraordinary cases. (2,) The entire Latin lan- guage. (3,) The entire course of mathematics. Besides, it is doubtful how many or how few departments of secular knowledge they intended to include under the variously used word "Philosophy." They seem to have expected all licentiates, whether in ordinary or extraordinary cases, to master ' ' Greek, Hebrew and Philos- ophy " between licensure and ordination, if they had not previously mastered these studies If these views are correct, no man can be ordained in our Church, lack- ing a knowledge of "Greek, Hebrew and Philosoph}', " without a violation of the constitution. The views of only a small fraction of the Church upon the vital subject referred to your committee have thus far been ascertained. The number of those who have expressed themselves in favor of practical changes is sufficiently large to call for a fuller and more general consideration of the subject At present the Church is not ready, either to lay aside the subject as settled, or to make the changes desired by many. That the whole matter may be considered by the entire Church, and wise action taken thereon, the minority, assured that the majority, '.equally with themselves, de- sire to advance the interests of the Piedeemer's kingdom, feel constrained to recom- mend to the venerable Assembly the sending down of the overtvn-e as above indi- cated to the Presbyteries. Respectfully submitted, C W. Lame, W. W. Lumpkin. 1880, p. 192. The Committee on Theological Seminaries have been charged by the General Assembly with the duty of considering the fol- lowing overtiu'e from the Presbytery of Tuskaloosa : Asking the Assembly to consider the propriety and practicability of so arranging the coiu'se of study of our candidates for the ministry, that our theological students may be required to spend six months of each year, or a period approximating that, in active service in the va- cant churches or in destitute neighborhoods. We are aware that the subject has ah-eady been before the Assembly, but in view of the fact, first, that it has never been very fully discussed ; and second, that there is an extensive desire in the Chui'ch for some such variation from our present method of training owe ministers, we ask for a renewed consid- eration of it. The complaint is frequently urged that our young men, on being licensed to preach, are, fi'om their long confinement and strictly scholastic pursuits, and their comparative privation of contact with the people, often, if not generally, deficient in that practical knowledge and tact which are necessary to give them free access to the people, and facility in the active work of the ministry. It is beheved that, if they could spend half, or nearly half, of the last two years of their preparatory course in supplying vacant churches and other desti- Sec. 415.] The Agencies of the Church. 259 tute fields with such instructions and other rehgious exercises as they could conduct, they would acquire much practical knowledge of the work before them, and that their studies at the Seminaiy would be rendered more profitable to them. Another benefit, not whoUy incidental to such a plan, would be the supplying with gospel privileges of large numbers of people whom we are at present imable to furnish with, a regularly hcensed miuistiy. It is believed, also, that this work could be so guided and controlled as to avoid the evils which pertain to an unordained ministry. The experiment has often been made on a small scale, and we beheve with acce})tance and profit, and without giving rise to complaint or alleged abuse. But the Presbytery do not assume to argue the question. AVe sim- ply state a view cjuite prevalent, and we thinlc growing in our Chui'ch, and we trust the subject will not be summarily dismissed. Anstcer: With respect to the subjects presented in the foregoing overture, it is recommended that the General Assembl}^ dechne to ex- press any opinion. The first, namely, the terms of study in our Theo- logical Seminaries, it would seem most judicious to leave to the expe- rience and sound discretion of the directors of those institutions. The second, namely, the employment of students of theology during their vacations "m supplpng vacant churches," properly belongs to the Pi'esbyteries. 1883, p. 44. An overiui'e from the Presbytery of Tuskaloosa, pray- ing the Assembly " to consider again the propriety of so arranging the theological training of our candidates for the ministiy that one-half the time shall be spent in active labor, esjDecially in vacant churches and destitute regions, under Presbyterial direction." Answer : Jiesolved, That the faculties of the Union and Columbia Theological Seminaries be constituted a committee, of which the Eev. B. M. Smith, D. D., shall be chairman, to consider the expediency and practicability of the proposed arrangement, and if they deem the same expedient and j)racticable, that they suggest in detail the methods by which it can be carried into effect, and report to the next Assembly. 1884, p. 232. The Committee on Theological Seminaries would fur- ther respectfully report to the General Assembly, concerning the re- ports referred to them from the committee consisting of the professors in Union and Columbia Theological Seminaries, concerning the pro- priety of a change in the coui'se of studies in training candidates for the ministry : That two rejjorts were presented, one signed hj the professors of the Columbia Seminar}^ in wliich the ground is taken that nothing can be done without a change in the organic law. Another — a minority report — signed by Pev. B. M. Smith, D. D., re- commending, (1,) More care be taken by the Presb>i:eries in the ex- amination of candidates seeking the gospel ministry ; and (2,) That Presbyteries should provide work for theii" candidates under certain restrictions. In riew of this conflict of opinion among these learned professors, and also in view of the dangers arising from frequent change in the estabhshed customs of the Chiu'ch, your committee would suggest that it is advisable for the Assembly not to recommend any change at this time. Adopted. 260 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 1884, p. 242. Eev. D. C. Irwin overtm-es the Assembly, asking that the whole subject of the training and qualifications of the candidates for the ministry be referred to a committee of five experienced pastors and elders, to examine and report to the next General Assembly on the following points : 1. What literary qualifications do the Word of God, and the reason of the work, authorize the Church to exact of her candidates as a con- dition of hcensiu'e and ordination '? 2. "What, if any, change in the law of our Church ought to be made to give greater flexibility to our system, without essentially lowering the standard of quaUfication for preaching the gospel ? 3. Is it desirable to requu-e a definite period of probationary work and trial, under the supervision of Presbytery, after licensure and pre- vious to ordination, to test the qualifications of the probationer for, and his adaptation to, the work ? Ansuier : Your committee recommend that this request be not granted. Adopted by a vote of 60 to 41. 1884, p. 244. The Presbytery of Chesapeake overtures the General Assembly to take the necessary constitutional steps for adding the fol- lowing amendment at the close of Chap. VI., Form of Government: "Provided, however, that Presbyteries shall have liberty, at their dis- cretion, to set apart to the work of the gospel ministry godly and expe- rienced men, well versed in the English Bible and in the standards of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, apt to teach, and evi- dently called to the ministry of the Lord through his Spirit and provi- dence." Thirty-nine ministers and ruling elders of the Presbyterian Chui'ch, from twelve States, overture the General Assembly to "recommend" to the Presbyteries for their " advice and consent," the following amend- ments to the Form of Government, viz. : 1. Strike out from Chap. VI., Sec. VI., all beginning with " And it is recommended," etc.. Art. III. down to Art. VII., and insert the following as Art. IV., viz. : "The Presbytery shall try each candidate for licensure as to his knowledge of the usual branches of a good English education and the English Bible, his soundness in doctrine, and his fitness to teach, exhort, and preach the Word as a probationer for the gosj)el ministry." 2. Amend Art. VIII., Chap. VI., Sec. VI., beginning at "At," etc., so as to read as follows : " At , the day of -, the Presbytery hav- ing received testimonials in favor of , of his good moral character, and being in the commimion of the Church ; and being satisfied of his fitness as a, 2yrohationer for the gospel ministry, and he having adopted," etc., so on to the end of this paragraph. This paragraph to be num- bered Art. v.. Chap. VI., Sec. VI. 3. Add a new Article after present Art. VIII., to be numbered as Art. VI„ to read as follows : " The Presbytery having hcensed the candi- date as a probationer for the gospel ministiy, shall, with a view to his ordination, assign to him such studies in theology, sacraments. Church history and government, and the English Bible and exegesis, as it may deem best, and recommend as advisable, when it judges it to be loise, a regular course of learning. And concurrently and consistently with these studies, it shall appoint for the probationer such work in the way Sec. 415.] The Agencies of the Church. 261 of exhortation and preacliing as wiR tend to prove and develop his gift for preaching the Word to edification." 4. Strike out from Chap. YI., Sec. VI., Ai-ts. IX., and XI., and amend Art. X. as Art. VII., to read as follows: " When any probationer shall, by the permission of his Presbvter^-, remove," etc., and so on to the end. 5. Number Art. XII. as Art. VIII. Amend Chap. VI., Sec. V., Art. III., to read as foUows : " Trials for or- dination shall consist of a careful examination of the candidate's ac- quaintance with experimental religion, and his knowledge of theology, ecclesiastical history, the doctrines of the sacraments, and the princi- ples and rules of the government and discijjliue of the Church, and the English Bible. And to further prove his soundness of doctrine, apt- ness to teach, and ability to preach the Word, the Presb}-tei7 shall re- quire of liim, (1,) A cx'itical exercise, in which the candidate shall give a specimen of his taste and judgment in sacred criticism, presenting an explanation of the text, stating its connection, illvistratiug its force and beauty, removing its difficulties, and solving any important questions it may present. (2,) A lecture or exposition of several verses of Scrip- tm'e. (3,) A sermon."' Amend Art. IV., Chap. VI., Sec. V., to read as follows : "The Presby- tery being fiiUy satisfied of the candidate's qualifications for the sacred office, shall apjioint a day for his ordination, which ought, if practi- cable, to be in that church of which he is to be the pastor. The day appointed for the ordination having come,"' etc., and so on to the end of Art. IV. Ansver: The General Assembly deems it imnecessaiy and inexpe- dient that any change be made in those provisions of oiu' constitution which refer to the hcensure or ordination for the gospel ministry. 1885, p. 414. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported over- tiu'es from the Presbyteries of Paris, Chesapeake, and Palmyra respec- tively, and from sundry individuals, ministers, and ruhng elders, ask- ing the appointment of an ad interim committee to consider whether any change should be made in the standards of ministerifd quahfica- tions and methods of training. The committee recommended the adop- tion of the following answer, viz.': Inasmuch as the General Assembly of 1882, in compliance with a re- cjuest similar to the one contained in these overtures, did appoint an ad interim committee to consider and report upon this whole subject ; inasmuch as the General Assembly of 1883, after an able and full re- port of this committee, did decide, after due deliberation, that (see Minutes, 1883, p. 21) " It is deemed unnecessary by this General As- sembly to make any change in our standard of ministerial education or qualifications ;'" and inasmuch as the General Assembly of 1884 chd, in answer to overtm-es from sundry Presbrteries and individuals, answer again in its wisdom that (^liuutes of Assembly, 1884, p. 240) " The General Assembh* deems it unnecessary and inexpedient that any change be made in those pro^^sions of our constitution which refer to the licensure or ordination of candidates for the gospel ministry ;'" and inasmuch as the judgment of this coiu't (coincides with that of the two grave and venerable bodies preceding it, the General Assembly de- chnes to appoint such committee, or to take any other step which looks to the opening up of this subject for future discussion. Adopted. (P. 419.) 262 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 416. The English Bible in the Seminary. 1881, p. 370. The Presb}i;eiy of Bethel respectfully overtures the General Assembly : " 1st, That in view of the increasing dangers that environ the cause of truth, the Assembly urge upon the Presbyteries the necessity of a closer examination of all apjilicants for licensure as to their familiar and thorough acquaintance with the Bible itself. " 2nd, That the Assembly recommend and urge upon the attention of the boards of directors of our Theological Seminaries the pressing demand for a more copious, thorough and direct study of the book they are to preach, on the part of our theological students, not merely in pi'ivate, but under the direction and lead of the professor. " 3rd, That with a view to effect this result, as well as to put the op- portimity of a thorough training for the ministr}' (subject to such re- strictions and limitations as the Assembly shall deem necessary) within the reach of that numerous class of active, able and highly competent young men who have never enjoyed the advantages of a classical edu- cation ; and in view, fm-thermore, of the speedy re-organization of the Columbia Seminary, Bethel Presbyters- would urgently pray the Gen- eral Assembly to lend its sanction and approval to the plan of substi- tuting, in that institution, for the exegetical study of the Scriptures in the original Hebrew and Greek, that of the English Bible, old and new versions, confronted with and corrected upon the original in all cases of real or supposed error, or other serious difference of opinion. " Bethel Presbytery would not be understood as desmugor sanctioning any j^roposal to supersede or neglect the study of the original languages of Scripture on the part of such as are qualitied for it; but only to make the direct study of the Bible, as a whole (which can be effected only in that form which is most familiar, to-wit : its English dress), the basis, practically, as well as theoretically, of ovir system of theological instruction, at least so far as regards the Seminary about to be re- organized. " We would not be understood as desiring the appointment of a spe- cial professorship with reference to the piirpose proposed ; but rather that this feature be engrafted upon our system of theological education, and superadded to the ordinary studies of the Seminary coui'se, with the exception indicated." After a careful consideration of this overtm'e, the committee would recommend to the General Assembly the following action, viz. : 1st, That the Assembly call the attention of the directors of our two Theological Seminaries to section 2nd of said overture, expx'essing their hearty approval of any practical measure which will secure a more careful study of the English Bible b}' our Seminary students, as a part of their theological training. 2nd, That the matter presented in section 3rd of said overture involves a change in our constitution (see Form of Government, Chaj). VI., Sec. VI., Art. VI.), and such change must be made, not by authority of the General Assembly, but by the action of the Presbytei'ies. 1882, p. 564. An overtiu-e from the Presbytery of Fayette ville, rela- tive to the " establishment in our Seminaries of a course of exegetical study of the Scri})tui-es in the English language." P. 565. In reply to the overture from the Presbyter}^ of Fayetterille, it is recommended that the Presbyter}-^ be referred to the action of the Sec. 417.] The Agencies of the Chuech. 263 General Assembly of 1881, (see Minutes, pp. 370, 371,) as meeting the case presented; that the attention of the dii'ectors of the Theological Seminaries be again earnestly and respect fullj' called to this matter, and that they be requested to report to the next General Assembly any results which may be reached. Adopted. 1883, p. 85. The dii'ectors of Columbia Seminaiy repoi't that this direction has been carried out, and that the study of the Enghsh Bible constitutes an important feature in the depai'tments of Didactic The- ology, Church Histoiy and Sacred Ehetoiic. P. 34. The trustees of Union Theological Seminaiy ask the atten- tion of the Assembly to the following resolution of the coi'poration, adopted May 2nd, 1883 : Resolved, That the trustees of Union Theological Seminary in Vir- ginia, fully concurring with the General Assembly as to the importance of such study of the Bible as suggested by that body, yet, in ^iew of the onerous duties now resting on the professors of the Seminary, and the insufficiency of our existing income for the support of a separate chair, do not see the way open at the present time for the introduction of any measures for the end proposed beyond the considerable instruc- tion in the English Bible which is ah^eady distinctively imparted in this institution. At the present meeting of the corporation, however, plans have been inaugurated for an increase of income from further endow- ment, which, if successful, may accomplish the wishes indicated by the Assembly, and in which the trustees sympathize. P. 82. In response to a resolution of the Synod of Yu-ginia (Minutes of 1882, p. 1G8), and impressed with the importance of initiating, at the present meeting of the trustees, measiu'es for the endowment of a fifth professorship in this Seminary, to be known as the chair of English Biblical Study and Pastoral Theology, a committee (Rev. Drs. C. White, Eumple, Pdchardson, Dabney, and Peck) will addi'ess the Christian public, asking contributions (to an amount not less than $50,000) to endow this chair. 1881, p. 278. Rev. S. Taylor Martin has been placed in the field as agent, with a view of raising the above sura. 1885, p. 452. Previous to the first of April, 1885, this agent secured subscriptions to the amount of ^7,712.40, of which the sum of S5,100.05 has been paid into the hands of the treasurer. 417. Extraordinary recruit for the ministry. 1809, p. 390. Overture from Rev. Dr. Dabney, that the Assembly direct all its moral and spirituid powers in an appeal to the Christian consciences of your educated members among hterary and jirofessional men, for an extrat)rdiiiarv recruit to our ministry, who, by receiving li- censiu'e as soon as they can comply with the constitutional retjuire- ments as to scholarship, may be ready to meet our exigencies earlier than the pious youth now in academies and colleges. Ans)oer : This Assembly would earnestly appeal to the Christian con- sciences of the educated members of the Church among literaiy and professional men, as well as among t)ur young men who are now con- sidering the particular profession or hfe-work for their futiu-e pursuit, to seek, in solemn and earnest humble prayer to God, the answer to the question, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" and that they watch 264 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. the providences of God as they open before them ; and that, by eveiy available means, they strive to ascertain God's holy will in reference to this great matter, without allowing themselves either presumptuously to seek this holy office from the mere possession of extei'nal gifts, how- ever great, or suffering themselves to be deterred from it by obstacles and difficulties, however apparently formidable. 418. Health in the Seminaries. 1883, p. 44. The attention of directors and professors in our Semi- naries is called to the great importance of cultivating the physical health of the students in these institutions, and of providing such means of convenient and pleasant bodily exercise as shall promote that robustness and vigor of constitution so needful to the highest measures of success in after life. 419. Students should attend our own Seminaries. 1881, p. 364. Resoloed, That whilst the Assembly does not discoui'- age that laudable aspiration which seeks the best culture, not only within our own pale, but in other parts of Protestant Christendom, no candi- date for the ministry should resort to such exterior sources of learning imtil he shall have been grounded in that of his own denomination ; and therefore the Presbyteries are hereby exhorted to exert all their le- gitimate power to cause their students to go through the curriculum of our own. Seminaries before studying in learned institutions without our bounds. 420. What control the Assembly has over our Theological Seminaries. 1886, p. 15. On motion of ruhng elder W. W. Henry, "The Com- mittee on Theological Seminaries is directed to report to this Assembly what control, if any, the Assembly has over the boards and faculties of oui' Theological Seminaries. ' P. 43. This committee reported as follows : Pirst, In reply to the injunction laid upon us to find and state the re- lation existing between this General Assembly and the Theological Seminaries organized withm the pale of our Church, we report : 1. That this Assembly sustains very important relations to all such institutions; yet these relations differ somewhat according to the con- stitution and practice of each institution as ratified by the Assembly. 2. That by the very genius of Presbyterianism the Assembly is botmd to maintain a supervisory jurisdiction over these and all other like cor- porations, and also over all schemes for religious work, so far as they affect the practice or doctrine of the Assembly's constituencies, and es- pecially the office-bearers of the Church. 3. That this jurisdiction must in every case enable the Assembly, through the proper channels of authority, to keep all such institutions free from everything in(!onsistent with the spirit of om* system, and, of course, free from all teaching inconsistent with the Word of God as ex- pounded in om* standards. Adoj)ted. 1887, p. 233. Overtures from Presbyteries of Harmony and South Carolina, respecting the jurisdiction of the General Assembly over all the affairs, institutions, and proceedings of the lower courts. Sec. 421.] The Agencies of the Church. 265 The Committee on Bills and Overtures recommended the follomng reply : Touchino- the subject-matter referred to in these overtures, this As- sembly declines to formidate any detailed explanation of the acts of the last Assembly, as any such statement, however exjoressed, could only be regarded as a new dehverance on the same subjects, which this Assembly does not feel called upon to make. S. L. Morris and J. W. Greene, members of the committee, ottered the following- minority report as a substitute therefor: That as our constitution hmits expressly the juiisdiction of each and all our Chm'ch courts (Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. II., Art. IV.), the General Assembly cannot lawfully exercise supervisory jurisdiction over the afiairs, institutions, or proceedings of the lower coui'ts, nor over their office-bearers, except as these matters shall come before the highest court in some one of the foiu* constitutional modes prescribed in our Rules of Disciphne, viz. : review, reference, appeal, or complaint (see Rules of Discipline, Chap. XIII., Sec. I.). Therefore the action of the last Assembly is declared unconstitutional, which claimed and exercised supervisory jurisdiction to the extent that it assumed to directly charge an office-bearer under the control of the four Synods with holding \dews repugnant to the Word of God and our Confession of Faith, and there- upon earnestly recommended that he be dismissed from office. The substitute was indefinitely postponed, and the report was adopted. 421. Evolution in the Tfieological Seminaries. 1884, p. 280. From the report of the dii'ectors of Columbia Semi- nary : In May, 1883, the board requested Professor James Woodrow to pubhsh in the October (1883) number of the Southern Presbyterian Revieir, or as soon thereafter as possible, his teachings on evolution, in regard to the world, the lower animals, and man. In May, 1884, he sent a communication, stating that it had betai impossible for him to prepare the article for the October (1883) number of the lieview, but that he would deliver an address to the Alumni Association on that sub- ject on May 7th, 1884. The statement was accepted as satisfactory, and he was again requested to pubhsh his teacliings on that subject in the Southern Preshytei'iun Review. P. 231. Resolved, That this Assembly commends the action of the board of directors of Columbia Theological Seminary in requesting the Perkins ju-ofessor of Science in connection with Revelation to lay be- fore the Church, for its information, his views as held and taught in that institution touching evolution as it respects the earth, the lower animals, and man. 1880, pp. 41, 44. Resolved, That whereas the General Assembly is convinced that Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., one of the professors in Columbia Theological Seminary, holds views repugnant to the Word of God and to our Confessit)n of Faith, as appears both by his address, published in the Southern Preshyterian Rericw for Jul}^ 1884, and in other publications, and by his statements made upon the lioor of this Assembly, therefore this Assembly does hereby, in accordance AN-ith its action yesterday in regard to the oversight of Theological Seminiu'ies, earnestly recommend to the Synods of South Carohna, Georgia, Ala- 266 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book IV. bama, and of South Georgia and Florida, -which direct and control the said Seminary, to dismiss the said Eev. James Woodrow, D. D., as professor in the said Seminary, and to appoint another in his place, and speedily to take such other steps as in their judgment wiU be best adaj^ted to restore this Seminary to the confidence of the Church. Adopted^ — Ayes, 65 ; nays, 27. Several who voted nay put an expla- nation of their votes on record. 422. Tribute to Dr. Plumer. 1881, p. 363. "Whereas it pleased the Great Head of the Church to remove, in October, 1880, from the scene of his earthly labors, that he might be with him where he is and behold his glory, Eev. W. S. Plumer, D. D., LL. D., professor of Pastoral and Casuistic Theology in Columbia Seminary, by appointment of this body — Resolved, That this Assembly does now record its testimony to the personal worth, eminent piety, imremitting industry and zeal, and offi- cial fidelity of this distinguished servant of Christ. Oui- deceased brother was a rare gift of the ascended Redeemer to his militant Church, and we render to him thanks for that grace which qualified our brother for his varied and abundant labors, for his long and use- ful hfe, and for the testimony of his hps, life and death to the truth, preciousness, and power of that gospel which was his comfort, joy, and trust, living and dying. 423. Tribute to Dr. JToice. 1883, p. 34. Hesolved, That this Assembly hereby expresses its pro- found grief at the death of the Eev. George Howe, D. D., which oc- curred on the 15th of April, 1883, and records its high appreciation of the eminent services which, as a teacher in the Theological Seminary at Columbia for the long period of fifty-two years, as a minister of the gos- pel, and as a Christian man, distinguished hj everything which is " lovely and of good report," he has rendered to the Church and to the world. For the rich endowments, both of nature and of grace, with which he was gifted, we render thanks to God, and while lamenting the loss of them, would gratefully reflect that, though withdrawn from the field of labor himself, his works stiU follow him, and that, though dead, through the lijis of hundreds trained by him for the Christian ministr}^, " he yet sj^eaketh." 424. Tribute to the Hon. Cyrus II. MciJormick. 1884, p. 211. The General Assembly, having information of the death of the Hon. Cyrus H. McCormick, of Chicago, Ilhnois, deems it eminently suitable to make record of an event which marks the depart- ure to his everlasting rest of a Christian man, who, through a long hfe, has consecrated so much of his ample wealth to the welfare of his fel- low-men. In aU these benefactions the people and institutions of his native South were largely and kindly remembered. Secs. 425, 426.] The Agencies of the Church. 267 CHAPTEIl V. PUBLICATION. 425. An executive committee apj)ointed for Publication. 1861, p. 39. AMiei'eas the pi'ess is one of the most powerful agencies characteristic of modern times for influencing, either for good or evil, the minds of men ; and whereas it is incixmbent upon the Church, in obedience to the precept of our Sa^dour to be " \vise as serpents," as "weU as " harmless as doves," to command and wield the most efficient in- strumentalities for the advancement of the Eedeemer's kingdom in the world; therefore. Resolved, 1, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chui'ch in the Ct)nfederate States of America will engage in the work of pub- hshing and circulating religious books and literature, as one of its evangelical agencies, under the name and style of "The Assembly's Executive Committee of Pubhcation." Jifsolved, 2, That the executive committee (to be annually appointed by the General Assembly) shall consist of a secretary^ to be styled the " Secretary of Publication," who shall also be editor ; a treasurer, and nine other members in cc^mmunion with the Presbyterian Church, four of whom at least shall be ruling elders, deacons, or private members; six of whom shall be necessary to a quorum, competent to do business. Resolved, 3, That no book, tract, pamphlet, paper, or other publica- tion designed for general and permanent circulation, shall be pi-inted and published without the sanction of at least seven members of the committee. Resolved, 4, That the committee be, and hereby is empowered, to frame a code of by-laws for the regulation of its own proceedings, which shall be subject to the revisal and approval of the General As- sembly. Resolved, 5, That said committee shall keep a faithful record of all its proceedings, and send the same, together with a written report, up each year to the Assembly for its review and C()ntrf)l. Resolved further. That the seat of the operations of the Assembly's Executive Committee of Pulilication be the city of Richmond, in the State of Virginia. 426. 77ie depository property of the Synod of Mississippi tendered to the Assembly. 1861, p. 40. Resolved, That, whereas the S\T^iod of Mississippi has offered to this Assembly (under certain restrictions) the use of theii' property in the idty of New Orleans, La., for the benefit of the Assem- bly's scheme of Publication, the Assembly hereby acknowledges their obligations to the Syin)d of Mississippi for their generous offer; and should the future operations of the committee render it expedient, they will gratefuUy accept the same. The ftctiou of the Syuod in this matter is found ou page 11 of the Miuutes. — A. 268 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 427. Change of locality. 1862, p. 14. Resolved, That the committee be authorized to change temporarily the locahty of their operations, in case the invasions of the foe may render this change necessary. 1867, p. 147. Hesolved, That the overtm-e sent up by the Rev. Dr. Bullock, proposing to remove the seat of operations of the executive committee from the city of Richmond to the city of Baltimore, be fa- vorably received ; that it be commended to the prayerful consideration of the executive committee at Richmond, and that they be directed and authorized to remove the seat of said committee's operations from Rich- mond to Baltimore as soon as shall be consistent with the interests in- volved and the general welfare of the enterprise. 1868, p. 273. Hesolved, That in view of the present facilities offered at Richmond for the publication of works and transportation of stock, it is not expedient to make the removal of the seat of operations of the committee from Richmond to Baltimore, as proposed in an overture made to the last Assembly and referred to the executive committee; and that the thanks of the Assembly be hereby tendered to the gentle- men who interested themselves in obtaining an act of incorporation for the Executive Committee of Publication from the Legislature of Mary- land. 1872, p. 169. The Joint Committees of Publication and Education, to whom was referred the ovei-ture from the Synod of Memphis, request- ing the return of the Committee of Sustentation and Education to their original locations; the overtiu'e of the Presbytery of Red River to the same efifect ; the memorial of the Presbytery of Chickasaw touching the Committee of Education ; the overture of the Presbytery of Montgomery of the same import ; and the resolution of the Presbytery of Western Dis- trict, protesting against the action of the Synod of Memphis asking for the removal, report to the Assembly that they have diily considered the same, and recommend for adoption the following resolution : Resolved, That no change be made for the present, either as to the division or removal of the Executive Committees of Publication and Edu- cation. 1872, p. 169. Overture of the Presbytery of NashVille, requesting the Assembly to order the removal of the Executive Committee of Pub- lication to the city of Nashville. Answered in the negative, the Assem- bly deeming it inexpedient to make any change in the location of the committee at present. Thanks were returned to the Christian people of Nashville for their generous subscription designed for the purchase of a publishing house. 1875, p. 44. To the Presbytery of Lafayette, overturing the Assem- bly to remove the Committee of Publication to St. Louis, your commit- tee would recommend the following answer : With the light now before us, the Assembly deems any change in the location of said committee unwise, and hence inexpedient. 428. Religioiis literature for the army. 1862, p. 14. Resolved, That the great demand for religious tracts, for circulation in our army, makes it incumbent on the executive com- mittee to use immediately all necessary available means in meeting this demand. Seo. 429. J The Agencies of the Chtrch. 269 1863, p. 147. liesolred. That the executive committee be instructed to enlarge promptly, and to the extent of their i-esources, those pubH- cations which are suited for the army, and to place themselves in active and constant correspondence with every agency by which the distribu- tion of these publications may be facilitated amongst our soldiers. 186-1, p. 307. Condensed. In response to nnmerons calls from cliaiilains and others, the committee published an Army Hvmn Book, a collection of eighty-two hymns, with the music. It issued 15,000 copies. In addition to tracts, the com- mittee put in circulation in the army 15,403 volumes, obtained from the Religious Tract Society of London, and from a former agent of the Philadelphia Board. It also published and circulated a monthly paper. The Holdler's Visitor, consisting mainly of tracts issued in sheet form. Chaplains testified to the high value of this publication and the avidity with which it was sought for and read. It was begun August, 1803, ijublished monthly, and circulated free of charge. The monthlv issue in May, 18G4, was over 8,000. 429. The books of JRev. W. J. Keith, superintendent of colporta(/e. 1863, p. 164. A communication from the Eev. W. J. Keith, late superintendent of colportage f(jr Georgia and Alabama, asking infor- mation touching the disposal of certain books in his possession, for- merly belonging to the Board of Publication of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch in the United States, was read, and referred, on motion of the Rev. C. W. Lane, to the Standing Committee on Pubhcation. P. 147. The Assembty has reason to commend the tidehty of Mr. Keith in preserving from sequestration books valued at $2,000 ; and the committee recommend that the executive committee take charge of the same, giving to Mr. Keith their bond, until the legal title shall be settled through the intervention of the trustees, to whom it properly belongs to pn^tect the legal rights of the Assembly, and thereby re- leasing for immediate circulation books greatly needed, but which at present are locked up from distribution. Adopted. 1866, p. 67. Before the war ^Ir. Keith was employed as an agent or colporteur of the board, and had in his charge a large amount of its books for sale in a fidu- ciary capacity. After war became tiagrant. the Confederate Government jiassed an act sequestering the property of aliens. Under this act, the books of the board were about to be seized and seqi;estered, when 'Six. Keith very wisely set up a claim for the books as the pn)perty of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America, as the actiial and lawful successor of the old Church for that part of the coiintry included within the Confederate States — a principle which woiild un- doiibtedly have been acknowledged everywhere, had the revolution succeeded. Mr. Keith was required to give his bond for the safe-keeping of the books, pending the action of the General Assembly. That court justified the covirse of ^Ir. Keith, at its sessions in Columbia, S. C. , in 1863, and promised to indemnify him for any loss he might sustain in the case ; moreoA-er, it ordered the books to be sent to Richmond, to be disposed of by this committee. A portion of them were sold, a portion given away to the soldiers ; but the bulk of them, with the money received from their sale, perished, along with the other property of the committee, at the fall of the Confederacy, and by the great fire. When this committee learned that the board had called on Mr. Keith for a settle- ment, it promptly informed the board that it assumed all the responsibility, and would discharge every just claim against Mr. Keith arising out of this business. After a careful investigation of the matter, and obtaining a settlement from Mr. Keith up to the time when our civil troubles began, the board, by a unanimoiis vote, cu'dered the claim against Mr. Keith to be cancelled, and his account squared. The amount thus cancelled was about .$2, 600. P. 27. Jiesolved, That we expi'ess oiu* gratification at the satisfac- tory adjustment of the claim of the Presbyterian Board of Pubhcation on this committee, and om- commendation of the course of the secretary of that board. 270 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 430. Our imprimatur to be placed on other 2>iMications. 1863, p. 147. Hesolved, That the executive committee be empowered at once to make a cliscrimiuating selection of rehgious books, wherever they may be found, and to make arrangements, as soon as the channels of communication shall be opened, with the pubhshers of such works, by which the imprimatur of our committee shall be stamped upon them ; and tliat for the accomplishment of this end the committee shaU pro- ceed at once, and with vigor, to raise as large an amount of money as possible, which they shall invest and hold in whatever form shall be most safe and productive, mitil it can be employed in the purchase of the editions contemplated. (Substantially repeated, 1865, p. 374.) 1866, p. 27. The insertion of any book on the catalogue shaU be re- garded a sufficient evidence of its approval by the committee. 431. Publication Committee to pay the entire salary of the secretary of Education and Publication. 1864, p. 265. Resolved, That the salary of the secretary (of Educa- tion and Publication) be raised by the committee for the ensuing year to an amount sufficient for his sv;pport, and that it be paid entirely from the treasury of the Committee of Publication. This order was complied witli until 1867, -when the Committee of Education paid a part of the salary, /. e., f 750. After that it was equally divided between the two funds, until 1872, when the Committee of Publication for that year again paid the full salary, which was approved by the Assembly. — A. 432. Ponation from the Peligious Tract Society of I^ondon. 1864, p. 265. Resolved, That the committee be instructed to retiu-n to the London Peligious Tract Society the grateful thanks of this Gen- eral Assembly for the kind and most timely donation of then- pubUca- tions for circulation among oiu' troops : and to tender to the Rev. M. D. Hoge, D. D., thek acknowledgment of his generous agency in pro- curing these grants. This donation amounted to £400. — A. 433. Ponation from the Pritish and Foreign Pible Society. 1866, p. 27. The Assembly returns its hearty acknowledgments to the British and Foreign Bible Society for its generous relinquishment of the debt of twenty-five hundi-ed dollars in gold due to it by this com- mittee ; and also to donors of smaller sums, both in this coxmtry and ia Europe. 434. Quorum of the committee, and vacancies. 1863, p. 146. Resolved, That the rule fixing the quorum at six be, for the present, relaxed, so that during the pressure created by the war, any three members, in addition to the secretary, shall be deemed com- petent to transact business. 1866, p. 27. Vacancies occm-ring in this committee shaU be tilled by itself rmtil the meeting of the General Assembly next following. Ordi- narily five members shall constitute a quorum of the committee. Secs. 435-437. ] The Agencies of the Church. 271 435. The rule about examining hooJcs. 1863, p. 146. Resolved, That the stringent rule which requii-es every issue of the committee to be carefully examined by at least seven members, involving, as it does, an amount of labor which practically defeats the very end intended to be secured, be so far moditied, or rather interpreted, as that any book or tract examined by three of the committee, and sanctioned by an adopting vote of at least seven mem- bers, may be pubhshed. 1866, p. 27. It is provided that when objection is made to a work, the concmTence of seven members shall be requisite to its publica- tion. 1871, p. 23. That, as to the request of the executive committee that the Assembly so modify the rule with reference to the examination of books as to permit them to ask and accept the services of other breth- ren in the examination of republications, we recommend that said re- quest be granted, vmder the restrictions set forth in their annual re- port. These restrictions are : Tliat the names of those who have examined and recom- mended a book for republication be recorded in the minutes of the committee; and in cases of doubt, it shall be examined and approved by the committee itself under the present rule (p. 71). — A. _^ * _________„„__ 436. Publishing agent. — Assistance for the secretary. 1864, p. 306. The Assembly having authorized- the appointment of a publishing agent, Mr. William D. Cooke was selected for that office, and employed for his entire time. 1866, p. 64. At the suggestion, and with the entire consent of the secretar}^ himself, the committee unanimously charged him with the duties and responsibilities of publishing agent. This assignment was fully approved by the Assembly (p. 27). 1868, p. 273. The committee is authorized, as soon as other finan- cial obhgations wiU warrant it, to employ an assistant or assistants to the secretary, in such departments of his work as he may recommend. Upon this recommendation, the committee appointed Mr. J. D. K. Sleight bus- iness agent. In 1874, the committee reported that Rev. S. J. Baird, D. D., had been emploj'ed as assistant to the secretary, mainly in his editorial duties (p. 560). The Assembly this year renewed its permission to the committee to secure such relief as might be required. 1875, p. 44 Dr. S. J. Baird's connection with the committee will cease by con- tract with the first of July. 487. Plan for resuscitation, including depositories and an endowment. 1865, p. 400. The executive committee reported that, by the fire which, on the third of AprU last, laid in ashes so much of the city of Richmond, their office with all its contents was entii'ely consumed. Not even the office books were saved. With reference to re-ororaniziu» the O O entire work the following was adopted : 1865, p. 373. That in view of the gi'eat need of rehgious literature among us, both for Sabbath-schools and general reading; in view of the difficulty of pubhshing anything like an adequate supply for some 272 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. time to come ; and also in view of the advantages to be derived from a judicious selection of suitable books, both in this country and in Europe, the following resolutions are offered : Resolved, 1, That the PubHcation Committee be charged with the duty of most carefully selecting from every available soui'ce, whether in Eiurope or America, the very best tracts and books suited for Sabbath- schools and general reading, and have these books stamped with their imprimatur, so that they may be known to our people as bearing their endorsement. 2. That the executive committee be directed to estabhsh depositories for these books at such points as, in the judgment of the committee, may best facilitate their circulation. That these books be sold at a small advance on the cost, and the proceeds of the same be re-invested in other books that may be in demand. 3. That an effort be made to raise $50,000 (as soon as practicable) for the purpose of setting this scheme in operation, to supply the destitute with books and tracts, and to print such books and tracts as may be in special demand ; and further, that annual collections be taken up in all our churches for sustaining this general cause. 438. Branch depositories. 1866, p. 68. The subject of branch depositories, included in the plan of the last Assembly, received early attention. Eegulations for their management were adopted; but the funds were not secured to justify the establishment of a branch at any of the points deemed desirable. At Columbia, S. C, a branch depositoiy has been estabhshed, without involving the funds of the committee, but securing to that part of the Church great and important advantages. P. 27. Hesolved, That we withdraw the recommendation of a former Assembly touching the establishment of branch depositories, unless, as in the case of the depository at Columbia, they may be established with- out exjDense to the committee. 1868, p. 273. Resolved, That it be recommended to Presbyteries to make arrangements, wherever practicable, by depositories or otherwise, for the introduction of the books and pubhcations of the committee within our bounds. 1870, p. 534. Resolved, That the question of estabhshing a depot in some great centre of trade, so as to bring our books into the mai'kets of the world, be left to the wisdom of the executive commmittee. 1882, p. 551. Other Presbyteries have overtured the Assembly on the convenience of having a depository for our books either at St. Louis or Memphis. As a committee we reahze that no positive instructions can be now given the executive committee on the subject, but it is laid before them for such action as they may deem advisable, as soon as the difficulties now in the way are removed. 1884, p. 216. Overture from the Presbytery of PalmjTa, viz. : " We earnestly request that the General Assembly instruct its Committee of Publication to open a depository of oiu* literature in St. Louis, if the way be at all clear. This request is made with great urgency, from the fact that nearly one-third of oiir Church is practically cut off, by high express charges, from our publications in quantities too large to mail. Our literature is too powerful an agent in disseminating our principles Sec. -IS!;!.] The Agencies of the Chtrch. 273 to be shut up in one corner of our Church out of reach of a large pro- portion of our membership." Not granted, as the finances of the execu- tive committee do not at present warrant the estabhshment of a dej^osi- torj' at St. Louis. 439. Endoioment for the committee. In proyecntiiif,' the plan of raising' the i!i50,00() for endowment, as proposed by the Assembly of 18(55, the execntive committee reported in 1809 that ^30,322.10 had been secured, by special donation and by profits on biisiness (p. 415). Of this amount $12,00U was raised throut;h the agency of Eev. A. P. Silliman, and $1,321 by Kev. S. D. Stuart, from sources outside of the bounds of the Church (18G8, p. 297). In 1870, !|34,24:2.57 had been received.— A. 1871, p. 23. Eesolved, That the executive committee be directed to send to each Presbyterial committee a statement of the amount paid by their respective Presbyteries to the endowment fund, and the just pro- portion yet due from said Presbytery ; and the Assembly would urge the Presbyteries to adopt some plan by which this amoimt may be raised, if possible, diuing the present year. 1872, p. 172. The endowment fund of the Executive Committee of Publication, notwithstanding the generovis contributions obtained for it at its inception, in New Orleans, Mobile, Memphis and Nashville, and the liberal donations from ceiiaiu indi^dduals which it thus re- ceived, and the $1,518.58 added to it last year, stiU lacks $14,993 of the $50,000 originally proposed. A memorial having been submitted to the General Assembly from the Executive Committee of Pubhcation with reference to the aims and wants of the committee, which memorial is found on page 379, Minutes of 1873, it was referred to a special committee, consisting of J. H. Martin, J. S. Moore, W. A. Wood, J. G. Eamsey, and J. M. Henson. On the report of this committee the following was adopted : 1873, p. 334. The "special committee to whom was referred the " Me- morial on the endowment fund of the Presbyterian Committee of Pub- lication," beg leave to make the following report: The substance and scope of the memorial presented for the consid- eration and action of the General Assembly, is a statement of the past embarrassment and present wants of the Committee of Pubhcation in a financial point of view, accompanied with an earnest petition that the Assembly wiU exert its authority and influence to afford them rehef, and place this great mterest on a firm and enduring basis. To this end, they ask that active measures may be taken to raise an aggregate sum of about $(50,000, of which $13,000 are needed to complete the endow- ment of $50,000, the minimum amount originally proposed and ordered by the General Assembly to be raised for this piu-pose, while $45,000 are reqiiired for the purchase of a publishing house. Having considered the whole subject contained in the memorial, the special committee recommend the adoption by the General Assembly of the following resolutions : 1. That the Genersxl Assembly declares its sympathy with the Com- mittee of Publication in the trials and perplexities, arising fi-om a lack of adequate funds, which they have heretofore experienced, and in their desire to be relieved of pecuniary embarrassment and fm-nished with larger means and facilities for the prosecution of their work in time to come. i8 274 DictEst of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 2. That, in response to the memorial asking that one grand united effort be made throughout the whole Church to raise the money neces- sary to meet the wants of this cause at this time, and to place this im- portant and growing interest on a broad and permanent foundation, the General Assembly directs that a special collection be made in all the churches on the first Sabbath in December, 1873, or as near thereto as practicable, and hereby calls the especial attention of Presbyteries, ministers, church sessions, and the entire membership of the Church, to this matter, with the earnest desu'e and strong hope that, by con- certed action and liberal offerings, the amount needed will be ob- tained. 3. That, as an auxiliary method of promoting the object in view, the General Assembly recommends that application be made, in the name and with the sanction of the Executive Committee of Publication, to individuals of known benevolence and hberality, for special contribu- tions. All of which is respectfully submitted. 1876, p. 223. The committee is hereby auth(.)rized to add to the working capital whatever portion of the annual collections may be in excess of that needed in the missionary department of the work. For additioual steps looking to the creation of a working capital, see in article on Pnblisliing House what is said about the issue of bonds. 440. A monthly paper for the executive committees. 18ii7, p. 146. liesolved, That the question of publishing a monthly paper by the committee, to serve as an organ of communication be- tween the executive committees and the churches, be referred to the executive committees, to report to the next General Assembly. This suggestion did not meet the approval of the committees at Col- umbia ; therefore it was — 1868, p. 273. Hesolved, That the proposition for the establishment of an official newspaper, to be the organ of communication between the executive committees and the churches, not being called for unanimously by these committees, be deferred until the enlarged scale of the opera- tions, and the increased resources of the Chiu'ch, may seem to require such an organ. 441. PuhlisJdng the annual reports. 1868, p. 273. liesolved, That the Executive Committee of Publica- tion be directed to pubhsh the annual report in pamphlet form, to- gether with such statements about the funds contributed for that ob- ject, and the expenses incurred, as may be needful to present the whole matter fully to the Church ; also, that an abstract of the rei)ort be made by the secretary of Publication, and inserted in the Appendix to the Minutes. This direction was renewed 1869 (p. 387). 442. Non-denominational books. 1869, p. 395. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Publica- tion be authorized, at their discretion, to publish Sabbath-school books, and others of a character ucjt denominational, without placing on them the " Presbyterian " stamp, but with such other title as wiU clearly in- dicate our own publishing house in Richmond. Secs. 443-446.] The Agencies of the Church. 275 443. Attendance of the treasurer upon the Assembly. 1870,|p. 534. Resolved, That the order of the Assembly reqmring the treasurer of Pubhcation to be in attendance upon the meetings of this body be rescinded. 444. Separate fund for benevolent irork. — Applications for aid to be endorsed. 1871, p. 23. Resolved, That the treasurer keep a separate account of donations to the missionary and benevolent work of the committee, to which shall be credited all contributions not otherwise directed, which shall constitute a fund, irom. which grants shall be made to min- isters, churches, and Sabbath-schools, when they need them, and are not able to pay for them, each grant exceeding $5 in value, the request to be endorsed by the chairman of the Presbyterial committee. 445. 7Vie committee' s ecclesiastical year. 1876, p. 223. The Assembl}^ grants the request submitted by the committee, for the reasons assigned, resjDecting a change in the ecclesi- astical year; and authorizes it to begin hereafter on the first day of April, and end with the last day of March. 446. 3fanagement of the committee and secretary endorsed. « 1868, p. 273. In respcmse to the enquiries contained in an overtiu'e presented by the Presbytery of Winchester, this Assembly would ex- press its conviction, as a result of a full investigation conducted by the standing committee, that the expenditures of the executive committee have been graduated by a careful regard to justice and economy, and are, considering the contingencies and embarrassments connected with a new enterprise, below, rather than above, the amount to have been anticipated, and that the committee and secretaiy have evinced an aptness in financiering, and an efficiency in management, which en- title them emphatically to the confidence and commendation of the churches. In 1875, p. 44, in reply to an overture from the Synod of Memphis, touching the retrenchment and reduction of the expenses of the execu- tive committee, the Assembly adopted a paper, exonerating the com- mittee, approving its exj^enditures, and testif^ong to their prudence and economy in management. 1876, p. 222. Overtiu-e from the Presbytery of Nashville, asking that the executive committee be required to present a detail of assets, etc. ; and from the Synod oi Memphis, asking the appointment of an aU interim conmiittee to examine into all the operations of the execu- tive committee. Answer: Inasmuch as all that is asked for is covered by the general report and accompau^-ing documents presented to this Assembly, and inasmuch as no charges of any kind have been preferred refiecting against the executive committee's management of these matters, the Assembly deems that the object of such overtures has been substanti- ally accomplished, and that therefore nothing further is needed: but the Assembly would request the Committee of Pubhcation to persevere in introducing into its administration such measui-es of economy as, in 276 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. their more enlarged experience, they may find consistent with the effi- cient working" of the committee. 447. Charter of incorporation for the Committee of Publication. The committee haviug obtained from the Legislature of Virginia an act of incor- poration, which act would not be of force \intil accejated by the committee, the committee in its report (1873, p. 372) asked that they be authorized to organize under it. The necessity for such incorporation, and the special features of the charter, are exj)lained at length in the re^jort. The following action was taken by the Assembly: 1873, p. 325. While we think that the "incorporation" of the Com- mittee of Publication is a question of grave importance, yet, after pa- tient and earnest consideration of the whole matter, we are satisfied that, should the General Assembly decline to go forward in this enter- prise, serious embarrassments in the prosecution of its labors and its efficiency must arise. ^Ve therefore unanimously recommend the ap- proval by this General Assembly of the charter obtained from the Le- gislature of Virginia, a copy of which is appended to the report of the secretaiy. This act, found on page 377 of the Minutes, is as follows : Ak Act to Incokpokate the Trustees of the Peesbytekian Committee of Publi- cation. » Appi'dvtd March 8, 1873. Whereas there is establiiilied in the city of liichmond a benevolent institution which is known as the I'rcfcbyterian Committee of Publication, which has for its object the dissemination of religious truth by means of the printing and circulation of books, tracts, papers, cards, etc. ; and whereas it is believed that the facilities of said committee for the accomplishment of its benevolent purposes would be greatly promoted by obtaining an act of incorporation; therefore, 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That E. Thompson Baird, Charles Genuet, Moses D. Hoge, William Brown, Charles H. Bead, Thomas L. Preston, William A. Campbell, E. H. Kutherford, Wm. F. Taylor, B. E. Wellford, E. H. Fitzhugh, and their successors, be, and they are hereby appointed, a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of the Trustees of the Presbyterian Committee of Publication, and by that name shall have a jaerpetual siiccession and common seal ; may contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued ; may acquire, receive, hold, possess, and enjoy, and may rent, sell, convey, invest, and otherwise manage or dispose of, as to them may seem most conducive to the interest and pro- motion of the benevolent piirposes of the said Presbyterian Committee of Publica- tion, all lands, money, or other property, real or personal, which may have been, or which may be given, or otherwise acquired, for the use of said committee ; and the said trustees and their successors shall hold office as trustees no longer than they remain in office as members of the said Presbyterian Committee of Publication, or till their successors enter upon the discharge of their duties as trustees : provided, that the sum of money so acquired shall not exceed tM'o hundred thoiisand dollars; and provided that the amount of land held by them for })ermanent use shall not exceed a half acre in the city of Richmond. 2. The said trustees, and their siiccessors as a board, shall have power to till va- cancies in their own bodj', the persons to till such vacancies to be chosen from the said Presbyterian Committee of Publication, appointed according to the constitu- tion of the fuoresaid committee ; and shall have power to appoint such officers as may be requisite, and exact from any of them such bond or other security', in such penalty as the trustees shall direct, conditioned for the faithful performance of their d titles. 3. Five trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; but it shall recpiire a majority of all the trustees to constitute a quorum for thi' sale of real estate. 4. This act shall take effect from its passage, and shall be subject to amendment, modification or repeal, at the pleasure of the General Assembly (of Virginia) . Sec. 448.] The Agencies of the Church. 277 1874, p. 520. The executive committee, acting mider authority con- ferred by the last Assembly, haA-ing obtained a charter from the Le- gislature of Virginia, have organized as a board of trustees, and ac- cepted the charter, thus making it secm-e so far as it may be judged proj)er by the Assembly to use it, but have not yet placed the propeily of which it has charge in the legal custody of the corporation, continu- ing to hold the property and to do its business as heretofore, and await- ing final instructions from this Assembly. Your committee is of opinion that this measure has been wisely taken, to remove great inconvenience in the transaction of the business of the committee, to enable the com- mittee to receive devises or bequests in Virginia, and to prevent failiu'es of de\'ises or bequests, which might occur without the incorporation of the committee. We judge that there is no reasonable ground for ap- prehension of the corporation becoming independent of the Assembly, as members of the corporation must be members of the Assembly's executive committee, who are appointed and removable by the Assem- hlj. We are further of opinion, after careful consideration, and using the most satisfactory sources of information, that the charter obtained is valid, and that there is not the shadow of a ground for distrust, or question of the safety to the Church of all the property that may be covered by it. Therefore, Resolved, That the General Assembh' approves the organization of the executive committee under the act of incorporation obtained from the General Assembly of the State of Virginia, and orders the com- mittee to put the i:)roperty of which it has charge in the legal custody of the ctirporation. 1875, p. 65. On the 15th day of April the committee met and adopted the necessary minute, ordering the transfer of the property to the cor- poration. The board of trustees thereupon accepted the trusts in- volved, and ordered the deeds to the real estate, which were in the hands of the treasurer, to be recorded. 448. By-lmos for the trustees. 1876, 1^. 22;}. The Assembly approves and adopts the by-laws which have been sent uja for its consideration and action by the executive com- mittee, for the government of its board of trustees, and orders that they be published in the Minutes of the Assembly. The following are the by-laws thus approved : 1. The officers of the corporation shall be a presideut, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and clerk, who shall be elected annually, and continue in office until their successors are chosen. 2. The president, or, in case of his absence, the vice-president, shall preside at all meetings of tlie board ; and in case of the absence of both, the board shall elect a president pro t< nqxnr. 3. The secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the board, and shall, under its direction, be the organ of communication in all matters relating to the biisiness of the corporation. 4. The clerk shall take minutes of the proceedings of the trustees at their several meetings, which shall be read at the same or the next succeeding sitting of the board, and when a^jproved, shall be recorded in a book to be kept for that purpose, under the immediate supervision of the secretary, who shall see that the original minutes are carefully filed away and preserved. o. The treasurer shall keej), in a proper book provided for that purpose, an accu- rate account of his receipts and disbursements, and shall make report thereof annu- ally to the board, and at such other times as he may be directed by the said board to do so. 278 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 6. Vacancies in any of the offices shall be tilled by the board. 7. The trustees shall, in all matters pertaining to the corj^oration, be subject to the control and direction of the Presbyterian Committee of Publication ; provided, however, that instructions given by donors in regard to the disposition of their gifts shall be held to be inviolate, and in all cases be faithfully carried out. 8. The annual report of the treasurer shall be presented to the board on the first Thursday of Maj' in each year, and the election of ofticers be made annuallj- on the second Thursday in Ji;ne. 9. The secretary shall have power to call meetings of the board at his discretion, and it shall be his duty to do so whenever requested by any two of its members. 10. The corporation shall have and wse a seal, of metal, with the following in- scription, ' ' The Trustees of the Presbyterian Committee of Publication, March 8, 1873. " The seal shall remain in the custody of the secretary, and shall never be attached to any instrument withoiit the order of the trustees. 11. These by-laws may be amended under the order of the Presbyterian Com- mittee of Publication, or by a majority of the trustees present at two successive meetings. 449. The Publishing House. 1873, p. 371. From the report of the executive cominittee : The committee has purchased the large and commodious building on the southwest corner of Main and Tenth streets, Eichmond, as a pub- lishing house. The price to be paid is $45,000, of which about $13,000 is to be paid in cash, and the remainder is under a deed of trust, which must be paid by the first of March, 1875. The necessity of this move- ment arises fi'om the following considerations, viz. : 1. It is necessary in order to give permanency to this committee. Until the committee is furnished with the proper facilities for conduct- ing its business in Richmond, it can never be considered as j)erma- nently established. It is manifestly essential for it to have a basis of permanence in order to business efficiency and success. 2. The preservation of the property entrusted to it requires better ac- commodations than we can possiblj- obtain by renting. Fire-proof vaults for the storing of stereotj^pe plates, and ample accommodations for the storing of printed matter, b(jund and unbound, are matters of the first necessity to every publishing house. These facilities we have not noAv, but will have in the building we have purchased. 3. Tiie tenuis by which we hold rented property is too uncertain. Last summer we were notified to leave the building we now occupy, it having been rented over our heads. Providentially this arrangement fell through, or we should have been placed at great difficulty in ob- taining a suitable \A^ce to store our goods, valued at about $35,000. 4. As our business grows, it is necessary for us to have a building of our own, that we can alter and accommodate to our increasing business necessities. The committee advanced in this connection a number of considerations which caused them to feel justitied in undertaking this important and expensive enter- prise (see report) On this the Assembly took the following action: 1873, p. 32fi. Resolved, That while dechning to express an opinion as to whether the executive committee was authorized to contract for the purchase of a publishing house, yet because of the seeming neces- sity of the case, and to prevent any possible evil consequences which would result from the want of such a building, this Assembly does hereby approve the contract or purchase as negotiated by the executive committee, and do hereby authorize the Executive Committee of Pub- Sec. 449.] The Agencies of the Chitkch. 279 lication to consummate said piu'chase of the building specified in the rej)ort of the secretaiy, when an organization shall have been effected under the act incorporating the trustees of said committee. JResolved, That no funds shall be used in payment for the Publish- ing House but such as are especially contributed for such purpose. 1874, p. 569. According to tlie instructions of the Assembly, the committee com- pleted the purchase of the Publishing House, the title of the property dating from the first of July. On the first of January we removed from otir rented rooms, and took possession of those reserved for our special iise in said building. The building is situated on the corner of Tenth and Main streets. It is 24 feet 9 inches wide, 140 feet deep, and four stories high, with a basement well lighted, a sub-basement, and five vaults under the pavement on Tenth street. In 187(), the gentleman who held the deed of trust remitted to us $2,077.03.— A. 1874, p. 521. The Assembly recommends to all the chiu'ches to make collections for the Publisliing House fund on the first Sabbath in De- cember next, and especially commends this important enterprise to the Hberality of persons of means. 1877, p. 440. Resolved, That the committee be instructed to dis- pose of the Publishing House as soon as this can be done without un- necessary sacrifice of value, unless means are raised within a reason- able time to Hquidate the debt now resting upon it. 1878, p. 685. In obedience to these instructions, the property was placed in the hands of responsible real estate agents for sale, in June last ; and in August, in or- der that everything possible might be done to carry out the order of the General Assembly, the agents were instructed to offer it at public sale ; but the offers made being unsatisfactory, it was withdrawn. The committee have believed that the Gen- eral Assembly would jiistify them in delajang the sale until more favorable terms could be obtained. The property is still in the hands of the agents, -^-ith instruc- tions to sell as soon as fair value can be obtained ; and there is reason to expect that at an early day the sale will be effected. P. 647. The executive committee are directed to dispose of the Pub- lishing House as soon as this can be done without unnecessary sacrifice of value. SubstantiaUy repeated in 1879. 1881, p. 885. In the judgment of this committee there is no reason why the least uneasiness should be felt touching the mortgage on the Pubhshing House. This judgment is based on the following consider- ations: 1. The insiu'ance policy, and what could be realized by sale of the lot, would, in case of fire, amount to more than the sum for which the property is mortgaged. 2. The property, if now forced on the market, would, it is beheved. bring the sum due on it, and more. 3. Peal estate is appreciating in the city of Richmond. 4. There is no rea- son to apprehend that the mortgagee will ever press his claim in any injurious way. 5. The Publishing House for the last year has virtually been of no expense to the Church, and all indications are that it will be a clear gain next year. 6. If the General Assembly should hereafter elect to have its own depository of books in Richmond, so that the sec- retary of PubHcation, under the direction of the executive committee, might be charged with tilling the orders of the churches for books and papers, then the Pubhshing House would afford the necessary deposit room free of rent, or in addition to paymg all expenses of interest and repairs, and thus save at least S40() a year to our beloved Church. These considerations lead your committee to the ccmclusion .that the present relation of the Pubhshing House is that of gain and not of loss. Hence your committee recommend that the discretion given to the ex- 280 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. ecutive committee by the General Assembly of last year iu reference to tbe sale of the PubHsliing House be also given to it by this As- sembly. 1882, p. 549. The following plan was adopted to jDay off the mort- gage on the Publishing House, and to provide a business capital : It appears from the report of the executive committee that it is pay- ing interest upon the mortgage on the Publishing House of $1,860 an- nually, the rate of interest being six per cent. This interest is provided by rents of the house. We propose that the executive committee, if it meets their approval, be authorized to issue bonds to the amount of $40,000, bearing interest at four per cent., payable semi-annually. The yearly interest would be $1,600, or $260 less than the amount now paid, and would be provided out of the rents of the house. Let the present mortgage on the house be taken up, $31,000 of the proceeds of the bonds being appropriated for this purpose; there would then remain $9,000 to be employed as capital in the business. To this the esti- mated proceeds of the next annual collection being added, the amoimt would be nearly, if not quite, $16,000. It is believed that these bonds might all be placed among our own people if issued under the follow- ing conditions : 1. Let them be secured by mortgage on the real estate and such other property as the executive committee controls. 2. Let this Assembly order that $4,000 of the annual collection for Pubhcation be appropriated as a fund for the liquidation of the bonds. 3. Let this Assembly call upon the churches to continue with in- creased liberality their contributions to this cause. 4. That the bonds be payable ten years from date, with the privilege of redemption after five years. 5. None of the bonds shall be issued until the whole amount to be placed is secured by subscription. The advantages of this scheme are these : 1. An adequate capital will be provided within twelve months for the conduct of the business. 2. Though a poi-tion of this caj)ital will be borrowed, it wiU not sub- ject the business to any burden of interest, inasmuch as that will be provided from the rents of the house. There will, indeed, be an actual saving of interest to the amount of $260 3. The provision which this plan proposes, of a smking fund derived from the collections for the payment of the bonds, offers a most impor- tant advantage, as it in effect provides for the permanent endowment of the work. 1883, p. 29. The four per cent, bonds, to the amount of $40,000, through the personal efforts of the secretary, have all been placed, and by the first of June will be read}' for delivery. 1884, p. 269. The plan adopted by the General Assembly of 1882, for providing the necessary capital for resuming the business of the depository, has been successfully carried out, and the bonds subscribed for, as reported last year, have been issued as far as needed. It was not, however, found necessary to issue the full amount authorized, viz. : $40,000, but only $33,650. With the larger poi'tion of the fmids realized from these bonds, the mortgage of $31,000 upon the Publishing House was released, and the remainder applied to the paj^ment of bills for stock of books purchased. Sec. 450.] The Agencies of the Chukch. 281 From the collections received duriBg the past month, S4,500 of these bonds have been redeemed, leaA-ing outstanding only $29,150. In May, 1885, the amount of outstanding bonds was $23,130; in May, 1886, the amount was fil4,800. At this date, August, 1887, there is money on hand for the payment of all that have not already been paid and cancelled. ^ — A. 450. Co)Uracts of the committee with the secretary. 1878, p. 628. The following paper from the Executive Committee of Publication, tcniching a certain charge against the same, was referred to the Standing (bmmittee on Publication : "Immediately before the meeting of the last Assembly it was pub- licl}' asserted, and widely circulated over the Church, concerning our late secretary, Eev. E. T. Baird, D. D., that he, ' as the secretary, made contracts with himself, as printer, for the printing of the Publi- cation Committee,' and that ' these facts were known to all who cared to know them.' " Knowing how imjust, as well as injurious, in its character this charge was to Dr. Baii'd by its assertion, and to the committee by its implica- tion, it was distinctly and fully met in om* annual report for 1877, as may be found on page 27. After referring to the circumstances, and to a carefully-guarded written agTeement, under which Dr. Baird was engaged, in 1867, to do the printing necessary for the committee, the following declaration was made, viz. : ' That the prices were determined by the committee, and not by Dr. Baird, and that, therefore, in no sense did he ever make a contract with himself.' " But, notwithstanding this expUcit denial of the charge, it was re- peated and circulated at various times soon after the close of the last Assembly, and it has been quite recently re-asserted in a most positive and pubhc manner, and again widely cuculated over the Church. " If the alleged ' contracts ' existed, and were ' known to all who cared to know them,' they must have been known to the Committee of Pub- lication ; and if thus existing and thus kno\\ai, this committee is mani- festly impHcated in a wilful and disreputable connivance at wrong, and in such a deliberate betrayal of its trust — and all this persisted in for years — as would deserve the severest censures of the Church. " But if it be untrue that such ' contracts ' were made, then this wide- spread allegation referred to is not only exceedingly unjust to Dr. Baird, and to such members of the committee individually as were implicated, but is also an exceedingly injurious imputation ujDon the committee as a body, and well suited t(i impair its usefulness in the work entrusted to it. " Therefore, under the circumstances presented in this statement, your committee have come to the conclusion, however reluctantly, that it is theii" duty to place this matter in the hands of the General Assembly for such consideration as may, in their wisdom, be deemed suitable. If, in the judgment of the Assembly, the rumors and allegations re- ferred to are calculated to aft'ect the interest of the Pubhcation cause injuriously, the Executive Committee of Pubhcation hereby respectfully suggest the propriet}^ of a careful investigation, aftbrding them an op- portunity to submit documentary and other testimony bearing upon the case.'" The committee reconniiend that this Assembly take steps at once to investigate this allegation and charge, because it has been widely cir- 282 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. culated, is exteiisiveh' believed, is ver}' damaging to the cause of Publi- cation, and (though explicitly denied in the sixteenth annual report of the executive committee, made in 1877,) it has since been pubHcly and repeatedly re-assei*ted. This report was adopted unanimously, and the Standing Committee of Pubhcation was directed to make the investigation referred to. This committee made the following report, which was adopted : P. 648. The following facts wiU give a correct histoiy of this mat- ter: 1. In 1867 the Executive Committee of Publication were compelled to send their printing to another city, or to have inferior work done in Eichmond at higher prices than what were charged in New York and Philadelphia. 2. About September 16th, 1867, Dr. Baird " purchased, on his ovra. account, a press, believed to be of a superior kind," and proposed to do their work " at the New York and Philadelphia prices." 3. The executive committee accepted his j3roposition, and made a general contract with him, expressly stij^ulating " that the printing done in Dr. Baird's office shall be ordered by the committee, and his bills be made payable only on the approval of an auditing committee appointed for that purpose." 4. Not long after this the opinion began to prevail in some parts of the Church that the Executive Committee of Publication permitted their secretary to make contracts with himself as printer. This opinion was, without doubt, due to ignorance of the real nature of the contract made between Dr. Baird and the executive committee. 5. Soon after the sad revelation of March, 1877, it was publicly al- leged that Dr. Baird, " as the secretary, made contracts with himself, as printer, for the i^rinting of the Publication Committee." This alle- gation was widely circulated, extensively believed, and veiy damaging to the cause of Publication. 6. To remedy this matter the executive committee, in their sixteenth annual repoi't to the General Assembly, in 1877, made the following statement: " As a wrong impression has been made upon the minds of some concerning the relations of the committee to the printing office owned by Dr. Baird, the committee desire to state that a carefully pre- pared paper relating to this subject is to be found in our Minutes (which are transmitted for the inspection of the Assembly) for Septem- ber 16th, 1867, from which the following facts are made to appear: 1st, That with the purchase of the printing office the committee had nothing to do ; it was made by Dr. Baird on his own account, but, as the committee believed, through a desire to facilitate the Publication work. 2nd, That it was never the piu'pose or policy of the committee, in conducting the Publication business, to purchase or to employ print- ing presses of its own ; but the relation of the committee to the whole matter was simply a business transaction, whei'eby a contract was made with Dr. Baird on advantageous terms; and this c(jntract defines the chai'acter of the approval of the committee to that arrangement. 3rd, That the prices were determined by the committee, and not by Dr. Baird, and that, therefore, in no sense did he ever make a contract with himself." 7. This statement, not correcting the " wrong impression," nor stop- ping the allegation from being again made, the executive committee Sec. 451. ] The Agencies of the Church. 283 has called the attention of the General Assembly to this matter, who directed the Standinp^ Committee on Publication to investigate it. 8. After carefully examining documentary and other evidence, we find nothing to substantiate the said allegation. In order, therefore, to correct the wrong- and injurious impression, we recommend that the papers containing the contract be published in the Appendix to the Minutes. 451. Losses throKgh the business failure of the secretary. 1877, p. 440. The Assembly expresses its sympathy with the com- mittee in the embarrassing circumstances through which it has passed; approves its action in maintaining the honor and jmrity of our beloved Church, by assuming to pay the liabilities incurred by the late secre- taiy, and commends its fidelity and zeal in obtaining money to pay these losses We reconiTuend our churches to raise a sum of money sufficient to meet the emergency caused by the loss recentl}' inciu-red, and to protect the honor and good name of the Church. The Assembly desires gratefully to acknowledge the kindness of those Northern houses that have extended their credit to the Executive Com- mittee of Pubhcation in its jDresent embarrassment. These losses were at first reported to nmouut to -f 22, -408. 75. They were later as- certained to amount to #24,0UU.- A. P. 441. liesolved, That the General Assembly appoint three expe- rienced business men, familiar with accounts, to repair to Eichmond, as early as practicable, for the purpose of making a thorough examination of all the financial aifaii's of the Executive Committee of Publication, and report the result to the public through the newspapers, and then formally to the next Assembly, and that alternates be appointed to supply the places of any of the committee who are unable to go. Committee : L. C. Inghs. of Baltimore, Md. ; J. J. Gresham, of Macon, Ga. ; W. 8. McCrae, of Louisville, Ky. ; with alternates, J. Adger Smythe, of Charleston, 8. C. ; Joseph R. Mitchell, of Louisville, Ky., and G. W. McCrae, of Memphis, Tenn. This committee submitted the following rejjort : 1878, p. (J89. The General Assembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church which met in the city of New Orleans on the 17th day of May, 1877, appointed, by reso- lution, a committee of three "to repair to Kichmond at as cai-lj' a day as practi- cable, for the pur^jose of makinj=; a thorouf^h examination into the affairs of the Com- mittee of Publi<'ation, and report the result to the public through the newspapers, and to the uoxt Asscmblj'." In pursuance ot this resolution the undersiass. Even in such a case it may be seriously ques- tioned whether a gift in general terms, which did not specify the par- ticular charity or use for which it was designed, could pass to any com- 328 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. mittee until the General Assembly should direct what use or what particular charity should be the beneficiary thereof. This clause in the fourth section is .specific and precise, and provides onty for one particular class of cases — a class where bequests are made to "the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States," and the donor names said corporation in general terms. It does not appear that a gift made in any other way, but not specifying the particular charity, would or could pass directly to the committee, but must wait the direction of the General Assembly. This ^dew of the case is especially strengthened by the tenth by-law of the board of trustees, passed in 1868, which seems to have received the solemn, sanction of the Assembly, and, so far as we can ascertain, re- mains of force, and is binding ujDon the Assembly and the board. This by-law declares the board shall make no apphcation of funds until ordered by the General Assembly, unless directed to do so by the giver. The plausible assumption that these committees are, de facto, the General Assembly during the intervals between its sessions, and there- fore can rightfully command the trustees to pay over any and all be- quests, we think, cannot be legally sustained under the strict construc- tion of the charter of 1868 and the accepted by-laws of the board of rtrustees. That these committees, when established, are branches of the incorporation, is clearly set forth in the charter, and, as such, they have a continuous vitality — a continuous power of executing the will of the Assembly, but they are not the General Assembly. They have no self-creating power. They are simply the Assembly's agents, — its in- struments, its hands, — and can do nothing except what the Assembly has authorized and instructed them to do. The charter gives the com- mittees no extraneous or independent power, but onAj qualifies them to be the legal recipients of such funds as might otherwise possibly lapse or fail by reason of misnomer on the part of the donor. The Very section that declares them to be branches qualifies and limits their power of receiving bequests to that class of gifts which are specifically made " to the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presb\'terian Church in the United States." Nor does the said section declare that, even in such cases, the gift or bequest sludl pass, but that it shall be " good and effectual to pass" — that is, it may legally pass, ur that the trustees will be justified in passing. If a bequest is, in general terms, to the trustees, without specifying which charity shall have it, who but the General Assembly itself, in actual session, could rightfully dispose of it ''': What committee could rightfully receipt for it ? Whose voucher would protect the trustees from individual responsibility to the repre- sentatives of the donors"? The consideration of all these questions, and the vmcertain and conflicting action of past Assemblies, seem to demand such special and decided legislation at the hands of this vener- able court as will clearly' and distinctly define for the future the pre- cise spheres and duties of the committees and the board of trustees. We deeply feel the responsibility of advising the Assembly upon a mat- ter so important, and, about which the oldest, purest, and most experi- en(;ed of oiu- commissioners have widely difiered. On the one hand, we must respect the dignity and prudence of that high body who are the Assembly's chosen corpcjrators, and through whom all bequests must come, and who certainly have no interest to serve but that of the Chiu-ch. To regard them as mere automatons, without power or discre- Sec. 538.] The Agencies of the Chitrch. 329 tion, and subject at all times to the dictation of the Assembly's commit- tees, would seem to be a degradation of theii* high office ; while, on the other hand, we hesitate to recommend any action that will cramp the sinews of our Church organization — an organization wliich has its veiy life-blood bound up and flowing through the arteries of these executive committees. They are the power of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch. Through them the good work of the Chm'ch is constantly, vigilantl}', and aggres- sively going on. They are our chosen and trusted agents. Of them we have no fear or apiDrehension ; and it has been the honor and pride of the Church throughout the land that, while they have shown no want of diligence, no remissness of duty, no breach of trust, they have, at the same time, exhibited the highest degree of sound and successful judgment. We hesitate to recommend such action as Avill hmit the power or authority of such agencies, and would fain refer these ques- tions back to the l^etter and more experienced judgment of the Assem- bly. AVe will, however, so far trust ourselves as to present to this As- sembly a recommendation which our judgment has constrained us to make, at the same time congratulating ourselves that, if our sugges- tions are adopted, they cannot work irreparable mischief dm'ing the ensuing year, and if fomid to work unsatisfactorily, can then be modi- lied or repealed. Yoiu' committee, therefore, recommend the passage of the following resolutions : That, hereafter, when the trustees shall receive any gift, devise, or bequest, without direction from the donor as to the particular use or chai'ity for which it is designed, the same shall be retained by them until the meeting of the next General Asseml^ly. That, whenever the donor declares the particular use, and the man- nei' of its use, the trustees shall pay over the same to the appropriate committees. That, when the donor declares the particular object of his charity, but not the manner of its use, the same shall be paid over to the execu- tive committee of such use, unless the gift or bequest to that use shall exceed the sum of $3,000, in which case the trustees shall pay over only the interest as it accrues, and the next General Assembly shall dispose of the principal. That, in all other cases nt)t embraced in the above resolutions, the trustees shall retain and control the fund until instructed by the As- sembly as to its disposition. That the several executive committees which have been and are now at work as the Assembly's agents be, and they are hereby, estabhshed as the executive committees for the purpose recited in the first section of the act of inc^orijoration ; and all the actings and doings of said com- mittees which have been heretofore approved by the Assembly ai-e now ratified and confirmed. The regulation adopted above, restricting the trusteis in paving over to the execu- tive committees amounts in excess of the sum of f 3,0()(», was repealed 1886 (p. 55). See below, method of distributing legacies. — A. 538. 77/(' chui'U'r amended and enlarged. 1871, p. 27. The following was adopted: The report of the Committee order of the trustees; and if at any meeting of the trustees the president and vice-president shall both be ab- sent, the trustees shall have the power to appoint a i3 resident pro tevi. 9. The officers shall Ije an executive committee, who, in the absence of instruc- ticms upon the particular subject-matter, shall have the power of the trustees dur- ing the interval between their meetings, subject to revision by the board of trustees at an annual meeting. ^ 10. The trustees, at all times and in all matters i^ertaining to the corporation, shall be subject to the control, orders, and directions of the General Assembly. No application of the funds shall be made without such orders, imless directed by the giver, whose instructions in all cases shall be strictly ^carried out. 11. The annual meeting of the trustees shall be on the second Thursday in May Secs. 543-54:7.] The Agexcies of the Church. 333 of each year, to be lieUl at such place as the tnistees maj' appoint at an annual meetin;^. 12. The president shall have power to call extra meetinf^s of the trustees at his discretion, tixing the time and place ; and it shall be his diity, upon the request of two of the trustees, to call such meetings. 13. The trustees shall make an annual report of their proceedings and the state of the funds to the General Assembly, to be signed by the president. 14. The corjjoration shall have and iise a seal of metal, with the following in- scription: "Presbyterian Church in the United States," with the anchor as a de- vice, and the motto, "I. H. S. — Spes Nostra. " 15. The seal shall be and remain in the custody of the president. IG. The expenses of the trustees in attending the meetings of the corporation shall be paid out of any money in the hands of the treasurer not otherwise appro- priated. 17. These by-laws may be amended under the orders of the General Assembly, or by a majority of the triastees present at an annual meeting. 1872, p. 209. By-law number 11 has been amended by striking out the words ' ' such place as the trustees may appoint at an annual meeting " and insei-ting "Charlotte, N. C," and by striking out "second " and inserting "first," as to the time of meeting. 543. Trustees divided into three classes. 1868, p. 270. The trustees llH^dng• suggested in their report that the number of trustees be reduced by the General Assembly to nine, the committee recommend that no change be made in this particular. It is further recommended that the present number of trustees, which is fifteen, be divided into three classes of five each, of whom the first class shall be appointed to hold office for one year, the second class for two yeai'S, the third class for three years, and that, as the term of of- fice of these classes shall severally expire, the vacancy annually occiu'- ring shall be filled by the appointment of five trustees, who shall serve for three yeai's. The number was reduced gradually to nine, beginning in 1870 (see above Sec. 535). 544. Seal. 1869, p. 375. From the report of the president of the board : The trustees have procured a seal which they think is neat and appropriate, and makes a pretty and perfect impression. To Dr. Howe is due the credit of the design and execution of the seal. 545. Executive committees to defray the expense of securing certain legacies. 1870, \). 532. Resolved, That the Executive Committees of Educa- tion, Foreign Missions, Pubhcation and Sustentation be authorized to defray, pro rata, the nece?f:ary expenses of the trustees which may be incurred in securing the legacies to which the aforesaid report relates (the Fitzgerald and Kennedy legacies), to be refimded out of said legacies. 546. Reports to be published. 1870, p. 56. The annual reports of the board required to be pub- hshed in the Appendix to the annual Minutes. 547. Trustees holding over. 1879, p. 57. AMien, for any reason, the places of membei's of the board whose terms expire are not filled at a meeting of the Assembly, such members hold over until their successors iU'e elected. 334 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. 548. Treasurer of the hoard. 1883, p. 54. The trustees are authorized to allow their treasurer reasonable compensation, and they are allowed to appoint a treasurer who is not a trustee, if they deem such an appointment desirable. 549. JSlethod of distrlhating legacies. 1886, p. 55. Resolved, 1, When a bequest has been made to the trustees of the General Assembly, to be paid to two or more of the executive committees of the Church, and the terms of the bequest do not specify the proportion according to which the amount of the be- quest shall be divided among the committees, the board of trustees is authorized and instructed to divide the amount between the several ex- ecutive committees for whom the bequest is intended, according to the proportion of the annual contributions of the churches (excluding lega- cies) to these committees for the three years next preceding the time when the amount is divided. 2. When the board of trustees of the General Assembly shall have in its hands any sum of money which is specifically directed by the donor to be paid in prescribed amounts to any of the executive com- mittees of the Church, or to any other person, the board of trustees is authorized to pay such money without waiting for any action to be taken by the Assembly. 3. So much of any orders heretofore made by the General Assembly as conflicts with the provisions of the above resolutions is hereby re- pealed. Section 2 was adopted in response to the lecpiest of the board of trustees that the Assembly -would remove the restriction preventing the board from paying out to parties named in the deeds of gift any sums that may exceed three thousand dollars. (1886, p. 90.)— A. 550. The Leonard legacy. 1885, p. 409. The board of trustees were instructed to notify Mrs. A. E. Leonard, of Westfield, Mass., that, at her request, the Assembly releases the trustees of her (deceased) husband from giving " security as such," her husband, the late Norman T. Leonard, having given the As- sembly, by his last will and testament, two-thirds of his estate after the death of his widow. (P. 456.) 551. Costs of litigating in tlie matter of legacies. 1887, p. 246. The overture of the trustees asking for power, where expenses are necessarily incurred in Htigation as to legacies, to appro- priate for this object amounts needed from any funds in hand not other- wise appropriated, was granted. 552. Expenses of trustees. 1878, p. 337. It is ordered that the trustees of the Assembly be authorized to pay expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties out of any funds not otherwise appropriated. 553. JE.rpenses of the president of the hoard. 1881, p. 372. The board having asked the Assembly to provide for defraying the necessary expenses of the president of the board in Secs. 554-557.] The Agencies of the Chi'rch. 335 attending the sessiims of the General Assembl}^ (p. 422), the matter was referred to the auditing committee, who reported as follows, which was adopted : Your committee cannot reahze a necessity'' for the attendance at the General Assembly of the president of the board of trustees, and there- fore offer no recommendation as to that matter. 554. Quorum of the honrd. The Assembly of 1864 fixed on jive as a quorum of the trustees com- petent to transact business. (P. 289.) 555. President of the board ex-officio a meitiber of the Assenihlij. 1879, p. 56. The following suggestion of the auditing committee was adopted : Yoiu: committee W(juld respectfully suggest that it is the desire of the board of trustees that their president should be ex-officio a member of the General Assembly, the same as the secretaries of the various execu- tive committees are, that he may be present at the meetings of the As- sembly, so as to explain the business of the board if desired. We re- commend that the desu'e be granted, if in the wisdom of the Assembly it can be done. 556. Jlembers of the board entitled to the 2'>rivileges of the floor. 1886, p. 55. Any member or officer of the boai'd of trustees of the General Assembly, chosen by said board for that pui'pose, shall have the pri^dlege of speaking upon the floor of the Assembly on any matter pertaining to the business of the board which is under consideration by the Assembly. 557. Hon. T. C. Perrin. 1878, p. 626. The committee to whom papers were referred touch- ing the death of Hon. T. C. PeiTin, would report that he died at his home in Abbeville, S. C, on the 14th inst., in the seventy -thu-d year of his age. He was a hfe-long citizen of his native State, whose people knew him well and honored him as such. He liUed many stations of trust and confidence, was a man of pure character and consistent hfe, maintaining an unblemished reputation throughout a long and useful career. He was for a long period the president of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and as such had fre- quent mention of his name as a judicious adviser and a faithful officer. The committee therefore recommend the adoption of this minute : That his pious hfe, public vii'tues and faithful church service entitle the Hon. T. C. Perrin to a conspicuous place on the roll of our honored dead, and that his family have the fi'aternal sympathy of this Assemlily. Adopted. 336 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IV. CHAPTER YIII. YOLUNTAKY AGENCIES. 558. National Bible Society for the Confederate States. 1861, p. 36. Mesolved. That the General Assembly contemplates with the highest satisfaction the proposed organization of a National Bible Society for the Confederate States of America, and for which a meeting or convention is proposed to be held in the city of Augusta, Ga., on the third Wednesday in March, 1862; and we take the present suitable occasion to express a hope that a work so sacred and great as that to be embraced by this catholic institution may receive the hearty and liberal support of all our people, churches, and judicatories. 1862, p. 19. Resolved, That this Presb}i,ery send up to the Gene- ral Assembly the following overtui*e, \dz. : " That the General Assembly would take proper measures to ascertain and keep itself informed whether or not the Bible Society of the Con- federate States j^ublishes, or will publish, the Word of God pure and entire, and in case it does, and affords sufl&cient assurance that it will continue so to do, that the Assembly adopt that society as its organ for publishing and circulating the Holy Scriptiu'es, and enjoin upon the ministers and churches under its care to support it by regular annual contributions, and require such contributions to be reported by the Presbyteries and exhibited in the Minutes of the Assembly." Mesolved, That this Presbytery send also a memorial to the General Assembly in favor of the above overture. Afisicer : This General Assembly has heard with much gratification of the organization of the Bible Society of the Confederate States, and cordially recommends it to the favor and patronage of oiir churches and people. It does not appear from the record in what Presbytery this overture originated. — A. 559. American Bible Society. 1866, p. 38. Although it is the ojoinion of your committee that this society ought to be composed of representatives of the different chtu-ches, appointed through their constitutional forms, yet, as there is nothing in its constitution to prevent the free action of every church in carry- ing forward the work, and as its organization is simply for the printing and circulation of the Holy Scriptures, your committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : Resolved, 1, That oiu- ministers and churches be earnestly recom- mended to use all proper efforts to promote the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and that the efforts of the American Bible Society in this behalf deserve the cordial approbation of this Assembly, and recom- mend it to the confidence and support of our Christian people. 2. That our ministers and sessions be earnestly recommended to make the Bible cause a special object in connection with their contri- butions for Systematic Benevolence. Secs. 560, 561.] The Agencies of the Church. 337 1868, p. 272. liesolved. That this General Assembly express its confidence in the work of the American Bible Society, with acknow- ledgment of the extent and generosity of their benefactions to our- people, both in the large donations they have made and are making to supply the destitute, and their magnanimous recognition of the in- ability of many of their auxiliary societies within our bounds to meet theii" engagements to the parent society, or to contribute to their treasur}-. 187G, p. 237. Whereas the Bible is the foundation on which rests all our benevolent enterprises underlying the missionary work, the Sabbath-school, and the Chui'ch itself : and whereas the American Bi- ble Society has been, and still is, an efficient instrumentality in accom- plishing the great work of the distribution of the Scriptures : therefore, Jiesoli'ed, That this General Assembly renewedly commends the American Bible Society to the confidence and support of all our chm'ches and congregations. 1878, p. 612. liesolved, 1, That we cordially recommend all our ministers and churches to co-ojaerate with said society in its most com- mendable efforts, by colporteurs and otherwise, to supply the world with the Holy Scriptures. 2. That our ministers be requested to present the claims of the American Bible Society to their congregations, and take up collections for it or its auxiliaries at such times as may be deemed most suitable. At other places, such as 1874, p. 492; 1877, p. 409; 1882, p. 553; 1883, p. 48; 1885, p. 434, the Assembly commeuiled this society to the confidence and contribu- tions' of its churches. — A. 560. 77ie British and Foreign Bible Society. 186G, \). 27. The Assembly retiu-ns its hearty acknowledgments to the British and Foreign Bible Society for its generous relinquish- ment of the debt of $2,500 in gold due to it by the Publication Com- mittee. This debt was for Bibles generously advanced the committee by that society dur- ing the war. (See page GG. ) 561. Bible revision. 1881, p. 383. Inasmuch as the Revised Version of the New Testa- ment, which has been prepared by two committees of Christian scholars from all the leading evangehcal denominations of Great Britain and the United States, has been published and widely circulated ; and inas- much as the language of the Directory of Worship is that "the Scrip- tures shall be read from the most approved version in the vulgar tongue" — Resolved, That a committee be appointed to examine the Bevised Version of the New Testament, and to report thereon to the next Gen- eral Assembly. This committee was appointed, to consist of the Kev. G. D. Aim- strong, D. D., Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., Rev. J. W^ Pratt, D. D., Rev. J. N. W^addell, D. 1)., and Rev. Charles C. Hersman. 1882, p. 524. This committee, after a careful consideration of the whole subject, reported to the General Assembly that, in their judgment, it is inexpedient for the Assembly to take any action on the subject at the present time, for the reason that the work of the revisors is as yet in- 22 338 Digest of the Acts of the Genekai, Assembly. [Book IV. complete — the New Testament only having been published, and even that with no assurance that it maj not receive further amendment at the hands of the revisors. Adopted. 562. Assembly declines to add the Sihle Society to the list of heneco- lent causes for tchich it asks collections. 1877, p. 409. The General Assembly resi^ectfully declines comply- ing with the requests of the Synods of Memphis and Alabama, while cordially commending their zeal in the great work of promoting the circulation of the Word of God. The overture of the Synod of Memphis was that the Assemblj' would ' ' ijlace the Bible cause on the list of benevolent causes, and designate a time when collections shall be taken. " The overture of the Synod of Alabama was for the same, with the further request that "a column be added to our blank forms for statistical re- ports, that the result of such collections may appear in the summary of the benevo- lent work of the Church. " — A . . 563. T7ie Presbyterian Historical Society. 1876, p. 244. A communication having been received from Rev. -J. G. Craighead, D. D., general secretar}- of the Presbyterian Historical Society, calling the attention of this body to the effort now in progress to provide a fire-proof building for the preservation of valuable docu- ments relating to the history of Presbyterianism in the United States, and suggesting the preservation of historical discourses by Presbyte- rian ministers, to be deposited with the Society ; whereupon, He.^olved, That this Assembly expresses gratification to learn that such an enterprise has been undertaken, and commends the effort to the liberality of our people, and recommends that our ministers, during the present 3'ear, prepare historical discourses, treating of the impor- tant facts in the history of their churches severally, for dejDosit with the Presbj^terian Historical Society. 1877, p. 432. A communication from the Presbyterian Historical Society, asking the attention of this Assembly to its claims. Reply : The Assembly reiterates its cordial recognition of the claims of the Presbyterian Historical Society, and earnestly commends to Presbyteries, pastors, and members of our churches, all proper efforts for securing contributions of historical matter to the library of the so- ciety, and of means to promote its laudable purposes in establishing a suitable receptacle for the safe preservation of the books and other documents placed in its care. 1878, p. 635. The Committee on Bills and Overtures, to whom was referred the annvial report of the Presbyterian Historical Society at Philadelphia, report that they examined the same, and recommend that the Assembly express its satisfaction with the progress made by said society in the collection of various documents and a large library as contributions to the general history of the Presbyterian Church, and also the provision of a fireproof building for their preservation. 1881, p. 363. The Assembly recognizes, with great pleasure, the successfiil prosecution of the important work of the Presbyterian His- torical Society, and the erection of a fire-proof building for the preser- vation of its invaluable historic material. The Assembly hereby — llesohes, 1, That a committee be appointed to co-operate with the society in every appropriate method. Secs. 564, 565. ] The Agencies of the Church. 339 2. That the Synods and Presbyteries be recommended to appoint similar committees to procui'e material for the society, and in all prac- ticable ways to further its interests for the benefit of oui' entire Church. Rev. M. D. Hoge, D. D., Rev. W. T. Richardson, D. D., and W. AVirt Henry, Esq., were appointed a committee to correspond with the Historical Society in regard to such matters as may be suitable. Resolutions of commendation similar in tone to the above were adopted in 1882. (P. 525.) 564. iSotct/ieni Presbyterian Historical Society. 1883, p. 41. Resolrcd, That the General Assembly commends to the attention of all its ministers and churches the Southern Presbyte- rian Historical Society, recently organized, and located at Columbia, S. C, and that they co-operate with this society in its purposes and aims to collect material which will be of value in making up the history of our Church. 1884, p. 217. Overture from the Synod of South Georgia and Florida : In view of the fact that the General Assembly has commended both the Presbj'terian Historical Society and the Southern Presbyterian Historical Society to the "active sympathies and assistance of all our people " : and whereas it seems impracticable efficiently to co-operate with both, the Synod of South Georgia and Florida respectfully over- tures the General Assembly to say which of these societies shall receive the co-operation and assistance of our people. It is recommended that we retui-n answer to this overture by express- ing a preference for the Southern Historical Society. Adopted. 565. Collecting materials for the history of the Southern Church. 1878, p. 635. Overtm-e fi-om the SjTiod of Texas, asking that steps be taken for gatheiing up and preserving the past and current history of the Southern Presbyterian Church. Ansirer .■ The Assembly urges upon aU our ministers and judicatories to take all necessar}^ steps for the early preparation and collection of materials for the history of our Church, and their careful preservation until the Assembly shall arrange for their safe keeping. ROOK V. ORDINANCES. 566. Memorial to the Confederate authorities on Sabbath observance in the army. 1862, p. 16. Overture from the Presbytery of Ttiskaloosa, that the General Assembly memorialize the Congress or the President of the Confederate States to require our military officers to have the Sabbath respected and observed as a day of rest and religious exercises. The committee recommend that the following letter be adopted by the General Assembly, signed by the moderator in behalf of this body, and forwarded to the President of the Confederate States : MoNTGOMEEY, May, 1862. To the President, of the Confederate States of America : Sir : The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Con- federate States of America venture to address your Excellency in refer- ence to the desecration of the Sabbath in our armies. In common with very many of our fellow citizens, we have been deeply pained at the prevailing disregard of an institution that lies at the foundation, not only of Christianity, but of morahty as well. The God who ordained the Sabbath is that God to whom we are accustomed to appeal for the justice of om' cause — upon whom we are caDiug for that help which alone can avail to bring our country successfully and triumph- antly through this great struggle. How can we hope for God's bless- ing, or consistently ask it, when we are dehberately and habitually set- ting aside and treating with contempt that which he has enjoined uf)on us to remember and keep holy "? Surely never could circumstances more imperiously call upon us as a people to put away everything which might be displeasing to that Great Being on whose favor we are so utterly dependent; and do not om- soldiers and officers eminently require the salutary influence of the Sabbath amid the manifold temp- tations of the camp and the tierce perils of the battle-field? The Assembly have learned with regret that it is not uncommon for the military arrangements of the Sabbath to be of such a nature as seriously to interfere with the observance of public worship. The General Assembly would therefore respectfully request your Excellency to use yom- influence and authority as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, to do away with dress parades, inspections, reviewals, or unnecessary movements of troops on the Sabbath, and also to see that the officers shall not interfere with the observance of religious services, but on the contrary, afibrd all proper facilities for the same. The uniform interest manifested by your Excellency in all that per- tains to Christianity leads us to hope that a matter of such moment will secure the attention it merits. Let us remember that "righteous- ness exalteth a nation," and that God has declared that they that Sec. 567. J Ordinances. 341 honor him will be honored, whilst they that despise him shall be lightly esteemed. With earnest prayer to God that he will gi-ant you, dear sir, wisdom and grace for your exalted and responsible station in these dark and troublesome times, and with great respect, we are, etc. It does not apijear from the Miuiites whether or not this pajier was adopted, though doubtless it was. — A. 567. Trunsmitting nydl on the Sabbath. 1863, p. 164. The following minute was presented by Col. J. T. L. Preston, which was, on motion, unanimously adopted; and, in connec- tion herewith, it was ordered that so much of a letter from the lamented Gen. T. J. Jackson, very recently addressed to Col. Preston, as relates to the subject hereof, shall be spread v;pon the Minutes of this Assembly, as an addition to the subjoined preamble and resolutions: Whereas in our present struggle it is the conviction of this Assembly that God is solemnly asserting his supremacy as Governor of the nations ; and whereas the lesson of all history confirms the teaching of all Scripture, that no nation can permanently pi'osper, nor enjoy a stable government, which deliberately sets aside the oixlinances and statutes of Jehovah ; and whereas it is ascertained that some of om' statesmen, impressed with the same views, are seriously meditating the repeal of existing laws wliich require the transmission of the mail on the Chris- tian Sabbath ; therefore, lie solved, That this General Assembly, representing the views and wishes of an important branch of the Christian Church, hfts its voice in earnest testimony against this form of public and national sin; and in view of God's present dealings with our young nation, in which his hand is so heavy upon us for our sins, implores the legislators of our land to put awa}' from the nation this cause of the Divine anger, and, by restoring that honor to the Lord's day which is due to it as the solemn court- day of our Sovereign King, to draw Aown upon our land that blessing which is promised to those who remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Resolved, That we solicit other branches of the Church of Christ throughout this Confederacy to unite their testimony with our own, that those who guide our political fortunes may be at no hesitation in under- standing that the nation's voice is pleading for its Sabbath, and for the blessing of liim who is Lord of the Sabljath: and to this end the stated clerk be directed to communicate this paper to the ecclesiastical or- ganizations of the leading evangelical churches of this Confederacy. Extract from a letter of Gen. T. J. Jackson to Col. J. T. L. Preston. " Near FREDERioKSBURci, April 27, 1863. " Dear Colonel : I am much gratified to see that you are one of the delegates to the General Assembly of our Church, and I wi'ite to ex- press the hope that something may be accomplished by you at the meet- ing of that influential body towards repeahng the law requiring our mails to be carried im the Christian Sabbath. Recently I received a letter from a member of Congress, expressing the hope that the House of Representatives would act upon the subject during its present session ; and from the mention made of Col. Chilton and IMr. Curry, of Alabama, I infer that thev are members of the committee which recommend the 342 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book V. repeal of the law. A few days since I received a very gratifying letter from Mr. Curry, which was entirely voluntary on his part, as I was a stranger to him, and there had been no previous correspondence be- tween us. His letter is of a cheering character, and he takes occasion to say that divine laws can be violated with impunity neither by gov- ernments nor individuals. I regret to say that he is fearful that the anxiety of members to return home, and the press of other business, will prevent the desii-ed action this session. I have said thus much in order that you may see that congressional action is to be looked for at the next Congress, and hence the importance that Christians act promptly, so that our legislators may see the current of public opinion before they take up the subject. I hope and pray that such may be our country's sentiment upon this and kindred subjects, that our states- men will see their way clearly. Now appears to me an ausj^icious time for action, as our j)eople are looking to God for assistance. " Very truly your friend." 568. Permanent Committee on the /Sabbath appointed. 1878, p. 626. The report of the Committee on BiUs and Overtures in relation to an overture from the Presbytery of Savannah, and a letter from the International Sabbath Association of New York, concerning a concert of Christian effort in promoting the obsei-vance of the Sabbath, was adopted, recommending that this subject be referred to a special committee. The Eev. E. L. Dabney, D. D., Eev. J. E. Dunlop, with Euling Elders I. D. Jones and J. A. BiUups, were appointed the committee provided for in the above report. P. 641. This committee reported: That they find the evil named wide-spread and formidable, and, ac- cordingly, exceedingly difficult to control. Some enquiry shows that the legislation of the civil commonwealths is in most cases wholesome as it aiiects private citizens, and as, according to the equity, and even the letter of the laws, it should affect Sabbath- breaking corporations; but the wealth, jiower and recklessness of these bodies in aU the States, except, perhaps, Georgia, practically set at defiance these righteous laws, which all other citizens are required to obey. And it seems very obvious that any ordinary protest of any one body of Christians would be slighted by these privileged law-breakers, before whose will the majesty of the commonwealth and the statute law is sometimes effec- tually palsied and silenced. The sense of power and irresponsibility, the numbers employed and salaried by them, and the greed of the vast commercial interests which these corporations profess to serve as car- riers, seemingly mock at a restraining public opinion as at the laws of the land. The evil results of these abuses are wide and deplorable. The con- sequence, which is of least moral weight, but which is most likelj' to in- fluence the transgressors, is a material one, viz. : that by resolving to desecrate systematically God's holy day, these corporations virtually resolve to banish from their service every man who truly fears God, or whose body and spirit enjoy the healthtul and calming influences of home. Sabbath, and sanctuary, and to commit their valuable machineiy and the jDroperty and lives of their patrons only to such men as are •wiUing to defy the commandments of Almighty God, to forego all the Sec. 568.] Ordinances. 343 elevating and soothing influences of the domestic Sabbath's rest, and to cany to their tasks a spirit debauched and a set of nerves fevered by this habitual violation of nature's law, and by the spending of the holy houi's of rest amidst the clangor of machinery and profanity. The re- sult is easUy^ foreseen in murderous collisions of trains, neglect of of- ficial tnists, waste of employers' property, and fierce outbreaks of arson and riot. But our concern is with the moral results. Among these must be coiuited the influence of an evil example almost as wide as the land, and the seduction of temptation and opportunity^ to profane the Sabbath, offered to weak consciences. The armies of officials and servants em- ployed by these corporations are seduced into a common neglect of the sanctuaiy, and of the duties of the Christian family. The quiet and order to which even the civil law entitles all citizens is, in a multitude of our towns and ^•illages, invaded by noise and turmoil. And last, the pretext of associated and incoi'})orate action sophisticates the consciences of the transgressors, making them bold in actions which as private in- dividuals they would blush to perpetrate. And this is one instance of that tendency attending the growth of such corporations which is one of the gravest dangers of modern civilization. Seeing that there is no remedy m the reach of Christians, except the power of a widely combined and universal public opinion, yovu- com- mittee recommend the following action : I. That a permanent Sabbath Committee of three members, residing near enough to each other for concert and vigorous action, be appointed, to serve until the next Assembly and report to it, and to proceed forthwith in the following duties, viz. : to correspond and concert ac- tion with all such ecclesiastical and other bodies as are willing to act with them for this good cause; to assist in the production and circula- tion of suitable pubhcations to instruct the people ; and to procure such moneys as may be raised by vohmtary contribution to defray this ex- pense. Besides the prelates, councils, conventions, assembhes, synods, and conferences of the ditferent Christian denominations of the land, this committee should enter into coirespondence, for this special work only, with such Sabbath associations as may be found in Baltimore, New York, and other cities, and with the General Council of the Young ]\Ien's Christian Association in the United States, to combine the exertions of these voluntary associations for Sabbath reform under the cathohc principles of Christ's Church visible. II. This Assembly faithfully admonishes all its pastors, officers and people against overt breaches of the Sabbath law ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ for aU dispensations and times ; and esj^ecially, that it is their positive and personal duty to clear their own skiits of all compU- city with these sins, by refraining from all travel upon Sabbath-breaking raih'oad trains, steamers, etc., and to refrain, as far as their knowledge may enable them, from committing to them any goods or commodities for transport on the Lord's day. The committee provided for in the above paper was appointed, to consist of the Rev. James Stacj-, D. D., Newnan, Ga. ; Rev. Donald Frazer, Decatur, Ga. ; "William A. IMoore, ruling elder, Atlanta, Ga., and Thomas (^. Cassells, ruling elder, Atlanta, Ga. Since tliis beginning tlie Assembly has anniially appointed a similai executive or permanent committee on this subject. — A. 344 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book V. 569. Preshyterial committees on the Sahhath. 1879, p. 45. Hesolved, That the General Assembly recommends to all our Presbyteries and Synods that thej give this subject their care- ful consideration, taking such action for the promotion of the general end sought as may seem to themselves to be wise and prudent ; and as one of the means for the better organization of this work in our Chui'ch, the Assembly further recommends the appointment of Presbyterial committees, whose object shall be to secure the proper agitation of this question in their respective Presbyteries, and, as far as possible, to co- operate with the Assembly's committee in the way of furnishing them with facts, statistics, or such other aid as may be desirable. Eepeated in 1880. (P. 216.) 570. Applicatio?i to civil authorities on the /Sabbath question. 1881, p. 377. Hesolved, That the committee be instructed to insti- tute such correspondence with other evangelical churches as will secm'e their co-operation in bringing the " Sabbath question " to the attention of the civil authorities of all the States. The Assembly would not recommend any overture, either as citizens or as ecclesiastics, to the Congress of the United States until the co- operation of the great bulk of the evangehcal churches of the whole country may be obtained. 571. Difficidty of co-operation among the deno)ninations on the Sab- bath movement. 1883, p. 87. The permanent committee say : A difficulty that stares us in the face is the want of a co-operative movement on the part of the different denominations of the country. In accordance with the direction of former Assemblies, your committee have opened corre- spondence with several of these different Christian denominations. Though our communications have uniformly been received with the greatest courtesy, and in some instances corresponding committees have been appointed, yet we regret not yet to be able to report any tangible, practical result. How this co-operative movement is to be se- cured in the present divided state of religious sentiment is a problem of difficult solution. 572. Discipline in cases of infraction of the Sabbath laic. 1884, -p. 210. The Assembly directs the Presbyteries to enjoin upon sessions to take notice of infi'actions of this law, and, when necessary, to administer discipline, at least, so far as admonition and reproof are concerned. 1885, p. 413. Resolved, That sessions take notice of the violation of the Sabbath by members of the Church, and admonish and reprove them in the name of Christ ; and if they persist in their infi'actions of the Fom-th Commandment, that it be regarded as an offence demand- ing and justifying suspension. (See Chap. III., Art. I., Rules of Dis- cipline.) Similar action taken in 1886. (P. 52.) 578. Sunday newspapers and railway trains. 1886, p. 52. Whereas we, a court of the Lord's house, beheve that the Christian religion and Christian civihzation rest largely upon the Secs. 574, 575.] Ordinances. 345 proper obsei'vance of the Sabbath day; and whereas we believe that the rmining of railway trains and Sunday editions of newsj^apers are two most potent agencies for destroying the sanctity and proper use of the da.j ; therefore, JResolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States condemns in most emphatic terms the pubhcation and reading of Stmday editions of newspapers and the running of all railway trams on Sunday, and earnestly advises all our people not to read newspapers of Sunday editions, nor to patronize in any way Sun- day railway trains. 1887, p. 229. Iit'solved, That Presbyteries be enjoined to take such steps as to them appear wisest to discourage and put a stop to such riding on Sunday trains and steamboats by church members, and by ministers of the gospel in going and returning from appointments, as cannot be justified on the grounds of necessity or mercy. 574. Meeting of Synod ori the /Sabbath. 188G, p. 47. The Committee on the Records of the Synod of Ala- bama report that they have examined the same, and recommend their approval, except that the Synod held a business meeting on the Sab- bath, November 8, 1885. This the Assembly emphatically disapproves. Adopted. 575. li<(ptisvi as a burial. — Its true significance. 1863, p. 136. The following overture, signed by Rev. George H. Coit, was reported : " The undersigned, believing the question, ' Unto vhat were ye bap- tized ? ' to be one of much importance, respectfully oveiiures this As- sembly in the following case, viz. : " A person presents himself for admission into this Church, who de- clares that he has been baptized in water in the name of the Trinity ; that when he received the ordinance his views were intelligent and clear, and that his sole api)rehension of the nature of the ordinance was that it symbohzed the burial and resurrection of Christ. " The administrator of the ordinance in this case is duly quahfied, imless the holding and teaching of the above sentiments respecting the nature of the ordinance of baptism disqualify one from properly admin- istering the same. " Is such a ceremony valid Christian baptism ? " Again, where the notion respecting baptism indicated in the above case becomes the prevailing and c(»itrolling idea in respect to the or- dinance, does this invahdate the ordinance ? " The committee do not feel prepared to recommend an answer, either affii'mative or negative, to the questions raised in this overtiu'e, without an opportunity for a more careful examination than can now be made of the subject. To represent the ordinance of baptism as the symbol of the burial and resurrection of Christ, to the exclusion of the work of the Holy Spirit, which it is designed primarily to signify, is a grave error, and, it is feared, a growing error in our day. It is, however, no shght matter, but one of great delicacy and responsibility, to determine how much of error, whether of defect or of perversion, on the part either of the administrator or of the subject, may exist without invali- dating the ordinance itself. 346 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [.Book V. Still, as the question is imjiortant, and one which our pastors and sessions must frequently encounter in the discharge of their functions, it is desirable that it should receive a definite answer from the highest judicatory of our Church, in order that the practice of the Chm'ch may be uniform throughout the country. The committee, therefore, suggest that it be referred, according to a good and ancient custom of the Ee- formed Church in Europe, to our learned brethren of the Theological Seminaries in Virginia and South Carolina, requesting them to bestow upon it such attention as they may be able, and to report their views to the next Assembly. If this suggestion shall be approved hj the Assembly, the committee recommend that the Eev. Drs. Adger and Howe, of the Seminary at Columbia, and the Eev. Drs. Dabney and Smith, of the Seminary in Prince Edward, Va., constitute a committee to whom the matter shall be specially entrusted. Adopted. 1864, p. 274. The committee appointed by the last Assembly to prepare an answer to the overture respecting baptism, recorded on page 136 of the Minutes of the last Assembly, would recommend to this Assembly the adoption of the following : The question, " Unto tohat were ye baptized ?" is, without doubt, of vital importance. This Assembly holds, with Calvin, that " a sacra- ment is an external sign by which the Lord seals his promises upon our conscience," and that "it is a fixed point that the office of the sac- rament differs not from the Word of God, and this is to hold forth and offer Christ to us, and in him the treasures of the heavenly grace." (Inst., Book IV., Chap. XIV., Sections 1-17.) This Assembly holds also, with Pictet, that the sacrament of baptism was instituted in order to set forth "the blood and the Spirit of Christ; ov;r justification by his blood, and our sauctification by his Spirit." (Book XV., Chap. XL, Sec. III.) It holds, with the Eeformed Church m general, that baptism was designed to signify and seal our fellowship with Christ in his death and resurrection, with aU the benefits thereof, among which are the remission of sins, regeneration, and eternal life. These things being so, of course a baptism administered and received in attestation of falsehood cannot be valid Christian baptism. This is the ground upon which our Church has rejected Eomish baptism. But it is equally clear that some distinctions must be made in refer- ence to the cases to which this principle is to be appUed. 1. We cannot say that errors, even very sei'ious errors, in the appre- hensions with which a person receives baptism necessarily render it in- valid. If it be rightly administered, and he should wrongly conceive of it, we are not to repeat the baptism afterward when he becomes bet- ter informed. 2 We cannot even say that serious errors in the teachings of the in- dividual administrator render it necessary to repeat baptism. He bap- tizes by aiathority from the Church that ordains him, and the baptism which he administers is to be judged according to her doctrines, and not those of each one of her individual ministers. The first inquiry which arises upon a consideration of the ovei'ture submitted t(j us is. Does baptism symbolize the biu'ial of Christ 1 This Assembly holds that baptism symbolizes the burial of Chx'ist only in the sense in which the apostle speaks of our being buried with Christ in baptism. What that sense is, in bt)th the passages where the phrase Sec. 575.] Ordinances. 347 occurs, we consider to be very clear, viz. : as merely embodying an in- tensive form of the idea of death. The apostle's object is to set forth the believer's being- one -with Christ in his dying ; and, with character- istic wai'mth, he says not onh' that we are dead with Christ, but buried with him. It is just as when we intend to declai'e, with emphasis, to any person the certaintj^ of another's death ; we often say not only that he is dead, but that he is dead and buried. We do not perceive any aUusion to immersion in Paul's language, either in Colossiaus ii. 12, or in Komans vi. 4 ; nor does the inteUigeut Haldane, in his Commentary on Romans, point out any, although himself a Baptist. Indeed, there was nothing in the mode of our Saviour's burial which could possibly have suggested any such allusion to the writer of those epistles. Our Lord was not buried doirn in the earth as v:e bury our dead, and as he must have been buried if his burial had been intended to be symbolized by the believer's immersion in and rising out of what is so often called "the liquid grave " ; but he was laid away in a cham- ber hewn out of the rock, and a great stone was rolled to the door thereof. Surely there was nothing in the mode of our Lord's entrance into the sepulchre which resembles, in the slightest degree, the immer- sion of a believer under the water. The next question is, whether the ordinance is invahdated by the notion, on the part of the recipient and the administrator both, that baptism is symbolic of the mode of our Saviour's burial. This ques- tion is presented before us in the overture in two forms : First, Avhether this apprehension solely, and Secondly, whether this apprehension pre- vaihngly, is error sufficient to invalidate the ordinance. The proper answer to both these ciuestions we conceive to be, that the prevalence of this idea in either form is not enough to invalidate the ordinance, imless it exclude positively the true idea of baptism, viz. : that it sets forth the death of Christ. It appears to us that those who hold that baptism symbolizes Christ's burial must all do so with this apprehension, that it symbolizes his burial — he beinc/ de-men. This overture was referred to the committee appointed to revise the Directory of Worship. 588. 77ie Benediction. 1881, p. 300. The records of the S}Tiod of Missouri wei*e approved, with the exception that, on page 23, it appears that the S}Tiod, in reply to an overture asking, "Are not oiu' various forms of so-caUed benedic- tions prayers?" gave the answer, "They are prayers." Exception was taken to this answer, because of its inconsistency with the Form of Government, Chap. II., Sec. IV., Art. V.: and ^-ith Chap. TV., See. .n., Art. IV. 589. JJus for proof. It reahzes to the Church catholic all the advantages of a division of labor. It makes a church organization homogeneous and compact; it stimulates holy rivalry and zeal; it re- moves aU grounds of suspicion and jealousy on the part of the state. What is lost in expansion is gained in energy. The Church catholic, as thus divided, and yet spiritually one, divided, but not rent, is a beautiful illustration of the great philosophical principle which per- vades aU nature — the co-existence of the one with the many. If it is desirable that each nation should contain a separate and an independent church, the Presbyteries of these Confederate States need no apology for bowing to the decree of Providence, which, in withdraw- ing their country from the government of the United States, has, at the same time, determined that they should withdraw from the Church of their fathers. It is not that they have ceased to love it — not that they have abjured its ancient principles, or forgotten its glorious historv'. It is to give these same principles a richer, freer, fuller development among ourselves than they j^ossibly could receive under foreign culture. It is precisely because we love that Church as it was, and that Church as it should be, that we have resolved, as far as in us lies, to realize its grand idea in the country and under the government where God has cast our lot. "With the supreme control of ecclesiastical affairs in our own hands, we may be able, in some competent measure, to consmnmate this result. In subjection to a foreign jjower, we could no more accomplish it than the Chm-ch in the United States could have been developed in depen- dence upon the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The difficulty there would have been, not the distance of Edinburgh from New York, Phila- delphia or Charleston, but the difference in the manners, habits, cus- toms and ways of thinking, the social, civil and political institutions of the people. These same difficulties exist in relation to the Confederate and United States, and render it eminently prt)per that the Church in each should be as separate and independent as the governments. In addition to this, there is one difference which so radically and fun- damentally distinguishes the North and the South that it is becoming every day more and more apparent that the religious, as well as the secular, interests of botli will be more effectually promoted by a (com- plete and lasting separation. The antagonism of Northern and South- ern sentiment on the subject of slavery lies at the root of all the diffi- culties which have resulted in the dismemberment of the Federal Union, and involved us in the horrors of an unnatm-al war. The Pres- byterian Chiu-ch in the United States has been enabled by the Divine gi'ace to pursue, for the most part, an eminently conservative, because a thoroughly scriptural, policy in relation to this dehcate (question. It has planted itself upon the Word of God, and utterly refused to make slaveholdina- a sin, or non-slaveholding a term of communion.- But though both secttions are agreed as to this general principle, it is not tfj be disguised that the North exercises a deep and settled antipathy to slavery itself, while the South is equally zeak)us in its defence, lie- cent events can have no other effect thiin to confirm the antipathy on the one hand and strengthen the attachment on the other. The North- Sec. 611.] Relations of the Chukch with Other Bodies. 875 ern section of the Church stands in the awkward predicament of main- taining in one breath that slaveiy is an eAil which ought to be abol- ished, and of asserting in the next that it is not a sin to be visited by exclusion from the communion of the saints. The consequence is, that it plays partly into the hands of abolitionists and partly into the hands of slaveholders, and weakens its influence with both. It occupies the position of a prevaricating witness, whom neither party will trust. It would be better, therefore, for the moral power of the Northern section of the Chiu'ch to get entirel}' quit of the subject. At the same time, it is intuitively obvious that the Southern section of the Church, while even partially imder the control of those M'ho are hostile to slavery, can never have free and unimpeded access to the slave population. Its ministers and elders will always be liable to some degree of suspicion. In the present circumstances. Northern alliance would be absolutely fatal. It would utterly preclude the Church from a wide and com- manding field of usefulness. This is too dear a price to be paid for a nominal union. We camiot afford to give up these millions of souls, and consign them, so far as our efforts are concerned, to hopeless per- dition, for the sake of preserving an outward unity which, after all, is an emjity shadow. If we would gird oiu'selves heartily and in earnest for the work which God has set before us, we must have the control of GUI' ecclesiastical affau's, and declare ourselves separate and indepen- dent. And here we may venture to lay before the Christian world otu: views as a Church upon the subject of slaver\\ We beg a candid hearing. In the first place, we would have it distinctly understood that, in oui' ecclesiastical capacity, we ai'e neither the friends nor the foes of slaveiy, that is to say, we have no commission either to propagate or abohsh it. The pohcy of its existence or non-existence is a question which exclu- sively belongs to the state. We have no right, as a Church, to enjoin it as a duty, or to condemn it as a sin. Oiu* business is with the duties which spring fi'om the relation ; the duties of the masters on the one hand, and of their slaves on the other. These duties we are to pro- claim and to enfoi'ce with spiiitual sanctions. The social, civil, politi- cal, problems connected with this great subject transcend our sphere, as God has not entrusted to his Church the organization of society, the construction of governments, nor the allotment of individuals to their various stations. The Chiu'ch has as much right to preach to the monarchies of Eui'ope and the despotism of Asia the doctrines of re- publican equality as to preach to the governments of the South the ex- tirpation of slavery. This position is impregnable, unless it can be shown that slavery is a sin. Upon every other h^i)othesis, it is so clearly a question for the state that the proposition would never for a moment have been doubted, had there not been a foregone conclusion in relation to its moral character. Is slavery, then, a sin ? In answering this question as a Cliurch, let it be distinctly borne in mind that the only rule pf judgment is the wi'itten Word of God. The Chiu'ch knows nothing of the institutions of reason or the deductions of philosophy, except those reproduced in the sacred canon. She has a positive constitution in the Holy Scriptures, and has no right to utter a single syUable upon any subject except as the Lord puts words in her mouth. She is founded, in other words, upon express revelation. Her creed is an authoritative testimony of God, and not a speculation, and 376 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. what she proclaims she must proclaim with the infalUble certitude of faith, and not with the hesitating assent of an opinion. The question, then, is brought within a narrow comj)ass : Do the Scriptures directly or indirectly condemn slavery as a sin 1 If they do not, the dispute is ended, for the Church, without forfeiting her character, dares not go beyond them. Now, we venture to assert that, if men had drawn their conclusions upon this subject only from the Bible, it would no more have entered into any human head to denounce slavery as a sin than to denounce monarchy, aristocrac3% or poverty. The truth is, men have hstened to what they falselj^ considered as primitive intuitions, or as necessary de- ductions from primitive cognitions, and then have gone to the Bible to confirm the crotchets of their vain philosophy. They have gone there determined to find a particular result, and the consequence is, that they leave with having made, instead of having interpreted, Scripture. Slavery is no new thing. It has not only existed for ages in the world, but it has existed, vmder every dispensation of the covenant of grace, in the Church of God. Indeed, the first organization of the Church as a visible society, separate and distinct from the unbelieving Avorld, was inaugurated in the family of a slaveholder. Among the ver}' first per- sons to whom the seal of circumcision was affixed, were the slaves of the father of the faithful, some born in his house, and others bought wdth his money. Slavery again re-appears under the Law. God sanc- tions it in the first table of the Decalogue, and Moses treats it as an institution to be regulated, not abolished ; legitimated, and not con- demned. We come down to the age of the New Testament, and we find it again in the churches founded by the apostles under the plenary inspiration of the Holy Ghost. These facts are utterly amazing, if slaverv is the enormous sin which its enemies represent it to be. It will not do to say that the Scriptures have treated it only in a general, incidental way, without any clear implication as to its moral character. Moses surely made it the subject of express and positive legislation, and the apostles are equally explicit in inculcating the duties which spring from both sides of the relation. They treat slaves as bound to obey, and inculcate obedience as an office of rehgion — a thing wholly self- contradictory if the authority exercised over them were unlawful and iniquitous. But what puts this subject in a still clearer hght is the manner in which it is sought to extort from the Scriptures a contrary testimony. The notion of direct and explicit condemnation is given up. The at- tempt is to show that the genius and spirit of Christianity are opposed to it — that its great cardinal principles of virtue are utterly against it. Much stress is laid upon the Golden Eule and upon the general de- nunciations of tyi'anny and oppression. To aU this we reply, that no principle is clearer than that a case positively excepted cannot be in- cluded under a general rule. Let us ccmcede, for a moment, that the laws of love and the condemnation of tyranny and oppression seem logicall}^ to involve, as a result, the condemnation of slavery; yet, if slavery is afterwards expressly mentioned and treated as a lawful rela- tion, it obviously follows, unless Scripture is to be interpreted as incon- sistent with itself, that slavery is, by necessary imphcation, excepted. The Jewish law forbade, as a general rule, the marriage of a man with his Ijrother's wife. The same law expressly enjoined the same mar- Sec. 6J1.J Relations of the Church ^\^TH Other Bodies. 377 riage in a given case. The given case was, therefore, an exception, and not to be treated as a violation of the general rule. The law of love has always been the law of God. It was enmiciated hj Moses almost as clearly as it was enunciated by Jesus Christ. Yet, notvpith- stauding this law, Moses and the apostles ahke sanctioned the relation of slaveiy. The conclusion is inevitable, either that the law is not op- posed to it, or that slaveiy is an excepted case. To say that the pro- hibition of tyranny and oppression include slaveiy, is to beg the whole question. Tp-anny and oppression involve either the unjust usuri^a- tion or the unlawful exercise of power. It is the unlawfulness, either in its principle or measure, which constitutes the core of the sin. Slavery must, therefore, be proved to be unlawful before it can be re- ferred to any such category. The master may, indeed, abuse his power, but he oppresses not simply as a master, but as a wicked master. But, apart from aU this, the law of love is simply the inculcation of universal equity. It implies nothing as to the existence of various ranks and gradations m society. The interpretation which makes it re- pudiate slaveiy would make it equally repudiate all social, civil, and poli- tical inequalities. Its meaning is, not that we should conform ourselves to the arbitrary expectations of others, but that we should render unto them precisely the same measures which, if we were in their circum- stances, it would be reasonable and just in us to demand at then* hands. It condemns slaveiy, therefore, only upon the supposition that slavery is a sinful relation — that is, he who extracts the prohibition (jf slaverv^ from the Golden Bule begs the veiy point in dispute. We cannot prosecute the argument in detail, but we have said enough, we think, to vindicate the position of the Southern Church. We have assumed no new attitude. We stand exactly where the Church of God has always stood — fi'om Abraham to ]\Ioses, from Moses to Christ, from Christ to the Reformers, and from the Reformers to oiu'selves. We stand ujDon the foimdation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. Shall we be excluded from the fellowship of our brethren in other lands because we dare not depart from the charter of our faith .' Shall we be branded vrith the stigma of reproach because we cannot (consent to corrupt the Word of God to suit the intuitions of an intidel philosophy '. Shall our names be cast out as evil, and the finger of scorn pointed at us, because we utterly refuse to break our communi(jn with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with Moses, David, and Isaiah, with apostles, prophets, and martyrs, with all the noble army of confessors who have gone to gioiy from slave- holding countries and from a slave-holding Church, %\dthout ever hav- ing dreamed that they were living in mortal sin by conniving at slaver\' in the midst of them .' If so, we shall take consolation in the cheering consciousness that the Master has accepted us. We may be denounced, despised, and cast out of the synagogues of our brethren -. but while they are wraughng about the distinctions of men according to the flesh, we shall go forward in our divine work, and confidently anticipate that, in the great day, as the consecjuence of our humble lal)ors, we shall meet millions of glorified sjnrits, who have come up from the bondage of earth to a nobler freedom than human philosophy ever dreamed of. Othei*s, if they please, may sj)end their time in declaiming on the ty- ranny of earthly masters : it will be our aim to resist the real tyrants wliich oppress the soul — sin and Satan. These are the foes against 378 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeal Assembly. [Book VII. whom we shall fiud it employment enough to wage a successful war. And to this holy war it is the purpose of our Chiu'ch to devote itself with redoubled energy. We feel that the souls of om- slaves are a solemn trust, and we shall strive to present them faultless and complete before the presence of God. Indeed, as we contemplate their condition in the Southern States, and contrast it with that of their fathers before them, and that of their- brethren in the present day in their native land, we cannot but accept it as a gracious providence that they havp been brought in such numbers to oui- shores, and redeemed from the bondage of barbarism and sin. Slavery to them has certainly been overruled for the greatest good. It has been a link in the wondrous chain of Providence, through which many scms and daughters have been made heirs of the heavenly inheri- tance. The providential result is, of course, no justification if the thing is intrinsically ^^i-ong; but it is certainly a matter of devout thanksgiving, and no obscure intimation of the wiU and purjDose of God, and of the consequent duty of the Church. We cannot forbear to say, however, that the general operation of the system is kindly and benevolent ; it is a real and effective discipline, and without it we are profoundly persuaded that the African race in the midst of us can never be elevated in the scale of being. As long as that race, in its comparative degradation co-exists side by side with the white, bondage is its normal condition. As to the endless declamation about human rights, we have only to say that human rights are not a fixed, but a fluctuating quantity. Their sum is not the same in any two nations on the globe. The rights of Englishmen are one thing, the rights of Frenchmen another. There is a minimuiji without which a man cannot be responsible ; there is a maximum which expresses the highest degree of civilization and of Christian culture. The education of the species consists in its ascent along this line. As you go up, the number of rights increases, but the number of individuals who possess them diminishes. As you come down the line, rights are diminished, bat the individuals are multiplied. It is just the opposite of the predicamental scale of the logicians. There comprehension diminishes as yovi ascend and extension increases, and comprehension increases as you descend and extension diminishes. Now, when it is said that slaver}^ is inconsistent with human rights, we crave to understand what pomt in this line the slave is conceived to occupy. There are, no doubt, many rights which belong to other men — to Englishmen, to Frenchmen, to his master, for example — which are denied to him. Bvit is he fit to possess them ? Has God qualified him to meet the responsibilities which their possession necessarily implies ? His place in the scale is determined b}' his competency to fulfil its duties. There are other rights which he certainly possesses, without which he could neither be human nor accountable. Before slavery can be charged with doing him injustice, it must be slK)wn that the mini- mum which falls to his lot at the bottom of the line is out of proportion to his capacity and cultiu'e- — a thing which can never be done by abstract speculation. The truth is, the education of the human race for liberty and virtue is a vast providential scheme, and God assigns to every man, by a wise and holy decree, the precise place he is to oc- cupy in the great moral school of humanity. The scholars are dis- tributed into classes, according to their competency and progress ; for God is in historv. Sec. 611.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 379 To avoid the suspicion of a conscious weakness of our cause, when contemplated from the side of pui'e speculation, we may advert for a moment to those pretended intuitions which stamp the reprobation of humanity upon this ancient and hoaiy institution. We admit that there are primitive principles in morals which he at the root of human consciousness. But the question is, how are we to distinguish them? The subjective feeling of certainty is no adequate criterion, as that is equally felt in reference to crotchets and hereditaiy prejudices. The very jwint is to know when this certainty indicates a primitive cogni- tion, and when it does not. There must, therefore, be some eternal test, and whatever cannot abide that test has no authority as a primary truth. That test is an inward necessity of thought, which, in all minds at the proper stage of matiu-ity, is absolutely universal, ^^"hatever is universal is natural. We are willing that slavery should be tried by this standard. We are willing to abide by the testimony of the race, and if man, as man, has evexywhere condemned it — if all human laws have prohibited it as crime — if it stands in the same category with malice, murder, and theft, then we are wilhug, in the name of human- ity, to renounce it, and to renounce it forever. But what if the over- whelming majority of mankind have approved it? what if philosophers and statesmen have justified it, and the laws of all nations acknow- ledged it ? what then becomes of these luminous intuitions ? They are an if/iiis fatuus mistaken for a star. We have now, brethren, in a brief compass, for the nature of this address admits only of an outline, opened to you our whole hearts upon this delicate and vexed subject. We have concealed nothing. We have sought to conciliate no sympathy by appeals to j'our charity. We have tried our cause by the Word of God ; and though protesting against its authority to judge in a question concerning the duty of the Church, we have not refused to appear at the tribunal of reason. Are we not right, in view of all the preceding considerations, in remitting the social, civil, and political problems connected with slavery to the state ? Is it not a subject, save in the moral duties which spring from it, which lies be- yond the province of the Church ? Have we any right to make it an element in judging of Christian character? Are we not treading in the footsteps of the Hock? Ai'e we not acting as Christ and his apostles have acted before us ? Is it not enough for us to pray and labor, in our lot, that all men may be saved, without meddhng as a Church with the techniciil distinction of theii' civil life? We leave the matter with you. We offer you the right hand of feUowship. It is for you to ac- cept it or reject it. We have done our dut}'. We can do no more. Truth is more precious than union, and if you cast us out as sinners, the breach of charity is not with us as long as we walk according to the light of the written Word. Tlie ends which we propose to accomplish as a Church are the same as those which are jiroposed b}' every other church. To proclaim God's tiiith as a witness to the nations : to gather his elect from the four cor- net's of the earth, and through the Word, ministers, and ordinances, to train them for eternal life, is the great business of his people. The only thing that will be at all peculiar to us is the manner in Avhich we shall attempt to discharge our duty. In almost every dep:ii'tinent of labor, except the pastoral care of c-ongi'egations, it has been usual for the Church to resort to societies more or less closely connected with itself, and yet logicall}' and really distinct It is our purpose to rely 380 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. upon the regular organs of our government, and executive agencies di- rectly and immediately responsible to them. We wish to make the Church, not merely a superintendent, but an agent. We wish to de- velop the idea that the congregation of believers, as visibly organized, is the very society or corporation which is divinely called to do the work of the Lord. We shall, therefore, endeavor to do what has never yet been adequately done — bring out the energies of our Presbyterian sys- tem of government. From the session to the Assembly, we shall strive to enlist all our courts, as coiu'ts, in every department of Christian effort. We are not ashamed to confess that we are intensely Presbyte- rian. We embrace all other denominaticms in the arms of Christian fellowship and love, but our own scheme of government we humbly be- lieve to be according to the pattern shown in the Mount, and, by God's grace, we propose to put its efficiency to the test. Brethren, we have done. We have told you who we are, and what we are. We greet you in the ties of Christian brotherhood. We desu'e to cultivate peace and charity with all onr fellow-Christians through- out the world. We invite to ecclesiastical communion all who main- tain our principles c^f faith and order. And now we commend you to God and the Word of his grace. We devoutly pray that the whole catholic Church may be afresh baptized with the Holy Ghost, and that she may speedily be stirred up to give the Lord no rest until he estab- hsh and make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. [Signed,] B. M. Palmer, Moderator, Jno. N. Waudel, Stated Clerk, Joseph E. Wilson, Permanent Clerk, D. McNeill Turner, Temporary Clerk. Miyiisters : John S. Wilson, Wm. Heniy Foote, John H. Bocock, Samuel R. Houston, Francis McFarland, W. T. Eichardson, Peyton Harrison, Theodorick Pryor, Samuel D. Stuart, James B. Eamsey, Drury Lacy, P. H. Dalton, Eobert Hett Chapman, J. W. Elliott, E. B. McMullen, Shepard Wells, J. H. Lorance, John B. Adger, John S. Harris, J. Leighton Wilson, D. E. Frierson, J. H. Thornwell, A. W\ Leland, J. E. DuBose, N. A. Pratt, G. W. Boggs, Eobert B. White, A. B. McCorkle, John A. Smylie, James A. Lyon, J. Franklin Ford, W. C. Emerson, John Hunter, Eichmond Mclnnis, W. D. Moore, J. H. Gilles- pie, W. N. Frierson, A. H. Caldwell, Thos. E. Welch, John I. Boozer, Cyrus Kingsbury, E. M. Loughridge, Eufus W. Bailey, Hillery Mose- ley, E. F. Bunting, Levi Tenney. Riding Elders: James D. Armstrong, B. F. Eenick, J. W. Gilkeson, J. L. Campbell, T. E. Perkinson, W. F. C. Gregory, Samuel McCorkle, Jesse H. Lindsay, Charles Phillips, James H. Dickson, J. G. Shepherd, James G. Eamsey, WiUiam Murdock, Samuel B. McAdams, A. W. Put- nam, Lewis B. Thornton, Thos. C. Perrin, Job Johnstone, E. S. Hope, J. S. Thompsim, W. Veronneau Finley, John Bonner, WilHam A. For- ward, D. C. Houston, AVm. P. Webb, James Montgomery, W. H. Simp- son, Wm. C. Black, David Hadden, H. H. Kimmons, J. T. Swayne, T. L. Dunlap, Edward AV. Wright. 612. Prayer for the GonfederTiod hereby agree that the Presbyteries composing the Synod of Virginia, under the care of the United Synod, together with the Presbytery of New Kiver, shall be received into the Synod of Virginia, under the care of the General Assembly, at their meeting in Lexington, on the day of October, 1864. The Presbytery of Texas, under the care of the United Synod, shall be received into the Synod of Texas, imder the care of the General Assembly, at its next meeting. The Presbyteries of Lexington South, Clinton, and Newton, under the care of the United Synod, shall be received into the Synod of Mississippi, under the care of the General Assembly, at their meeting in Brandon, on the day of October, 1864. The Presbyteries of Holston, Union, and Kingston, imder the care of the United Synod, shall be received into the Synod of Nashville, under the care of the General Assembly, at their next meeting. And the ministers and churches of the Presbytery of North Alabama, under the care of the United Synod, which are within the State of Alabama, shall be united to the Synod of Memphis, and those churches and ministers of such Presbytery which are within the State of Tennessee to the Synod of Nashville. And the Presbytery of Osage, under the care of the United Synod, shall be attached to the Synod of Arkansas, under the care of the General Assembly. Should provi- dential hindrances prevent the consummation of any of the measures above mentioned during the year 1864, they shall take effect as soon thereafter as practicable. Article III. These Synods, at their first annual meetings, or as soon thereafter as practicable, shall define the boundaries of Presbyteries, where ministers and churches, under the care of the General Assembly and of the United Synod, exist in the same territory, and shall so dis- tribute said ministers and churches that those within the same geographical limits shall not belong to different Presbyteries. It is re- commended that, in such changes, that Presbytery shall hold its name Sec-. «27. ] Kei.ations OF THF Church with Other Bodies. 403 and succession which has the major number of ministers, and shall re- ceive the records and Presbyterial funds of the other Presbytery, assuming also its existing pecuniary obligations. And it is agreed that no other condition shall be required of the members constituting said Presbyteries, except the approval of this plan of union. Article IV. Wherever organized churches under the care of the General Assembly and of the United Synod exist in the same neighbor- hood, if their union is necessaiy to the successful sustentation of the gospel, they are atiectionately exhorted to unite immediately, postponing private convenience to the glory of God. But no organized churches, or existing compacts with pastors or stated supphes, shall be ex- tinguished by this act of union, except they voluntarily agree to com- bine with neighboring churches. And when such unions of churches take place, they, with their sessions, shall be organized under the di- rection of their own Presbyteries. Article V. Inasmuch as the General Assembly and the United Synod have similar agencies for aiding pious youth in their education for the ministiy, for circulating Divine truth by printing, and for missions, home and foreig-n, it is agreed that the committees of the General As- sembly, from and after the union, shall receive and sustain, according to existing compacts, all colporteurs, beneficiaries studying for the min- istiy, and home and foreign missionaries, then mider the care of the United Synod, as well as those of the General Assembly ; and that all funds and other property now held for the above objects by the United Synod, or its committees, or other agencies, shall be passed over to the appropriate committees of the General Assembly. And these com- mittees shall thereafter solicit contributions for these evangelical labors in aU the churches ahke, as they are enabled. Article VI. Whenever the above written plan of union shall have been adopted by the General Assembly and the United S}Tiod, it shall be in full force. 4. Resolned, That the Assembly proposes the omission of the doc- trinal propositions of Article I., on the following ground solely, viz. : That, behering the approval of those jjropositions by the Committees of Conference, and extensivel}' among both bodies, has served a valu- able purpose, by presenting satisfactory evidence of such harmony and soundness of doctrinal views as may ground an honorable union, the Assembly does yet judge that it is most prudent to imite on the basis of our existing standards only, inasmuch as no actual necessity for other declarations of belief in order to a happy union now exist. Before the vote was taken upon the report as a whole, the Assembly adjourned, to meet this afternoon at four o'clock. P. 270. The Assembly then resolved to take the final vote by ayes and nays upon the report which was adopted seriatim this moiiiing, it being understood that each member voting, whether aj'e or nay, shall have the privilege of explaining the reasons for his vote, to be spread upon this record. Result: Ayes, 53 : nays, 7. A. M. Watsou and P. Pierson voted in the affirmative, but dissented from 4th resolution ; also T. W. Erwin, who excepts further to the last resolution. G. H. Dunlap doubts whether his Presbytery will cordially approve his vote, which was in the affirmative. Of those who voted iKiy, James McCreight and B. M. Palmer objected to resolution 4th. Au^us Johnson voted nay for doctrinal reasons, and J. B. Adger, because he regarded the plan of iinion as a retraction of the Church's testimony in 1837, and as being calculated to give rise to future troubles in the Church, and as assuming that the Assembly has unlimited powers. 404 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. The change made in the second article of the conference report by the Assembly before adopting it was as follows: Instead of saying that the Presbyteries and Synods connected with the two bodies, and covering a common territory, shall coii- stitute a new Synod or Presbytery, the report is made to read, that the bodies in connection with the United Synod shall be received into the corresi:)ouding ecclesi- astical body in connection with the General Assembly. The purpose of the altera- tion was to preserve the succession, and so guard the property interests and char- tered rights of the various Svuods and Presbyteries in connection with the Assem- bly —A. 628. Origin and Jdstory of the United Synod. The following outline of the history and position of the United Synod may not be inappropriate : The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of Amer- ica (N. S.), at its session in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1857, adopted a i^aper touching the subject of slavery, that was regarded bj' some of the members of the Assembly as contrary to the Scriptures and violative of the constitution of the Chm-ch, in that it virtually made slaveholdiug a cause for discipline by the church courts. They therefore felt constrained, for truth and conscience sake, to withdraw from that body, and -to recommend that a convention be held in the city of Eichmond, Va , composed of representatives of such Presbyteries and churches as felt themselves aggrieved by the above-mentioned action of the Assembly, to consult as to what course should be pursued. This they did, in an address to the churches, signed by Kev. F. A. Ross, D. D., and fourteen others. That convention met August 27, 1857. The attendance was one hundred and tif ty-two. It was in session five days. Its president was Hon. Horace Maynard, of Knoxville, Tenn. The following plat- form was adox^ted and published : Whereas all acts, resolutions, and testimonies of past General Assemblies, and especially the action of the last General Assemblj', whereby suspicions and doubts of the good standing and equal rights and privileges of slaveholding members of the Church, or imputations or charges against their Christian character, have been either implied or expressed, are contrary to the examjDle and teachings of Christ and his apostles, and tire a violation of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church. And whereas the relation of master and servant, in itself considered, or further than the relative duties arising therefrom, and slavery as an institution of the state, do not properly belong to the Church judicatories as subjects for discussion and enquiry. And whereas, in the judgment of this convention, there is no jjrospect of the cessation of this agitation of slavery in the General Assembly so long as there are slaveholdei's in connection with the Church ; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend to the Presbyteries in connection with the Gei\- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, to with- draw from said body. ResoUed, That in the judgment of this convention nothing can be made the basis for discipline in the Presbyterian Church which is not specifically referred to in the constitution as crime or heresy. Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church has no power to i^ronounce a sentence of condemnation on a lower judicatory, or individuals, for any caiise, unless they have been brought before the Assembly in the way pre- scribed by the constitution. ResoUed, That the convention recommend to all the Presbyteries in the Presby- terian Church which are opposed to the agitation of slavery in the highest judica- tory of the Church to aiipoint delegates, in the proportion prescribed hy our Form of Government for the appointment of commissioners to the Assembly, to meet at Knoxville, Tenn., on the third Thursday in Mity, 1858, for the iiurpose of organizing a general Synod, under the name of "The United Synod of the Presby- terian Church in the United States of America." ResoUed, That the members of this convention adhere to and abide by the Con- fession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures ; and that we adhere to the Form of Government and Book of Discipline of said Church. The following also was adojited : Resolved, That a union between us and our Old School brethren, could it be ef- fected on terms acceptable to both sides, would be conducive to the best interests of the Church of Christ ; and this convention, after a free and f idl interchange of views and opinions on this subject, do now recommend that the United Synod, Sec. G28.] Eelations of the Church with Other Bodies. 405 when formed and duly organized, phall invite the General Assembly (O. S.) toa fraternal conference with us in reference to snch union. In iiinsnance of the recommendation of this convention, commissioners ap- pomted by a number of Presbyteries met in the Second Presbyterian church of Knoxville, on April 1, 1858, and after a seimon by Eev. J. D. IMitchell, D. D., of Lynchburg, Va., i^roceeded to constitute the United Synod of the Presbyterian Church. The number of commissioners in attendance was twenty-one, from twelve Presbyteries, located in foiir different States. A declaration of principles was adoj^ted, setting forth the reasons for withdraw- ing from the Assembly and forming a sej^arate ecclesiastical judicatory, and as be- ing, in their judgment, in accordance with the Word of Gocl and the constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and as essential to the peace, unity, and permanent prosperity of the Presbyterian Church in this land. This statement, in substance, is as follows: 1. They declare their agreement in, and approbation of, the standards of the Church, and state in what sense they adopt the Confession of Faith. 2. No JTidicatory, minister, or member can be censured, condemned, or excluded from Church privileges without a process of trial, such as is prescribed in the constitu- tion. 3. The General Assembly is an advisory and judicial body, but not a legisla- tive body. 4. Discriminates between the testifying and judicial powers of judi- catories. 5. Nothing can be made the basis of discipline which is not specifically re- ferred to in the constitution of the Church as crime or heresy. G. Slave-holding is not referred to in the Confession of Faith, and cannot, therefore, in itself con- sidered, in any case be made the basis of discipline. 7. It is a usurpation of au- thor-ity to make slave-holding a bar to communion. 8. The discussion or agitation of slavery in the judicatories of the Church, except so far as resjoects the moral and religious' duties growing out of the relation of master and slave, is inappropriate to said judicatories. 9. Presbyteries from every section of the Union, which can endorse this platform, are invited to cast m their lot with the United Synod This Synod also appointed a committee, consisting of Eev. C. H. Bead, D. D., and Rev.' M. M. Marshall, to visit New Orleans, and confer with a committee of the Old School Assembly, in the event of that body appointing one for the purpose, with reference to a union of the two bodies. This committee was directed to pro- pose certain terms of union as indispensable to an honorable imion on the part of the United Synod. These terms were seven in number, being in the main a repetition of the positions above given in the "Declaration of Princii3les. " One teim asked was, that both bodies agree that it is consistent with the requirements of the West- minster Confession to receive said confession according to the adopting act of 1729. Another was, that the examination rule should be relaxed in the reception of min- isters from the United Synod. The Assembly appointed Eev. C. Van Rensselaer, D. D., Eev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., and Eev. Mr. Cunningham, a committee to meet and confer with the above committee. This committee of the Assembly laid before that body the "terms of union" submitted by the United Synod ; also the proposal to establish mutual correspon- dence between the two bodies in case union be not determined upon, with a simple recommendation that they should be put on the docket, which was done. When the matter was called up, Eev. Dr. E. J. Breckinridge submitted a paper, which was i^assed unanimo;;sly, in which the Assembly says that these official papers do not afford a basis of conference upon which it is able to see that there is any pros- pect of advancing the interests of Christ's kingdom in general, or those of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, or those of the United Synod in particu- lar. The Assembly furthermore seemed to think that acceptance of the teims pro- posed would " appear to us to involve a condemnation of ourselves and a renuncia- tion of the rich and peculiar favor of God upon us in the very matters which led to their secession from our Church twenty years ago." Eev. T. D. Bell, of Harrisonburg, Va., was stated clerk, and Eev. J. H. Martiij, of Knoxville, Tenn., was permanent clerk of the United Synod-. The Synods and Presbyteries embraced in this body in 18G1 were as follows : I. Si/»od of T7r(7/7Na. — Presbyteries : Winchester, Hanover, Piedmont, and Dis- trict of Columbia. — 4. II. S^/ltod of Tennessee. — Presbyteries: Union, Ilolston, Kingston, and New Eiver. — 4. III. Synod of Mississippi. — Presbyteries: North Alabama, Clinton, Lexington South, Newton, Texas, Osage, and Lexington. — 7. The Board of ^lissious was located in Eichmond. It had'supervision of both do- mestic and foreign work. Eev. P. B. Price was its secretary and treasurer, and 406 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. Peachy R. Grattan its president. The Board of Education was located in Lynch- burg, Va., and had Rev. Dr. J. D. Mitchell for secretary, and P. Seabury for treasurer. The treasurer of the Assembly was D. B. Payne, Lynchburg. The Board of Trustees, W. R. Caswell, president, was chartered under the laws of the State of Tennessee, and had its residence in Knoxville. In 1861 the United Synod embraced 121 ministers and 199 churches, and had under its care 4 licentiates, 18 candidates for the ministry, and 11,581 communicants. The following is the suc- cession of their Synods : Date. Place. Moderator. 1858, Knoxville, Rev. C. H. Read, D. D. 1859, Lynchburg, 1860, Huntsville, 1861, Richmond, 1862, Chattanooga, 1863, Knoxville, 1864, Lynchburg, Rev. J. J. Robinson, D. D. Rev. C. M. Atkinson. Rev. E. H. Cumpston. Rev. Fielding Pope. Rev. Amasa Converse, D. D. There was not a quorum at Chattanooga in 1862. After electing Rev. Fielding Pope temporary moderator, those present adjourned, designating Knoxville as the place, and May 1, 1863, as the time, for the next meeting. It actually met, how- ever, on the 21st of May, 1863. On an overture from North Alabama Presbytery and a memorial from Rev. P. B. Price reciting the recent action of the Assembly relative to iinion, Synod appointed a committee "to arrange for such a formal union of the Presbyterian churches at the South, upon the basis of the Confession of Faith, as in its spirit and terms shall be honorable and acceptable to both jiarties, and as in its i)rovisions and arrangements shall promise the enlarged i^rosiierity of Christ's kingdom within onr respective bounds, " and to re^Jort to the Synod the re- sults of the fraternal conference at its next annual meeting. The meeting for 1864 was to have been held in May, at New Dublin church, Pulaski county, Va., but proved a failure, the commissioners being iinable to at- te)id, owing to a Federal raid in that county at the time. The stated clerk there- upon called for a meeting of the Synod in Lynchburg, on the last Thursday of Augiist, 1864. The conference committee (which consisted of the names given above in section 627 of this Digest, together with Elder John Randolph Tucker) submitted at that meeting the plan of union drawn uj) by the joint committees, in its recent sitting f Kentucky to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, to meet in Nashville on the list day of November, A. D. 1867: Grace, mercy and, peace be midtipUed unto you. Fatheks and Brethren, Beloved in the Lord : It is probably known to most of you, that for the space of seven years past, even from the period of the separation of the Southern churches from the churches of the North, the Synod of Kentucky and its Presbyteries have been disturbed with controversies upon issues raised by a series of acts of the residual Assembly, all, more or less, growing out of the deliver- ance which was prominent among the causes of the separation of the Southern from the Northern churches. As a final result of these controversies, but with immediate reference to the act of the Assembly of 1867, declaring this Synod and its Presbyteries no longer a true Synod and Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church, the Synod of Kentucky, at its sessions held in Lexington on the 2Sth day of Jime last, made the following among other declarations : 1. That the acts above recited, being in their nature schismatical, revolutionary, and despotic, and in violation of all the covenants of the constitiition, and destruc- tive of the constitution itself, are null and void, and of no binding force upon the Presbyteries and churches ; neither do they have any valid effect in depriving those who refuse to submit to them of any of their rights, either ecclesiastical or civil, as guaranteed in the constitution. 2. That from the moment of the passage, by the late Assembly, of that act, by which the constitutional representatives of twelve Presbyteries — composing two large Synods, and covering the whole of the States of Kentucky and Missouri, em- bracing some one hundred and fifty ministers, two hundred and fifty churches, five hundred ruling elders, and fifteen thousand communicants — were excluded from their seats in the Assembly, and certain persons admitted to those seats com- Sec. 634.] Eelations of the CnrRCH with Other Bodies. 415 ing from bodies unknown to the constitution of the Church, unprecedented in her history, and under the operation of an act (the ipso facto order of 1866) utterly sub- versive of the fundamental principles of Presbyterian government as laid down in the Word of God ; and all this manifestly and avowedly for the accomplishment of an unlawful and cruel purpose against certain ministers and elders in the Church, — that body ceased any longer to be a constitutional General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States, and became a sohismatical and revolutionary body, no longer governed by, or representative of, the constitution, but controlled simply by the will of the majority. 3. That the General Assembly having thus abandoned the constitution and broken its covenants, and having assumed to itself the character and powers of a hierarchical autocracy, and having thus, by its own acts, separated itself from the Synod and Presbyteries which compose it, and those who with us are standing fast by the Word of God and the constitution of the Presbyterian Church, this Synod now makes solemn declaration of this fact upon its records, and further declares that in its f utiire action it will be governed by this recognized sundering of all its relations to the aforesaid body by the acts of that body itself. 4. That, nevertheless, this Synod, with its Presbyteries, churches and people, still true to the native instincts of a genuine Presbyterianism, and unwilling to stand isolated from their brethren, desires still to be in communion and organic union with all who maintain the principles of church order so dear to our fathers and so dear to lis ; and it becomes a first duty to ascertain whether such union can be formed, and to what extent. 5. That there is doubtless a remnant scattered throughout the bounds of the Northern General Assembly itself which will in due time avail itself of the oppor- tunity of uniting with the excluded Synods of Kentucky and Missouri in a common alliance with all who maintain the non-political sphere of the Church, and the supremacy of- the constitution, in the work of extending once more the true Old School Presbyterian Assembly over the whole country. fi. That the Synod rejoices in the belief that the Southern Presbyterian churches and church courts have, iu a good degree, preserved pure and unimpaired the con- stitutional Presbyterianism of the undivided Church from 1837 to 1861, as appears from the official acts of the Southern Assembly in 1861, and again in 1865 and 1866 ; in the latter deliverance, proposing the very principles for which this Synod has contended as the platform upon which to unite all of like principles against the Erastian tendencies of the Protestantism of these times. And, in the judg- ment of this Synod, this state of facts suggests the inquiry whether this large and completely organized body of Southern Presbyterians does not present the proper and desirable nucleus around which may rally all the true Old School Presbyte- rianism of the country, and whether immediate steps should not be taken to bring about this general alliance of the several portions of true Presbyterians, if they are satisfied that the Southern churches are standing fast to these great principles, as speedily as their circumstances severally will permit. 7. That it is our desire to unite and co-operate with the Presbyteries and Synod of Missouri in maintaining the C(mstitutiou of the Church and our joint rights cov- enanted therein, and of perpetuating the Old School Presbyterian ('hurch in the United States, as that Church existed from 1837 to 1861 inclusive. 8. That a committee be appointed to take into consideration this whole subject, and prepare and rept>rt for the consideration of Synod at its stated meeting in Octo- ber next, a carefully considered statement of the doctrines and principles for which this Synod and its Presliyteries have been contending in the controversies with the Genei'al Assembly during seven years past, particularly the principles maintained by this Synt)d iu the interpretation of our standards touching the spiritual and non-political nature and functions of the Church, the limitation of the powers of the General Assembly, and the incompetency of any court of the Church to add to or subtract from the terms of ministerial and Christian communion therein, with a view to lay the same before the General Assembly to be holden in Nashville in No- vember next, as the basis of a covenant upon which this Synod may form an organic union with that body. 9. That at its stated meeting in October next, this Synod will appoint delegates to attend ui)ou the sessions of the General Assembly oi the Presbyterian Church, to meet at Nashville in November next, for the purpose of expressing to that body our fraternal greetings, and opening with them a correspondence. And we invite the Synod of Missouri to unite ^^•ith us in sending similar delegates to that body, to the end that the way may be prepared for an organic union between these Synods and that General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, at as 416 Digest of the Acts of the Geneeae Assembly. [Book VII. early a day as such union can be effected without detriment to any of the interests of the several parties. In accordance with the spirit and tenor of the foregoing declarations, and in obedience to the specific instructions of the Synod, the committee appointed under the eighth of the foregoing declarations have prepared and reported, and this Synod, after due consideration, has solemnly adopted, the following statement of the acts of the Assembly iipon which the issues have been raised, and of the doc- trines and principles maintained by this Synod and its Presbyteries, and which they desire to stand as their testimony for the truth and order of Christ's hoiise, and to be substantially the basis of a covenant upon which the Synod of Kentucky may form an organic union with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. We deem it scarcely necessary, fathers and brethren, in view of the sixth of the foregoing declarations made in June last, to assure you that it is not because of any distrust of your faithfulness to those doctrines and principles that we have thought of this method of forming an organic union with you on the basis of a solemn covenant agreement to maintain the doctrines and constitutional principles set forth in this paper. But having been called in the providence of God to testify specially for these great doctrines and principles, even to the final sundering of the ecclesiastical ties that bound us to our brethren of the North, we deem it but a proper attestation of our earnestness and sincerity in bearing this testimony to claim for it record and acknowledgment as a part of the acts and monuments whereby, historically, the Clnirch inter^jrets its standards. Nor do we doubt for a moment that, on solemn consideration of the signs of the times, and of the Erastian tendencies of our Presbytex'ianism both in the United States and Great Britain, you will gladly embrace the ojiportunity offered by so peculiar an occasion to join with us, should a union be formed, in a solemn covenanted testimonial to the truths for which in common we have been "contending earnestly as the faith once delivered to the saints;" and to erect in the historical records of the Church a monument which shall at once declare to those that come after us our appreciation of the in- estimable value of these principles as the bulwark of the Christian liberty where- with Christ sets his people free, and a definitely expressed statute testimony, to which ready appeal may be made hereafter as direct a^lthority in su^Dport of those who stand for the truth as it is in Jesus against those who again may treacher- ously attempt to subvert the doctrine and order of Christ's house. Of course we shall rejoice if, in your consideration of this important matter, the Lord shall give you light and wisdom largely to improve upon the statement of the true doctrine as against the contrary errors which we here submit. It is far from our purpose to come to you submitting the terms of a covenant to be subscribed. We come to lay before you simply, in brief outline, the substance in the testimony, which our circumstances and the practical issues raised with us have compelled us to bear. We have no desire to jDrocure the enactment in thesi of abstract state- ments of principles independent of any case arising to call for such deliverance; for we have ever recognized the wisdom of the general rule, that, having once ac- cepted a constitution as fundamental law, it is incumbent upon the courts of the Church to attempt the determination only of such issues as may practically arise in the outworking of the system, and in tliexi as few cases as possible. With this preliminary explanation of its origin and j)urpose, we lay before you the following : Statement of the Doctrines and Principles for which the Synod of Kentucky AND ITS Presbyteries have been Contending in the Controversies with the General Assembly during the past Seven Years. I. To the end that the testimony of this Synod and its Presbyteries for doctrine and order may be more clearly understood, the following recital is made, specifically, of the more significant acts and deliverances of the General Assembly to which they have taken exception, and in i-eference to which their testimonies have been uttered. 1. The act of Asseml)ly in 1861, known as the "Spring llesolations, " setting forth that "in the spirit of Christian iDatriotism which the Scripture enjoins," the Assem- bly declares its obligation to promote and perjoetuate the integrity of the United States; to uphold and strengthen the Federal Government, and the loyalty of the Assembly to the Constitution. (Minutes, 18G1, pp. 329, 330.) 2. The act of Assembly in 1802, known as the "Breckinridge Paper," declaring the wickedness of the rebellion in the southern portion of the Union, and de- nouncing the traitorous attempt to overthrow the National Government as contrary to the revealed will of Ood; affirming that this is done contrary to the wishes of the Sec. 634] Eelattons of the Chitrch with Other Bodies. 417 immense majority of the jDeojile in whom the local sovereifi;nt}' in the Sovithern States resided ; affirming that it is the dutj^ of the National Government to crush force by force, and of the people to iiiDhold the Federal Government therein ; de- nouncing, without naming, certain office-bearers and members of churches in loyal Synods and Presbyteries as "faithless to all authority, human or divine;" and en- joining obedience to the civil government, not only in overt act, but "in heart, temper, and motives, (as God's law is to be obeyed,) and as they shall answer at the judgment seat." 3. The elaborate minute of the Assembly of 18()3, upon the subject of raising the United States flag over the church building iu which the Assembly sat; re-affirming the doctrine of the obligation of the Church, as such, to proclaim her loyalty to the civil government. (Miniites, 18()3, pp. 2(i and 57.) 4. The various acts of 1864 : First, The refusal to appoint a fast which providential circumstances seemed to call for, and the appointment of a thanksgiving instead, on the groiind, as assigned by the mover and advocates of the substitute, that a fast-day appointment ' ' will produce an unfavorable impression iu Europe, and distress the Executive and his advisers at Washington." (Minutes, 1864, pp. 267, 270.) Second, The enjoining of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, just on the eve of a Presidential election, for the special remembrance and repentance, among other things, of the sin of having voted for candidates of bad character against "candi- dates having every mental and moral cpialitication." (Miuiites, 1864, p. 316.) Third, The injunction to the congregations to petition the national Congress, as a means of getting an answer to prayer for deliverance from the assaults of a most groundless and wicked rebellion, to amend the Federal constitution so as not only to acknowledge "God the supreme Lord and King over all the world," but the "Lord Jesus Christ as governor among the nations, and his revealed will as the supreme law of the land. " (Minutes, 1864, p. 315.) Fourth, The minute known as the "Stanley Matthews Paper," adopting the naturalistic views of the slavery cpiestion, and declaring the political occurrences of the time to be providential revelations of the will of God that every vestige of slavery should be eliaced; that the motive for the longer continuance of slavery has been taken away by the war of the slaveholding States in order to found an empire upon the corner-stone of slavery ; expressing gratitude to God for overruling the wicked- ness and calamities of the rebellion, to work out the deliverance of the country from the evil and guilt of slavery, and the desire for the extirpation of slavery ; and re- commending all in our communion "to labor earnestly and iinweariedly for this glorious consummation, to whii'h human justice and Christian love combine to pledge them." (Minutes, 18fJ4, pp. 298. 299.) Fifth, The decisions in the cases of the Eev. Dr. McPheeters and the Pine-street church, St. Louis, and of the llev. Mr. Farris and Ruling Elder "Watson and the St. Charles church, Missouri (Minutes, 1864, pp. 311, 312), in connection with subse- quent action in 1866, in reference to the proceedings of the Synod of Missouri in 1865 (Minutes, 1865, pp. 57(), 577) ; and also in 1866, giving the full sanction of the Assembly to the persecution of Christ's ministers who could not in conscience con- sent to pervert their office and position to the suiDport of a political party ; and formally sanctiouiug the i)rinciple that a Presbytery and Synod organized under a provost marshal, and its members forbidden to take seats till qualified by a mili- tary oath, is a free and hiwf ul court of Jesus Christ. 5. The acts of Asseml)ly in 1865, enforcing the principles of all the foregoing acts as a part of the standing law of the Church, thus: Fird, ('ondemning the Synod of Kentucky for taking exception to the Assem- bly's paper on slavery iu 18(54, and because the Synod "had wholly failed to make any deliverance calculated to sustain and encourage our government in its efforts to suppress a wanton and wicked rebellion." (JMiuutes, 1865, p. 541.) Si'coiul, The order to the Board of Missions to appoint as missionaries "none but those that give satisfactory evidence of their loyalty to the National Government, and that they are in cordial sympathy with the General Assembly in its testi- mony on doctrine, loyaltv, and freedom." (Minutes, 18(55, p. 554; compare jip. 586, 59(1.) Third, The order to all the lower church courts, requiring the examination of ministers and church members coming from any of the Southern States, and mak- ing it a condition precedent to admission to the church [courts and churches that they confess as sinful certain opinions before held touching " State Kights, " rebel- lion, and slavery, not iu harmony with the ju-evious political utterances of the As- sembly. (Minutes, 1865, p. 566.) 27 418 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. Fourth, The minute of the same Assembly, declaring untruly that the Southern chiirches had organized a General Assembly "in order to render their aid in the attempt to establish, by means of the rebellion, a sejjarate national existence, to conserve and perpetuate the system of slavery — a great crime against the govern- ment and against God," — and therefore declaring the Assembly's purijose to ignore the existence of any Presbyterian Church in the Southern States, except such churches and Presbyteries as are loyal to the government of the United States and to the Northern Presbyterian Church, and whose views are in harmony with its views on the subject of domestic slavery. (Minutes, 1865, p. 506.) 6. The acts and deliverances of the General Assembly of 1866, ordaining the exe- cution of the orders of 1865 : First, The exclusion of the commissioners of the Presbytery at Louisville from their seats in the Assembly by simple -resolution, without hearing, and on premises whose statements were utterly false, and one of them defamatory of a minister in good standing. (Minutes, 1866, p. 12.) Second, The act ordering certain persons — some of them under process before the church session, and their case under careful consideration before the Presbytery — to be recognized as elders of the Walnut-street church, without the possibility of any knowledge on the part of the Assembly whether they had been duly elected and were lawful ruling elders or not. (Minutes, 1866, p. 54.) Third, The peremptory expulsion of the commissioner of another Presbytery from a seat in the Assembly, by a mere resolution, on the ground that he had, as a reporter of proceedings, written a letter offensive to another member. (Minutes 1866, p. 58.) Fourth, The resolution and proceedings initiating steps for organic re-union with the New School body, in utter disregard of the testimonies of 1837-'8, against errors which not only the New School body had not by any public act renounced, bi;t, on the contrary, had added to largely, by its monstrous Erastian deliverances on the state of the country in 1863, '64, and '65, and the monstrous deliverance just then made, endorsing the civil rights bill and negi'O suffrage as against the President, and calling for more blood in ' ' the condign punishment of the chief f omenters of the rebellion. " (Proceedings of May 25, 1866.) And the further proceedings to- ward the consummation of the re-union in acts of Assembly of 1867. Fifth, The action of the same Assembly known as "the Gurley ipso facto Order," declaring, lirst, the Declaration and Testimony to be slanderous and schismatical, then summoning its signers directly to the bar of the next Assembly for trial, with- out other citation or other tabling of charges ; devising penalties unknown to the constitution, and utterly incongruous to the Presbyterian theory of the teaching- rulers, for the signers of the Declaration and Testimony ; and declaring the ipso facto dissolution of Presbyteries which refused to execute this unlawful penalty ; also, the pastoral letter and the memorial adopted by the Assembly in reference to the same general subjects. (Minutes, 1866, pp. 60, 61.) 7. The action of the Assembly of 1867 in executing a penalty of disobedience to the orders of 1865: First, The adoption of the Encycloptedic Act of the Assembly, known as the "Report of the Committee of Ten," whereby were crowded into one indistinguish- able mass the judicial cases of near two himdred men, formally summoned to the Assembly ; cases of appeal referred to this by the preceding Assembly ; cases of irreg- ularities and revolutionary proceedings in Presbyteries and Synods ; cases of con- tested seats in the Assembly ; solemn memorials and remonstrances of Presbyteries and individuals ; all these passed upon without any of the usual forms of hearing and trial, by one sweeping sentence of outlawry of two Synods and twelve Presby- teries of the Church. Second, The several actions, in accordance \^Tth the foregoing, for depriving the churches of Kenti^cky of their property and the control of the schools which their piety and liberality had founded, to all of which acts reference has already been made, with its judgment concerning them, in the Synod's action in June last. Statement of Doctrines and Pkinciples foe whic;h the Synod of Kentucky and ITS Peesbyteries have Contended in the Controversies with the Generax, Assembly, as Adopted by the Synod, October 11, 1867. II. Still farther to the end that the testimony of this Synod and its Presbyteries may be more clearly understood, and to guard it from the perversions and misrep- resentations of their adversaries, it is hereby declared, once for all, that in their va- rious protests and testimonies against the acts and deliverances of Assembly just Sec. 634.] Eelations of the Church with Other Bodies. 419 recited, the Synods aud Presbyteries of Kentucky have not meant, ' ' as they be slanderously reported, " to deny any of the following propositions : Either, First, To deny that civil government is the ordinance of God, and the magistrate God's minister, in the natural order, as are the church oflBcers in the spiritual order, for the protection of the good and the repressing of the lawless and wicked. Or, Second, To deny that the Church may not properly enjoin obedience in the discharge of their cTuties, as citizens and subjects, to the civil government within its sphere. Or, Third, To deny that the state, as a natural inniittite, should acknowledge "God the King and Kuler, " as he makes himself known to the state in the natural order, and to man. as his creature, "showing the work of the law written in his heart, his conscience also bearing witness, and who may clearly see his eternal power and Godhead bj' the things that are made. " Or, Fonrtli, That the state may enforce the law of God as made known in the natural order through the impressions of man's moral nature, and the ethical truths clearly deducible from the acknowledged existence of God the Creator, and the re- lations to him of man the creature, whom ' ' the light of nature sheweth that there is a God who hath lordship and sovereignty over all. " Or, Fifth, That the Church should have cognizance of crimes against the law of the state, as they may be sins against God, which affect spiritually the subjects of her spiritual discipline ; the Church having in view to restore such a one in the spirit of meekness. Or, Sixth, To deny that the Church may properlj' appeal to the civil courts, whose business it is to protect life, liberty, and propertj^ for the protection against the lawless and unjust of property given in trust to her, as they protect any other iJroperty ; or that the Church shoxild i^rotest against any intriasion of the civil government into the sphere of the spiritual, which has been assigned by her Head to her jurisdiction. Neither, again, in respect of the interpretation of the constitution, of the Presby- terian Church, have this Synod and its Presbyteries intended to deny any of the following propositions : Either, First, To deny that the power of the supreme court, representing the power of the whole Church, is, within the Umit of Christ's laws, over the power of the lower courts representing a part. Or, Second, To deny that individual members and lower courts should "receive with reverence and siibmission" the decrees and determinations of superior coun- cils, ^'^ if consonant to the Word (f God," "not only for their agi-eement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word." Or, Third, To deny that the power of the General Assembly, as the power of all other courts and office-bearers, is primarily from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, and only in a secondary sense derived from the constitution ; and that only as it is a delegated body are the Presbyteries the fountain of power to the General Assembly. Neither, again, in respect of the questions which have given occasion for the fore- going acts and utterances of the General Assembly, has this Synod and its Presby- teries felt called upon either to affirm or deny any one of the following propo- sitions : Either. First, That the political acts of the Southern States were right, or the contrary. Or, Second, That the com-se of the Federal Government was just, wise, and mag- nanimous, or the contrary. Or, Third, That the political theory of State rights is the true theory of the Fed- eral Constitution, or the contrary. Or, Fourth, That the institution of slavery was in accordance with natural justice and in itself desirable, or the contrary. III. But, as against certain errors involved in the above recited acts and deliver- ances of the General Assembly — in part errors of doctrine concerning the nature and functions of the Church, as related to Christ, her Lawgiver and King, on the one hand, and to the civil government on the other ; in part errors of interpreta- tion of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; in part acts of usurpation, and claims of prerogatives dangerous to the liberty of the Church and liberty of conscience-- as against these enors the Synod of Kentucky and its Presbyteries have atlirmed, and now desire to have solemnlj' recorded, as part of the accepted historical interpretations of the doctrine and order of the Pres- 420 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. byterian Church, the followiug statements, substantially, concerning the doctrine of the Church of God and the constitutional i^riuciples of the Presbyterian Church. As against \yhat they deem to be latitudinarian, or, at least, inadequate views of the nature of church power, which rests directlj' lapou the doctrine that Jesus Christ is now actually ruling in his visible Church, and acting through his ap- pointed office-bearers, they have maintained : 1. Concerning the Doctrine of the Kingship of Christ, and the Manner in WHICH Christ Executeth the Office of a King in his Visible Church: That our standards declare, in accordance with the Word of God : "Christ executeth the office of a king in calling out of the world a people to him- self, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them. " (Larger Catechism, Q. 45.) And that this very clear and explicit statement of the jure divino character of all that essentially jiertains to the government and discipline of the Church is the true kej' to all the more detailed statements of our standards concerning Chui-ch govern- ment, viz. : That ' ' the Lord Jesus, as King and Head of his Church, hath therein appointed a government in the hand of Church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate. " And "to these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed." (Conf. , Chap. XXX. 1,2.) Tliat ' ' it Ijelongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office and the power which Christ hath given them for edification, and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies and to convene together in them. " That of these assemblies the ' ' decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission— not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereto." (Conf., Chap. XXXI. 1, 2.) Which several statements, substantially, are more summarily presented in the ancient Confession of the Church, in these and like statements : ' ' This power ecclesiastical is an authority granted by God the Father through the Mediator Jesus Christ to his Church gathered, and having its ground in the Word of God." ' ' The policy of the Church flowing from this power is an order or form of spirit- ual government which is exercised by the members appointed thereto by the Word of God. " In the light of these doctrinal statements, and as necessary inferences from them, this Synod and its Presbyteries have maintained : That the doctrine of the kingly office of Christ is no abstract theory of theology, but of the very first practical importance in the gospel system, since to his office as a king his prophetic and priestly offices stand related as means to an end. He is a teaching prophet and an atoning priest that he may be a reigning king. And his kingly office stands related to the government and discipline of the Church as his prophetic and priestly offices to the ordinances of the Word and sacraments. While, indeed, the acceptance of the doctrine of his kingly office is not essential to the faith that is unto salvation in the sense in which the acceptance of the doctrine of his priestly office as exhibiting our justifying righteousness is essential, yet the obligation to present tnily the doctrine of Christ's kingly office in the government and discipline of the Church to the faith of his people is of like force 'nith the obli- gation to present truly the doctrine of his prophetic and priestly offices in the Word and sacraments. That, therefore, the avoidance of all admixture of human maxims, policies and expediences in the administration of the government and discipline of the Church is a duty of the same obligation as to avoid the admixture of human philosophies and theories with the disi^ensation of the Word, or of human fancies with the dis- pensation of the sacraments. That it is therefore not only incompetent to the church courts, but positively a perversion of the truth, that they shall assume to consider and determine any other questions than those which relate to the government, order, and discipline of Christ's visible kingdom, or to determine these on grounds aside from the Word of God ; or to speak in Christ's name and by his authority, otherwise than to the faith and conscience of his people concerning things to be obeyed, as enjoined by the law of Christ. Since, according to our standards, even though "there are some circum- stances concerning the worshiji of God and government of the Church common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Sec. 634.] Relations of the Church with Othek Bodies. 421 Christian prudence," yet even these must "be ordered according to the general rules of the Word, irJdch are always to be observed." (Conf., Chap. I. 6.) That, therefore, the attempt on the part of tribunals of the Church to exercise the authority thus delegated to them by Christ in determining qiiestions merely sec- ular, concerning which his Word makes no such determination, is "to usurp the prerogatives of the Church's Divine Master," and practically to obscure to the faith of his people the doctrine of his kingly ofl&ce ; just as the attempt to determine by the spiritual aiithority questions of Christian faith and practice on the ground of human opinions and theories of human expediences is practically to obscure to the faith of his people Christ's prophetic office. For, precisely in harmony with their view of his kingly office in the Church, our standards declare: "Christ executeth the office of a projjhet in revealing to the Church in ullages, by his Si^irit and Word, in dicers tcaps of adndnistratioii, the irhole trill of God in all things concerning their edification and salvation." (Larger Catechism, Q. 43.] In full accordance with these views of the doctrine of Christ's kingly office in his Church, this Synod and its Presbyteries have maintained : 2. CoNCEKNINCi THE OEICilX, XaTVEE, AND FrNCTIONS OF ChI ECH GOVEEKMENT, AS CoNTEASTED WITH, AND EeLATEI) TO, THE CiVIL GoVEEXJJEKT. That, according to our standards, "the visible Church consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children, and is the kingdom (fthe Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation. I''nto this catholic visible Church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints in this life, to the end of the world, and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them eifectual thereunto. There is no other head of the Church bi;t the Lord Jesus Christ." (Conf., Chap. XXV. 2, 3, 6.) "And the Lord Jesus, as King and Head of his Church, hath aj)poiuted a government in the hand of church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate." (Conf., Chap. XXX. 1.) "These assemblies ought not to possess any civil jurisdiction. Their power is wholly moral or spiritual, and that only ministerial and declarative." (Form of Government, Chap. Till. 2.) And these "Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical, and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs, which concern the com- monwealth." (Conf., Chap. XXXI. 4.) And as it is the Lord Christ who, in the execution of his mediatorial office of king, "in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, whereby he visibly governs them," gives the Church power, so, on the other hand, according to our standards : It is " God, as the supreme Lord and ICing of the icoi'ld, who hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him over the people for his own glory and the public good, and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil-doers. " But " civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments, or the i^ower of the keys of the kingdom of heaven, or in the least interfere in matters of faith." And, as the rule for guidance in this govern- ment is, primarily, not the revealed Word, but the light of nati;re, so "infidelity or difference in religion doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him." (Conf., Chap. XXIII. 3, 4.) This account of these two sejiarate ordinances of government for men, as differ- ing fimdamentally in that the one is from Christ, as mediatorial King and Head of his elect people, the other from "God, the supreme King and Euler of the world;" and in that the one contemplates men as sinners related to God the Saviour ; the other, men as creatures, related to God the Creator — is thus summarily expressed in the ancient Confession : ' ' This power and policy ecclesiastical is different and distinct in its own nature from that jiower and policy which is called the civil power, and appertains to the civil government of the commonwealth. " "For this power ecclesiastical flows immediately from God and the Mediator Jesus Christ, and is spiritual. " Furthermore, as these two governments thus differ in their origin, nature, and purpose, so, according to our standards, they have, as already intimated, primarily, a different rule to guide their action. As to the rule to guide the Church, it has already been said, "Christ executeth the office of a prophet in revealing to the Church in all ages, by his Spirit and Word, in divers ways of administration, the 422 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. whole will of God, in all that concerns their edification and salvation." (Larger Catechism, Q. 43.) So, again, ' ' God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship." (Oonf., Chap. XX. 2.) So, again, ' ' The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men and private spirits are to be examined, and in whose sentence ice are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit siaeaking in the Scriptiu'e." (Conf., I. 10.) On the other hand, touching the light which all men have, as a rule, to guide in the administration of civil government, our standards teach, in accordance wth the express declaration of Scrij^ture, that: " The light of nature shows that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is good and doeth good unto all; and is, therefore, to be feared, loved, praised, trusted in, and served with all the heart." (Conf , XXI. 1.) " The light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far mani- fest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God as to leave men inexcusable." (Conf.; L 1.) ' ' The Gentiles having not the law, are a law unto themselves, which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness. (Kom. ii. 14, 15.) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath showed it unto them (Rom. i. 19); so that they are without excuse." (Rom. i. 20.) "Some circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, are to he ordered by the light of nature." (Conf., I. 6 ) "Infidelity or difference doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal au- thority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him." (Conf., Chap. XXIIL 4.) This difference in the rule aud the subject-matter of the two orders of govern- ment, the ancient Confession ex^jresses summarily thus : "Therefore this power and policy of the Kirk should lean upon the Word im- mediately as the only ground thereof. " "The magistrate commands external things for external peace and quietness amongst the subjects. The minister handles external things only for conscience sake. The magistrate handles external things only, and actions done before men; but the spiritual ruler both in"ward affections and external actions in respect of con- science by the Word of God. " ' ' The magistrate claims and gets obedience by the sword and other external means, but the minister by the spiritual sword and spiritual means. " From these teachings of our standards, toiaching the fundamental difference, in origin, rule of guidance, nature, f i;nctions, and design, between the spiritual and the temporal power, this Synod aud its Presbyteries have maintained, as against the assumption of the Church courts, on the one hand, to entertain and determine questions of civil policy, and of the civil government, on the other hand, to deter- mine questions of worship aud the qualifications of members of Church courts : That, though both governments are of Divine institution, one immediately, the other mediately, and both may exercise their authority severally over the same persons in different capacities, and both have in view, as their end, the glory of God ; yet they move in spheres altogether extrinsic to each other. That the Church of God is a supernatural institute, immediately of supernatural origin and authority ; whereas the state is a natural institute, only mediately of Divine authority, and growing out of the social constitution for which man was created and fitted. That the laws and ordinances of the Church are all in the supernatural order, di- rectly revealed by the Spirit and Word of Christ to his kingdom ; whereas the laws and ordinances of the state are in the n.atural urder, framed and fashioned by the natin-al intelligence of men, as guided by the light of nature. That the Church is a supernatural agency for the spiritual interests of man as immortal, here and hereafter ; whereas the state is a natural agency for the promo- tion of man's temporal interests of life, liberty, and property. That the Chui-ch's Lawgiver and Head, speaking through these ordinances and laws by the men whom he calls, qualifies, and conunissious, is the Lord Jesus Christ; whereas the head aud lawgivers of the state are men — such rulers as the people clothe with authority to represent and rule over them, and who speak in the name of the people. Sec. 634.] Eelations of the Church with Other Bodies. 423 That the subject of church government is man contemplated as a sinner; whereas the subject of civil government is man contemplated as a creature. That the constituent elements of the spuitual commonwealth are the elect of God, the families that call upon the name of the Lord, whom Christ covenants to redeem; whereas the constituent elements of the civil commonwealth are the families of men as citizens indiscriminately, which it aims to protect in their rights by repressing the lawless and wicked. That the efficient power of the ( "hurch is the power of the keys, the ministry of the Word and ordinances, aiming to gain a voluntary obedience by moral suasion ; whereas the efficient power of the state is the power of the sword to enforce a com- pulsory obedience, 'having special reference to the repression of the lawless. That these laws and ordinances of the Church deal with the wrong actions of men as sins against God ; whereas the laws and ordinances of the state deal with the wrong actions of men as misdemeanors and crimes against men. That the laws and ordinances of the Church are in their nature discipliwiry, a means of grace, and designed to realize the idea of grace ; whereas the laws of the state are in their nature rindiaitury, for the suppression of wickedness by an ap- peal to fear, and are designed to realize the idea of justice. That, therefore, the Church has manifestly no commission either to discharge any functions of the state, or to direct, advise, or assist the state; nor has the Chiirch any light in regard to the affairs of the state which the state has not already ; nor, since her. authority is spiritual, and resting on moral suasion only, has it any adaptation for the purposes of a government of force. Neither can the state have any commission from God to discharge the functions of the Church, nor the ability to do so, since, aside from the fact that its compulsory power is inapplicable to things of religion, even though the state may have the advantage of the inspired Word of God current among its citizens, to give additional clearness and force to the teachings of nature and reason, yet the state has not the special illumination of the Holy Spirit, which alone can interpret the Word for the purposes of the Church. Nor is anything plainer from experience than that the unconverted states- man, accepting the Word of God intellectually merely, however he may thereby be made wiser as to natural things, is not made more competent to legislate for the Church than though he were merely a refined and enlightened pagan. Nor has anything more certainly tended to enfeeble the s]3iritual life of the Church than the mistake of courting the favor and seeking the alliance of rulers and statesmen who merely accept intellectually, and therefore treat respectfully, the Word of Christ and his ordinances, as though thereby the kingdom of Christ can be strengthened. Hence this Synod and its Presbyteries have steadfastly jirotested against and re- sisted the assumption of authority by the church courts to advise, direct, and assist the civil government in its i^olicy l)y the exercise of their spiritual aiithority, or to interpose the jiower of the spiritual sword for enforcing any theories of social or- ganization, or theories of labor, or political theories, or to direct men as citizens in the choice of their civil policy. And, on the other hand, they have jirotested against and resisted every invitation by the church courts to the state to assume, and every assumption by the state to direct, the ordinances of worship in God's house, or to interfere with the conscien- tious convictions of men, so long as those convictions did not develop themselves in overt acts. For our gi-eat civil "Act establishing religious freedom" nobly de- clares, as defining the limits of the civil power, " It is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government for its officers to interfere when principles break out into (mert t.ce with the Reformed Episcopal Church in the United States. 1876, p. 244. Hesolved, That this General Assembly does hereby express its desire to hold ecclesiastical correspondence with the body known as the Reformed Episcopal Church in the United States, and that the stated clerk communicate to the proper authority of that body this desire, and that a delegate from it to om- next Assembly will be fraternally and cordially greeted by us. In response to this action. Rev. Benjamin Johnson bore to the next General Assembly the salutations of that Church, coming as an ac- credited delegate. The Assembly of 1879 sent a message of fraternal salutation to this Church, recognizing it as maintaining with us a struggle for the same great principles for which our ancestors contended. (P. 18.) This was repeated in 1880, (p. 195). In 1882 Bishop P. F. Stevens addressed our Assemblv as their delegate. Secs. 646-649. J Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 437 646. iState Sunday-school Convention. 1872, pp. 155, 156. The State Sunday-school Convention of South Carohna and the General Assembly exchanged gTeetings. (See Min- utes.) 647. Evangelical Alliance. 1873, p. 333. In reply to the communication addressed to the body by the Rev. S. S. Schmucker, D. D., accompanied ^ith a printed " Fra- ternal Api^eal," signed by sundry others, requesting, among other things, that about twenty-five delegates should be elected by this Gen- eral Assembly to attend the meeting of the Evangelical Alliance, in New York, next fall, the General Assembly adopts the following paper : Inasmuch as this General Assembly, at its first annual session, in 1861, extended its fraternal salutations to all evangehcal chm'ches throughout the world, expressing its cordial desire to be in fellowship with all, especially those of similar faith and order, by which terms and cathoUc spirit the Assembly still abides ; yet, inasmuch as it has not now before it data sufficient for the full imderstanding of the charac- ter and purposes of the Evangelical Alliance, and the extent of the au- thority claimed for it and its " National Branches " ; therefore. Resolved, That the General Assembl}^ deems it inexpedient to appoint delegates to attend the approaching meeting of the Evangelical AlHance in New York, but expresses the sincere hope that the Spirit of grace may preside over all those deliberations, that all its proceedings may re- doimd to the gior}- of God, in the advancement of our common Chris- tianity. 648. The Young Mens Christian Association. 1881, p. 394. The twenty-fourth convention of the Young Men's Chi-istian Association of the United States and British provinces, in session in Cleveland, Ohio, sent salutations to the Assembly. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. The foUomng report from that committee was adopted : The committee, after much consideration of the telegram recommitted to it, have grave doubts of the expediency of this Assembly beginning to hold correspondence with other than ecclesiastical bodies ; yet, since we have in this case gone so far, the committee are of opinion that the Assembly ought to return a reply to the Young Men's Chi'istian Asso- ciation. Thereupon a suitable dispatch was adopted, and ordered sent. Simi- lar messages were received in 1883. (See p. 28.) 649. Inviting ministers of the Northern Presbyterian Church to oc- cupy our 2^>dpits.' 1865, p. 359. An inquiry from an elder of one of our churches as to what is the duty and Christian course of a church session when a minister or agent of the Old School General Assembly (North) presents himself amongst us, ^\ith a request to labor in our churches or occupy one of our vacant houses of worship. Answered by the adt)ption of the following resolutions : Resolved, \st. That the Presbyterian Church of the North (Old School) is to be looked upon simply as a sej^arate and distinct ecclesi- astical body ; and that the ministers and agents of that church have no 438 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. further or higher claims on our courtesy than any other churches of the same section of the country which hold to the same symbols of faith and order with ourselves. Resolved, Id, That this Assembly has no reason for recommending any other usages or rules, in respect to our fellowship with other eccle- siastical bodies, than those that have long been familiar in all owe ses- sions and Presbyteries ; and will not attempt to define afresh in what cases and in what degree errors in belief and practice shall exclude from om' pulpits, or suspend ecclesiastical communion. Mesolved, 3J, That our ministers and churches be, and herebj' are, warned against all mmisters or other agents who may come among us to sow the seeds of division and strife in our congregations, or to create schism in our beloved Zion. And, owdng to the peculiar reasons for prudence which now exist, we enjoin it upon our ministers and sessions to exercise special caution as to whom they admit to their pulpits : and, in cases of doubt, to refer to the judgment of the Presbyteries the whole question of the nature and extent of courtesy and countenance they may extend. JResolved, 'ith. That the Assembly would remind sessions that "in no case is it proper for them to invite ministers of other denominations statedly to occupy any of our pulpits without the consent of the Pres- byteries, and the known pm-pose of such ministers, at the earliest suit- able opportunity, to unite with us in ecclesiastical relations. 650. Reply to the Protestant I^piscojnd Bishops on (Jhurch tinity. 1887, p. 227. In res^Donse to the declaration and resolutions adopted by the House of Bishops and House of Deputies of the Protestant Episcopal Chui'ch, convened in the city of Chicago, October 27th, 1886 : The General Assembly of the Presbj^terian Church in the United States, in session at St. Louis, I'ecognizes with great joy the catholic spirit which inspires the declaration concerning Christian unity. It sympathizes fervently with every effort made in accordance with the Word of God to promote godly union and concord with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. It rejoices to consult, not only for the interest of the historic Chur(?h which it represents, but also for the peace and prosperity of the whole body of Jesus Christ upon earth. But, as the Commission on Christian Unity does not make its report until the General Convention of 1889, the present General Assembly contents itself with this expression of Christian sympathy, and postpones further action until the Assembly of 1888. 651. Correspondence ioith the Cionherland Presbyterian Church. 1866, p. 15. Kev. Charles A. Davis, D. D., delegate from the Gen- eral Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, addressed the Assembly, presenting the cordial salutations of that body, and inti- mating liis belief that an extensive and growing desire for a closer union between the two bodies prevailed. The following I'esolution was adopted: Resolved, That the subject of Christian union, brought before this Assembly by the Kev. Dr. Davis in his address, be referred to the Com- mittee on Foreign Correspondence, with instructions to report a suit- able minute ; and that the Bev. Drs. B. M. Palmer and J. M. P. Atkin- son, and Ruling Elder George J. S. Walker, be added to the committee. Sec. 651.] Eel.\ti()ns of the Chi'rch avith Other Bodies. 439 P. 30. lu its report, which was adopted, this committee say: "The Assembly has received with the hveliest satisfaction, and reciprocates with the utmost cordiahty, the Christian greetings of the General As- sembly of the Cumberland Presbj'^terian Church, through its represen- tative, Rev. C. A. Davis, D. D. If notliing more were gained by this fraternal correspondence than the expression before the world of the spiritual unity and fellowship of the Lord's people, amidst seeming di- versity and separation, the Assembly would, for this reason alone, desire its continuance. But especially is this interchange to be perpetuated in the hope that it may tend, at no distant da^^, to a closer union. This corresponding delegate has unofficially expressed his conviction that many, in their respective commimions, are ready for this consumma- tion. And this declaration is made in face of the fact that no overtures for such union have as yet originated in the Assembly of the Cimaber- land Presbyterian Church." (Condensed.) " . . . To our brethren of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church we would respectfully suggest whether the time has not come to con- sider the great importance to the kingdom of our common Master of theii' union with us, by their ad(jption of the time-honored standards to which we adhere." P. 31. Mesolved, That a committee of live be appointed by this As- sembly to confer with any similar committee on the part of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Assembly, to ascertain how far the way is pre- pared for an organic union between the two bodies upon the basis of the Westminster standards. P. 33. Committee: Rev. J. O. Stedman, D. D., Rev. T. D. Wither- spoon. Rev. J. N. Waddel, D. D., Rev. J. A. Lyon, D. D., Rev. John H. Gray, D. D., to which the name of the moderator, the Rev. A. H. Kerr, D. D., was added by a vote of the Assembly. 1867, p. 133. This committee made a report, which was referred to a special committee, consisting of Messrs. B. M. Smith, D. D., J. R. Wilson, I). D., R. Hett Chapman, D. D., E. H. Cumpston, C. Ready, J. Hemphill, and G. W. Lee. The Rev. J. A. L^^on, D. D., a member of the Committee of Conference, haA-ing been prevented from meeting with it at the time appointed, addressed a letter to it, which was now read to the Assembly, and referred to the special committee just named. P. 135. This special committee made the following report, which was unanimously adopted : The committee to which was referred the report of the Committee of Conference with the Cumberland Presbj-terian Church, report, for adoption by the Assembly, the following minute : The Assembly herel)y records its devout acknowledgment to the great Head of the Church for the manifest tokens of his presence with the Committees of Conference during their deliberations, as evinced by the spirit of Claistian candor, forbearance and love displayed by both par- ties in their entire proceedings. The Assembly regards the object for which that committee was ap- pointed as one fully worthy of the earnest endeavors and continued prayers of God's people in both branches of the Church represented in the committee; but at the same time it is compelled, in view of the terms for effecting any organic union, suggested by the committee of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to declare that, regarding the present jieriod as one very unfavorable for making changes in oui* 440 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. standards of faith and practice, it is raore especially so for effecting changes so materially raodifying the system of doctrine which has for centuries been the distinguishing peculiarity and the eminent glory of the Presbyterian churches, both of Europe and the United States. Mesolved, That the entire documents submitted to the Assembly by the committee be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of the As- sembly. The report of this coufereuce is on page 172 of the Minutes for 1867. The com- mittee of the Ciiniberland Church consisted of Kev. S. (t. Burney, D. D., chairman; Eev. A. J. Baird, D. D., Eev. J. W. Poindexter, Eev. K. Bmrow, D. I)., Rev. M. Bird, D. D., and Rev. LeRoy Woods. A joint session of the committees was held in Memphis on the 5th and 6th of Aiignst, 1867, at which all were present save Dr. Lyon, of the Presbyterian committee, and Messrs. Bird, Bi^rrow, and Woods, of the Cumberland committee. Rev. B. W. McDonald, D. D., LL. D., Cumberland, being present, was invited to participate in the deliberations of the committee. After consultation, each committee submitted a statement of the conditions upon which they believe an organic union may be effected between the two churches. The Presbyterian committee presented the following basis: 1. It is known to the brethren of both churches that the original separation be- tween the two bodies took place in a time of great religious awakening, and conse- quently of great mental excitement. In such a time there is a natiiral tendency in the minds of men to extremes, and even the best men do not act with the same sober judgment, and the same jirayerful deliberation, as when under less exciting influences. The issue was made with us by the fathers of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, ujion the grounds, as the records of both churches show : 1, That in our doctrinal standards, ' ' The idea of fatality is taught under the high and mys- terioiis name of election and probation " ; and, 2, That the discipline of the Church is too rigid in requiring, in every case, a definite amount of literary education as a prerequisite to ministerial ordination. The committee are of ojjinion that upon the last of these points there is no dift'erence between us ; that whatever may have been the views and the policy of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in that early day, and under the exigencies of the times, the sentiment of the Church is now unani- mous as to the necessity of an educated ministry, in the sense in which our stand- ards make it obligatory. lijion the iirst point the committee think that, while there are probably some phrases in our doctrinal symbols which are liable to misconstruc- tion, and which, in the exciting times to which we refer, were misconstrued, and thought to teach the idea of fatalism ; yet, now that the excitement has all passed away, and time has been given for calm and dispassionate investigation, our breth- ren of the Cumberland Presbyterian t!hurch have been brought to see that it was not the design of our Confession to teach the doctrine of fatalism ; that the lan- guage of even the disputed passages does not, when fairly interpreted, contain it, and that in many other passages both the free agency of the creature and the con- tingency of second causes are distinctly asserted; so that ui)on this point there re- mains no reason why a luiion between us should not be effected. 2. Such being the state of the points originally at issue, and feeling that a union of the two bodies on some harmonious basis would tend greatly to the promotion of the glory of God and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, we would, as the representatives of the mother Church, from which our brethren withdrew , most cordially invite them to form a union with us upon the basis of the old standards, as they were held by their fathers and ours previous to the separation, the same lib- erty in the construction of those standards to be given as was then allowed, and has since been given in the union of the Old School and the New School bodies in the South. 3. We jnopose that all ministers in regular standing in either of the Churches shall be enrolled as ministers in the united Church ; that all Presbyteries entitled to representation in either Assembly shall be entitled to the same representation in the joint Assembly, and that to this Assembly shall be assigned the duty of consoli- dating and arranging the Presbyteries and Synods of the united Church. 4. We propose that .all the funds and all the church property, the schools, col- leges, and the th(!ologi(;al seminaries of the two i^hurcthes, with all their missionary operations, shall be under the control of the General Assembly, constituted as above, and that to this Assembly shall be referred all questions appertaining to the distri- bution and conduct of the same. J. O. Stedjian, C/iairinnv. Sec. 651.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 441 Basis Peoposed by the Cumbekland Comshttee. In consideration of the advantages of organic union between the two churches, we, the committee representing the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, consent to sunender our preference on the folloxsing points of difference : 1. We consent to surrender our name. In this we simply consent to make no distinctive history of the future. 2. We consent to surrender our standards on the subject of ministerial education, and to adopt those of the Presbyterian Church, or such standards as may be mu- tually acceptable. 3. We consent to accept the standards of the Presbyterian Church on all ^joints of difference in the Form of Government, Discipline, and Directory, or such modi- fication of them as mny be mutually acceptable. As a condition precedent to these concessions, we respectfully ask that the Con- fession of Faith and Catechism of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church shall be adopted, instead of the Confession of Faith and Catechism of the Presbyterian Church. Or, as an alternative to the above, we agree to adopt the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church, modified substantially according to the indications given in a paper herewith submitted. Or, if it shall appear more satisfactory to our brethren of the Presbyterian Church, we consent to a new compilation upon the basis of the Westminster standards, which new compilation shall exclude all phraseology and modes of expression which can be plausibly construed to favor the idea of fatality or necessity. W^e also respectfully ask that, in the union of the two churches, the amicable ad- justment of the political and sectional issues touching slavery and rebellion made by the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in May, 1867, shall be accepted. S. G. Bukney, Chairmun. The paper accompanying the above, and alluded to, suggested live sections for Chapter III. of the Confession of Faith, on the subject of God's Eternal Decrees, to be substituted for the statements of the Confession on that topic, with two added Scripture references for the foot notes. It i^rojiosed the modification of Sec. IV., Chap, v., giving a statement or form which would be acceptable; also a like change in Chap. VIII., Sec. VIII. , the substitution of Chaji. X. in the Chimberland Pres- byterian Confession of Faith, instead of the tenth chapter in the Presbyterian Con- fession of Faith, and the substitution in Sec. II., Chap. XVII., for the phrase "not upon their own free will," the phrase "not upon their own ability or merit'"; and that certain expressions in the Catechisms be so modified as to make them correspond with the changes indicated in reference to the Confession of Faith. After examining this paper of the Cumberland committee, the Presbyterian com- mittee submitted the following : After a full and careful examination of the paper presented by the committee of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, we are gratified to find that the obstacles to organic union are not, at the outset, of as formidable a nature as we had feared they might be, and we by no means despair of the ultimate accomplishment of a union so desirable. In reference to the specific points contained in the paper under consideration, we would say that the concessions of our brethren contained in the first part of their paper are all that, in these respects, we could desire. In reference to the modifications proposed by our brethren in the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of our Church, we would say that there are some of the changes proposed which are merely of a verbal nature, and which, we believe, we are wan-anted in saying that our Church would be Avilling to accept; but there are other changes proposed, so fundamental in their character that we would not be able to act upon them without further instriictions from the General Assembly of our Church. J. O. Stedman, Chairman. To this the Cumberland Presbyterian committee made this reply : We submit to the joint committee our reply to paper No. 2 of the Presbyterian committee : We are greatly gratified with the spirit of liberality shown in this paper. While it as- sures lis that some of the verbal modifications we suggested would be made, it sug- gests that part of our jjaper asks for changes involving doctrinal points too imjior- tant to be responded to without reference to the General Assembly. Therefore, we propose that that committee refer these pa])ers to their General Assembly, and as- certain there how far that body would be willing to go in the direction indicated in these papers. We take this occasion to express our gratification with the spirit in which these 442 Digest of the Acts or the General Assembly. [Book VII. interviews have all been conducted, and we now express onr hope that the differ- ences existing between ihe two churches are not sulhcient to^ keep iis long apart. S. G. BuKNEY, Ghairman. The Presbj'terian committee then submitted their third paper, as follows : The committee of the Presbyterian Church, in rejily to paper No. 2 of the Cumberland Presbjierian committee, would simply say that, in their opinion, they have now pro- ceeded as far as the appointment of our General Assembly justifies, and we therefore recommend that we now close our conference. We would also unite in the hope that the result of the joint conference will be to bind us more closelj' in the bonds of Chi-istian fellowshiiJ, and ultimatelj' in such a union upon a common basis as will be for the glory of God and our united permanent interest and prosperity. J. O. Stedman, Vhairman. 652. Correspondence with the Colored Cumberland General Assembly. 1878, p. 612. In reference to a letter certifying the appointment of Eev. ej. N. Hill a corresponding delegate from the Colored Cumber- land Presbyterian Church to this Assembly, your committee recom- mend the following answer : 1. We have no knowledge of any such branch of the Church in our land, of their doctrinal behef, or form of government : and without such information we are not prepared to receive the delegate. 2. It is the rule of this body to conduct, hereafter, its correspondence with other branches of the Church by letter, and not by delegates ; and we respectfully invite those with whom we have correspondence to do the same, except the Eeformed Church of America, with whom we have special relations. Adopted. 653. Correspondence irlth the General Synod of tJie lieformed Church in America. 1871, p. 12. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to whom was referred the credentials and communication of the Bev. Dr. John A. Todd, delegate to this General Assembly from the General Synod of the Eeformed Church in America, beg leave to submit for the adoption of the General Assembly, in response thereto, the following resolutions: Resolved, 1, That the General Assembly has heard with pleasure the able and fraternal addi'ess of the Eev. Dr. John A. Todd, delegate to this body from the General Synod of the Eeformed Church in America, and that we extend to him a cordial welcome to our esteem and confidence, and invite him to a seat upon the floor of this Assembly. 2. That we have been gratified to receive, and heartily reciprocate, the greetings of the venerable Synod, as found in its printed minutes and commimicated to us by its delegate. 3. That we recognize in that branch of the Church of the Lord Jesus a faithfvil witness for that truth of God which is set forth alike in the formulas of Heidelberg, Dordrecht, and Westminster : and we there- fore cheerfully respond to the overture of the Synod for the opening of a fraternal correspondence, and the cultivation of a mutual spirit of Christian symiDathy and brotherh' love. 4. That we hear with pleasirre of the probable extension of the evan- gelical labors of the General Synod among the desolations of the South- ern States, and will be hajipy to extend to them the nuitual com'tesies of oiu' pulpits, and commend them to the fraternal confidence of our people. 5. That Eev. John H. Bryson, principal, and Eev. Samuel J. Baird, D. D., alternate, are hereby appointed our commissioners to attend the Sec. 653.] Eelations of the Chi'Ech with Other Bodiep. 443 sessions of the General Synod, to be held in the North Church of Al- bany on the tirst Wednesday of Jmie, 1871, at three o'clock i'. m., to convey to that body the fraternal salutations of this General Assembly, and communicate a copy of these resolutions. Adopted. 1873, p. 309. Rev. Joseph E. Wilson, D. D., delegate from the As- sembly to the S^-nod of the Reformed Church, said in the report of his attendance: " Whilst I was careful to say that I carried with me from the Assembly I represented no authority to propose terms of organic union, I ventured to express the hope of a clcjser aUiance than now exists between the two bodies, should a benignant Pro\'idence open the way thereto. The utterance of this sentiment produced a deeper impression than I could have foreseen; and in view of it, a committee was ap- pointed (unanimously, I believe,) to take into consideration the subject thus suggested, with instructions to report to the S^aiod of 1873." P. 312. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a re- port, which was adopted unanimously by a risiug vote of the Assem- bly; whereupon, in ^iew of this imanimity, the Rev. J. R. Wilson, upon request of the body, led it in prayer to God for his providential guid- ance in all things pertaining to this important business. The report is as follows: Whereas, in a paper (jfiicially communicated, the last General Synod of the Reformed Church in America has notilied this General Assem- bly of the unanimous appointment of a committee to consider carefully the desirableness and feasibility of establishing closer relations with oui" Church; Whereas, The Assembly regards said notitication as indicative of a desire on the part of that venerable Synod to enter into closer relations if the way be clear; and Whereas, This Assembly on its part cordially reciprocates this feel- ing, and knows of no more efltective method for ascertaining whether the two bodies are prepared ft)r a nearer connection than the method of conference : therefore. Resolved, 1, That this Assembly do now appoint a committee, to be composed of the following named ministers and ruling elders : Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., Rev. William Brown, D. D., Rev. R. K. Smoot, Maj. T. J. Kirkpatrick, WiUiam Henry Smith, and Gen. A. ]M. Scales, whose duty it shall be to confer with a similar committee, if appointed by the General Synod of the Re- formed Church, for the purpose of ascertaining in what manner such more intimate relations may be established, and what ought to be the natui-e and extent thereof, and repTiod of the Reformed Church in America, in the sessions of 1874, it was further agreed and ordered by these two bodies, that actual co-opera- tion in denominational work be begun between them in the following particulars : Sec. 653.] Relatk^ns of the Church with Other Bodies. 447 I. Publication. 1. The publishing- house of each denomiBation shall be the agent and depository for the sale of the publications of the other denomination. The details of such agencdes, and the commercial terms upon which they shall be conducted, shall be adjusted between the board and the committee having charge of that department of church work. 2. The same board and committee are empowered to unite in the pub- lication of a child's paper, upon which, when issued, they are directed to put the imprint of both denominations. II. Home Missions. Inasmuch as the work which the Assembly's Sustentation Committee is doing for the evangelization of the colored population of the South justly makes larger demands upon the help of the Reformed Church than any part of the domestic missionary work of the last-named chiu'ch can, at this time, make upon the help of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, it is recommended that the members of the Reformed Church consider with great sympathy that department of the Assem- bly's home missionar}- work, and send their contributions to that gen- eral cause to the treasury of the Assembly's committee. A particular account of the receipt and use of all sums thus contributed shall be made to the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church. III. Foreign Missions. 1. The principle announced in the general plan adopted by the As- sembly and the SjTiod in 1874 — namely, that contiguous foreign mis- sions of the two churches ought to aim at " the establishment of one united church " — shall be carried into practice whenever such contiguity shall exist; and it is accordingly ordered, that where any missionai'y churches under the care of the board and committee of the two denom- inations are or shall be so near to each other as to admit of practical and profitable ecclesiastical relations of any sort, those churches shall, for iill the piu'poses of such relations between themselves, treat each other as though they had been planted and nurtured by one and the same denomination. And this agreement is made, not only for the sake of expressing, as it does, the confidence which these two American de- nominations have in each other, but chiefi}' with the view of contribut- ing to the establishment in each missionary country of a native church that shall grow from its own root. 2. "When the missions of either church shall stand in need of men, who cannot be supplied from the ministry of that chiu'ch, information of such need shall be given by the board or committee of the one church to that of the other, whose duty it shall thereupon be to discover, if possible, and to recommend from among the ministers of its own body, a person or persons suitable for such appointment ; and young men in either church, who contemplate the work of foreign missions, shall, upon recommendation from the board or committee of their own church, be as eligible to appointment by that of the other as by their own. The person or persons so recommended and appointed shall, in everv' case, come under the cai'e and direction of the board or committee from which they shah receive appointment ; but they shall not be re- quu'ed to transfer their ecclesiastical relations to any American Pres- 448 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. bytery or Classis of the body into whose missionary service they thus shall come. 3. It is recommended to the professors in the theological seminaries of the respective denominations, to the students, and the Societies of Enquiry, that they, in every way, encourage an equal acquaintance with the missions of the two churches, in order that the presentation thus made of a variety of acceptable fields may give scope and stimvilation to the missionary spirit of the theological students of both denomina- tions. 4. To this end, and also for the increase of general sympathy be- tween the churches in regard to this veiy important form of Christian work, it is ordered that the boards and committees of the respective chui'ches keep each other informed, by interchange of publications, and, when necessary, by letter, of all matters of special interest in the work of each, in order that such matters may receive due notice in the missionary periodicals of both churches. And it is further ordered, that at least five copies of the missionary j)eriodical of either church be regularly sent b}^ its board or committee to each of the theological seminaries of the other church. 5. It is recommended to the members of either denomination, that whenever they are interested to contribute to the evangelization of any country in which missionary work is not done by their own church, but by the board or committee of the co operating church, they shall make such board or committee the channel of their gifts; which board or committee shall make report of the receipt and use of such gifts, as is provided in the case of Home Missions. IV. Education. In accordance with the spirit of the provision incorporated into the general scheme of 1874, viz. : that students of theology in either body may "pursue their studies in institutions of the other," it is ordered that the funds of the Education Board or Committee of either church may be appropriated to the support of any student who may prefer thus to prosecute his studies in a seminary of the other, provided that his reason for such preference be first presented to his own Classis or Pres- bytery, and meet the approval of the same. But, in applying for licen- sure or ordination, every student who shall avail himself of the privi- lege of pursuing his studies in a seminary of the co-operating church shall conform to the rules of the body from which such hcensure or or- dination shall be sought. V. Interchan(4E of Annual Keports. Each of the boards and committees of the two churches is directed to prepare and forward to the ci^rresponding board or committee of the co-operating church a compact abstract of its annual report, which ab- stract shall be printed by the board or committee receiving it in con- nection with its own annual report. Any provision of this scheme of co-operative union may at any time be altered or extended by the joint action of the General Assembly and General Synod ; and any provision of it may be omit+ed or abrogated by either laody without impairing the validity of those other provisions on which they shall agree. Sec. 654.] Relations of the Chttrch with Other Bodies. 449 In behalf of the committee of the Presb^iierian Church in the United States : B. M. Palmer, Chairman. Joseph R. Wilson, Secretary. In behalf of the committee of the Reformed Church in America : H. D. Ganse, Chairnian. E. T. CoRwiN, Secretary. Adopted by the Assembly. 654. Correspondence with, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America tcith reference to union. 1870, p. 501. The stated clerk annoimced that he had received, through the stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presb}i;erian Chui'ch in the United States of America, official information of a paper adopted by that Assembly, as found on page 934 of its printed Minutes for 18G9 ; which paper was addressed to this body, and is as foUows : "Whereas, the last General Assembly acknowledged the separate and independent existence of the Presbyterian Church in the Southern States, and enjoined uj^on all subordinate courts so to treat it ; thus ac- cording to its ministers and membei's the privilege of admission to our body upon the same terms which are extended to ministers and mem- bers of other branches of the Presbyterian Church in this coimtry ; Therefore, liesolved. That this General Assembly hereby conveys its Christian salutations to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Southern States, and gives expression to its sentiments of Christian fraternity and fellowship towards the ministers and members of that body. And as we inherit and hold with them the same ancient sym- bols of faith, the same forms of government and of worship, thus pre- senting before the world the same sacred principles to which our com- mon ancestors witnessed, and which we have mamtained together in the past, and especially since we occupy adjacent, and in many places common territoiy, we deem it due to our one Lord, and to the best in- terests of his kingdom on earth, to express the desire that the day may not be distant when we may again be united in one great organization that shall cover oiu* whole land and embrace all branches of the Pres- byterian Church. liesolved, That the stated clerk be dii'ected to forward a copy of these resolutions to the stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church in the Southern States. This w'as referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence P. 51(5. The stated clerk announced to the Assembly that he had received official information of the appointment of a delegation to this bod}- from the General Assembly of the PresbA-terian Chm-ch, con- vened in Philadelphia, in the following paper: Whereas, this General Assembly believes that the interests of the kingdom of our Lord throughout our entire coimtry would be greatly promoted by healing all unnecessary divisions ; and whereas, this Gen- eral Assembly desu'es the speedy establishment of cordial, fi-aternal re- lations with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chui'ch of the United States, commonly known as the Southern Presbyterian Church, upon terms of mutual confidence, respect. Christian honor, and love ; and whereas, we believe that the terms of reimion between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church at the North, now so happily cou- 29 450 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. summated, present an auspicious opportunity for the adjustment of such relations ; therefore, be it — Resolved, 1, That a committee of five ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar committee, if it shall be appointed by the Assembly now in session in the city of Louis- \dlle, in resj^ect to opening a friendly correspondence between the Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches, and that the result of such conference be reported to the General Assembly of 1871. Resolved, 2, That, with a view to the furtherance of the object con- templated in the appointment of said committee, this General Assem- bly hereby reaffirms the concurrent declaration of the two Assembhes which met in the city of New York last year, viz. : " That no rule or precedent which does not stand approved by both bodies shall be of an}^ authority in the re-uuited body, except in so far as such rule or precedent may affect the rights of property founded thereon." Resolved, 3, That two ministers and one elder of the committee ap- pointed by this Assembly' be designated as delegates, to convey to the Assembly now in session at Lomsville, Kentucky, a copy of these reso- lutions, with our Christian salutations. J. Trumbull Backus, Moderator. Cyrus Dickson, Permanent Clerk. The stated clerk announced also that, in pursuance of the object re- ferred to in this paper, the Rev. J. C. Backus, D. D., the Rev. H. J. VanDyke, D. D., and the Hon. W. E. Dodge, were present, awaiting the pleasure of the Assembly. These delegates, being introduced by the moderator, proceeded to addi'ess the Assembly on the subject of their mission. To these addresses a suitable response was made by the moderator. The Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., then offered the following resolu- tion, which was adopted : Resolved, That this Assembly duly appreciates the marked courtesy and kindness of the General Assembly now sitting in Philadelphia, in commissioning brethren so particularly acceptable to us to be the bearers of its resolutions to this body ; that it vnll take into careful considera- tion the proposition presented by them ; and that, in order to proper deliberation and care in so important a matter, these resolutions, to- gether with the message and exposition of the delegation, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, with instruction to re- port at the earhest possible time, recommending an answer to this proposition. P. 528. The Standing Committee on Foreign Coi-respondence pre- sented a report on the communicaticni from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (Old School) of 1809, and from the General Assembly of 1870, now in session in Philadelphia. The Rev J. A. Lyon, D. D., proposed a paper as an answer to the communication from the General Assembly in Albany of 1809. After a protracted discussion of the matters presented in these papers, in committee of the whole, it was resolved that the committee I'ise and report progress, which motion was adopted, and the committee accord- ingly rose. The moderator then resumed the chair, and the chairman of the " Committee of the ^Vhole " reported the papers which had been offered. P. 528. The discussion of the unfinished business, \dz. : the papers Sec. 654.] Relation's of the Chirch with Other Bodies. 451 from the Committee ou Foreign Correspondence, was resumed, and continued throughout the afternoon. The vote was taken on the motion to amend the report of the com- mittee bv striking it out and substituting therefor the minority report offered by Mr. AYallace. This motion was decided in the negative. The Rev. Dr. J. J. Bullock moved to strike out the report, and sub- stitute therefor a paper which he presented. This motion was also de- cided in the negative. The motion offered by Mr Prince to strike out from the report all that part providing for a committee of conference, was also decided in the negative. The report of the committee was then adopted, and is as follows : The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to whom were referred the overture for vmion from the Old School General Assembly North, of 18G9, at its sessions in the city of New York, and also the proposi- tion from the United Assembly of the Northern Presbyterian Church, now sittmg in Philadelphia, conveyed to us by a special delegation, re- spectfully report : That the former of these documents is vii'tually superseded by the lattei', because the body by whom it was adopted has since been merged into the United Assembly, from which emanates a new and fresh pro- posal, reflecting the views of the larger constituency. To this proj^o- sition, then, '• that a committee of five ministers and foui' elders be ap- pointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar committee of their Assembly, in respect to opening a friendly correspondence between the Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches," 3-our committee recom- mend the following answer to be returned : Whatever obstructions may exist in the way of cordial intercourse between the two bodies above named are entirely of a pubhc nature, and involve grave and fundamental piinciples. The Southern Presby- terian Chui'ch can confidently appeal to all the acts and declarations of all theii' Assemblies, that no attitude of aggression or hostihty has been, or is ncnv, assumed b}' it towards the Northern Church. And this General Assembh' distinctly avows (as it has always beUeved and declared) that no grievances experienced by us, however real, w^ould justify us in acts of aggression or a spirit of mahce or retahation against any branch of Christ's ^■isible kingdom. We are prepared, therefore, in advance of all discussion, to exercise towards the General Assembly North, and the churches represented therein, such amitj- as fidehty to our principles could, under any possible circumstances, permit. Under this view the api)ointment of a committee of conference might seem wholly unnecessary ; but, in order to exhibit before the Christian world the spirit of conciliation and kindness to the last degree, this Assembly agrees to apj)oint a committee of conference to meet a similai' commit- tee already appointed by the Northern Assembly, with instructions to the same that the difficulties which he in the way of cordial correspon- dence between the two bodies must be distinctly met and removed, and which may be comprehensively stated in the following particulars : 1. Both the wings of the now united Assembly, during their sepa- rate existence before the fusion, did fatally compht-ate themselves with the state in pohtical utterances dehberately pronounced year after year, and which, in our judgment, were a sad betrayal of the cause and kingdom of our common Lord and Head. We believe it to be solemnly 452 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. incumbent upon the Northern Presbyterian Church, not with reference to us, but before the Christian world and before our Divine Master and King", to pui'ge itself of this error, and, by public proclamation of the truth, to place the crown once more upon the head of Jesus Christ as the alone King in Zion ; in default of which the Southern Presbyterian Church, which has already suffered much in maintaining- the indepen- dence and spirituahty of the Redeemers kingdom upon earth, feels constrained to bear public testimony against this defection of our late associates from the truth. Nor can we, by official correspondence even, consent to blunt the edge of this our testimony concerning the very nature and missioii of the Church as a purely spiritual body among men. 2. The union now consummated between the Old and New School Assemblies North was accomplished by methods which, in our judg- ment, involve a total surrender of all the great testimonies of the Church for the fundamental doctrines of grace, at a time when the victory of truth over error hung long in the balance. The united Assembly stands of necessity upon an aUowed latitude of interi^retation of the standards, and must come at length to embrace nearly all shades of doctrinal belief. Of those falluig testimonies we are now the sole sur- viving heir, which we must lift from the dust and bear to the genera- tions after us. It would be a serious compromise of this sacred trust to enter into public and official fellowship with those repudiating these testimonies, and to do this expressly upon the ground, as stated in the preamble to the overtvu'e before us, " that the terms of re-union between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church at the North, now hap- pily consummated, present an auspicious opportunity for the adjustment of such relations." To foimd a correspondence professedly upon this idea would be to endorse that which we thoroughly disapprove. 3. Some of the members of our own body were but a short time since violently and unconstitutionally expelled from tHe communion of one branch of the now united Northern Assembly, imder ecclesiastical charges which, if true, render them utterly infamous before the Church and the world. It is to the last degree unsatisfactory to construe this offensive legislation obsolete by the mere fusion of that body with an- other, or through the operation of a faint declaration which was not in- tended originally to cover this case. This is no mere "rule" or "pre- cedent," but a solemn sentence of outlawry against what is now an important and constituent part of our own body. Every principle of honor and good faith compels us to say that an unequivocal repudiation of that interpretation of the law under which these men were con- demned must be a condition precedent to any official correspondence on our part. 4. It is well known that similar injurious accusations were preferred against the whole Southern Presbyterian Church, with which the ear of the whole world has been filled. Extending, as these charges do, to heresy and blasphemy, they cannot be quietly igncn-ed by an indi- rection of any sort. If true, we are not worthy of the "confidence, re- spect. Christian honor, and love, " which are tendered to us in this overture. If untrue, "Christian honor and love," manliness and truth, require them to be openly and squarely withdrawn. So long as they remain upon record they are an impassable barrier to official intercourse. Adopted. Ayes, 83 ; nays, 17. Secs. 654.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 453 P. 535. The following were appointed on the committee contemplated in the above action, to confer with a committee to be appointed by the Northern Assembly, viz. : Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Thomas E. Peck, D. D., Andrew H. Kerr, D. D., WiUiam Bro^ii, D. D., Joseph R. Wilson, D. D. ; Ruling elders — Judge John A. Inglis, Hon. W. P. Webb, A. G. Mcllwaine, 8r., Esq., Col. Charles A. Ready. P. 542. The following dissent was offered in relation to the paper fi'om the Committee (Jii Foreign Corresjiondence adopted on Friday : The undersigned, who voted in the negative on the adoption of the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence in reply to the delegation from the Northern General Assembly, desire, in explanation of theu' vote, to say, that if that part of the report denominated " in- structions" to our commissioners had been put in the form of a "state- ment" or "declaration of principles," as the grounds of difference be- tween us and that Assembly, rather than in the apparent form of charges against the Northern Church, which, under the circumstances, seemed to be discourteous to them, they would have voted in the affu-m- ative. N. E. Goodwin, J. Henry Smith, Wal'I'ek W. Pharr. The following protest was off'ered, and was, by a vote of the Assem- bly, admitted to record without an answer : We, the undersigned, having voted with the minority, respectfully protest against the action taken by this General Assembly in reference to the overture of the General Assembly of the united Presbyterian Chiu'ch, now sitting in Philadelphia, proposing a conference with a view to fraternal coiTespondence, for the following reasons, in part : 1. Because it was advocated, and appears to proceed, upon a miscon- struction of the actual proposition made by the Northern General As- sembl}'^, and seems to be directed against a supposed latent intent, which, however, was expressh' disavowed. 2. Because the instructions appended arraign the said Assembly, as now constituted on its basis of union, upon the most serious charges, of "the total siu'render of fundamental doctrines of grace," as weU as with the actual discrowning of the Lord Jesus Christ ; which, even if we be- lieve them to be true, it is at least indecorous to prefer while in the act of accepting its proposition for fraternal conference. 3. Because it wears an aspect of inconsistency on t)ui' part, in that," while we accept their proposal for conference, we require conditions manifestly offensive and out of place in a simple conference, as asked by them. 4. Because it places this Assembly and the Southern Presbyterian Church — we do not say intentionally or consciously, yet, in spite of all explanations, places us — not only in face of our Northern brethren, but before the world, in an attitude palpably, and to many of us painfully, variant from the placable and charitable spirit of the gospel of peace and good-wiU. H. L. Singleton, James L. Witherspoon, W. C. Kerr, T. H. Rice. 1 coincide in the above protest, excepting the fourth article. P. Joyes. 454 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. 655. Pastoral Letter to the churches under our care, explanatory of the above action. 1870, p. 537. The Rev. Dr. Palmer, from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, presented a pastoral letter to the churches under our care, which was adopted. This letter is as follows : Beloved Brethren : It is alike the privilege aud dutj' of all the courts of the church, aud especially of the General Assembly, as looking forth upon the whole field from the point of highest elevation, occasionally to address the churches un- der its care upon topics which vitally affect the interests of the entire body. In the discharge of this episcopal function, this General Assemblj' now addresses you vipon a matter of fundamental importance, which has supremely' engaged its own atten- tion during its present sessions in the city of Louisville. You have been aware for a twelvemonth past of an overture xrom the Old School Assembly North, adojDted at its sessions in 1869, tendering salutations to us, and ex- pressing the desire of our union with them at no distant day. This overture was virtually superseded by the fusion which subsequently took place between the two great Tresbyterian branches North into one organization. This united body, sitting contemporaneously with ourselves, in Philadelphia, has passed a resolution apj^oint- ing a committee of conference to act with a similar committee which they invite us to appoint, who shall jointly discuss the ditficulties existing between the two bodies and prepare the way for a permanent and fraternal correspondence. This proposi- tion was conveyed to us by a special delegation, consisting of Rev. Drs. J. C. Backus and H. J. Van Dyke and the Hon. W. E. Dodge, gentlemen of the highest char- acter aud personally most acceptable to i\s, who discharged their delicate mission in a si^irit and manner which made the most pleasant imjDression of their courtesy as well as ability. In response to this proposition, this General Assembly has agreed, in the spiiit of conciliation and Christian kindness, to ajji^oint the committee of conference which was desired, and then, in the form of instructions io the same, has laid down the principles which should control the whole matter, and upon which alone any correspondence on our part would be possible. It may, perhaps, appear to you, and it will doubtless be so reiDresented hy others that a proposition so simple as that of conference for the adjustment of difficulties might have been left unem- barrassed by any antecedent enunciation of what the Assembly regards as the ob- striictions to fraternal and olficial correspondence. It is precisely this which we desire you to understand, as well as the reasons which impelled us to the course we have piirsued. The reflective and thoiightful amongst you will at once recognize that in diplomatic intercourse the first step is always the most important. It is this that determines all the fiiture aud dejDendent negotiations; and, however unobtru- sive the initiatory measure may appear to be, it is often pregnant with concealed results of vast magnitude. This is pre-eminently true in the case before us. It was incumbent upon us to watch narrowly, lest, in the very opening of negotiations, we might incautioiisly surrender the principles we hold, which, slipping from our grasp, we might never be able to recover. The overtTire from the Northern Assembly was based upon the fatal assumption that mutual grievances existed, in reference to which it became necessary to arbi- trate. This assumption is precisely what we cannot truthfully concede. Our re- cords may be searched in vain for a single act of aggression, or a single unfriendly declaration against the Northern Church. We have assumed no attitude of hostility towards it. In not a single case has there been an attempt to wrest from them their churc'h property. In not a single case has there been hesitation in receiving their members into our communion, upon the face of their credentials, amongst the hundreds ^^llo have come to make their homes with us since the war. In not one instance has there been exhibited a sjiirit of retaliation in regard to any of those very measures instituted against ourselves, by the Asseml)ly of 18fi.5 and by subsetpient Assemblies. Whatever obstructions may be in the way of ecclesiastical fellowship were not created by us, aud we could not allow ourselves to be placed in the false position, before the world, of parties who had been guilty of wrong to the Northern Church. Having placed nothing in the way of Christian fraternity, there was nothing for us to remove. Whilst, therefore, in Christian courtesy, we were willing to appoint a committee of conference, it was necessary to guard against all misconstruction and misrepresentation by instructing our coramissicmers to remember this im-i, and re- Sec. 655. J Kelations of the Church with Other Bodies. 455 stricting them to the diity of siiniDly reporting and exiJoimdiug what we considered indispensable to an honest correspondence, which should not, by its insincerity and hoUowness, be an offense to onr Divine Master. Inasmuch as we had never been aggressors against the peace, security, and pros- perity of the Northern Church, and had not undertaken to approach them with proposals of any sort, Christian candor required us, as the jiarty approached, to state exactly the difficulties which did embarrass this question of correspondence. Without going into much detail or multiplying the specifications, these were summed up under four heads, the significance and importance of which we would have you to appreciate. It must be remembered, then, that in 1861 the organization of the Southern Church was compelled, by what are known as the "Sjiring resolutions," which com- mitted the Old School Assembly, with which we were at that time connected, to a particular political theory, and complicated the Church at once with the state. The necessary effect of this political legislation by the Assembly in 1861 was to force the entire Southern constituency out of that connexion, who were compelled, in their disorganized condition, at once to integrate in the Southern Assembly, which was soon afterwards formed. The earliest deliverance of this, our own body, was the assertion of the non-secular and non-political character of the Church, as the kingdom of Jesus Christ, spiritual in its nature and mission, and entirely separate from and indei)eudent of the state. And in subsequent deliverances — as those of the Assembly of 1865, at Macon, and the two utterances of the Assembly of 1866, at Memi)his. and the formal acceptanc-e of the statement of doctrines and principles of the Synod of Kentucky on this subject by the Assembly of 1867, at Nashville — the supreme couit of the Southern Church has, with singular steadfastness, testified for the same great truth. Upon this very issue we bec^ame an organized church, as distinct from that t)ut of whose bosom we had been thrust by the assertion and operation of the contrary and Erastian doctrine that the Church might rightfully intermingle her jurisdiction with that of the commonwealth. Through several con- secutive years both branches of the now united Assemblies persisted in the utter- ance of political dogmas which, whether true or false, they were inhibited by the Word of (xod, and by their own statute law, from pronouncing in their ecclesiasti- cal chambers. These nnlawful utterances remain imcancelled upon the records of both the courts now amalgamated into one. No disavow.al of them has been made, as of words inconsiderately uttered in times of high excitement. No counter declaration has been filed, gathering up the sacred truth (jf (xod in a new proclama- tion of the spirituality and independence of that kingdom which is not of this world. The attemi)t, we are aware, has been made to relieve the i^ressure of these melancholy facts by faintly retorting the accusation against our own body. But we challenge the W(jrld to place the two records side hx side in the severity of ct)utrast. No ingenuity of soi)histry can transmute into political dogmas the scant allusions to the hitorical reality of a great struggle then pending, or the thankfvil recognition, in the middle of a paragraph, of the unanimity with which an invaded people rose to the defence of their hearthstones and the graves of their dead; or the pastoral counsels addressed to the members and youth of our own churches, passing through the temptatiims and perils of the camp and the field; or the half -hour sj^ent in prayer for a land bleeding under the iron heel of war; or even the incidental decla- ration in a narrative, to stand by an institution of the country, a traditional inheri- tance from our fathers. Even though, from the amlnguity of human language, these chance references may not have been always discreetly expressed, the most that a just criticism could pronounce is, that they are inconsistent ^^"ith the judici- ally pronounced principle upon which the Southern Assembly entered upon its trouV>led career. And when exaggerated to their largest proportitms by all the prejiadice of bitter partisanship, they dwindle into motes and specks by the side of those elaborate and colossal delivcranc-es, repeated each year through formal com- mittees, and exalted into solemn testimonies co-mmon faith shall be reinstated in their good name before we can fraternally embrace those by whom they are maligned. Upon the principle that the interpretation of the law is the law, it is a simple re- cpiisition that this interpretation be disallowed, under which true and faithful men were unconstitutionally condemned. The fourth and last condition of this correspondence was the unequivocal re- traction of tlie imputations against ourselves, industriously circulated throiighout Christendom. This we would have clearly discriminated from personal resentment, or an unforgiving spirit. It is compelled by a proper sense of self-respect, and a due regard to the honor of oiir own ( 'hurch. It is the homage which we are con- strained to pay to truth and history. We cannot acc^ept, even by implication, the charges with which the records of both wings of the united Assembly are filled. Extending, as they do, to heresy and blasphemy, they are of the nature of judicial accusations, which must either be sustained or withdrawn. The "respect, and honor, and Christian love, " with which we are apj^roached in this overture, are cer- tainly inconsistent with the belief of these grave impi;tations. If not believed to be true, they should be cancelled, much more for the sake of those who have pro- nounced tht^m than of ourselves who have so long borne the reproach. However this may be, any form of intercourse, Avhile they remain upon record, would be a tacit ac(piies(;ence in the same, and a submission to the dishonor which has been cast upon the name of our people and of f)ur C'hurch. The differences betwixt us and the Northern ( 'hurch are too vast and solemn to allow this (piestion to be determined by any of the baser and meaner passions of Sec. 655.] Eel.\tioxs of the Chirch with Other Bodies. 457 human nature. If we know our own hearts, this course is not prompted by feel- ings of malice or revenge, or that peevish resentment engendered by the irritation of controversy. We trust that Christian magnanimity would enable us to rLse above all private wrongs and jjetty issues, transient as the hour which gives them birth. Our hearts are penetrated with the majesty of the principles which we are called to maintain ; and we desire that you should feel yourselves consecrated by the high piirpose to assert them with us before the world. All the great truths of Christianity have had an historical outworking in the midst of human couMict and debate, and by this means they become potential and operative principles, wrought into the very frame and texture of the human soul. In the first centuries of the Christian C!hurch all the great controversies revolved around the relations of the persons of the Godhead, through which the Church wrought out what may be technically called her theology. In the age of Augustine and his opposers, the field of conflict was transferred to the nature of man and the condition to which sin had reduced it, throiigh which the Church wrought out what is scientifically termed her (intliropohfjy. In the great Keformation, when the Church broke away from the bondage of Komish superstition, discussion turned upon the method of grace, and the gosjiel as apian, of salvation was wrought into the life and consciousness of the Church. But confusion and error still reigned over the minds of men with regard to the true mission and relations of the Church in her corporate character as the si^iritual kingdom of the Redeemer upon earth. The historical development of this is probably the work and the conflict of the present age ; and the Protestants of our day are to hold up in the face of derision and of scorn the true idea of the Church as the kingdom of the redeemed among men. In the adorable providence of God, our peeled and desolated Church is pushed to the front in this conflict. In the face of those ancient churches which, in Europe, are still entauged with state alliances, the very foremost of which seem to be slow^ in grasping the grand conception which the Redeemer's discipline has been so clearly teaching them, and in the face of the Christianity of the Northern section of our own laud, which, in a temporary frenzy, as we hope and pray, has resiled from the truth \^e thought it understood — this suffering Church of oiirs is called to testify. The pure white banner borne by the Melvilles, the Gillespies, and the Hendersons, those noble witnesses of another age for a pure spiritual Church, has fallen into our hands to uphold. Floating from our walls the superb inscription, " Christ's Crown and Covenant," rings out the battle-cry of that sacra- mental host which, by protest and reproach, by testimony and suffering, will j^et conquer the earth and bring it in submission to the Saviour's feet. It is upon the assertion of this gi'eat and germinal principle, out of which a true icdeMolocjy is yet to spring, this Assembly desires to place herself and you. The royaltj" of the thought will render you too kingly in all your purposes and desires ever to debase this testimony by yielding to the lower resentments of an unsanctified heart in the proclamation of your testimony. These are the convictions which rule otir decision in relation to correspondence with the Northern Church. Their offense with us is that we would not jield to the mistaken c^onscience which ])ermitted them to bind the Church of our Divine Lord to the wheels of Ca?sar's chariot. We cannot surrender this testimony for the privi- lege of sitting within their halls. Regarding them as still parts of the visible cath- olic Church, notwithstanding their defection on this point, we place them where we place all other denominations whom we recognize, though differing from us. Wishing them prosperity and peace, so far as they labor tf) win souls to Christ, we feel it a higher duty and a grander privilege to testify for our Master's kingship in his Church than to enjoy all the ecclesiastical fellowship which is to V)e purchased at the expense of conscience and of truth. It may seem to some of you that any hesitancy on our part to enter into coitcs- pondence with any Church is out of accord with the spirit of the times, which finds expression in formal protestations of amity and unity between all evangelical Christians. Rut a little reflecticm will make it manifest that this want of accord is only ap])arent, not real, so far as relates to any unity which is founded on a com- mon rivcrence for the truth of Christ. For in every case of separation between brethren of the same Church on account of errors held, or supposed to be held, on the one side, and the purpose to testify against the same on the other, a formal re- cognition of each other may be incompatible with the very end held in view in the separation. It may involve an utter obscuration of the testimonj' of the wtnesses. Thus, it will be remembered, there was no official conespondence between the two bodies into which our Church divided in 1837-'8, for the space of twenty-five years, •458 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. though each held official correspoudeuce with other bodies even less near to them in doctrine and order. Nor. indeed, was such correspondence even jjroposed until it was suggested as a preliminary to organic reunion. The Christian instincts of both bodies suggested that such correspondence miist involve the inconsistency, on the part of each, of standing apart from the other, while under not only the same articles of faith, but the same constitution — each bearing witness against the other while affecting relations of unity. In the s^Mrit, therefore, of these counsels, we commend you, brethren in the Lord, to Him that is able tf) keep you from falling, and to comfort you with all the joys of His salvation. It was ordered that live thousand copies of this Letter be printed by the Committee of Pubhcation for gratuitous distribution. It was resolved that the Committee of Pubhcation be instructed to pubhsh in tract form the pubhc official utterances of oui* Assembhes in relation to the spirituality and independence of the Church, includ- ing the Address of the Assembly of 1861 to the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the World, and the Pastoral Letter now to be issvaed from this Assembly, and such other papers as the committee may deem needful to explain the references in said letter. This pamphlet was isstied diiring the year, under the title, "'Distinctive Princi- ples of the Presbyterian Church in the ITnited States. " Later a revised edition of the same was issued. (1871, jj. 64.) — A. 65G. Report of the Conference ConDuittee. 1871, p. 10. The undersigned members of the committee of nine, appointed by the last Assembly to confer with a corresponding com- mittee appointed by the Northern General Assembly, would respect- fully report that, in consequence of the dissolution of the committee of the Northern Assembly immediately afterwards, this committee has never been convened. J. Leiohton Wilson, Joseph E. Wilson, William Brown. 657. AppoUitmeiit of a committee of conference vnth. reference to fra- ternal relations with the Northern Presbyterian (Jharch. 1874, p. 482. Overtures were presented from some of the Presby- teries, touching the relations between this General xissembly and the General Assembly of the Northern Presbyterian Church. A paper re- lating to the same subject was officially communicated from the stated clerk of the Northern Assembly. These papers were referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence, which it was ordered should be enlarged by the moderator, so as to contain two members from each Synod. P. 491. The Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, presented a report on the paper transmitted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and other memorials. A minority report was offered by Messrs. James Fentress, D. McNeill Turner, J. (). Lindsay, and E. J. Vann. Another minority repoi't was presented by Rev. J. W. Hoyte. All of which papers were received and placed on the docket. P. 495. The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence was taken up on a moticm for its adoption, and, after some discussion- a motion was made for the indetinite postponement of the whole sub, Sec. 657. Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 459 ject. On this question the ayes and noes were called. Result: Ayes, 23 : noes, 91. P. 497. The Rev. J. W. Ho,^i;e obtained leave to withdi-aw the minority report which he had oliered, and the vote then recui-ring on the minority report offered by Mr. J. Fentress and others, it was taken by ayes and noes, as follows : Ayes, 33 ; noes, 78. Lost. This report of the minority is as follows : The uudersigned, members of the Committee on Foreign Con-espondence, to whom was referred a paper officially communicated to this body from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (commonly known as the General Asseml)ly of the Northern Presbyterian Church), report that they have given it such consideration as its importance demands, and they recom- mend the adoption of the paper herewith submitted as our answer to the same. The communication from the Northern Assembly is as follows; (Same as in the paper adopted by the Assembly.) In order to a full i;ndorstandiug of the matter thus brought before i;s, and our duty in the i)remises, it is i)roper to refer to a previous occasion, when S'll/st'tntialli/ the same matter was brought under the consideration of this Assembly. At their session in ISCill the General .Assembly of the Old School Northern Pres- byterian Church had transmitted to this .Asseml)ly a paper conveying their Christian salutatiims, and expressing the desire "that the day may not be distant when we may be united in one gi-eat organization. " And the General Assembly rejjresenting the "Old" and "New School," after their union, also had transmitted to this body, at its session in Louisville, Ky., in 1870. a paper, of which the following is a copy: (Same as in the paper adopted by the Assembly.) Upon the presentation of this last pajier, delegates representing the said Northern Assembly were received, and addressed our Assembly upon the subject of their mission. After a suitable response by the moderator, the following resolution was adopted : (Same as in paper adopted by the Assembly. ) The report of this committee was made in due time, and, after a full delibera- tion, was adopted. Said rejjort is as follows: (See printed Minutes of 1870, pages 529, 530.) There was also a pastoral letter issued by this Assembly as to this matter, at its session in 1870, to the churches under its care, which is published in the Minutes of that year. When the action of our Assembly was reported to the Northern Assembly, it im- mediately resolved, "that the further consideration of the subject be postponed, and the committee discharged." Whether the open, frank, and Christian state- ment of the barriers to our official intercourse gave any gronnd of excuse to the Northern Assembly for declining a conference thus invited and accepted, is a ques- tion upon which we are not here called to sit in judgment. The facts are before the world. liut the practical consideration noir is in the fact that a jiroposal of substantially the same imjiort as that received in 1870 is before us, in which, after "deploring the divisions that have occurred, and that coutiuue, among the Presbyterians, " and expressing the hope that these divisions may be healed, and that the action taken may lead to that end, they suggest the appointment of another committee to confer with a like connnittee on their part, looking to the healing of these divisions, and the establishing of closer relations between us. To any proposal looking to the removal of causes of alienation among churches which alike hold tlic truth as it is in Jesus, and to restoring fraternal relations with such as love our ^Master and his cause, as well as that not less important duty of bearing witness against all defections from the truth, this Assembly, and the Church it represents, is now. ami has been at all times, prepared to give a sincere, open and hearty resj)onse. At the time of its organization, in ISC.I, tlie following explicit declaration was made by this .\ssembly m au "Address to all the Churches of Jesus Christ throu;4iout the Earth " : " We desire to cultivate i)eace and charily with all our fellow-Christians throughout the world. We invite to ecclesiastical commuuiou all who iiiiiintdiii our principles of faith and order." Again, in 1805, after the close of the lati' war, we tind the following: "It may be proper at this point to declare concerning other churches, in the most ex^plicit manner, that iu the true idea of the communion of saints, we would willingly hold fellowship with all who love our Lord Jesus (!hrist in sincerity; and especially- do 460 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. we signify to all bodies, ministers and people of the Presbyterian Chiirch struggling to maintain the true principles of the same time-honored confession, our desire to establish the most intimate relations with them Avliich may be found mutually edi- fying and for the glory of God. " If these and similar declarations by ixs have been overlooked by our Northern brethren, they are none the less a clear and abiding avowal of the spirit of our Church in this regard. Our testimony also concerning the defection of oiir late associates from the grave and fundamental principles of our common standards, has been none the less earn- est and explicit. So now, while the hearts of our people yearn for cordial fraternal relations v^ith all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, yet having, in 1870, distinctly stated the barriers to official correspondence between us, and our brethren having failed to remove them iinequivocally, we are constrained by fidelity to truth to decline official inter- course until the fundamental difficulties set forth in our declaration of 1870 are re- moved, or until we shall be enabled to see our error in this regard. This Assembly accepts with great i^leasure the kind expressions of confidence by our brethren in the soundness of doctrine and Christian character of the Church represented by this Assembly, and expresses the confident hope that the time may soon come when our brethren of the Northern Assembly may see their way clear to remove the barriers to our cordial fraternal correspondence. James Fentkess, J. O. Lindsay, D. McNeill Tuenee, E. J. Vann. The question being then upon the report presented by the committee, the vote was taken by ayes and noes, and is as follows : Ayes, 79 ; noes, 33. This report, therefore, was adopted, and is as follows : P. 500. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to report to the General Assembly as follow'S : Three papers were referred to the committee touching the matter to which the report relates, viz. : First, an official commimication to this Assembly from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, which, as it will be hereafter cited at lai'ge in this report, need not be here more particularly described ; Se- cond, an overtm-e from the Presbyteiy of South Alabama, " on the sub- ject of closer relations with the Northern Presbyteiian Church," and expressing the hope that our General Assembly \\'ill establish such re- lations : Third, an overtiu'e fi'om the Presbytery of Chesapeake, asking this Assembly to appoint " a committee untrammelled by instructions to confer with a similar committee of the Northern General Assembly" as to "such measures as shall be best adapted to promote friendly re- lations and fraternal correspondence." Both of these overtures repre- sent that an " organic union " between the two bodies represented by the two Assemblies is not contemplated in the request contained in their papers. The committee have given to the subject a most careful and laborious consideration, and now recommend to the General Assembly the adop- tion of the following answer to the same. The communication from the Northern General Asseml)ly is in the follo^^'^ng words : Extract from the Mhnites of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian (Jhiirch. in the United States of America, in session at Baltimore, May 21, 1878. The General Assembly', deploring the divisions that have occurred, and that continue, among Presbyterians in the United States of America, and earnestly desiring to do whatever is consistent with duty and fidelity to the Lord toward healing these divisions; and, furthermore, Sec. 657.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 461 having good reason to hope that the action contemplated in the follow- ing paper wUl promf)te and secure this happy result, do solemnly de- clare : First, That, ia accordance vdth. a resolution unanimously adopted by each of the two bodies now constituting the re-united Church, all action touching the brethren adhering to the body popularly known as the Southern General Assembly, together with all action touching the brethren adhering to the body known as the Old School Synod of Mis- souri, has been, since the re-union, and is now, null and void, and there- fore of no binding elfect, and not to be pleaded as a precedent in the future. >Seco7id, The Assembly also express confidence in the soimduess of doctrine and in the Chi'istian ch;u'acter of these brethren, and cannot doubt that a more intimate communion would lead to the speedy re- moval of the barriers that now separate those of like precious faith to increased mutual ali'ection and esteem, and to a practical manifestation of oneness in Christ. Third, AVith regard to the civil magistrate, and the relation of Church and state, the Assembly deem it sutficient to call attention to the follow- ing statements and principles found in our standards, to- wit : (1,) "Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical, and are not to intermeddle with civil affaii's which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinaiy, or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate." (Confession of Faith, Chap. XXXI., Sec. IV.) ' (2,) " That God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it fi'ee from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in an;)i:hing contraiy to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship." " That all church power, whether exercised by the body in general or, in the way of representation, by delegated authorit}', is only ministerial or declarative. Tltat is to say, that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners ; that no church judicatory ought to pretend to make laws to bind the conscience in vu'tue of theii' own authority ; and that all their decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God." (Form of Government, Chap. I., Sees. I. and Yll.) Fourth, For the pui'pose of caiTjang out the spirit of the foregoing resolutions the Assembly will appoint two committees to confer with similar committees, if appointed by the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States, and by the Old School Synod of Missouri, to seek closer and more fraternal relations with, these bodies." This paper was adopted unanimously, and the following committee was accoriliugly appointed to confer with a lilce committee of the Pres- byterian Church South : Eev. Samuel J. Nicholls, D. D., Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke, D. D., Kev. Ebenezer Erskine, D. D., Mr. John K. More- head, and Hon. Joseph W. Edwards. A true extract. Edwin F. Hatfield, S. C. In order to a full understanding of the whole matter, and of our dutj' in the premises, it may be proper to refer to a prerious occasion, when it was brought under the consideration of the Southern General Assem- bly. Four years ago, in 1870, a paper was received from the Northern General Assembly, of wliich the following is a copy : " Whereas this General Assembh' believes that the interests c)f the 462 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII, kingdom of our Lord throughout oiu' entire country will be gi'eatly pro- moted by healing all unnecessary divisions ; " Whereas this General Assembly' desires the speedy establishment of cordial relations with the body kno^vn as the ' Southern Presbyterian Church/ on terms of mutual confidence, respect, Christian honor, and love : " Whereas we believe that the terms of re-union between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church at the North, now so happily con- summated, present an auspicious opportunity for the adjustment of such relations ; therefore, be it — "Resolved, 1, That a committee of five ministers and fom* elders be ap- pointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar committee, if it should be appointed by the Assembly now in session in the city of Louisville, Ky., in respect to opening a friendly correspondence between the North- ern and Southern Presbyterian Churches, and that the result of such conference be reported to the General Assembly of 1871. " Resolved, 2, That, with a view to the furtherance of the object contemplated in the appointment of said committee, this Assembly hereby reaffirms the ' Concurrent Declaration ' of the two Assemblies which met in the city of New York last year, viz. : " 'That no rule or precedent which does not stand approved by both bodies shall be of any authority in the re-united body, except in so far as such rule or precedent may affect the rights of propert}^ therein.' " Resolved, 3, That two ministers and one elder of the committee ap- pointed by this Assembly be designated as delegates to conve}' to the Assembly now in session at Louisville, Ky., a copy of these resolutions, with our Christian salutations." This commimication having been presented, the Rev. J. C. Backus, D. D., Rev. H. J. Van Dyke, D. D., and the Hon. W. E. Dodge, delegates appointed and present, in piu'suance of the last resolution, were intro- duced and addressed the Assembly on the subject of their mission, to which a suitable response was made by the moderator. The foUovmig resolution was also adopted: " Resolved, That this Assembly duly apj)reciates the marked courtesy and kindness of the General Assembly now sittmg in Philadelphia, in commissioning brethren so particularly acceptable to us to be the bearers of its resolutions to this body ; that we will take into careful considera- tion the proposition presented by them ; and that, in order to proper deUberation and care in so important a matter, these resolutions, together with the message and exposition of the delegation, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, with instruction to report at the earliest possible time, recommending an answer to this proposition." The report of this committee was made in due time, and, after full deliberation, was adopted by the Assembly. The first part of the an- swer was in these words: " To this proposition, then, that a committee of five ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar commit- tee of their Assembly, in respect to opening a friendly correspondence between the Northern and Southern Assemblies, your committee recom- mend the following answer: " Whatever obstructions may exist in the way of cordial intercom-se between the two bodies above named are entii'ely of a pubhc nature, and involve grave and fundamental principles. The Southern Presb3i;erian Sec. 657.] Eel.\tions of the Church with Othek Bodies. 463 Church can coufidently appeal t(j all the acts and declarations of all their Assemblies, that no attitude of aggTession or hostility has been, or is now, assumed by it toward the Northern Church. And tliis General Assem- bly' distinctly avows (as it has always believed and declared) that no grievances experienced by us, however real, would justify us in acts of aggression, or a spirit of malice or Vetaliation against any branch of Christ's visible kingdom. We are prepared, therefore, in advance of all discussion, to exercise towards the General Assembly North, and the churches represented therein, such amity as fidelity to our principles could, under any jiossible circumstances, permit. Under this view, the appointment of a committee of conference might seem wholly imneces- sary; but in order to exhibit before the world the spirit oi conciliation and kindness to the last degree, this Assembly agrees to appoint a com- mittee of conference, to meet a sunilar committee already appointed by the Northern Assembly, with instructions to the same that the difficul- ties which he in the way of cordial correspondence between the two bodies must be distinctly met and removed, and which may be compre- hensively stated in the following particulars." These " particulars " it is not necessary for our present purpose to recite. A pastoral letter also, explanatory of this paper, was addressed to our churches. When this action of our Assembly was reported to the Northern As- sembly, it immediately resolved, " that the further consideration of the subject be postponed, and the committee be discharged," basing its ac- tion upon the gi'ound that "the Southern Assembly, while receiring oiu- delegates with marked courtesy, and formally compMng with our propo- sition for the appointment of a committee of conference, has, neverthe- less, accompanied that appomtment with declarations and conditions which we caimot accept, because they involve a vii'tual pre-judgment of the very difficulties concerning which we invited the conference. " How far the reason assigned was sufficient for dechning a conference thus invited and accepted, is a question upon which we are not here called to sit in judgment. The facts are before the world. But the practical consideration now before us is in the fact that a proposal for another conference, substantiallj' of the same purport as the one received in 1870, is now laid before us. It will be observed that in this joaper the Northern Assembl}', " deploring the divisions that have o(;cmTed, and that continue, among Presbyterians in the United States of America, and earnestly desirous to do whatever is consistent with dut}' and tidehty to the Lord toward healing those divisions," appomted last year a com- mittee to confer with a similar committee, if appointed by this Assem- bly, "to seek closer and more fraternal relations between these two bodies." To any proposal of this kind for removing causes of filiena- tion among chui'ches, and looking toward more fraternal relations, the Southern Presb^ierian Church is now, and has been at all times, pre- pared to give a sincjere and hearty response in the affirmative. At the time of its (n-ganization, in 18G1, the follo^^■ing• explicit declaration was made by our General Assembly, in an "Address to all the chm'ches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth :" " We desire to cultivate peace and chai'ity with all our fellow-Christians throughout the world. We invite to ecclesiastical communion all who maintain oiu- principles of faith and order." Again, in 18(55, after the close of the war, we tind the following : " It may be proper at this ])oint to declare, concerning other churches, 464 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. in the most explicit manuer, that in the true idea of ' the communion of saints ' we would willingly hold fellowship with all who love oiu- Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity ; and especially do we signify to all bodies, ministers, and jDeople, of the Presbyterian Chui'ch, struggling to main- tain the true principles of the same time-honored confession, our desire to establish the most intimate relations with them, which may be found mutually edifying and for the glory of God." These, and similar declarations, made in the most solemn periods iu the history of our Church, and published to the world, were intended to be a clear and abiding avowal of the spirit of our successive Assem- blies, and of our people represented in them. But now, in response to this renewed proposal, already referred to, this Assembly does hereby again agree to appoint a committee, consist- ing of three ministers and two elders, whose dut}' it shall be to meet with the committee appointed by the Northern Assembly, at such time and place as may be designated by the chairman of the two commit- tees, and enter fully into conference concerning the removal of those causes which have heretofore prevented fraternal relations between the two churches. Inasmuch, however, as it appears that the instructions given to its committee by our Assembly in 1870 were made a ground of serious ob- jection by the other party, this Assembly, with a sincere desire to " fol- low the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another," yields to the wishes of the Northern Assembly in this particular, and appoints its committee without any special instructions ; only requiring that the results of the conference shall be reported to our next General Assembly for its judgment thereon. In order to prevent misapprehension, whether on the part of our own people or of others, as to the purjDort and scope of any negotiations which maj arise from the step here taken, the Assembly feels that it is due to itself and to candor, to state explicitly, that an organic union with the Northern Assembly is not contemplated in this action ; it being our dehberate conviction that the agitation of that subject would tend to retard, and not to promote, the formation of those " closer fraternal relations " which we understand the communication now before us to propose. But, on the other hand, the Assembly as explicitly declares the readi- ness and desire of our Church, both of our judicatories in their official capacity, and of our people in their social Christian intercourse, to wel- come to full and equal fellowship \^'ith ourselves in the privileges of the gospel, and in labors for the extension of our Redeemer's kingdom, aU those who, holding the same great principles of evangelical doctrine and ecclesiastical] poht}^ which we hold, are willing to cast in their lot with us by entering our communion. Respectfully submitted, by order of the committee, J. L. KiRKP.\TEicK, Chainnan. P. 504. Rev. H. M. Smith, D. D., read a protest against the action of the Assembly in adopting the paper providing for a committee of conference. It was ordered that the protest be spread upon the records without answer. This paper is as follows : We, the undersigned, respectfully protest against the ac;tiou of the Assembly in appointing a committee of conference to discuss the question of " ' closer and more Sec. 657.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 465 fraternal relations" — so called — with a similar committee appointed by the body popularly known as the Northern General Assembly. 1. We make this protest because we judge this action to be contrarj' to the prin- ciples with which we are historically ideutitied as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, which principles we held to have been correctly stated in a j^aper on the same sub- ject, adopted by the Geueral Assembly at Louisville, in 1870. Our relations with the Northern (Church are determined by their adoption in 1861 of what are commonly known as ' ' the Spring resolutions, " the principles con- tained in which have been re-attirmed, endorsed, and elaborated by them in all their subsequent legislation, and have never been withdrawn nor rescinded by them. By said acti(m, to use the language of the protest offered oia th.it occasion, and signed l\y the mo; lerator of that Assembly himself, and by many others — "in de- ciding a political question, aud in making that decisicm practically a condition of membership to the Church, the Asseml>ly, in our judgment, violated the constitu- tion of the Church, and usurped the prerogative of its Divine Master." Under said action, the Presbyteries originally composing this body felt themselves extruded from the communion of that Assembly. And the organization of the Southern Church stands, and has stood since that time, as a living testimony for the su- premacy of Christ as Lord of the (conscience, and for the spirituality of his king- dom, principles dishonored by them in us. Nor can we consistently blunt the edge of our testimtmy for these principles l)y any othcial corresjjoudence which would change our attitude of protest, while that brand of dishonor remains. 2. Their overture adopted in 1873, and sent us bj' the Northern Assembly, af- fords no sufficient reason for the course pursued by this Assembly. We are pain- fully convinced that their overture evades the very questions it pretends to meet. It assures us that both bodies composing their Assembly unanimously adopted a re- solution making ' ' null and vc>id and of no binding effect all action touching their brethren adhering to the Southern Assembly, or to the Old School Synod of Mis- souri." Whereas, both bodies referred to have lately adopted, and made part of their re- cord, a paper which endorses in the most solemn, formal, and unequivocal manner, and which sets forth and maintains the very jirinciples against which we have pro- tested, and do now protest, to-wit: the decision of a civil court in the case of the Walnut Street cburch, Louisville, Kentucky. (See Digest, i^rinted by order of the General Assembly, Minutes, 1873.) Their overture proposes to express confidence in our "soundness of doctrine and Christian character." Whereas, the abusive and slanderous charges made against our ministers and Church, publicly and continuously reiterated, touching not only our doctrine and character, but even our motives, are not only not formally retracted, but are actu- ally, by implication at least, repeated and re-affirmed in the paper just referred to, and very recently made part of their record. Their overture also, in order ti> produce the impression upon us, and upon the public mind, that the Northern Assembly does really hold, and is governed bj' the principles of freedom of conscience and the spirituality of Christ's kingdom, and that no past action can operate as a precedent for any future violation of these principles, "deems it sufficient to call attention to the fact," that they profess to hold, in common with ourselves, standards which proclaim that Christ is Lord of the conscience, and that ' ' Synods and councils are to handle nothing but what is ecclesiastical. " Whereas, it is a notorious fact that said Assembly never, at any time in its history, more publicly and emphatically professed allegiance to those very princi^jles than when engaged in the act of "violating the ccmstitution of the Church, and usurp- ing the prerogative of its Divine Master." (See protest of Dr. Hodge and othei-s, Minutes, 1801.) To the many and solemn utterances of our own Church, and of godly men within their own communion; to the full and lucid testimonies of the Synod t)f Kentucky, and the Synod of ^lissouri ; to the explicit testimony of a pre- vious Assembly, the Northern Asstaubly now offers a bare technical reference, as a fair and full satisfaction of all honest doubts and difficulties, and of all injuries publicly and officially Ijrought to their attention. In view of these facts, we are constrained to regard this part of their overture as a manifest evasion of the ques- tions at issue between us. It is our opinion, therefore, that the overture affords no ju.st gi-ound for changing our present attitude of protest tow ard that Assembly, but on the ccmtrary, much to make us more careful than ever how we enter into any negotiations with that body, until all ground for susjjicion of ambiguous dealing is removed. 30 466 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. 3. To appoint a committee of conference, in present circumstances, is, we fear, calcnlated to place ns in a false jiositiou before the Christian world. It is a well- known fact that owv beloved Chnrch is historically identified with testimony for the supremacy of Christ as Lord of the conscience, and for the spiritiiality of his Church. It is well kno^^ n that the duty to testify for these fundamental principles has been, in the providence of God, specially bound upon us by the very action of the Northern Assembly ; and that since the enactment of the ' ' Spring resoltitions, " in 1861, we have borne our testimony in pj'otest against the continuous legislation of the Northern Assembly, by which these jirinciples have been in us dishonored. It is as well kno^^ u that the Northern Assembly is historically identified with a sys- tem of proscriptive legislation by which, in the judgment of many, the good name of Christ and of his Church has been dishonored ; and that, moreover, they have never rescinded siach legislation, and that they still maintain the principles on which it is founded. Should we, therefore, in such circumstances as these, consent now to enter into a conference which, for the very reasons above stated, we have hitherto steadily refused, it immediately gives rise to the opinion that we have re- ceded from our testimony. By changing our attitude toward that body, while they have made no adequate correspondinf; change in their real attittide towards us, will give rise to the opinion that we have consented to suppress our testimony to these principles, and that in suppressing our own testimony we are practically admitting the truthfulness of theirs. By this action, as it appears to us, the Assembly runs great risk of casting suspicion upon the glorious record of the past history and upon the present attitiide of our beloved Church. We feel constrained, therefore, to protest against this action of the Assembly, because it contravenes the duty we owe to the precious principles which were en- triasted to us to maintain and to defend; because the reasons proposed in the overture of the Northern Assembly are not sufficient to justify any change in our relations to that body ; because it tends to misrepresent the real position of our beloved Church before the world; and because it tends to jsromote doubt, agitation and discord among our people. Inasmuch as the facts and principles on which this protest is founded cannot be denied, we can but express the earnest hope and confidence that the Holy Spirit may so attend and guide our rej^resentatives in the projected conference that these things be neither overlooked nor set aside. Signed by H. M. Smith, James Fentress, E. K. Smoot, A. H. Phillips, D. N. Kennedy, (Tharles F. Collier, D. A. CampbeU, J. O. Lindsav, H. F. Hoyt, J. Wistar Simpson, John L. Yantis, W. L. Whitman, Charles F. Reid, R. S. McAllister, D. McNeill Turner, Isaac J. Long, George W. Ewell, F. Stringer, A. W. Dinsmore, J. W. Eobb, C. H. Rochester, E. J. Vann, John L. Girardeau. P. 519. The moderator then announced the following names, to constitute the Committee of Conference with the committee of the Northern General Assembly, "saz. : Eev. William Brown, D. D., Eev. E. P. Farris, D. D., Eev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Chancellor J. A. Inglis, Hon. B. M. Estes. This appointment was confirmed by a rising vote of the Assembly, which vote was, with but two exceptions, imanimous. The Eev. J. L. KirkiDatrick, D. D., was, by vote of the Assembly, appointed alternate to any member of the committee who may fail to attend. 658. Failure of the conference. The Committee of Confei-ence submitted a I'eport, which was refen'ed to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. That committee sub- mitted the f oll( )wing unanimous report : 1875, p. 17. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence respect- fully report that they have examined the report of the committee ap- pointed to confer with a similar committee from the Northern General Assembly, touching an overture from the latter body for fraternal rela- tions ; and that they have also considered the overture from the Pres- bytery of Knoxville with reference to the same subject. Your commit- tee recommend the discharge of the Committee of Conference from the Sec. 659.] Eel.\tions of the Cht-bch with Other Bodies. 467 further consideration of the matter entrusted to them, axicompanied by the following minute : This Assembly, in the name of the whole Church, tenders special thanks to the Committee of Conference for the dihgence, fidelity, and Christian prudence with which they have discharged the dehcate and important trust conmiitted to them ; and, whilst regretting the failm*e of the conference as to its chief end, hereby apjn'oves in general the course of the committee, and in particular approves and endorses, as satisfactory to the Southern Church, the condition precedent to fi'ater- nal I'elatii )DS suggested by our committee, viz. : " If your Assembly could see its way clear to say, in a few j^laiu words, to this eflfect, that these obnoxious things were said and done in times of great excitement, and are to be regretted, and that now, in a calm review, the imputa- tions cast upon the Southern Church (of schism, heresy, and blasphemy) are disapproved, that would end the difficulty at once." Joseph R. Welson, Chairman. The adoption of the above report was moved by Euling Elder J. W. Clai:)p, whereupon it was adopted unanimously, and without discussion. 659. ■ The correspondence had between the committees. The following is the report of the Baltimore conferees, found on page 75, Minutes of 1875 : liev. William Browu, D. D., presented aud read tlie following report: To till' Modirator of the Genend AmtiiMy of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, to convene in St. Louis, May 20, 1875: The undersigned were apijointed a committee by the last General Assembly "to meet with the committee appointed by the Northern General Assembly, " and enter fully into conference concerning the removal of those causes which have heretofore prevented fraternal relations between the two churches. Pursuant to an ai-rangement made between the chairmen of these two committees, they met in the lecture room of the Franklin Street Presbyterian church, Balti- more, on Thursday, January the 7th, 1874, at 7 o'clock v. m. There were present from the committee ajipointed bv the Northern Assemblv, Kev. Samuel J. NiccoUs, D. I)., Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke, U. D., Kev. Henry Darling, D. D., Eev. Ebene- zer Erskine, D. D., Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., aud Hon. Samuel ]M. Breck- euridge. It will be seen that all the members of our committee were in attendance. After consultation, it was unanimously agreed that the conference should be held in private. It was also unanimously agieed that it should be conducted by written communications; not, however, to the exclusion of oral conferences whenever de- sired by either side. The reasons for adopting this mode were, first, that it was the most practicable, inasmuch as it would best enable each committee to act as a unit in whatever was done ; and second, that it would prevent misrepresentation after- wards. The committees then separated, and the conference was opened and continued till the evehing of Thursday, January loth, when, in joint session, it was declared to be adjourned sine die. While your committee were not authorized to consummate anything, as a bind- ing measure, it was considered proper and ueces.sary, both from the terms of our commission and the nature of the case, to state clearly and fully what we under- stood to be "the causes which have heretitforo prevented fraternal relations be- tween the two churches," and what we believe to be indispensal)le for their '"re- moval." Our appointment was not accompanied with any other instructions, ex- cept to report the results of the conference to the next (that is, to this) Assembly for its judgment thereon. These "results" are herewith laid before your vener- able body in our report of the correspondence held by the two committees. It is submitted under a solemn sense of the magnitude of the trust confided to our hands, and of our respimsibility, both to Christ our Lord and to his Church, for the man- ner in which it has been discharged. In all the deliberations of our committee. 468 Digest of the Acts of the Genebal Assembly. [Book VII. and in everything contained in those pajjers, there was entire harmony and unani- mity. Our consent to the publication of this correspondence having been asked by the other party, it was readily granted, inasmuch as it was deemed imjDortant for the correct information of all the churches interested. Under instructions given by our committee the whole was iJublished at the earliest time practicable by all the newspapers connected with our denomination. We have no knowledge of any pub- lication whatever, as yet, on the part of the other committee. It is gratifying to reflect that our personal intercourse, in social and devotional meetings, with the brethren from the Northern Assembly, was throughout so en- tirely agreeable. llespectfully submitted, William Bkown, B. M. Palmek, B. M. Estes, 11. P. Faeeis, J. A. Inglis. No. 1. Baltimoee, January 7, 1875. Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., Chairman of the Committee of Conference ap- pointed by the General Assi'mblyof the Presbyterian Church in tJie United States of America : Dear Sie: In opening the conference which has been appointed by the General Assembly of your Church, popularly known as the General Assembly, North, and by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, popu- larly known as the General Assembly, South, it may he useful, as a satisfactory his- tory of the same, and for a proj^er understanding of its object, to present a copj^ of a report from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence which was adopted by the last General Assembly, South, at its sessions m Columbus, Mississiiipi, in May, 1874. This report is as follows : Paper adopted by Southern Assembly. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to rei^ort to the General Assembly as follows : Three papers were referred to the committee touching the matter to which the report relates, viz. : First, an official communication to this Assembly from the Gen- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, which, as it will be hereafter cited at large in this rej^ort, need not be here more particu- larly described; Second, an overture from the Presbytery of South Alabama, "on the subject of closer relations with the Northern Presbyterian Church, " and express- ing the hope that our General Assembly will establish such relations; Third, an overture from the Presbytery of Chesapeake, asking this Assembly to appoint "a committee, untrammelled by instructions, to confer with a similar committee of the Northern General Assembly," as to "such measures as shall be best adapted to pro- mote friendly relations and fraternal correspondence. " Both of these overtures represent that an "organic union" between the two bodies represented by the two Assemblies is not contemplated in the request contained in their parsers. The committee have given to the subject a most careful and laborious considera- tion, and now recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following answer to the same. The communication from the Northern Assembly is in the following words : Extract from the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in session at Baltimore, May 21, 1873: The General Assembly, deploring the divisions that have occurred, and that con- tinue, among Presbyterians in the United States of America, and earnestly desiring to do whatever is consistent with duty and hdelity to the Lord toward healing these divisions; and, furthermore, having good reason to hojDe that the action contem- plated in the following paper will promote and secure this happy result, do sol- emnly declare: Virst, That in accordance with a resolution, unanimously adopted by each of the two bodies now constituting the re-united Church, all action touching the brethren adhering to the body popularly known as the Southern General Assembly, together with all action touching the brethren adhering to the body known as the Old School Synod of Missouri, has been, since the re-union, and is now, null and void, and therefore of no binding effect, and not to be pleaded as a precedent in the future. Sewnd, The Assembly also express confidence in the soundness of doctrine, and in the Christian character of these brethren, and cannot doubt that a more intimate Sec. 659.] Relations of the Chuech wtts Other Bodies. 469 communion would lead to the speedy removal of the barriers that now separate those of like precious faith, to increased mutual afifection and esteem, and to a practical manifestation of oneness in Christ. Third, With regard to the civil magistrate, and the relation of church and state, the Assembly deem it sufficient to call attention to the following statements and principles found in our standards, to-wit : (1.) "Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical, and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the com- monwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordiaiary, or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate." (Confession of Faith, Chap. XXXI., Sec. IV.) (2. ) " That God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doc- trines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship." "That all church power, whether exer- cised by the body in general, or in the way of representation, by delegated author- ity, is only ministerial and declarative. 7^/iat is to say, that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners ; that no church judicatory oiight to jiretend to make laws to bind the conscience in virtue of their own authority ; and that all their decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God." (Form of Gov- ernment, Chap. I., Sees. I. and VII.) Fourth, For the purpose of carrying out the spirit of the foregoing resolutions, the Assembly will appoint two committees, to confer with similar committees, if appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and by the Old School Synod of Missouri, to seek closer and more fraternal relations ^^•ith these bodies. This paper was adopted iinanimously, and the following committee was accord- ingly appointed to confer with a like committee of the Presbyterian Church South: Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D. , Eev. Henry J. Van Dyke, D. D. , Eev. Ebenezer Erskine, D D., Mr. J. K. Moorehead, and Hon. JoseiA W. Edwards. A true extract. Edwin F. Hatfield, S. G. In order to a full understanding of the whole matter, and of our duty in the premises, it may be proper to refer to a previous occasion, when it was brought under the consideration of the Southern General Assembly. ' Four years ago, in 1870, a paper was received from the Northern General Assemblj% of which the fol- lowing is a copy : ' ' Whereas, this General Assembly believes that the interests of the kingdom of our Lord throughout our entire country will be greatly promoted by healing all Tinnecessary divisions ; "Whereas, this General Assembly desires the speedy establishment of cordial re- lations with the body known as the ' Southern Presbyterian Church, ' on terms of mutual confidence, respect. Christian honor, and love ; "Whereas, we believe that the terms of re-union between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church at the North, now so happily consummated, present an auspicious opportunity for the adjustment of such relations; therefore, be it — ^'Itcsohrd, 1, That a committee of live ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assembly, to confer with a similar committee, if it should be api:)ointed by the Assembly now in session in the city of Louisville, Ky., in respect to opening a friendly correspondence between the Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches, and that the result of such conference be reported to the General Assembly of 1871. ''licHdlvcd, 2, That, with a view to the furtherance of the object contemplated in the appointment of said committee, this Assembly hereby re-affirms the 'Concur- rent Declaration' of the two Assemblies which met in the city of New York last year, viz. : " 'That no rule or precedent which does not stand approved by both bodies shall be of any autlunity in the re-united body, except in so far as such rule or precedent may affect the rights of property therein. ' ^^Rcmlred, 3, That two ministers and one elder of the committee appointed by this Assembly be designated as delegates to convey to the Assembly now in session at Louisville, Ky., a copy of these resolutions, with our Christian salutations." This communication having been presented, the Rev. J. C. Backus, D. D., Rev. H. J Van Dyke, D. D., and the Hon. W. E. Dodge, delegates appointed and pre- sent, in pursuance of the last resolution, were introduced, and addressed the Assem- bly on the subject of their mission, to which a suitable response was made by the moderator. The following resolution was also adopted : 470 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. "Besolved, That this Assembly duly appreciates the marked courtesy and kind- ness of the General Assembly now sitting in Philadeli^hia, in commissioning breth- ren so particularly acceptable to us to be the bearers of its resolutions to this body ; that we will take into careful consideration the iJropositiou presented by them; and that, in order to proper deliberation and care in so important a matter, these reso- lutions, together with the message and exposition of the delegation, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, with instruction to report, at the earliest possible time, recommending an answer to this proposition. " The report of this committee was made in due time, and, after full deliberation, was adopted hj the Assembly. The first part of the answer was in these words : "To this proposition, then, that a committee of iive ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assemblj^ to confer with a similar committee of their Assembly, in respect to opening a friendly corresisondence between the Northern and South- ern Assemblies, your committee recommend the following answer: "Whatever obstructions may exist in the waj' of a cordial intercoTirse between the two bodies above named are entirely of a public nature, and involve grave and fundamental princi2)les The Southern Presbyterian Church can confidently ap- peal to all the acts and declarations of all their Assemblies, that no attitude of ag- gression or hostility has been, or is now, assumed by it toward the Northern Church. And this General Assembly distinctly avows (as it has always believed and declared) that no grievances experienced by us, however real, would justify us in acts of ag- gi-essiou, or a spirit of malice or retaliation against any branch of Christ's visible kingdom. We are prepared, therefore, in advance of all discussion, to exercise to- wards the General Assembly North, and the churches represented therein, such amity as fidelity to our principles could, under any possible circumstances, permit. Under this view, the appointment of a committee of conference might seem wholly unnecessary ; but in order to exhibit before the world the spirit of conciliation and kindness to the last degree, this Assembly agrees to appoint a committee of confer- ence, to meet a similar committee already ajDpointed by the Northern Assembly, with instructions to the same that the difficulties which lie in the way of cordial correspondence between the two bodies must be distinctly met and removed, and which maj' be comprehensively stated in the following particulars. "" These "particulars" it is not necessary for our present purpose to recite. A pas- toral letter, also, explanatory of this paper, was addressed to our churches. When this action of our Assembly was reported to the Northern Assembly it im- mediately resolved "that the further consideration of the subject be postjioned, and the committee be discharged," basing its action u^jon the groiind that "the South- ern Assemblj', while receiving out delegates with marked courtesy, and formally complying with our proposition for the aijpoiutment of a committee of conference, has, nevertheless, accompanied that appointment with declarations and conditions which we cannot accept, because they involve a virtual pre-judgment of the very difficulties concerning which we invited the conference. " How far the reason assigned was sufficient for declining a conference thus in- vited and accepted, is a question upon which we are not here called to sit in judg- ment. The facts are before the world. But the ^jractical consideration now before us is in the fact that a proposal for another conference, substantially of the same pur- port as the one received in 1870, is now laid before us. It will be observed that in this palmer the Northern Assembly, "deploring the divisions that have occurred, and that continue, among Presbyterians in the United States of America, and earn- estly desirous to do whatever is consistent with duty and fidelity to the Lord toward heahug those divisions," appointed last year a committee to confer with a similar committee, if api^ointed by this Assembly, "to seek closer and more fraternal rela- lations between these two bodies." To any proposal of this kind for removing causes of alienation among the churches, and looking toward more fraternal rela- tions, the Southern Presbyterian Church is now, and has been at all times, prepared to give a sincere and hearty response in the affirmative. At the time of its organi- zation, in 18G1, the following explicit declaration waS made by our General Assem- bly, in an "Address to all the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth": "We desire to cultivate peace and charity with all our fellow-Christians throughout the world. We invite to ecclesiastical communion all who maintain our principles of faith and order. " Again, in 1865, after the close of the war, we find the follow- ing: "It may be proper at this point to declare, concerning other (churches, in the most explicit manner, that, in the tvne idea of ' the communion of saints, ' we would willingly hold, fellowship with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity ; and especially do we signify to all bodies, ministers and people of the Presbyterian Sec. 659.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 471 Church, struggling to maintain the true principles of the same time-honored con- fession, our desire to establish the most intimate relations ^\'ith them which may be found mutually edifjing and for the glory of God." These, and similar declarations, made in the most solemn periods in the history of our Church, and iiublished to the world, were intended to be a clear and abiding avowal of the spirit of our successive Asseniblies, and of our people represented in them. But now, in response to this renewed proposal already referred to, this Assembly does hereby again agree to appoint a committee, consisting o* three ministers and two elders, whose duty it shall be to meet with the committee appointed by the Northern Assembly, at such time and place as may be designated by the chairmen of the two committees, and enter fully into conference concerning the removal of those causes which have heretofore prevented fraternal relations between the two churches. Inasmuch, however, as it appears that the instructions given to its committee by our Assembly in 1870 were made a groiind of serious objection by the other party, this Assembly, with a sincere desire to "follow the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another, " yields to the wishes of the Northern Assembly in this particular, and appoints its committee without any special instruc- tions, only requiring that the results of the conference shall be reported to our next General Assembly for its judgment thereon. In order to prevent misapprehension, whether on the part of our own people or others, as to the purport and scope of anj' negotiations which may arise from the step here taken, the Assembly feels that it is due to itself and to candor to state explicitly that an organic union with the Northern Assembly is not contemplated in this action, it being our deliberate conviction that the agitation of that subject would tend to retard, and not to promote, the formation of those "closer fraternal relations" which we understand the communication now before us to jDroiJOse. But, on the other hand, the Assembly as exijlicitly declares the readiness and de- sire of our Church, both of our judicatories in their official capacity and of our peo- ple in their social Christian intercourse, to welcome to full and equal fellowship Anth ourselves in the privileges of the gospel, and in labors for the extension of our Redeemer's kingdom, all those who, holding the same great principles of evangelical doctrine and ecclesiastical polity which we hold, are willing to cast in their lot with us by entering our counnuniou. Respectfully submitted, by order of the committee, J. L. KiRKPATRicK, Chaii'mcm. The following committee was accordingly appointed to confer with the committee apijointed bv the Assemblv North, viz.: Rev. William Brown, D. D.. Rev. R. P. Farris, D. 1)'., Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Hon. J. A. Inglis Hon. B. M. Estes. We have the satisfaction now to inform you that all the members of the com- mittee above named are present, and are prepared to undertake the solemn and responsible duty assigned them, viz.: "to enter fully into conference concerning the removal of those causes which have heretofore prevented fraternal relations be- tween the two churches;" and we take the earliest occasion to say that, if these existing "causes" can be removed, and such fraternal relations estal)lished, the result will ho. viewed with sincere gratification by this committee, and by the Church which we r(>present. As we are here in response to the invitation received from your General Assembly, it seems to us the most suitable way of approaching the important subject in charge of the two committees, to request a statement on your part of such matters as you deem it proper to i)ropose for our consideration. They shall receive on our part a prom])t and earnest attention. Yours very truly. WimjIam Brown, (Vutlrmnn. No. 2. Baltimore, January St/i, 1875. Rev. William Brown, D. U., ('lntirmdiiofVic Committee appointed by tJie Oenerai Assembly of the Prexbyterian Uhurch in the United States: Dear Brother: Vour communication, containing a copy of the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of your Assembly, and also a statement of the functions of your Committee of Conference, has been received, and placed in the hands of the committee of our Assembly. In reply, we beg leave first of all to call the attention of your committee to the action of the General Assembly under which our committee was appointed, which is as follows : 472 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. The General Assembly, deploring the divisions that have occurred, and that con- tinue, among Presbyterians in the United States of America, and earnestly desiring to do whatever is consistent with duty and fidelity to the Lord toward healing these divisions ; and furthermore, having good reason to hope that the action contem- plated in the following paper will promote and secure this happy result, do solemnly declare — First, That in accordance with a resolution unanimously adopted by each of the two bodies now constituting the re-united Church, all action toiiching the brethren adhering to the body popularly known as the Southern General Assembly, together with all action touching the brethren adhering to the body known as the Old School Synod of Missouri, has been, since the re-union, and is now, null and void, and therefore of no binding effect, and not to be pleaded as a precedent in the future. Second, The Assembly also express confidence in the soundness of doctrine, and in the Christian character of these brethren, and cannot doubt that a more inti- mate communion would lead to the speedy removal of the barriers that now sepa- rate those of like precious faith, to increased mutual affection and esteem, and to a practical manifestation of oneness in Christ. Third, With regard to the civil magistrate, and the relation of church and state, the Assembly deem it sufficient to call attention to the following statements and principles found in our standards, to-wit: (1,) "Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing hwi that which is ecclesiastical; and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the com- monwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto reqiiired by the civil magistrate." (Confession of Faith, C\\k^. XXXI., Sec. IV.) (2, ) ' ' That God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are, if anything, contrary to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship." "That all church power, whether exercised by the body in general, or in the way of representation by delegated au- thority, is only ministerial and declarative. TItat is to say, that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners; that no church judicatory ought to pretend to make laws to bind the conscience, in virtue of their own authority ; and that all their decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God." (Form of Government, Chap. I., Sees. I. and VII. ) Fourth, For the purpose of carrying out the spirit of the foregoing resolutions, the Assembly will appoint two committees, to confer with similar committees, if appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and by the Old School Synod of Missouri, to seek closer and more fraternal relations with these bodies. The report was adopted unanimously, and the following committee was accord- ingly appointed, to confer with a like committee of the Presbyterian Church South : Eev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., Kev. Henry J. Van Dyke, D. D., Kev. Ebenezer Erskine, D. D., Mr. J. K. Moorehead, and Hon. Joseph W. Edwards. After this action taken at Baltimore, the committee was enlarged by order of the Assembly of 1874, and the following persons were apijointed : Eev. S. J. Niccolls, Eev. H. J. Van Dyke, Eev. Henry Darling, Eev. Edwin F. Hatfield, Eev. Thomas H. Skinner, Eev. Ebenezer Erskine, and Messrs. Benjamin Whiteley, J. K. Moore- head, Joseph W. Edwards, and Samuel M. Breckenridge. We regret that part of our committee, namely, Eev. Edwin F. Hatfield, Benjamin Whiteley, J. K. Mooreheail, Joseph W. Edwards, have been detained by sickness, or by such engagements as necessarily i^reveuted their attendance ; but those who are .absent are of one mind with lis in our earnest desire to see fraternal relations es- tablished on just and honorable grounds between the bodies which our committees respectfully rei^resent. We have recited the action of our Assembly iinder which we have been aj)- pointed, because it expresses the spirit of good-will and confidence in you with which we come to this conference. We represent a church holding in every re- spect the same standards and confessions that your own has adopted. We have confidence in you as brethren in Christ, and we believe that the restoration of inti- mate and fraternal relations between our churches would be for the peace of our common country, the advancement of the kingdom of Christ, and to the honor of the great Head of the Church. In the earnest desire to accomplish these ends, we now propose that your commit- tee slwuldjoin with us in recouimoiding to our respective Assemblies the itdereha.nge of delegates, thus recognizing each other as corresponding bodies. We desire this, not Sec. 659.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 473 only as a matter of courtesy and fraternal feeling, but in the hope that it will speedilj' lead to an equitable adjustment of matters of equal interest to both bodies, in the mission work of the churches, both at home and abroad, and to co-operation in the great work of evangelization. In this proposal to establish between our Assemblies the fraternal relations of corresponding bodies, our committee are unanimous; nor do we know of any rea- sons why it should not be doue. Awaiting your reply to the proposition contained in this communication, and with fraternal regard and sentiments of respect. I remain, In behalf of the committee, Samuel J. Niccolls, Chairman. No. 3. Baltimore, Januai'y Wi, 1875. Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., Chairman of Committee of Conference : DEAii Sir: The communication of your committee was received yesterday, and has been duly considered. The only measure suggested "to e.stablish between our Assemblies the fraternal relation of corresponding bodies," to which you refer, is in these words: "In the earnest desire to accomplish these ends, we now propose that your committee should join with us in recommending to our resjiective Assemblies the interchange of dele- gates, thus recognizing each other as corresponding bodies." Upon this proposal we submit the following remarks : 1. Fraternal correspondence among Presbyterian churches has been a matter of such common occurrence, and so easily arranged in the Asseinbh' itself, as naturally to raise the incpiiry, why is it so different now ? The simple fact that two commit- tees of our General Assemblies have to be gathered here, from far distant parts of the countrj-, to sit in solemn conference concerning a measure of this kind, inti- mates some peculiarity belonging to the case before us. 2. This suggestion is coutirmed by the paper itself which was adopted by our Assembly, for it speaks of ''divisions," and a desire "to do whatever may be con- sistent with duty and fidelity to the Lord toward healing these divisions. " Your committee also speak of "the restoration of intimate and fraternal relations between our churi'hcs. " These ex^jressions jDoint with unerring certainty to a fact well known over the whole country, namely, that between your Church and ours there has been, for more than ten years, such an entire alienation as to prevent all fra- ternal correspondence between the two General Assemblies. When, therefore, your committee propose to heal acknowledged "divisions," and "the restoration of intimate and fraternal relations," with the remark that you "know of no reasons why it should not be done," it seems incumbent upon us to call to remembrance that the Assembly we represent has, in accordance with the exact state of the case, explicitly recognized the fact that there are "causes" which have heretofore prevented fraternal relations, and that they have appointed us to enter fully into ctmference conceriiiug their rcnioval. In answer, then, to your pro- posal to establish such relations, without any regard whatever, as it seems, to those "causes" preventing them, we arc obliged to say that we find ourselves unable to accede to it as thus presenteil, nor can we adojjt 3'our remark, that " ' we know of no reasons why it should not be done. " We are here brought to a point where the way is fully opened for an exj)Osition of those things which have debarred the Southern Assembly from holding official intercourse with the Assembly North, and of what is deemed indispensable for their removal. They may be summarily stated under two heads : Unjust and injurious accusa- tions preferred ar/ainst the irhole Southern Prmbytfrian Church, and the course pur- suhI in reijurd to church proiterty. I. Unjust and Injurious Accusations. 1. The charge that the Southern Assembly was organized in the interest of, and to subserve the ends of the Confed^'rate Otmrnnient. It is as follows : "Whereas, during the existence of the gieat rebellion which has disturbed the peace and threatened the life of the nation, a large number of Presbyteries and Synods in the Southern States, whose names are on the roll of the General Assem- bly as constituent parts of this body, have organized an Assembly denominated ' The General Assembly of the Confederate States of America, ' in order to render 474 Digest of the Acts of the General, Assembly. [Book VII, their aid in the attempt to estabhsh, by ineaus of the rebellion, a separate national existence to conserve and perpetuate the system of slavery ; therefore, "licsohed, 1, That this Assembly regards the civil rebellion for the perpetuation of negi'o slavery as a crime against our national government and against God, and the secession of those Presbyteries and Synods from the Presbyterian Church, under such circmustances and for such reasons, as unwarranted, schismatical and unconstitutional." (Miniites of 1865, p. 560.) The limits of this communication allow but a brief answer. In the Address issued by onr Assembly when it was organized — a paper intended carefully to declare its position — it explicitly affirms that this organization was eifected to "subserve the in- terests of true religion ;" that the AssemVjly, "as a spiritual coiirt, " should "know neither the- Confederate nor the United States;" that it had not "mixed the issues of this world with those of the kingdom of God." It solemnly testifies that the Church has never been ' ' entrusted with the organization of society, or the construction of governments. " It declared again, in 186^5, that it was not organized ' ' to subserve any political or secular purpose whatsoever. " Yet, in ths face of all this, our Church is charged with having done the very thing it solemnly declares before the whole world it had never done, and from which it felt itself restrained by its most sacred and cherished convictions. We can safely assert that our separation from the Northern Assembly was to escape these political complications. 2. A second accusation is t/iat the Southern Church had changed its grovnd on the subject of slater y, so as to hold opinions which were heretical and blasphemous. This charge is contained in the extracts above, and is elsewhere repeated again and again in varioiis forms. It should be observed that "perpetuate" was never used by our Assembly in any such connection as in the expression marked as a quotation. It is simply an interpolation of its accusers. The word "conserve" was used in the Narrative of 18()i, but manifestly in the same sense in which the Assembly (New School) employed it the next year, 18()5, when it declared "that the Church must conserve the state, " namely, to make the best of existing institu- tions by supplying those living imder them with the ministrations of the gospel. A single extract from the "Address," before refen'ed to, will show how imjust is the allegation here made. "We would have it distinctly understood that in our ecclesiastical capacity we are neither the friends nor the foes of slavery ; that is to say, we have no commis- sion either to propagate or abolish it. The policy of its existence or non-existence is a question which exclusively belongs to the state. We have no right, as a Church, to enjoin it as a dutj' or to condemn it as a sin. Our business is \nth the duties that sining from the relation, the duties of the masters on the one hand, and of their slaves on the other. These duties we are to proclaim and to enforce with sijiritual sanctions. The social, civil, political problems connected with this great svibject transcend our sphere, as God has not entrusted to his Church the organiza- tion of society, the construction of governments, nor the allotment of individuals to their various stations." We leave this statement to speak for itself. It is the ground on which the ques- tion involved is placed by the Word of God. But certain opinions on the subject of slavery are pronounced " not only heresy, but blasphemy;" " both heretical and blasphemous;" and that it was the purpose of the Northern Assembly to fix the stigma of "heresy" and the horrid infamy of "blasiDhemy" upon our Chm'chis, we regret to say, perfectly unmistakable. They say, "Duty to the Head of the Church forbids that the Assembly should compro- mise with heresy and sin. " "They know no scriptural way by which those who have gone out from us proclaiming heresy can be restored to the bosom of the Church \intil after recantation." (See Minutes for 1865. p. 586: also for 1866, pp. 86, 87.) 3. We notice, in the third place, the charge of schism which is made against the Southern Church. The resfilutiou containing it has been already quoted. It pnmoiuices our separ- ation from the Northern Assembly as ' ' unwarranted, schismatical, and unconsti- tutional." In the Minutes of the Assembly of 1865 and 1866, our Church is con- temptuously spoken of as a "wicked schism," as "the schismatical sect of united Old School and New School Presbyterians which has been organized in the wide re- gion covered by the lately rebellious States." They speak of "the wicked conduct of the authors of that schism," and of those " sinful revilings of the Presbyterian Church and its acts;" of "those who organized this sinful schism;" of "those same schismatics" who "deliberately resolve to p<3rpetuate the sectarian organization Sec. 659. 1 Eel.\tions of the Church with Othek Bodies. 475 thej' had created;" that "the Presbyterian Church has no alternative consistent •with safety, with self-respect, with the righteousness of its own past conduct, with fidelity to Divine truth or Christian duty, or ^^^th obedience to God, but to accept the renunciation of these deluded men, to testify against their sinful acts, and to keep her skirts clear of their miserable doings. '' This accusation of "schism" is repeated probablj' twenty times in various places. Its violence lies upon its face, but becomes the more aggravated if due weight is given to the following considerations. One is the chunicter of the declaration made by our Assembly on tliis subject. At the time of organization, in 1861, they speak in the following mild and respectful words : ' ' We should be sorry to be regarded by our brethren in any part of the world as guilty of schism. We are not conscious of any jjurpose to rend the body of Christ. On the contrary, our aim has been to promote the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. If we know our own hearts, and can form any just estimate of the motives which have governed us, we have been promjited by a sincere desire to promote the glory of God, and the efficiency, energy, harmouj', and zeal of his visi- ble kingdom in the earth. We have separated from s of uncertain meaning, and that the simplicity, the breadth, and the forci- t)f .what our General Assembly has so repeatedly affirmed challenges for its perfect candor the respectful confidence, in its full meaning, of all who truly bear that name And now, in view of the foregoing statements, in which our committee are unani- mous, we feel warranted in repeating with emphasis that we know of no reason why our proposal ior the interchange of delegates, as between corresponding bodies, should not be accepted by you. And we feel constrained to add that we see weighty reasons why it should be done. As we stated in our former communication, we pro- I)ose the interchange of delegates, not as a mere formal act of courtesy, but as the proper inauguration of mejisures, which, we trust, will be adopted by the two As- semblies for their mutual benefit and for the furtherance of their common interests 484 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. in the cause of Christ. We are readj". so soon as this first proposal shall be accepted by you, as we still hope it will be, to submit other overtures looking to the speedy settlement of all coutroversies between us touching church projjerty, the adjust- ment of our labors in missionary fields, which Providence has given to our joint possession, and to such co-operation in the great work of evangelization as may not be inconsistent with the integrity of two bodies of Christians holding the same standards of doctrine and ecclesiastical order. Samuel J. Niccolls, ('luiirman. No 5. BAI.TIMOEE, Janwiry Vdth, 1875. Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., Chairnian of Comiivittee of Conference : Dear Sie : The reception of the paper from your committee, of date January 11th, is hereby acknowledged, and I am instructed to place in your hands the following answer to the same : 1. You speak of a i^roposal for an "interchange of delegates," and of a refusal on our part to agree to this ; that we ' ' close the door on this first and simplest step toinards the establishment of fraternal relations. " This is a misapprehension. An "interchange of delegates, as between corresponding bodies," has always been re- cognized as the most manifest symbol, the most visible consummation, the most complete evidence of such relations \\t wc do not hesitate to say that a church (esiaecially in this country, where separation from the state is at least theoretically complete, and still more a Presbyterian Church, which, holding its noble standards, ought to know better) might so cover itself with dis- grace by defiling its garments with things it is forbidden to touch; or might also, in matters purely ecclesiastical, so deplorably subvert its own fundamental principles, as to forbid any intercourse whatever. It is the right of every church to judge of each case by itself; and it is especially our right to do this now, and is no cause of offense, when invited to a conference which must of necessity bring such consid- erations under review. The principle stated above is a sufficient answer to the criticism you derive from a sentence in the "Address" of our Assembly of 1861. 3. You allege that it would be easy, were you so disposed, to find on our recorils expressions of opinion open to the same objection. We know our ground when we Sec. 659.] Relations of the Chtjech with Other Bodies. 485 affirm that this is a mistake. To use the language of our Assembly itself on this point — "We challenge the world to place the two records side by side, in the severity of contrast. No ingenuity of sophistry can transmute into political dogmas the scant allusions to the historical reality of a great struggle then pending ; or the thankful recognition, in the middle of a paragraph, of the unanimity with which an invaded people rose to the defense of their hearthstones and the graves of their dead ; or the pastoral counsels addressed to the members and youth of our own churches, passing through the temptations and perils of the camp and field ; or the half -hour spent in prayer for a land bleeding under the iron heel of war; or even the incidental declar- ation in a Narrative, to stand by an institution of the country, a traditional inher- itance from our fathers. Even though, from the ambiguity of human language, these chance references may not have been always discreetly expressed, the most that a just criticism could pronounce is, that they are inconsistent with the judi- cially i^ronounced principles upon which the Southern Assembly entered upon its troubled career. And when exaggerated to their largest proportions by all the preju- dice of bitter partisanship, they dwindle into motes and specks by the side of those elaborate and colossal deliverances, repeated each year through formal committees, and exalted into solemn testimonies co-ordinate with the doctrines of religion and of faith, which disfigure the legislation of both the Northern Assemblies through suc- cessive years." But more than this, if a single expression clearly violating the great principle to which we refer can be found upon our records, we are prepared to say that it will be thoroughly repudiated by our Assembly. No\<-, brethren, will you recommend to your Assembly to do the same, and thus take up these stumbling-blocks out of the way 'i 4. You refer to "four yeai-s of effort" to obtain this conference. K our response had been a little slow, some allowance might be made for those more than four years during which any friendly intercourse with our Church was not only frowned upon by yours, but was, by express legislation, practically forbidden. We beg to remind yoii, however, that your only two overtures for a conference were promptly met on our part. But let that pass. 5. You recite at large the various declarations of your Assemblies in 1870, 1873, and 1874, and refer to the "Concurrent Declaration" adopted in 1869 by both of your former Assemblies. A few notes on what is here presented are called for. As to a certain part of this "Declaration," we remark — (1,) That said "Declaration" never entered into the basis of your re-union at all; and as was remarked in the elaborate speech of the Rev. Dr. Musgrave at the time it was adopted, ' ' it may be annulled or modified as any future Assembly may deem proper. '" But passing this by — (2,) You state that you "know it was in an especial manner intended to_do away with the deliverances concerning the Southern Church now complained of," etc. This much is certain, that the many extended speeches made on all the matters embraced in your re-union, the "Concurrent Declaration " included, will be searched in vain for a single intimation that any such purpose was intended. No court or deliberative bodV on earth would allow any jiaper to be construed so as to cover a meaning not expressed upon its face, because the man who drew it, or a few others, had a secret intention that it should be deflected in that direction. But if, in the total absence of any intimation to that effect before the Assembly at the time it was adopted, such a construction as now claimed can be admitted, what becomes of the construction also now so earnestly claimed for a retros])ective effect to be given to the Baltimore paper of 1873, when the chairman of the Committee on Bills and Overtures, upon reporting it, expressly declared, in substance, that it took back nothing ? But, dismissing all such outside interpretation, let us examine that paper as it stands. It will be observed that the expression "null and void" does not profess to take effect at an earlier date than 1870. We can readily understand how suitably it applies to a rule that has been operative; it stops its action, and this is all that is needed. But how is it po.ssiblc by such a declaration, which did not take effect till 1870, to efface the odious aspersions resting upon us for years before ? After ex- amining as carefully as we can all that you adduce on this subject, we are iinable to perceive how it can reach back to our case. The imputations are there to this day, and aggravated, not mitigated, as you intimate, by the length of time. (3,) Your observation that "these things belong to history," and that "it is idle to talk of erasing them," calls for some remark. If we claimed the rescinding or 486 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. repealing of "these things," we could point to abundant aiithority for it, derived from both the Old and New School Assemblies. But this we do not ask. We sim- ply desire, when called to confer about "forming closer relations," to ascertain in the plainest and most direct manner, whether your Church disapproves of the dis- honoring accusations referred to. One Assembly can make history as well as another. In all governments on earth, one body can act upon what has been done by itself, or by its predecessors. Your Assembly, of course, cannot declare that what has been done was not done ; but it is not prevented, either by precept or ex.' ample, from expressing an opinion as to its wisdom and righteousness You, breth- ren, have not authority to do what the Assembly only can do; but surely your authority is ample to recommend to it whatever in your judgment may be proper to settle these troubles. If your Assembly could see its way clear to say, in a few plain words to this eifect, that these obnoxious things were said and done in times of great excitement, that they are to be regretted, and that now, in a calm review, the imputations cast u^Don the Southern Church are disapproved, that would end the difficulty at once. We would be far from a disposition to contend for a mere punctilio. This is not a question of words to no purpose No instance is known to tis in modern times in which one evangelical church has heaped upon another such wrongs as yours has put ujDon your Southern brethren from 1861 to 186G. A paper you adopted in 1873, was sent us, and we were invited to a conference to compose the controversy. After a journey of more than a thousand miles on the part of some of our committee, judge of our surprise and disappointment upon finding that same paper put into our hands as an ample adjustment of this whole matter, and absolutely not a sylla- ble beyond it ! If that was to be all, why not have sent it to our Assembly itself for an explicit answer, and dispensed with the committee entirely ? The adjust- ment we. seek after cannot be obtained by means of any indirect, extraneous decla- ration, "concurrent" or otherwise, and so obscure in its meaning that your own people, ministers and newspapers are not agreed as to its interpretation. It would be only a tangled thread of doubtful disputation. Should our conference close without effecting what thousands in both churches have earnestly prayed for, we are not insensible to the sad spectacle it will present to the Church and to the world. We refrain from expressing the feeling with which we contemplate this result. We have endeavored to perform our duty, as we un- derstand it, firmly and kindly, and here rest this discussion, leaving what has been done to the judgment of Him who knoweth all things, and of all who may feel an in- terest in it. Yours very truly, William Beown, ChairiiHin. No. <;. Baltimore, January litfi, 1875. Rev. William Brown, D. D. , Chuirtnan : Dear Brother : Your communication of January i;^th, in reply to ours of Janu- ary 9th, has been received. In this your answer to the renewed proposition on our part to enter into the re- lation of corresponding bodies, you decline to enter into the proposed relation until further action is taken by our Assemblj'. You now ask our Assembly "to say in a few plain words to this effect, that these obnoxious things were said and done in times of high excitement ; that they are to be regretted ; and that now, in a cahn review, the imputations cast upon the Southern Church are disajiproved. " We cannot make this recommendation to our Assemblj', for the reason that we are still of the decided conviction that its actions for the last four years, so fully recited to you in our last communication, constitute a sufficient ground for fraternal cor- resj)ondence. As that paper seems not to be fully uu. (. Baltimore, Janunri/ lit/i, 1875. Rev. S.^MrEL J. Nili:olls, Chairman. &<■.: De.\i{ Sik : In reply to your liv-st communication, nothing remains for us but sim- ply to state the Lssue between us. We submitted to you a simple proposition to this effect, that your Assembly should say, in a few plain word'^, that those obnoxious things were said and doue in times of high excitement, that they are to be regretted, and that now, in a calm review, the imputations cast upon the Southern Church are disapproved This proposition you decline, "for the simple reason that we are still of the decided conviction that its action" (meaning the action of your Assembly) "for the last four years, so fully recited to you in our lo-st communication, constitutes a sufficient ground for frater- nal correspondence." The very terms of our commission preclude us from acced- ing to that which you have proposed, for the reason that it has been under consid- 488 Digest of the Acts of the Genebal Assembly. [Book VII. eration by our Assembly, and has not been considered sufficient. Our commission is to seek the " removal of causes " which, in the estimation of our Assembly, existed in 1874, and stiU exist. You say, moreover, ' ' that in so far as the action of yoiir Assembly can be siip- posed to import any injurious imputations upon the peesent character and standing of the churches and members of the Southern Assembly as Christians or Presbyte- rians, such an application to them would be unjust to you and would be disapproved and regretted by us. " To which we reply, that the gi-ievances of which we com- plain, and which we desire to see removed, lie entirely back of the 2)resent, and an adjustment which entirely ignores the past is unsatisfactory. We regard this as aside from the real issue. We cannot see the force of the position taken by you, ' ' that as acts of Assemblies which we do not represent, we cannot sit in judgment upon them, nor express any opinion as to their character, " for this reason, among many others, that the utmost pains were taken, in effecting the re-union of your Assemblies, to preserve the iden- tity of both ; and we fail to see how you do not succeed to the authority and respon- sibility as well as to the advantages of the same. We disclaim any intention of expressing or intimating in our communications any lack of confidence in the solemn avowals of the communion you represent, or in you "its servants." We are simply dissatisfied because they are insufficient. It therefore seems that the object of our conference has failed by your refusal to accede to the simple terms which we have proposed, and which have been discussed and considered between us. But we see no reason why this should interfere with an adjustment of the troiibles connected with church property, concerning which we have already presented a communication. In answer to your inquiry in reference to the publication of this correspondenc-e, we say that, when the conference is finally ended, we have no objection to the pub- lication of it, i^rovided the whole is published. If you have no further communication in regard to the adjustment of the ques- tion of church property, we shall return to our homes with the assured testimony of a good conscience that no part of the responsibility of this failure rests iipon us. Yours in the Lord, William Brown, Chairman . No. 8. Baltimoue, January 14, 187;). Eev. William Bkown, D. D., Chairman: Deak Beothee : Your communication of this date is received. We recognize the fact that our conference is ended, and that it has failed to attain the objects which we had hoped to accomplish by it. At the same time we agree with you that this failure ought not to prevent the ecjuitable adjustment of any ex- isting controversies concerning property between the Northern and Southern Pres- byterian Churches. We cannot suffer your statement, that the value of such dis- puted property would probaV)ly amount to two millions of dollars, to pass unchal- lenged. We do not believe that all the property now in actual litigation, or likely ever to come into dispute, would amount to one-tenth of the sum you name. But being disappointed in the hope that these disputes, whatever may be their extent, would be settled upon some plan agreed ujjon by these two committees, we take pleasure in stating to you that it is our purpose to refer this question to our next General Assembly, in the full assurance that they will settle it upon principles of equity and fair dealing as becometh Christians. With regard to the publication of the proceedings of this conference, we agree to your i^roposition. that all, if any, of the documents shall be published, with the un- derstanding that this condition shall be equally binding upon both i)arties. With the earnest j^rayer that God will abundantly bestow grace, mercy and peace upon you and all you represent, we are yours truly in Christ, Samuel J. Niccolls. Chair man. No. 9. Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., Chairman : Deab Sir: Our conference having been oiiened in joint sessiim, it would there- fore, we suggest, be seemly that we should meet together and dissolve or adjourn the same in a formal manner. If you agree, we shall meet you forthwith in the lecture-room of the church. Yours truly, William Brown, Chairman. Upon receiving a verbal response that this was agreed to, the members of the Sec. 660.] Relattons of the Chvrch with Other Bodies. 489 Southern committee, whose sessious were in an adjoining room, repaired to the lecture-room, occupied by the members of the Northern committee. Upon meet- ing in joint session the chairman made a few remarks to the effect that, while this conference had failed to accomplish what was hoped for on both sides, it was grati- fying to retiect that our personal intercourse had been, from first to last, so entirely agreeable in all our social and devotional meetings; that in the wide diiference of views between us on the question presented in our deliberations, we could cheer- fully concede that each side had acted under honest convictions; and that, as we had opened the conference with prayer for the Divine blessing, so it would no doubt be the wish of all that, in closing it, we should commit what had been done to the guiding and overruling providence of Him who is "Head over all things to His Church." The Rev. Dr. Skinner was then requested to offer prayer, after which the confer-* ence was declared to be adjourned mne die. Names of Committees : FROM THE NOKTHERN ASSEMBLY. 1{ev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., {Chairman), St. Louis, Mo. Rev. H. J. Van Dyke, D. D., Brooklyn, N Y. Rev. Henry Darlixcj, D. D., Albany, N. Y. Rev. Th()M.\s H Skinner, D. D., Cincinnati, Ohio. Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, D. D., XewviUe, Pa. Hon. Samuel ^I. Breckinridge, St. Louis, Mo. FROM THE SOUTHERN ASSEMBLY. Rev. "William Brown, D. D., {Cliairnmn), Richmond, Va. Rev. Ro. P. Farris, D. D., St. Louis, Mo. Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D , New Orleans. La. Hon. J. A. Ixulis, Baltunore, Md. Hon. B. M. Estes, Memphis. Tenn. 660. FurtJter efforts for tlie estahlisliment of fraiernal relations. 1876, p. 242. Overture No. 15, from the Presbyten,' of St. Louis, asking that the Assembly take some action in regard to fraternal rela- tions with the Noi-thern General Assembly, in order to remove misap- prehensions as to the true position of our Church. The committee recommend the following answer : Resolve' I, That the action of the Baltimore conference, approved by the Assembly at St. Louis, explains with sufficient clearness the posi- tion of our Church. But, inasmuch as it is represented by the overture that misappre- hension exists in the minds of some of our people as to the spu'it of this action, in order to show our disposition to remove on our part real or seeming hindrances to friendly feeling, the Assembly exphcitly de- clares that, while condemning certain acts and deliverances of the Northern General Assembly, no acts or deliverances of the Southern General Assemblies are to be construed or admitted as impugning in any way the Christian character of the Nt)rthern General Assembly, or of the hisUmcal bodies of which it is the successor. This report was, after some discussion, adopted by a vote of 83 to 6. The moderator announced to the Assembly that he had received an official telegi-am from the moderator and clerks of the Northern As- sembly, which paper was read, and is as follows : Brookly-n, N. Y., Mi(i/26tfi. Benj. M. Siuit/i, I). I).. Mmhrator PirnbyUrian Assembly, Samiuuih: The committee to whom was referred the resolutions on fraternal correspondence with the General Assembly now in session at Savannah, report that they are unani- mously and henrtily in sympathy with the objects contemplated in the resolutions, 490 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. and recogniziuy the fact that the two AssembUes accept the same Form of Govern- ment and Directory for Worship, and are closely bound together by historical as well as doctrinal and ecclesiastical ties ; and whereas these churches are, in faith, order and labor, called by the great Head of the Church to united eifort for the ex- tension of his kingdom throughout the country and world, and as no adjustment of differences are accomplished by the rehearsal of the past, therefore, Avith a view to the expression of the united and hearty wishes of this body, that at the earliest practical moment we may see the establishment of correspondence with the other Assembly, reiterate its cordial desire to establish fraternal relations with that Assem- bly, on terms of perfect equality and reci2:)rocity, as soon as it is agreeable to their brethren to respond to this assurance by a similar expression. H. J. Van Dyke, Moderator. Ed. F. Hatfield, Stated Clerk. Cyeus Dickson, Permanent Clerk. This matter was referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures for immediate action. P. 243. The Committee on Bills and Overtures returned and sub- mitted the follovping response to the Northern Assembly, to be tele- graphed in reph' to the message from the moderator, Rev. Dr. Van Dyke: jRev. H. J. J'rical bodies of which the present Assembly is the success. )r, ai'e k) be construed or admitted as impugning in any way the Christian character of the Southern General Assembly, or of the historical body or bodies of which it is the successor'; now, there- fore, be it- — Resolced by this Assembly, That we cannot regard this commimica- tion as satisfactory, because we can discover in it no reference whatever 492 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. to the fii'st and main j^ai't of the paper adopted by our Assembly at Savannah, and communicated to the Brooklyn Assembly. This Assem- bly can add nothing on this subject to the action of the Assembly at St. Louis adopting the basis proposed by our Committee of Conference at Baltimore, and re-aflfii'med by the Assembly at Savannah. If our brethren of the Northern Church can meet us on these terms, which truth and righteousness seem to us to reqviire, then we are ready to establish such relations with them during the present sessions of the Assemblies. P. 416. An official telegram was sent to the Northern General As- sembly at Chicago, setting forth the substance of the above action. (The dispatch is preserved in the Minutes.) P. 429. The following paper was presented and ordered to be entered upon the records : The undersigned members of this Assembly, who voted in the minor- ity on the rejwrt of the Committee on Foreig*n Correspondence, in re- ply to the paper received from the Brooklyn Assembly, respectfully beg leave to record the following as our reasons for voting against that re- port, viz, : 1. That while we heartily concur' in the ultimatum of the Baltimore committee of our Church, we are of the opinion that the action of the Cleveland Assembly, substantially repealed by the Assembly which met in Brooklyn in 1876, effectually estops us from further action upon this subject, and that it is inconsistent with self-respect for this Assembly to continue to press this ultimatum after its distinct and repeated de- clinature by the Northern Assembly. 2. That the further agitation of this question tends only to detract fi'om the spirituality of our Church. 3. We can but regard the manner in which this question was hurried to a vote as an infringement of the privileges of the minorit3\ Respectfully, W. L. T. Prince, H. H. Banks, B. M. Faeris, James P. Coffin. 661. Ri-change of sdhttations hetioeen the two Asseinhlies. 1878, p. 622. The Assembly received a cordial and courteous Chris- tian salutation from the Northern Assembly, in session at Pittsburg, and, in the same spirit which prompted the message, it I'eturned the courtesy with hearty Christian greetings, and made a minute of the same. P. 628. A paj)er, signed by the Rev. Dr. R. K. Smoot and others, asking for an explanation of the minute adopted yesterday in response to the telegraphic message received from the Presbyterian General Assembly at Pittsburg, was laid before the Assembly. P. 634. To this overture the following rejDly was made: There is not a word in the reply of the General Assembly about fraternal cor- respondence or any other kind of correspondence. All that was in- tended was simply Christian salutation or greeting from this Assembly to the (jne at Pittsburg. 662. Fnitermd relations established. 1882, p. 523. A resolution was offered by Rev. Dr. A. W. Pitzer, touching the matter of sending delegates to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in session at Spiingfield, 111., and expressive Sec, 662.] Relations or the Church with 0th rr Bodies. 493 of a desire to co-operate with that body in home and foreign evan- gelization ; which resolution was referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence. This committee made a report, which was discussed. P. 529. Vai'ious papers relating to fraternal relations with the Northern General Assembly were ofifered, which, together with the original pajier presented by the Standing Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence, were referred to said committee; and to this committee were added the names of A. W. Pitzer, J. H. Wiggins, R. P. Kerr, E. P. Palmer, and C. F. Collier. P. 530. The Standing Committee on Foreign Corresiwndence made a report, which was adopted mianimously, with the exception of tlu'ee dissenting votes, and the Assembly then united in prayer and thanks- giving for the tmaniuiity thus attained. The report is as fuUows : The Standing Committee on Foreign CoiTespondence report to the General Assembly that four overtures have been placed in their hands, viz. : From the Presbyteries of Abingdon, Holstou, South Alabama, and Maryland: also a resolution offered by Rev. A. W. Pitzer, D. D. The object of all these overtures, with some shght difference in their forms of expression, is the same. They desii'e and respectfully request this General Assembly to establish fully and formally what are called "fraternal relations" with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, by sending forthwith a dele- gate or delegates to that body, now in session at Springfield, 111. The resolution referred to proposes also that such delegation shall convey an expression of "our willinguess to co-operate with that body, as far as practicable, in the work of home and foreign evangeHzation." After the most careful consideration your committee have been able to give to the weighty matters involved, they recommend to the Assem- bly the adoption of the following paper : In order to remove aU difficulties in the way of that full and formal fraternal cori'espondence which, on our part, we are prepai'ed to accept, we adopt the following minute: That, while receding from no principle, we do hereby declare our re- gret for and withdrawal of all expressions of our Assembly which may be regarded as reflecting upon, or offensive to, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch in the United States of America. liesolcecl. That a copy of this paper be sent by telegraph to the Gen- eral Assembly, now in session at Springfield, 111., for their prayerful consideration, and, tmitatis mutandis, for their reciprocal conciUTeuce, as affording a basis for the exchange of delegates forthwith. The last two paragraphs were accordingly telegraphed immediatel}' to the Northern Assembly. P. 541. The Assembly met, when a telegram received from the Northern General Assembly at Springfield, 111., was read, and is as fol- lows : 2'tf tfiv Gincral AgseiiMj/ of t/w I'rtiibi/t<:ri the General Assembly in session at Springfield, 111., from the Gen- eral Asseyyibly in session at Atlanta, Ga : If the action of your Assembly, telegraphed by your moderator to our moderator, does not modify the concurrent resolution adopted by your Assembly and ours, we are prepared to send delegates forthwith. P. 552. The following telegram was received : " SpRnsroFiELD, III., 3fay 27. " 7'o the Ge7ieral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in the United States, at A tlanta, Ga. : " The action referred to does not modify, but it explains, the concm*- rent resolution, and the explanation is on the face of the action. There is nothing behind it or between the lines. The dissolution of our As- sembly is near at hand. We may be ready for final adjournment this evening. The exchange of delegates is impossible before Tuesday. Shall we not each appoint delegates this day to visit the respective As- sembhes next year? We wait your answer with deep and prayerful interest. Hereiok Johnson, Moderator. " WiLLi.\M H. Roberts, Clerk." P. 553. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence recommended the following telegram in reply: "Atlanta, May 21th. " Resolved, 1st, That this Assembly does hereby declare its entire satisfaction with the full and explicit terms in which the General As- sembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America has expressed its ' reciprocal concurrence ' in the paper transmitted to ^ said Assembly on fraternal correspondence. " 29id, That we do unfeignedly rejoice and render thanksgiving to God in an event suited to take away the reproach of alienation between bodies holding the same standards of faith, and tending to bring peace to our borders. " 3rd, That inasmuch as it is impracticable at this date to have an interchange of delegates, the Assembly does hereby appoint Eev. Wm. Sec. 663. J Rel.\tions OF THE Church with Other Bodies. 495 Brown, D. D., Bev. T. A. Hovt, D. D., and Hon. B. M. Estes, princi- pals; and Bev. B. B. Farris, D. D., Bev. H. C. Alexander, D. D., and Hon. Batrick Joyce, alternates, to bear to the next General Assembly of the Bresbvterian Church in the United States of America our cor- dial Christian salutations." This report was adopted, with four dissenting voices. B. 5C(). The Assembly met. The following telegram was received fi-om the General Assembly at Springfield, 111. : " Springfield, III., 3fay 29, 1882. " 7"() the (reneral Assembly in session >tt Atlanta, Ga. : •'The following delegates to visit the General Assembly to meet in Lexington, Ky., in 188H, have been unanimously elected by this Assem- bly : S. J. Niccolls, D. D., Thomas S. Hastings, D. D., Herrick Jolmson, D. D., E. B. Humphrey, D. D., S. Iren;uus Brime, D. D., Hon. S. M. Moore, and Hon. William Strong, principals ; and Arthur Mitchell, D. D., and Hon. ^Yi]liam E. Dodge, alternates. See Luke ii. 14. " Herrick Johnson, Moderator. " W. H. BoHERTS, Permanent Clerk." 663. Fraternal delegates interchanged. 1883, J). 14. The commissions of delegates from the General Assem- bly of the Bresbyterian Church in the United States of America to this Assembly" were read by the stated clerk, and were referred to the Com- mittee on Foreign Correspondence. The following committee was appointed to wait on these brethren and introduce them to the Assembly. Bev. J. J. Bullock, D. D., Bev. D. O. Davies, D. D., Bev. J. B. Stratton, D. D., and Col. J. B. Fitzgerald. B. 16. The Assembly was then addressed by these brethren in the following order: Hon. S. M. Moore, the Bev. S. I. Brime, D. D., the Bev. S. J. :Niccolls, D. ])., the Bev. E. B. Humphrey, D. D., and the Hon. William Strong. The moderator made a suitable response to these salutations, after which the Assembly joined in singing the hymn : — ' ' Blest be the tie tliat biuds, Our hearts in Christian love. " Rev. William Brown, D. D., Rev. T. A. Hoj't, D. D., and Hon. Patrick Joyce at- tended the Assembly at Saratof^n, as fraternal delefT;ates from the Southern Assem- bly. Their report is found, 1884, p. 201. In that report, they say : " (3n the first day of their meeting a resolution reciting that 'some ditterences of opinion have been manifested concerning the true import of the resolution adopted by the two General Assemblies sitting respec- tively in Springfield, 111., and in Atlanta, Ga., and asking this Assem- bly t(,) explain and re-afiirm that resolution, was referred to a committee consisting of Ministers Howard Crosby and Herrick Johnson, and Elder Samuel :\I. Breckinridge.' (Minutes, 1883, p. 569.) On the eighth day the following report was made and imanimouslv adopted bv the Assem- bly: " The committee to whom was referred the resolution regarding the meaning of the deliverance of the General Assembly of 1882, in behalf of fraternal relations with the Bresbyterian Church in the United States, respectfully report, that fraternal relations having been happily estab- 496 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. lished between the two Assemblies upon the basis of the withdrawal of all imputations that may have been officially made on either side against the Christian character of the other, no fm'ther action of this Assembly is necessary. "It will be observed that this paper is so framed as to give, though somewhat incidentally, a distinct and clear interpretation of the action of their Assembly of 1882, and which, it is hoped, will be satisfactory to all in our own communion who may have been of a doubtful mind." 664. Assembly declines to re-open the question. 1883, p. 22. The report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures on certain ovetures as to correspondence with other ecclesiastical bodies was taken up, and, being divided, the first part was adopted as follows : The following overtures have been considered, viz. : From the Presbytery of South Carolina, asking that an official inter- pretation of the " Herrick Johnson Eesolution " be demanded. From the Presbytery of Torabeckbee, asking that further correspon- dence be arrested until a satisfactory adjustment of hindrances has been made. From the Presbytery of Bethel, asking that the Atlanta fraternal delegation be instructed not to enter the Northern Assembly until the " Concui'rent Resolution " has been fully complied with From the Presbytery of New Orleans, asking that the Atlanta action be reversed, because based on incomplete information, and because of its divisive effects in our Church. In reply to all the above, the following answer is recommended, viz. : While recognizing the constitutional right of the Presbyteries to protest against the Assembly's actions, yet — First, Inasmuch as the sentiment of the majority of the Church seems to approve of the object had vn, view by the Atlanta Assembly ; and, Second, Inasmuch as a majority of the Presbyteries regard the es- tabUshment of fraternal relations on the basis of the Atlanta proposal as a settled fact, which it would be unwise to disturb : therefore this Assembly considers it unnecessary to take fui'ther action. 665. Committee of inquiry with reference to organic union with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. 1887, pp. 188, 200. Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., offered the following paper, which, after amendment, was adopted : Whereas it is within the knowledge of this Assembly that some of our Presbyteries have sent up overtures or other papers as touching organic imion, co-operative union, or any other relation which ought to be sustained by our Church and the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America ; therefore. Resolved, That a special committee, consisting of one minister and one ruling elder from each Synod, be appointed by the moderator when he appoints the standing committees, to which special committee all these overtures and papers shall, after having been read in open As- sembly, be referred, with instructions to report to this Assembly as early as practicable. P. 190. The following were appointed such committee : Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., Rev. J. M. P. Otts, D. D., Rev. J. S. Van Meter, Rev. T. Sec. 665.] Relations of the Cih.tkch with Other Bodies. 497 M. Lowi-v, Rev. W. F. V. Bartlett, D. D., Rev. S. C. CaldweU, Rev. M. B. Shaw," Rev. W. H. Parks, Rev. J. A. Wallace, Rev. W. H. Davis, Rev.- J. G. Richards, Rev. W. H. Crane, Rev. C. R. Vaughan, D. D., A. S. Fletcher, A. W. Diusmore, L. F. Li^'ingston, E. G. Buckner, T. J. Crawford, J. L. Power, J. S. McGee, Geo. G. O'Brian, A. M. M(;Pheeters, G. L. Riddle, N. Hart, C. L. Arbuckle, Win. Withrijw. P. 207. The Special Committee on Organic Union, etc., made a majority and minority report, which were received, ordered to be printed, and are as follows : The majority of your special committee, to which were referred all overtures tmd papers touching the subject of organic and co-operative union, and aU other relations with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, respectfully report as folloAvs : Whereas the Synods of Missoui'i, Arkansas, and Alabama, embracing fifteen Presbyteries, have taken action favoring re-union of some kind between the two chui'ches ; and Whereas, subsequent thereto, eight Presbyteries, to-wit : St. Johns, Upper Missouri, Chesapeake, Missouri, Holston, Indian, East Alabama, and Dallas, have manifested special interest in the matter by overtiu-es or resolutions favoring closer relations between the two churches; while from only live Presbyteries have come any expression of dissent, and that chielly against organic; union ; therefore, Your committee recommend that a committee of five ministers and five riding elders, with the moderator of this Assembly added thereto as ex-ojficio chairman, be appointed by the present moderator of tliis Assembly, to confer with any like committee that the other Assembly may appoint concerning the whole subject of organic imion, co-opera- tive union, and any other relation between the two Assembhes, and said committee be directed to report the result of the joint conference to the General Assembly at its meeting in May, 1888, for approval or disapproval. And that the committee be instructed to take and main- tain the following positions : 1. The mere acceptance of the common standards of our Church, Confession of Faith, Shorter and Larger Catechisms, does not, in our minds, form a sufficient basis of union ; but the acceptance of that pe- cuhar mterpretation of our standards which affii'ius and emphasizes the purely spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, and forbids her legis- lating upon political and civil matters, is the only true basis of union. 2. -Vnd further, we insist that the colored brethren within our bounds shall be organized into separate congregations, Presbj'teries, and SyiKxls. Signed by W. F. V. Bartlett and fifteen others. The minority offered a substitute for this majority report. In its original form it is found on page 209 ; as afterward verbally changed, and given on page 210, it is as follows : The undersigned members of your special committee, appointed to examine and report upon the papei's and oveiiures submitted to the General Assembly on the quest it )n of orj^anic or co-operative union with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, are of the opinion that the difficulties in the way are numerous and serious. They arise mainly out of the fact that the two churches are not agreed in matters of either principle or polity. No suggestion has been made, or, in the opinion of those signing 32 498 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. this paper, can be made, for the removal of this most serious obstacle which meets us at the very opening of this question. To imite, or attempt to unite, the two churches on any compromise of these fimdamental differences, or upon any general statements, such as the reception of the standards " pure and simple," would " serve only to bring together those who could not act in harmony, and would perpetuate strife and alienation." These conclusions have been reached by us after a full and careful examination of the whole question in the Ught of all the papers sub- mitted for our consideration. The discussion of the question for some time past, both North and South, has made it equally manifest that the further agitation of this question would liiuder the progress, weaken the efficiency, and endanger the unity of our own Church. Signed by E. K. Smoot and nine others. Eev. W. H. Parks, a member of the committee, brought in a thii-d report, signed by himself, and found on page 208. After verbal changes had been made in the minority report, he withdrew his indi- vidual report and gave in his adhesion to that of the minority (p. 216). Previous to the discussion of these reports. Rev. W. E. Coppedge in- troduced a substitute for the minority report, which substitute is found on page 216, declaring in substance that we do not see our way clear to take any action looking toward a union of the two churches. Before proceeding to consider this whole question, the Assembly was led in prayer by the moderator (p. 217). P. 220. During the discussion Mr. Coppedge obtained leave to with- draw his paper ; whereupon Col. C. F. Collier offered, as a substitute for the minority report, a paper affirming — In view of the diversity of opinion disclosed by the discussion on the floor of this General Assembly on the majority and minorit}^ re- ports of the Committee on Organic Union and the kindred questions : Hesolved, As the sense of this Assembly, it is inexpedient to take any action on the subject of organic union and other matters kindred thereto. Lost — aj-es, 45 ; noes, 96. P. 222. Rev. P. H. Hoge offered the following as a substitute for the minority report : Whereas a number of overtures in reference to closer relations to the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America have come up to this Assembly ; and Whereas the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch in the United States of America has just adopted the deliverance of the two Synods of Missouri on the spirituality of the Church ; and Whereas the two Assemblies ought to labor together for the accom- phshment of the great object they have in view, if they are sufficiently agreed in their principles to make them more efficient for their work united than they now are divided; and Whereas the recent action of the General Assembly of the Presbyte- rian Church, U. S. A., apparently different from their former action as to the spirituality of the Chiirch, makes the impression on the minds of many of our people that one obstacle to closer relations to that church has been, or so(m may be, removed ; therefore. Resolved, That a connnittee of four ministers and four ruling elders, together with the moderator, be appointed to meet with a similar com- mittee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Cluu-ch in the Sec. 666.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 499 United States of America, if such a committee shall be appointed, for the sole pui'pose of inquiring into and ascertaining the facts as to the point above mentioned, and as to the position that Assembly proposes to maintain as to colored churches, ecclesiastical boards, and any other subjects now regarded as obstacles in the way of united effort for the propagatit)n of the gospel, and report these facts to the next General Assembly for such action as they may warrant. Adopted — ayes, 83 ; noes, 58. On motion of Dr. Otts, the same pai)er was adopted as a substitute for the majority report — ayes, 95 ; noes, 46. This paper being then directly before the Assembly, was adopted by the following vote: Ayes; 80; noes, 57. It was ordered that the foregoing paper be telegraphed to the Gen- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch, U. S. A. The following resolutions, which were lost, were admitted to record: 1. Oft'ered by Mr. C. F. Collier: "That so much of the paper ap- pointing a committee of inquiry as is prefatory be stricken out, and that it read, ' Resolved, that a committee be ajipointed to meet with a similar committee.' " etc. 2. Offered by Dr. S. A. King : " That this whole matter be referred to the Presbyteries, that they may consider and report to the next As- sembly, in order that in this way the mind of the whole Church may be ascertained." P. 232. The Nortlieru Assembly, in session at Omaha, appointed a committee of conference, without si^eoilic instructions, except to report their action to our next Assembly for approval. Notice of this action was telegraphed to our Assembly. P. 249. The following, with the moderator, Rev. G. B. Strickler, D. D., constitute the Committee of Inquiry: M. D. Hoge, D. D., Richmond, Va. ; J. R. Wilson, D. D., ClarksviUe, Tenn. ; T. D. Witherspoon, D. D., LouisviUe, Ky. : W. F. Junkin, I). D., Charieston, S. C. ; W. M. McPhee- ters, M. D., St. Louis, Mo ; P. H. Carter, Abilene, Texas ; R. T. Simp- son, Florence, Ala. : W. S. Primi'ose, Raleigh, N. C. It was ordered that five members of this committee shall constitute a quorum. Pp. 200, 211. While the Assembly's committee was yet deliberating, and before it had reported, there was referred to it an official telegram from the Omaha Assembly, annoimcing that that Assembly had imani- mously adopted the Declaration of Principles adopted by the Synod of Missouri at its session of 1880; also, a communication from the stated clerk of the Northern Assembly, the same being a paper adt)pted one year ago by that Assembly on conference with other Presbyterian churches with reference to co-operation and unity of effort and action, particularly in the foreign field (p. 11)2). This latter paper was referred to the Committee of Imiuiry, appointed above (p. 228). (!()(). Mode of correspondence. 1877, }). 441. iiesolve.d. That in accordance with the strongly ex- pressed desires of a number of our Presbyteries, some of them amongst tlie largest, the Assembly will, after the present year, hold its corres- pondence with all the churches with whom we maintain that sort of re- lations by letters instead of deputations, always excepting the Reformed Church, with which we are united in peculiar co-operative alliance. The Assembly will hereafter appoint amongst its standing committees 500 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. a committee of correspondence, who shall prepare a communication, to be sent by us to other chru'ches, and does hereby invite all churches with whom we are or may be in correspondence to commimicate with us in tliis form. 1879, p. 23. The following was adopted : The Committee on Foreign Correspondence would declare for the Assembly that, in determining no longer to send delegates to corresponding bodies (always excej^ting the Reformed Chiu'ch, with which we are in co-operative alliance), it was by no means the intention to affect the action of these bodies in the matter. One reason for our action was our poverty. But the As- sembly is dehghted to receive delegations whenever sent to us, and cordially invites Rev. E. H. Caldwell, the delegate to this body from the Cumberland Presbyterian CJhurch, to address us this morning at 12 o'clock. 1883, p. 49. The usual method of correspondence by letter between this General Assembly and other ecclesiastical bodies shall hereafter include the General Synod of the Reformed Chui'ch in America and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, with the exception, however, that delegates be appointed by this Assembly to these bodies at their next ensuing sessions, in 1883 and 1884 respectively, to convey our most cordial Christian and frater- nal salutations ; these delegates being instrvicted to state to them this method of correspondence hereafter by letter as adopted by this body, with the hoj)e that it may meet with their co-operation ; and that the special attention of the Presbyteries be called to this action of the Gen- eral Assembly for an expression of their opinion on the mode of cor- resjDondence for the future. This action was iu response to overtures from the Presbyteries of Tuskaloosa, Florida, Transylvania, West Hanover, Savannah, South Carolina, Louisiana and Harmony, asking that all correspondence with other ecclesiastical bodies be con- diicted by letter. The Committee on Correspondence recommended that the As- sembly grant the request asked in the overtures. Kev. J. J. Bullock, D. D. , offered a substitute, j)roviding that, under the circumstances, and to avoid the api^earance of discourtesy, this Assembly deems proper that, for the i^resent, delegates be com- missioned to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (p. 22, Minutes of 1883). The paper adopted was offered as a substi- tute for both papers, and was generally spoken of as the Hemphill substitute. — A. P. 59. The following paper of reasons was admitted to record : We, the undei-signed, voted against the substitute presented by Pro- fessor HemphiU for the following reasons : I. Because one more interchange of delegates is unnecessary to pre- vent misconception. Om* acts are above suspicion. II. Because it bases the Assembly's action on a wrong principle, as it seems to condition onr course upon the co-operation of the Northern Church. III. Because the substitute conflicts with the policy of our Church, settled at New Orleans. The Atlanta delegation was understood by many to be a single exception to the rule. IV. Because it continues the agitation of the whole subject, by in- viting discussion in the Presbyteries. J. Wm. Fijnn, J. Adger Smyth, J. P. Gammon, W. E. Lyman, D. Wyatt Aiken, J. D. HuTcmNSoN, H. G. Gilland, D. W. Pipes, A. li. Banks, J. L. Curry. Secs 667, 668.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 501 1884, p. 251. In response to the overture involved in the above ac- tion, the Presbyteries voted as follows : B3' letter, 37 ; by delegates, 18 ; leave the question to the Assembly, 3 ; no answer, 5. 1884, p. 20G. The Northern Assembly sent a telegi'am to the effect that it had unanimously resolved to continue correspondence with oiu' Assembly by delegates. P. 243. The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a report. A minority report Avas also presented, which latter report, by a vote of 48 to 42, ^^as adopted, and is as follows : Hesolved, That, in regard to correspondence Avith other rehgious bodies, this Assembly adheres to the position taken by the General Assemblv of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, at Lexing- ton, Ky.,"^in May, 1883. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence was instructed to pre- pare a telegram to the General Assembly at Saratoga, to inform it of the action of this Assembly in regard to the manner of correspondence between the two bodies. 667. Ai)iencU/i(/ the proinsions of the constitution as to the powers of the Assembly to establish union, correspondence, etc. 1883, pp. 40, 54. The Committee on Bills and Overtures presented a report on the following overture from the Presbyteiy of Mecklen- burg: "In view of the uncertainty and ambiguity of our present law upon the subject of the power of the Assembly in setthng the terms of cor- respondence, co-operation, and organic union with other churches, the Assembly is asked to send down to the Presbyteries an amendment to the constitution which shall prohibit the Assembly from finally con- cluding the terms or basis of correspondence, co-operation, or organic union with other churches unless a previous Assembly shall have agi'eed to the same, and two-thirds of the Presbyteries have concurred therein." Your committee would recommend the following amendment to be sent down to the Presbyteries for adoption, viz. : In the Book of Church Order, Chaji. V., Sec. VI., Art. V., instead of the words, "To correspond with other churches,'' insert the following, riz. : " To cor- respond, co-operate or ffo into organic union inith other churches, after tioo-thirds of the Pres/fi/t cries have agreed tliereto." 1884, p. 251. Eighteen Presbyteries ansAver in the affirmative, six- teen in the negative, twenty-five give modified ansAvers, approAing only of parts of the overtui'e, and one dechnes, on constitution id grounds, to act. 1887, p. 207. Overture from the Presbytery of Lexington, asking that the vote of tAvo-thirds of the Presbyteries be required to form or- ganic union Avith other Churches. Ansirer: (p. 231) The Assembly dechnes to send down the proposed amendment. 668. Provincial Assemblies. 1883, p. 57. Ovei-tm"e from the Presbytery of St. Louis, asking this Assembly to appoint a committee of conference to confer Avith a simi- lar one from the Ntn'them Church, on the propriety of re-aiTanging the 502 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. territoiy of the Presbyterian Chui'ch in this covmtiy so as to form three or four Provincial Assembhes, and a General Presbyterian Council, composed of an equal niurber of representatives from each Provincial Assembly, this council to meet every three or four years. Your committee recommend the following answer: This Assembly judges that the providence of God does not indicate the time to be yet ripe for such action. 669. Preservation of our identity and independe?ice as a denomination. 1865, p. 358. Overture from the Sjoiod of South CaroUna, declaring in substance its continued approval of the course adopted by the South- ern Presbyteries in organizing this General Assembly; declaring its purpose to adhere with renewed energy and affection to our own cherished denomination ; extending a welcome to our communion and fellowship to all who cordially adopt our [standards and sympathize with us m our j)rinciples as to the province of the Church ; and warn- ing our churches against aU schismatical intruders. The Assembly ex- pressed its agreement with the Synod in these views. 1882, p. 567. Resolved, That this Assembly' does at this time sol- emnly declare its conviction, that the gTeat Head of the Church in his wise and gracious providence did raise up this branch of his kingdom, and entrusted to it a great and special work, and has in her past his- tory set his seal of approbation on her in that measure of success which he has heretofore granted her in the execution of the special work ■mih. which he has honored her ; and inasmuch as her special work is not yet fully accomplished, and her testimony not yet fully dehvered, this As- sembly does further solemnly declare that it is oui' high and sacred duty to preserve our individuality as a church entire and intact, and to encourage no tendencies looking toward blending this body into any other. 670. Organic union, irith the Presbyterian Church, North. 1883, j^p. 40, 54. In response to overture from the Presbyteiy of Upper Missouri in regard to the appointment of a committee by this General Assembly to confer with a similar committee from the North- ern General Assembly in reference to organic union, your committee would recommend the adoption of the following answer, viz. : This Gen- eral Assembly declines to appoint a committee for the purpose stated. Adopted. P. 57. Overture from the Presbytery of St. Louis, asking to reject proposals for organic union with the Northern Church as impossible, because of divergent views on vital doctrines, and because such union would involve a surrender of truth on our part. Your committee would recommend the following answer, viz. : " The question of organic union is not to be entertained as a subject before the Church." See also the following section on co-operative work. 671. Conference on co-operation. 1881, p. 389. An overture from the Synod of Texas, asking this As- sembly to request the Noi-thern Assembly to appoint a committee to Sec. 671.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 503 confer with one t(j be appointed by this Assembly about the territory in Texas, so as to avoid conflict in labors. Ansicer: The Assembly would exjoress its earnest desire that breth- ren in Texas, from the Northern and Southern chvu'ches, should en- deavor to avoid interfering with one another in their church work, and cultivate j^eace ; but would refer to our Presbyteries aU practical propo- sitions for the cultivation of their fields ; and Avould have the Synod of Texas, in a way merely advisory, do all which it can to promote charity and edification. 1883, p. 19. A communication from the Assembly in session at Saratoga was received by telegraph, as follows : "Sakatoga, May 21st, 1883. ''To the Oeiicral Assembly in session at Lexington, Ky.: ' ' The f ollowiug action was taken this morning : ' 'Resolved, That a committee of seven (7) be appointed by this General Assembly, to confer with a similar committee, if it shall be appointed by the General Assem- bly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, now in session in Lexington, Ky., in regard to any plan or method of co-operation in any part of the great work that the Master has laid upon his servants, and which it might ajipear could be more effectually accomplished by cordial and friendly co-operation than by sepa- rate and independent action ; and that these committees report the result of their deliberations to their respective Assemblies in 1884. "Edwin F. Hatfield, Moderator. "Wm. H. Roberts, Permanent Clerk." P. 57. It Avas resolved that a committee of seven be appointed by this Assembly, to confer with a like committee appointed by the Gen- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in regard to any plans or methods looking to the more suc- cessful conduct of the work of the Church in such regions and concern- ing such interests as are more or less common to the two churches, and that this committee report to our next Assembly. The following com- mittee was appointed: Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., Rev. R. Douglas, Rev. W. H. Dodge, Rev. R. P. Farris, D. D., Jas. D. Armstrong, T. H. Roe, Patrick Joyes. Alternates: James Park, D. D., C. H. Dobbs, W. W. Robertson, ]). D., F. Fentress, W. M. McPheeters, Glass Marshall, Jas. V. Brooke. P. 50. A paper read by Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., was refen*ed to this concurrent committee. 1884, p. 108. The committee appointed by the last General Assem- bly to confer with a committee of the General Assembly of the Pres- b}i;erian Church in the United States of America, in reference to some plan of co-operation between the two churches, presented a report, which having been read, Nvas referred to a committee of one member from each synod, viz. : E. Daniel, Wm. Irvine, R. Q. Baker, G. L. Ley- bum, J. H. Bryson, J. M. Brown, J. R. Wilson, James Piu-k, T. N. Martin. J. N. Withers, W. D. Paden, Wm. Snowden. P. 219. A report of the Special Committee on "Co-operative Work" was presented, and was adopted unanimously by a rising vote of the Assembly. The report is as follows : The committee to whom has been referred the matter of co-operation between the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and the Presbyterian Chui'ch in the United States would respectfully sub- mit to the General Assembly the following report : The papers placed in the hands of your committee ai'e three in num- 504 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. ber : 1, An ovei*ture from the Presbytery of Louisville, to the effect that this General Assembly shall "not adopt the plan for the joint occupancy of the Danville Theological Seminary, recommended by the committees of conference of the two Assemblies;" 2, An overture from the Tran- sylvania Presbj^tery to the same effect, v^^ith the additional formal re- quest that the Assembly shall " give such shape to its action as shall tend to settle permanently this and kindred questions, including that of organic union;" 3, The record of the proceedings of the conference of the joint committees at Louisville, November 1, 1883, with the re- marks prefators' thereto submitted by the chairman of the Southern committee. All of these papers referred to your committee have received its care- ful consideration. It will be seen that action upon the first and second vpill be essentially included in whatever action may be taken upon the third ; and to this attention may be immediately directed. Upon examination it does not appear from this paper that, b}^ any formal ac t of the 8 >utbern committee, it was ever adopted at a regular meeting of that committee, and ordered by it to be forwarded to this Assembly as its report. The document, however, does contain a " cer- tified copy " of the proceedings of the joint conference ; and your com- mittee, waiving the informahty of the paper, addressed themselves to the consideration of its matter. The substantive propositions contained in it are three, viz. : 1. The first is the recommendation concerning the joint occupancy of Danville Seminary, which is as follows : " An equal joint use and oc- cupancy of the Seminary by the two branches of the Church (Northern and Southern), by the appointment of an equal number of directors and trustees from each branch, and giving to the Southern branch at least an equal number of professors. Should additional f luids be raised for the fiu-ther endowment of the institution, each body shall have ab- solute control of the funds raised by itself, using only the income from each fund for the support of the Seminary," and "that the occupancy be in perpetuit}^ and that the Seminary be removed to Louisville." 2. The second is the recommendation with reference to a plan of co- operation in Home Missions, to-wit : that each Assembly adopt a con- cm-rent resolution as follows : " This Assembly, while asserting its right to labor in every part of our common country, would most earn- estly enjoin those charged with the direction of Home Mission work, that they see that nothing be done through strife or vain glorj^ ; that, in prosecuting this work, the interest of the other Assembly already in occupancy, either with an organized church or missionary labor, shall be most carefuUy respected, and that the matter of consolidating feeble churches and cases of disagreement, threatening the distiu'bance of fraternal relations, shall be referred to a joint commission of the Pres- byteries having jurisdiction." 3. The third recommendation is that respecting " comity in matters of discipline," namely, that a concin-rent resolution be adopted to this effect : "Jiesolved, That this General Assembly, as a matter of comity between oiu* own Chiirch and the Northern Presbyterian Chvu'ch, grow- ing out of the fraternal relations so recently established, enjoin upon our church sessions, Presbyteries, and Synods, that they have due re- gard to the discipHne of all the sessions. Presbyteries, and Synods of that church, and mutatis mutandis." Sec. 671.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 505 Youi- committee urge that, because of insuperable practical difficulty, the first recommendatioii be not adopted. With respect to the second, your committee report that they beheve it impossible to devise any specific plan of co-operation in Home ]Mis- sions which shall be universally apphcable throughout the Church, and they therefore recommend that no such plan be adopted by this As- sembly, but that the Assembl}- be content to leave this whole matter to the working of those broad principles of justice and Christian charit}' which alone will restrain either church from encroaching upon the natural territory of the other. In the judgment of yom* committee, if these principles are not adequate to the securing of harmony between the two chui-ches, then that result can never be attained by the mere adoption of any plan of co-operatiim. With regard to the third, it is hereby reconnnended that this Assem- bly adopt the concurrent resolution with reference to " comity in mat- ters of discipline.'" Kespecting that part of the overture of the Presbyteiy of Transyl- vania which urges this Assembly to " give such shape to its action as shall tend to settle permanently " the question of " organic union," your committee make answer that no such action is necessaiy, for the reason that we regard the mind of the Chm-ch as fully expressed against or- ganic union by the action of former Assemblies. (See ^Minutes of As- sembly of 1882, pages 5(57 and 568, and Minutes of 1883, pages 57 and 58.) Eugene Daniel, Cliairman. The ineetiug of these joint committees was held iu the parlor of the Gait House, Louisville, Ky., November 1st, 2d, and 3d, 1883. The committee appointed by the Northern Assembly consisted of liev. Messrs. 8. J. Niccolls, D. D., E. P. Hum- phrey, D. D., Thos. J. Lamar, Edward B. Wright. 1). D., and Elders Wm. B. Neg- ley, Samuel M. Moore, and O. Beatty. These w ere all present, as were also all the membei-s of the Southern committee, except Judge Armstrong. Dr. Hiimphrey was chosen chairman, and ilessrs. Dodge and l^eatty clerks. With reference to the first recommendation above, i. c, that looking to joint oc- cupancy and use of Dau^dlle Seminary, the minutes of the conference show that the proposition was brought before the conference by a resolution of the Saratoga As- sembly pro^josiug such joint occupancj% and referred by that Assembly to the Com- mittees of Conference for action. This it did, exi^ressing " the earnest hope that an adjustment may be made, which, while securing every legal right, shall have high regard to those fraternal relations whfch have been so ha^jpily established." The condition that the occupancy be iu perpetuity, and that the Seminary be re- moved to Louisville, was required by the Southern committee, and acceded to by the Northern committee. The Southern committee expressed the opinion that the prosperity of the Semiuarj' would be more certainly secured, and more largely ad- vanced, by being in the full control of the Southern Church. The second recommendation, i. c, that looking to the appointment of joint com- missions of Presbyteries having jurisdiction for the consolidating of feeble churches and adjusting matters of disagreement, was oflfered by Dr. Fanis, jis a substitute for a paper originally proposed by Dr. Niccolls and amended by the Southern comnmtee. The third recommendation, that in reference to comity in matters of discipline, is substantially the proposition introduced iu the Lexington Assembly by Dr. Smoot, and referred by the Assembly to the joint Committee of Conference The Northern coumiittee stated to the joint committee that they felt constrained to report to their .\ssembly that iu their judgment the only effectual method of removing the difficulties in the way of co-opcratiou is through organic union be- tween these two branches of the Presbyterian Church, and asked the Southern committee to make a similar representation to their General Assembly. The South- ern committee replied that the action of the As.sembly of 1883, p. 57, was such as estopped them from considering the matter of organic union. Dr. Smoot dissented from the recommendation relative to the joint occupancy of 506 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VIL Danville Seminary, and recorded his earnest and solemn protest, giving five reasons, in substance as follows : 1. That the recommendation conveyed no recognition on the part of the Northern Assembly of any equitable right inhering in the Sonthern Church to any share in the endowments and emoluments of the institution in question. The course recom- mended was inconsistent with the dignity and self-respect of the Southern Church, in that it would involve the becoming a mere tenant at will in the occupancy of the property, as the property of another to which it has equitable, equal and inalien- able right. 2. Such a joint usage coiild only result in hiuniliating disappointment and failure. 3. The adoption of this course woiild inflict a serious injury upon all the interests of the Synod of Kentucky, especially ujdou its evangelistic and educational enter- prises; e. g., upon Central Universitj'. Such is the judgment of some of the fore- most men of the Synod. The course proposed would inevitably prove the entering wedge to division and strife within the bosom of our Church. 4. The acceptance of this proposition by our Assembly would effectually forestall and estop plans already on foot for the establishment, at some point in the South- west, of a theological seminary, under the immediate and exclusive control of our own Church. 5. It would not be politic or safe for our Assembly to form an alliance for the maintenance of a theological institution iipon any terms in which there might be a single professor who is not amenable to one of the Presbyteries of our own Church, and through that Presbytery to our own Assembly, upon any charge of heresy or latitudinarianism in doctrine. The joint committee, as a reply to the tirst reason given above, declared that it was not a tenancy at will, but a permanent joint tenancy, that was proposed. — A. 672. General Presbyterian Alliance. 1874, p. 483. The committee to whom was referred certain papers relating to a General Presbyterian Coimcil was appointed, to consist of Eev. W. S. Plumer, D. D., H. M. Smith, D. D., J. B. Stratton, D. D., D. H. Bishop, and C. F. Colher. P. 518. The report of the committee concerning a General Presby- terian Council was taken up, and, after discussion, the following sub- stitute, offered by Eev. H. M. Smith, D. D., was adopted: In answer to the overture from a committee of the General Assem- bly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and from ministers of other Presbyterian chm'ches, touching a conference of representatives of the various Presbyterian bodies throughout the world, with a view of " coming into formal communion with each other, and of promoting great causes by joint action," this Assembly respect- fully submits that we most heartily sympathize with every deeire to advance the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. Nevertheless, in forming relations with other bodies, we are to be governed by our recognized principles of government. We must, therefore, respectfully decline this retjuest, since, in our judgment, church courts, as such, cannot recognize the principle of an irresponsible alliance. The only question we can properly consider is the principle of co-ordination with courts constituted according to our Presbyterian form of government. 1875, p. 46. Overtures from the Presb^'teries of Louisville, Florida, Lexington, and East Hanover. These overtures concur in asking this Assembly to revoke the action of the last in regard to the proposed confederation of Presbyterian churches, and to adopt measures favor- able to that scheme. Resolved, That this Assembly appoint a committee on the confeder- ation of Presbyterian churches of the world, with authority to corre- spond with similar committees of othei- Presbyterian bodies in refer- Sec. 672.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 507 ence to the constitution to be j^roposed for such a General Council ; and if the committee deem it wise and practicable, appoint a delegate or delegates to the proposed conference, to be held in London, on the - dav of Jiilv, 1875. The Revs. "Stuart Robinson, D. D., J. A. Lefe\Te, D. D., W. U. Murkland, and J. A. Inglis were appointed the committee under the abf)ve resolution. 1870, p. 204. The Rev. Stuart Robinson, from the committee ap- pointed by the last Assembly in relation to a proposed confederation of Presbyterian churches of the world, made a report, and also another re- port concerning his attendance as a delegate upon the meeting of the Presbyterian Alliance in London last July. These reports were received and were considered at length in con- nection ^^^th certain overtiu'es bearing on the same subject. Where- upon the following from the Committee on Bills and Overtm'es was adopted by a vote of 78 to 89 : P. 225. Overtures No. 1, from Transylvania Presbyteiy, expressing the hope that the General Assembly will decline to enter the proposed Council. No. 2, from the Presbytery of Louisiana, asking the Assem- bly to reconsider the subject of the Pan-Presbyterian Council, and, if it seems best to them, to repeal the resolutions passed at the St. Louis Assembly. No. 3, fi-om the Presbytery of ^Memphis, approving the ac- tion of the last General Assembly in appointing a committee on the confederation of the Presbyterian churches of the world, and express- ing the wish that all needful steps be taken to put in operation the plan adopted in July, 1875, by the delegates assembled in council. Your committee, after the consideration of these overtures and the subjects j)resented in them, recommend the adoption of the following rest)lutions : Resolved, 1, That this Assembly hereby expresses its approval, in general, of the proceedings of the conference held in Lcmdon in July last, composed of the representatives in a large portion, some 15,000 congregations, of the Presbyterian churches of the world. Resolved, 2, The Assembly a})proves of the general tenor of the con- stitution of the Alliance providing for a General Presbyterian Council, to be held every three years. Resolved, 3, That this Assembly will appoint delegates to represent the Presbyterian Church in the United States in the General Council, to be held in Edinburgh in 1877, provided that this ajjpointraent of dele- gates shall not be luiderstood as pledging any funds of the Church to defraying the expenses of the delegates to the coimcil. Resolved, 4, That the delegation so appointed shaU select from their own number members to prepare any t)apers concerning the condition and position of our Church, tt) be spread upon the records of the coun- cil : and, in case the delegates be unable to attend the council, they are hereby authcjrized to rejn-esent our Church by such official letter as they may agree upon. P. 237. The following paper, ottered by the Rev. Dr. Hoge, was piussed with but one dissenting voice : Resolved, That in app(»inting delegates to the Generjil Presbj'tei'ian Alliance, it is with the distinct declaration that it is not to be regarded as another and a higher court, but as an assemblage of committees, appointed by the several chui'ches which they represent, for the pur- 508 Digest of the Acts of the Generax Assembly. [Book VII. pose of joint conference and joint report, and for such action only as belongs to an association of delegates thus constituted. The report of the comraittee appointed by the General Assembly of 1875 on the confederation of the Presbyterian chnrches of the world is found in the Appendix to the Minutes of 1877, page 487. The report of Rev. Stiiart Eobinson, D. D. , delegate to the conference held in London, Jxdy 21-23, 1875, to frame a constitu- tion for a General Presbj-terian Council, is found on page 489 of the Minutes for 1877. The resolutions adopted by the Assembly of 187G (see above) are siibstan- tially the same as those recommended in the rejaort of the above committee. The constitution adopted for the Alhance is on page 492, Minutes of 1877, and is as follows : ^\^lereas churches holding the Reformed faith, and organized on Presbyterian principles, are found, though under a variety of names, in different parts of the world ; Wliereas many of these Avere long wont to maintain close relations, but are at present united by no visible bond, whether of fellowship or of work; And whereas, in the providence of God, the time seems to have come when they may all more fully manifest their essential oneness, have closer communion with ( ach other, and promote great causes by joint action, it is agreed to form a Presby- terian Alliance, to meet in general council from time to time, in order to confer upon matters of common interest, and to further the ends for which the Church has been constituted by her Divine Lord and only King. In forming this Alliance the Presbyterian churches do not mean to change their fraternal relations with other churches, biit will be ready, as heretofore, to join with them in Christian fellowship and in advancing the cause of the Redeemer on the general principle maintained and taught in the Reformed Confessions, that the Church of God on earth, though composed of many members, is one body in the communion of the Holy Ghost, of which body Christ is the Supreme Head, and the Scriptures alone are the infallible law. 1. DESiciNATioN. — This Alliance shall be known as "The Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System." II. Membership. — Any church organized on Presbyterian i^rinciples, which holds the supreme authority of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments in matters of faith and morals, and whose creed is in harmony with the consensus of the Re- formed Confessions, shall be eligible for admission into the Alliance. III. The C(K!Ncil. — 1. Its Meetinrjs. — The Alliance shall meet in general council once in three years. 2. Its (Jonstitusricy. — The Coimcil shall consist of delegates, being ministers and elders, apjDointed by the churches forming the Alliance; the number from each church being regiilated by a jilan sanctioned by the Council, regard being had gen- erally to the number of congregations in the several churches. The delegates, as far as i^racticable, to consist of an equal number of ministers and elders. The Council may, on the recommendation of a committee on business, invite Presbyte- rian brethren, not delegates, to offer suggestions, to deliver addresses, and to read papers. '6. Its Poirers. — The Coimcil shall have power to decide iipon the application of churches desiring to join the Alliance ; it shall have power to entertain and consider topics which may be brought before it by any church represented in the Council, or by any member of the Council, on their being transmitted in the manner hereinafter provided ; but it shall not interfere with the existing creed or constitution of any church in the Alhance, or with its internal order or external relations. 4. Its Objects. — The Council shall consider (questions of general interest to the Presbyterian community ; it shall seek the welfare of churches, esjiecially such as are weak or persecuted ; it shall gather and disseminate information concerning the kingdom of Christ throughout the world ; it shall commend the Presbyterian system as scriptural, and as combining simplicity, efficiency and adaptation to all times and conditions ; it shall also entertain all subjects directly connected with the work of evangelization, such as the relation of the Christian Chin-ch to the evangelization of the world, the distribution of mission work, the combination of church energies, especially in reference to great cities and destitute districts, the training of minis- ters, the use of the press, colportage, the religious instruction of the young, the sanctiticaticni of the Sabbath, sj'stematic beneficence, the suppression of intemper- ance aud other prevailing vices, and the best methods of opposing infidelity and Romanism. Secs. 673, 674. 1 Relations of the Chukch with Other Bodies. 509 5. Its Methudn. — The Council shiiU seek to "^uide and stimulate public sentiment by papers read, by addresses delivered and published, by ihe circulation of informa- tion respecting tlie allied churclies ami their miasions, by the exposition of scrip- tural principles, and by defense of the truth; by communicatin<,' the minutes of its proceedings to the supreme courts of the churches forming the Alliance, and by such other action as is in accordance with its constitution and objects. 6. Committee on Brmneas.— The Council, at each general meeting, shall appoint a committee on business, through which all communications and notices of subjects proposed to be disciissed shall jiass. The committee appointed at one general meet- ing shall act provisionally, so far as is necessary, in preparing for the following meeting. IV. Change of (Constitution. — No change shall be made in this constitution, ex- cept on a motion made at one general meeting of Council, not objected to by a majority of the churches, and can-ied by a two-thirds vote at the next general meeting. 673. Delegates to the General Council to he accredited hy commissions. 1877, p. 413. Your committee further recommend that the delegates to the General Council of the Presbyterian Alhance from the Presbyte- rian Church in the United States be accredited to the former body by commissions duly issued by the stated clerk of the Cireneral Assembly. Adopted. ()74. The L>ahney resolutions tabled. A paper was offered by Rev. R. L. Dabuey, D. D., with reference to the import of this Assembly's being admitted as a constituent part of the General Alliance. This paper, found on page G56, Minutes for 1878, recites the full and equal rights and courtesies extended, to the commissioners appointed by the Southern Assembly, and that we re- cognize these happy events as constituting a virtual and distinct recon- ciliation with us of ah the churches which joined in this cordial and coiuleous extension of e(|ual rights in that council to the commissicmers of our Church, upon that scriptural basis of truth always held by oui' Church, touching the essentials of those subjects of difference which had unhappily interrupted the full commimion of sundry of those chiu'ches with us. The subjects cited were such as the lawfulness of slavery as a civil institution, which the Church has no mission to con- demn, the liberty of conscience in matters pohtical, and the power of church courts to decide political questions and promulge pohtical de- crees, etc. This paper submitted the following resolutions : Resolved, That this happy and imconditional recognition of the Chui'ch we represent, through its commissioners in the Presbyterian Alliance, is to be construed by us as a gTacefiil, virtual, and distinct withdrawal on the part of the brethren lately in separation from us, of all condemiiatt)ry doctrines and declarations, and a hearty and peaceful recoucihation upon the scriptural position we have occupied, and still occupy ; leaving eacli bi-anch of the Presbyterian churches, as well as oiu-selves, to hold, witlujiit reproach, its own opinions on idl non-essen- tials of church and civil order. And it is on this understanding, as hereby assumed by us, and in act conceded to us, that our Church holds its place as a constituent of the General Presbyterian Alliance. liesolved. That it shall be the duty of the stated clerk to transmit certitied cojjies of these resolutions to the Business Committee of the last council, and to the moderator of that council appointed for 1880, in the city of Philadelphia. 510 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VII. No one offering to debate the paper, it was tabled without debate by a vote of 69 to 41. (Page 641.) To this Dr. Dabney and twenty-eight others entered a dissent and protest (p. 656), alleging two reasons : 1, The form in which the vote was taken was out of order and injurious to the rights of the minority; 2, Because it put the Assembly and the Church in a painfully equivo- cal position before the world and assailants. This second ground the protest argues at length. The answer to the protest was confined to the first reason, and asserts that the motion to table was an orderly one, and did not infringe upon the rights of any. The action of the house, laying the resolutions on the table, clearly evinced the will of the As- sembly, that the subject-matter of the resolutions should not be dis- cussed. (P. 0H2.) Condensed from the Minutes of 1878. The committee to answer the protest consisted of Drs. Armstrong, Preston, and Bullock ; Elders J. D. Jones and C. A. Carrington. 1879, p. 19. In answer to an overture from the Presbytery of Cen- tral Texas, inquiring into the significance of the above action, the fol- lowing was adopted : The action of our Assembly in sending delegates to "the General Presbyterian Coimcil," and in tabling the paper alluded to in the over- ture of the Presbytery of Central Texas, is not to be understood as im- plying any change in our position upon questions of difference between oui-selves and other bodies, or any surrender of our testimony. 675. JJelegtites to the Council should hi'. I'honen from the, vorious iSynods. 1881, p. 388. Overtm-e from Holston Presbytery, asking that the appointment of delegates to the General Presbyterian Council be dis- tributed amongst our various Synods, at least one from each S^-nod, and that it be referred to the Synods to make the nomination, each for itself. Your committee recommend the Assembly to reply that it has no control over the action which it may please the Assembly of 1883 to take respecting its appointments, but is wiUing to express the opinion that the appointments should be distributed, and that nominations from Synods should be invited. 676. Standing committee to correspond with the Council. 1881, p. 389. A request from the Council for a small standing com- mittee to be appointed by this Assembly, with whom the clerks of the Council might correspond. Your committee recommend that this re([uestof the Council be com- plied with by the Assembly. Adopted. The clerks of the Assembly were appointed the committee to corres- pond with the Council. 677. Expenses of the Council. 1885, p. 433. In accordance with the reipiest of an overture from the delegates of our Assembly who attended the third General Council of the Alliance of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System, held at Belfast, the Assembly hereby directs the treasurer to pay to the treasurer of the American Branch of the Alliance so much as may be Sec. 678.] Relations of the Church with Other Bodies. 511 required to meet the apportionment fixed for our Church by the Execu- tive Commission for the year 1885-'86, provided the same shall not ex- ceed $132. 1886, p. 40. The Assembly hereby dii-ects its treasurer to pay to the treasurer of the American Branch of the Executive Commission of the " General Alliance of Ref oimed Churches holding the Presbyterian System " one hundi'ed and fifty dollars ($150), to aid in defraying the ad interim expenses of the Alliance for the year 1885-'86, and the same amount for the year 188G-'87. These amounts to be paid dui'ing the yeai's for which they are to fiu-nish aid. BOOK VIII. JUDICIAL CASES. 677. Complaint of Rev. James Sinclair against the Synod of North Carolina. 1863, ]D. 130. The Judicial Committee report that the}^ find the com- plaint not in order, there appearing- no formal complaint as against the Sj'nod in the j^remises ; and the committee beg to be discharged from the farther consideration of the subject. Adopted. 679. Appeal of R. B. Williamson, licentiate, from the Presbytery of Tomheckhee. 1869, p. 395. The Judicial Committee respectfully report that an appeal has been placed in their hands, sent up to this Assembly by a candidate for the ministry of Tombeckbee Presbyteiy, fi'om a decision of said Presbyteiy revoking his license to preach the gospel, and pray- ing the Assembly to return his license. It does not appear, by the appeal and other j^apers before your committee, that the appellant has taken the prehminary steps requii-ed bv the Discipline of the Church. (Chap. VII., Sec. III^, Sub. Sec. 5.) Therefore, Resolved, That this Assembly cannot issue the case presented in this appeal and complaint, and that the appellant have leave to withdraw his papers. Adoj)ted. 1870, p. 543. The committee to whom was referred the letter of Mr. R. B. Williamson, and other papers touching the refusal of the Presby- ter}- of Tombeckbee to renew the license of said Williamson as a proba- tioner, recommend the adoption of the following minute, viz. : "As any Presbytery has the right to recall the license of a probationer, or to re- fuse to restore it, as it may think proper, no action is called for on the part of the Assembly." Adopted. 680. Complaint of Rev. A. W. Miller, JJ. J)., Rev. John Douglas, and others, against the Synod of I^orth Carolina. 1871, p. 15. Withdrawn without action. 681. Complaint of Sa)n.uel Gallon'ay against the Synod of Georgia. 1872, p. 158. The Judicial Committee respectfully report to the As- sembly, that the papers put into their hands are those relating to the complaint of Samuel Galloway vs. The Synod of Geoi'gia. As the com- plainant has not ajjpeared, either in person or by representative, to prosecute his complaint, the committee recommend that the com- plaint be dismissed, and the papers be returned by the stated clerk to the complainant. Adopted. Sec. 682.] Judicial Cases. 513 682. Complaint of Uci'. J. J- Cooke and others agninst the Presbytery of fjouisville. 1875, p. 15. The Judicial Committee respectfully reix)rts to the General Assembly, that the case referred to it for examination puiiiorts to be two separate "Protests, appeals, and complaints of Tiev. John J. Cooke, for himself and others, against the proceedings and judgments of the Presbytery of Louisville, in the case of the pastor, session, and congregation of the First Presbyterian church, Louisville, Ky., at two separate meetings of the Presbytery, held November 10-17, 1874, and December 8, 1874.'' As these persons are not the parties aggrieved, in the technical sense of that term, as used in our Book of Discipline, it is clear that the case cannot be entertained as an appeal, but only as a complaint. It is e\"ident, also, that wliilst this complaint involves the whole case of the pastor and congregation of the First Presbyterian church, these do not appeal* as parties before the Assembly : and its decision, whilst settling the (|uestion as to the complainants, may fail to reach the heart of this unfortunate dispute, and to heal the breach which has been made. All the parties, however, in this case seem to desire that it should be issued before this Assembly, and that it should not be remanded to the Synod of Kentucky, over whose head it has been brought directly to this body. On this groimd, and without working prejudice to the in- tervening Synod, the committee ad\-ise the Assembly to receive and act upon the complaint. There is, perhaps, a deeper reason for this coiu'se. It will be found, upon examination, that the whole difficulty has its rise in a difference of intei-pretation upon one or two points of constitu- tional law, and that, in the infirmity of human nature, in the mainten- ance of confiicting opinions, things have been said and done which are greatly to be deplored. If, therefore, the case can be reduced to these few, but fundamental, points, a possible solution of the whole difficulty may be found in an authoritative decision upon them by the Assembly. In some of its features this judicial case differs from those usually brought before the supreme courts of the Church, which will justify the committee in presenting it in this form to the consideration of the Assembly. It is alleged in the complaint — 1. That the Presbyteiy of Louisville, in receiving certain memorials, and upon the allegations contained in them, proceeding to exercise its visitorial power in the First Presbyterian church, did, from the nature of the charges, commence what was essentially a judicial investigation, which should therefoi"e have been conducted under judicial fomis. The Assembly might probably decide whether or not this point is well taken. 2. From the action of the Presbytery, in proceeding to this investi- gation. Dr. S. R. Wilson took an appeal to a superior court, claiming that this appeal operated an immediate suspension of all the proceed- ings until it should be finally issued. The Assembly might very pro- perly rule whether the appeal in this case was of the kind to put the arrest on the Presbyteiy which is claimed. 3. The Assembly might tilso decide how far, in the further prosecu- tion of the case, the acts of aU the parties are irregular and open to censvu'e. 514 Digest of the Acts of the Genee.u:. Assembly. [Book VIII. 4. If, then, the Assembly woidd remand the case to the Presbytery of Louisville, with an injunction to take it up from the beginning under these rulings, a fair opportunity would be afforded all the parties to re- trieve any error into which they may have fallen; and the Assembly would, in the most tender way, authoritatively arbitrate between breth- ren now grievously estranged, and who, for their past lideUty to the truth and kingdom of the Master, are entitled to the contidence and affection of the whole Church. This report was adopted ; also an order of procedure recommended by the Judicial Committee. After being heard the decision of the As- sembly was : To sustain the complaint, 1 : to sustain in part, 38 ; not to sustain, 67. (P. 33.) P. 46. The following paper, explanatory of the vote of the Assem- bly on this complaint, was adopted: The Assembly, in voting not to sustain the complaint of J. J. Cooke and others against the Presbytery of Louisville, would be understood as passing judgment onl}^ upon the constitutional issues inv(jlved in said complaint, while at the same time there were, in its opinion, some irregularities in the proceedings of the Presbytery which it could not approve, but which it did not deem it ne- cessary to pass upon judicially. The Rev. Dr. B. M. Palmer obtained leave, on behalf of himself and others, to have the following paper admitted to record: The undersigned, being of the minority who voted to sustain in part the complaint of J. J. Cooke, accord with the minute adopted by the majority, with the exception that, in some of the points termed irregu- larities in the above-named minute, they regard the Presbytery as hav- ing transcended the limits of their constitutional power. Signed by B. M. Palmer and twenty-six others. 683. Complaint of jRev. )S. J. Baird, D. JJ., against the Presbytery of East Hanover. 1877, p. 423. The Judicial Committee, to which was refei'red the complaint of the Rev. Dr. S. J. Baird, toviching the action of the Pres- bytery of East Hanover, with the accompanying papers, beg leave to report : That, in a statement made to the committee by the complainant, he admitted that he caused to be published in a recent number of the Richmond Dispatch a letter written by the Rev. Dr. E. T. Baird, from which, and the record of the proceedings of the said Presbytery, it ap- pears that the subject-matter and the person named in said proceedings and in the complaint are the same; that the Rev. Dr. E. T. Baird has taken an appeal from the action of the Presbytery of East Hanover to the next superior judicatory, the Synod of Virginia, and that the mat- ter of the appeal and of the complaint raise the same questions, and refer to the same cause and the same person. In the opinion of the committee, it is not proper for the General As- sembly to take jui'isdit^tiou of the matter of a complaint, while the same cause, embracing the same matter, is pending in another judicatory, which has jurisdiction, by apjieal, at the instance of the person ag- grieved. Wherefore the committee recommend that the complaint be referred to the Synod of Virginia. Adopted, with but one dissenting vote, after a minority report had first been voted down by a vote of 6 to 112. (P. 422.) Secs. 684, 685.] Judicial Cases. 515 G84. Complaint of Rev. I. W. Ca'tiiield against the Synod of Kentucky. 1877, p. 434. The following report from the Judicial Committee was adopted: The committee to which was referred the complaint of Rev. I. "\V. Canfield against certain proceedings of the SjTiod of Kentucky have considered the same, and beg leave to report that the matter presented by this complaint for the re\-ision of the Assembly arises upon a part of the judgment of the Synod of Kentucky, rendered upon the consid- eration of an apjDeal of complainant from the Presbytery of LouisAdlle. In this complaint, and in the petition which alleges the ground of the complainant's appeal fx'om the proceedings of the Presbytery of Louis- ville against him, many apparent grievances against the action of the Synod and of the Presbytery, and the conduct of certain members of Presbytery, are set forth. In the statement of this complaint, and the references which it makes, there is much confusion, and it is difficult to ascertain precisely the ob- ject of complainant in coming before this Assembly. This Assembly has no power to render any general relief in the premises, as complain- ant seems to think, nor would it be proper, in this or any other case, to set aside the judgment of an inferior coiu't, unless there be clear and satisfactoiy evidence that such judgment is erroneous, or that it ought to be reversed for some reason laid down in the Form of Govern- ment. From an examination of the papers submitted to us, viz. : the state- ments of the complainant and the record of the Synod of Kentuck}', it appears that the Synod carefully cohsidered all the matters at issue between the complainant and the Presbyteiy of Louisville ; that the most material part of the sentence, and really the only matter at issue, was in favor of the complainant. The refusal of the Synod to censure the Presbyteiy of LouisAille was a matter entirely discretionary with the Synod, and we see nothing in it for the Assembly to set aside or disapprove. The committee therefore recommend that the complaint be dis- missed. 685. Appeal of Hev. iSlnart Robinson, D. J)., and others^ from the Synod of Kentucky in the Canfield case. 1878, p. 614. This appeal was decided by the following vote : To sustain the complaint, 1U6; excused from voting, 2. The following minute was adopted: P. 620. In delivering the judgment sustaining the complaint against the Synod of Kentucky, the Assembly means to declare : 1st, That the Presbytery of Loui-sville proceeded proi)erlyln restrain- ing from the exercise of the functions of the ministry a mmister deemed irresponsible for his words and acts, by reason of unsoundness of mind, without the usual forms of judicial process. ^nd. That the Synod of Kentucky erred in rescinding the action of the Presbytery of Louisville so restraining a minister, by mere resolu- tion, ^vithout a formal examination of the case, either as a question of appeal, complaint, or of general review and control, it being incom|)e- tent for the Synod to interpose its authority to interfere with the right of a Presbytery to judge of the tpiahtications of its own ministers. 51G Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VIII. 3?Y?, That, in pronouncing- this judgment on the action of the Synod of Kentuckj^ this Assembly does not intend to pass any censiu'e upon that body, or upon any of its members. 1879, p. 57. The Assembly declined to re-opeu this case bj' making an e?i thesi deliverance, reversing the principle (ui which it had been decided. 686. Appeal of Rev. E. T. Baircl from the Synod of Virginia. 1878, p. 646. Dr. Baird was absent by reason of sickness, and could not prosecute the case in person. F. 655. The minority report of the Judicial Committee was adopted, and the Assembly proceeded according to the course prescribed in said paper. P. 663. Ruhng Elder Isaac D. Jones appeared, by request of the appellant, to conduct the appeal in his behalf. Result: To sustain, 8 ; to sustain in part, 19 ; not to sustain, 42. P. 665. The committee aj)pointed to bring in a minute expressing the sense of the General Assembly in regard to the appeal of Dr. E. T. Baird against the decision of the Synod of Virginia, respectfully recommend the following as the judgment of the General Assembly, viz. : That, inasmuch as the appeal is not sustained, the natural effect is to remand the case to the Presbytery of East Hanover, to institute pro- ceedings and conduct a new trial according to the order of the Synod of Vu'ginia. Adopted. 687. Complaint of Rev. R. K. Smoot and others against the Synod of Texas and the Presbytery of Western Texas. 1878, p. 640. To sustain the complaint, 73 ; to sustain in part, 32 ; not to sustain, 6. P. 653. The special committee appointed to prepare a' minute ex- pressing the judgment of the Assembly in the case of the complaint of Rev. R. K. Smoot and others against the action of the Synod of Texas upon the records of the Presbytery of Western Texas in the matter of H. F. Williams, report as follows, viz. : The General Assembly sustains the complaint of Rev. R. K. Smoot and others against the Synod of Texas on these grounds, viz. : First, The Synod of Texas allowed the Presbytery of Western Texas to vote upon the review of their own records, against the decision of the moderator, and in opposition to the spirit of our constitution and to the estabhshed precedents of our Church : which coiu'se we regard as both irregular and unjust. Seconxl, By refusing to condemn the proceedings of the Presbytery of Western Texas in the matter of H. F. WiUiams, the Synod did en- dorse and encourage what is known as " Lay Evangelism," a system which is irregiilar and contrary to the order of the Chiu'ch with refer- ence to the Christian ministry, and calculated to produce confusion and many other evils, sooner or later. In expressing this judgment the Assembly does not mean to impugn the Christian or ministerial character, nor the motives, of any of the members of the Synod, but hereby declares its confidence in them and its sympathy with them in view of the pecuhar circumstances of theii' needy tield of labor. Adopted. Secs. 688-690.J Judicial Cases. 517 688. Complaint ' of Rev. R. S. McAllister and Rev. M. B. Show against the Presbytery of Loidsiana. 1878, p. 627. The report of the Judicial Committee on the com- plaint of the Rev. Messrs. McAllister and Shaw against their Presby- tery, on account of certain alleged irregularities in its action on the question of adopting the Book of Chiu'ch Order, Avas taken up, and the report was adopted as follows : The committee repoi-t that the complainants assign no reason for passing by the Synod, and bringing their complaint directly to the General Assembly ; and recommend that they have leave to withdraw the complaint and seek their remedy, if any there be, in the Synod of Mississippi. 689. Complaint of J. II. Moore and others against the Synod of Kentuclcy. 1879, p. 20. The following report from the Judicial Committee was adopted : In the case of the complaint of J. H. Moore, A. Davidson, J. H. Huber, and Stuart Robinson against the Synod of Kentucky, having been notified \y\ the complainants in person that, while they have no doubt that the complaint, if presented, would be sustained, yet, seeing that the adoption of the new Book of Church Order will effectually pre- vent the recurrence of the errors- complained of, the complamants deem it unnecessary to trouble the Assembly with the trial of their com- plaint, we recommend that they be granted leave to withdraw the com- plaint, and that the papers be retmned to the complainants. 690. Appei.eiy of Memphis, in denying to Eev. Sam. Park the exercise of his right as 524 Digest gf the Acts of the General Assejiblt. [Book VIIL a presbyter, were not at all influenced by race prejudice, but simply desired to carry oiTt strictly the recommendation of the General Assem- bly of 1869. 699. Complaint of Rev. W. McKay against the Synod of Georgia. 1883, p. 24. The following, reported by the Judicial Committee, was adopted : The facts of the case are, that the Presbytery of Macon, of which the complainant was a member, at a regular session thereof held at Fort Gaines, Georgia, on the 14th of April, 1881, adopted a resolution on the subject of the observance of the Sabbath, in these words: "Resolved, That from this time Presbyteiy will regard any use of Sabbath rail- way trains by its members, to fill preaching appointments, or for any other purpose, or on any other plea, as an infraction of the fourth com- mandment, and will deal with it accordingly." Of this resolution Mr. McKay complained to his Synod, alleging that there is no scriptural warrant for it, and that, in his circumstances, which are set out at length, it denies him an unquestionable right, and works a great hardship upon him. This complaint came before the Synod, at a regular session thereof held at Milledgeville, in November last, and was dismissed by that body " for the reason that it is not ' a complaint ' in the sense in which the term is used in the Rules of Dis- ciphne, Chap. XIII., Sec. IV." Your committee is of the opinion that in this action the Synod erred ; they beheve that the complaint is one in the sense in which the term is xxsed in that section of the Rules of Discipline referred to by the Synod, and which is in these words : " Any member of the Church, submitting to its authority, may complain against every species of decision, except where a party against whom a decision is rendered takes his appeal against it." For this error it is recommended that the judgment of the Synod be reversed and the case remanded, with directions to the Synod to decide upon its merits the question which it involves. P. 48. Exception was taken to the minutes of the Synod of Georgia (page 18) because the Synod dismissed a complaint because it had " not been made the subject of trial." This was, in the judgment of the Assembly, an error. 700. Complaint of C. A. Baker and others against the Synod of Alabama. 1884, p. 203. The history of the case in brief is this: A member of the Presbyterian church of Opelika, Ala., was tried by its session for prof am ty, was found guilty, and a sentence of suspension was passed. On application a new trial was granted. While this trial was pending, the accused, on the ground of a conviction of prejudice in the court, asked a reference of the whole matter, with the records, to the Presby- tery of East Alabama. This request was also granted, and the case referred. The Presbytery of East Alabama decided that " the charge was sustained, but as the offense Avas committed at a time of great ex- citement, that the accused be affectionately admonished by the pas- tor and retained in the communion and fellowship of the Church." Against this action of Presbytery, " as a censure disproportionate and inadequate to the offense," complaint was made by certain parties, Secs. 701-703.] JuDicLA,L Case.^. 525 including the pastor and ruling elders of the Opelika church, to the S^^lud of Alabama. The S^Tiod sustained the complaint, but decided that " it apjjeaiing to Synod that the admonition having been adminis- tered, and the sentence of Presbytery executed (pending the complaint), no further action be taken in the case." Against this action of 8ynod "as working sericnis injury through error ccmtained both in its judgment and in the ground on M'hich that judgment is based,'" the same pai'ties, with two additional names, complain to this General Assembly. This comjilaint having been placed in the hands of its moderator within ten days after the adjournment of Sj-nod, and being regular in form, your committee bring it before the Assembly for trial, presenting with it the records of the case as contained in the minutes of the infe- rior courts, and the complaints tt) both the Presbyter}- and Synod. P. 208. Vote: To sustain, 21; to sustain in part, 6; not to sus- tain, 94. P. 214. In declining to sustain the complaint against the Synod of Alabama, the Assembly bases its action solely upon principles of eccle- siastical law, and must not be understood as having passed any judg- ment upon the merits of the case adjudicated by the session of the church at Opelika and by the Presbyter^' of East Alabama. 701. Complaint of Rev. F. P. liamsdy against the Sy^iodof Virginia. 1886, p. 16. The following minority report of the Judicial Com- mittee was adopted : The undersigned members of the Judicial Committee concur in the report of the committee in the matter of Rev. F. P. Ramsay, complainant, against the Synod of Virginia, respondent, in so far as said report states that the complaint is regular pro forma ; but we do not concur in the conclusions or tindiugs of the committee, because, in making said re- port, the committee has usurjjed the powers of the Assembly, sitting as a coiu't of the Lord Jesus Christ, in this, that said report is a tuial' judg- ment of the case on its merits, submitted to the Assembly for its concur- rence. In lieu of said report, we submit the statement that the com- plaint is regular and in form, and herewith return the record We ask that the case be docketed and set for trial. P. 17. The appeal was not sustained. P. 54. The following explanatory minute of this action was adopted: " The General Assembly refused to sustain the said complaint of the Rev. F. P. Ramsay, for the reason that no law of the Chiu'ch had been violated in his case, either by the S}Tiod or the Presbytery.'" 702. Coniphiint of Rev. James Woodrow against the St/nod of Oeorgia. 1887, p. 205. A letter was received from the complainant, informing the Assembly that by reason of sickness he could not be jiresent to prosecute his complaint before the Assembly, and asking that steps be taken to protect his right to prosecute his complaint before the next Assembly. This letter was ordered to be spread on the record. 703. Appeal of Rev. 1). V. Robinson fro)n the Synod of North Carolina. 1887, p. 244. This case was heard before a commission. Rev. J. A. Wallace, cliairman ; Rev. A. A. Pfanstiehl, clerk. To sustain, 10 ; to 526 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book VIII. sustain in part, 4 : not to sustain, 9. The foUowing minute, expressive of the verdict, was adopted : It appearing from the papers in the case that Rev. D. P. Eobinson was suspended from the ministry for the mere fact of disobedience to and contempt of the civil magistrate, without accusing him in the indict- ment of moral turpitude in the mode of that disobedience, your com- mission report the foUowing verdict: The appeal is sustained on the ground that the infliction and continuance of an ecclesiastical censure ma}' not be conditioned soleh' on disobedience to or contempt of a civil court. The finding of the commission was approved by the Assembly. The followmg protest, signed by A. M. McPheeters and ten others, was admitted to record without answer : We, the undersigned, respectfully enter oiu- protest against the ac- tion of the Assembly in approving the finding of the commission in the case of the appeal of Rev. D. P. Robinson against the Synod of North Carolina, on the following grounds : 1. That the commission refused to entertain evidence that was before the Synod, on which the representatives of the Synod stated that the verdict of the Synod was based, and that without hearing said e\i- dence. 2. That the verdict is contrary to the law of the Church in deciding that disobedience to the civil authorities, for which no satisfactory ex- cuse is rendei'ed, is not a moral offense, punishable with spiritual penalties. (See Confession of Faith, Chap. XXIIL, Sec. IV.) (With reference to the tirst grouud of the protest, ttie record of the commissiou contains the following : Resolved, That this commission explain that what is germane to the case before us includes testimony only as to the furt that the appellant refused to submit to the civil court. The appellant having confessed (1) that suit was brought against him; (2) that the summons was served; (3) that judgment was rendered by default; and (4) that .he did not comply with order of the court, the reading of testimony to establish these facts was omitted by consent of parties. The appellant further waived the question as to the jurisdiction of the court. — A.) A further reason for protest assigned by A. M. McPheeters is, that the verdict mistakes the indictment in asserting that it did not charge moral tui'pitude in the mode of disobedience. B. M. Palmer and two others dissent from the action of the Assem- bly in confirming the report of the commission on the second ground. A complaint of Mecklenbin-g Presbytery against the Synod of North Carolina, connected ^^'ith and growing out of the above case of Mr. Robinson, was referred to the next Assembly. (P. 245.) 704. JHscipline without trial, but lohere confession has been made to a committee. 1870, p. 536. The following, after debate, was referred to the next Assembly. The Presbytery of Montgomer}- beg leave to present the following overture to the General Assembly about to convene in Louisville, Ky. : May a member of the Church, in consistenc}' with the constitutional rules, be suspended or exc(jmmunicated from the Church without trial for charges brought against him, and without being befoi'e the court to which he is amenable, but simply upon the report of a committee of Sec. 705. | JvmcixL Cases. 527 the court that he had confessed to it that he was guilty of ci'imes worthy in their uatui'e of suspension and excommunication ? 1871, p. 28. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported, recom- mending : Yom* committee respectfully recommend that this question be an- swered in the negative, for the following reasons : 1. When an accused person, after due citation, pleads guilty before the court empowered to try him, the necessity of further investigation is, of course, supei'seded, and the coui't may proceed at once to pass the appropriate sentence. But it is not safe, in every case, to accept the report of a committee, such as is described in the overture, as con- clusive proof that the accused intends deliberately to plead guilty. The committee may misunderstand or misrepresent his contumacy or con- fession. 2. In Chap. r\^, Sec. IX., of the Book of Discij)line (Of Actual Pi'o- cess), we find this law: "The judicatory, in many cases, may find it more for edification to send some member to converse in a private man- ner with the accused person; and, if he confess guilt, to endeavor to bring him to repentance, than to proceed immediately to citation." We have here described the proper action to be taken by just such a committee of the court as the above overture contemplates. The only result aimed at by such private deahng of that committee with the accused confessing his guilt is the bringing of him to repentance ; and we hear nothing in this law of a sentence immediately founded on the report of the interview. On the contrary, it seems to be implied that the proper alternative is the citation of the accused, i^rovided he cannot be brought to repentance after confession of guilt. 3. In the same chapter, Sec. XL, it is written that, although the ac- cused shall declare, in wiiting or otherwise, and to the court itself, his puiix)se not to obey a citation, "this declaration shall in no case induce the judicatory to deviate from the regtilar course prescribed for cita- tions. They shall proceed as if no such declai'ation had been made. The person cited may afterwards alter his mind." The regular com-se prescribed for such cases is (Sec. X.) that he shall be cited a second time before sentence is pronounced. The spu-it of tlris rule evidently requires such second citation, and, for the stronger reason, before the coiu't can properly proceed to final sentence against an accused person wh(j has»given a weaker eridence of contumacy, by a verbal avowal of guilt in private, " he ma}' afterwards alter his mind ; " and, submitting himself to the lawful jiuisdiction, he may so explain his fault, or mani- fest such penitence as ought to modify the penalty. For these reasons the Assembly decides that sentence may not be la^^'ully passed on any member or officer of the Presbyterian Church, unless he confess his guilt in the presence of the court itself, or else demonstrate his own contumacy after a second formal citation, as above prescribed in the constitution. 705. y/ic ri(/ht to ooerture, appeal and complain cannot be abj'idged. 187K, p. 610. The Committee on Bills and Overtiu-es report on over- ture No. 1, from the Sjniod of Texas, asking the Assembly to decide that " aU overtures, appeals, complaints, etc., should proceed in regular gradation from the session to the Presbytery, from the Presb^teiy to 528 Digest of the Acts of the Gener.u. Assembly. [Book VIII. the Synod, and from the Synod to the General Assembly, and vice versa, ■without omitting any of the intermediate courts." The following reply is recommended : 1. As to judicial cases we refer to Chap. VI., Sec. III., Art. VI., Book of Discipline. 2. That while the General Assembly may recommend that overtiu'es should ordinarily be sent from the Synod, it cannot deny the right of Presbyteries, the constituent elements of the Assembly, nor of individ- uals, to overtiu'e the Geneial Assembly whenever circumstances may requii"e. 3. That the General Assembly has the right to send its deliverances directly to the Presbyteries. Adopted. 706. Counsel for the accused. 1879, p. 51. liesolved, That when our book says that an accused person may, if he desires it, be represented in the superior courts by " any member of the court " (or as the old book expresses it, *' by any minister or elder belonging to the judicatory,") the design, according to the judgment of this Assembly, is not to allow any array of coimsel, but the privilege is to be limited to the aid which one advocate can give him. 707. Refusal to obey a citation from the session. See chapter on the session. 708. Who are entitled to sit in a judical case. In the minute touching the Park case the following is found : 1882, p. 530. After the reading of the record in the case it was de- cided that members of the General Assembly who were absent during the proceedings of the trial by permission of the court were entitled to sit in judgment in the case. 709. Courts not parties in jxidicial cases. In the minutes of the commission which tried the fourth appeal of W. S. Turner against the Synod of Georgia the following is to be foimd : 1883, p. 46. It was moved that Eev. J. Woodrow, D. D., of the Synod of Georgia, be allowed to appear before the commission and plead in behalf of the Presbyterian Church. Carried, with one dissent- ing vote. The appellant requested that his dissent to the admission of Dr. Woodrow, as counsel in the case, be noted in the minutes of the com- mission, on the ground that he is neither an original party in the cause nor a member of the coiurt. While the finding of the commission was adopted by the Assembly, this particular action of the commission was virtually disapproved later, as follows : < P. 48. Exception to the minutes of the Synod of Georgia : On page 27, Synod appointed a member to represent it before the General As- sembly in an appeal case. Your committee think that om' coruis are not parties in judicial cases, and hence are not entitled to be I'epre- sented in the superior courts. Adopted. ROOK IX. GENERAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION. SrccEssioN OF Moderators. A D Name. Presbytery. Plac!E. 1861. Kev. Benjamin M. Palmer. D. D., New Orleans. Angnsta. 1862. Rev. John L. Kirkpatrick, D. D., Concord. Montgomery. 1863. Rev. James A. Lyon, D. D.. Tombeckbee, Columbia. 1864. Rev. John S. Wilson, D. D., Flint River, Charlotte. 1865. Rev. George Howe, D. D., Charleston, Macon. 1866. Rev. Andrew Hart Kerr, D. D., Memphis, Mem^Dhis. 1867. Rev. Thomas Vernor Moore, D. D., East Hanover, Nashville. 1868. Rev. John X. Waddel, D. D., Chickasaw, Baltimore. 1869. Rev. Stnart Robinson, D. D., Louisville. Mobile. 1870. Rev. Robert L. Dabney, D. D., . West Hanover, Louisville. 1871. Rev..Wm. S. Plumer, D. D., Harmony, Hunts\'ille. 1872. Rev. Thomas R. Welch, D. D., Arkansas, Richmond. 1873. Rev. Henry Martyn Smith. D. D., New Orleans, Little Rock. 1874. Rev. John L. Girardeau, D. D Charleston, Columbus. 1875. Rev. Moses D. Hoge, D. D., East Hanover, St. Louis. 1876. Rev. Benjamin M. Smith, T). D., West Hanover, Savannah. 1877. Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D., ...Tuskaloosa, New Orleans. 1878. Rev. T. E. Peck, D. D., Roanoke, Knoxville. 1879. Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., Wilmington, Louisville. 1880. Rev. T. A. Hoyt, D. D., ...Nashville, Charleston. 188L Rev. Robert P. Farris, D. D.. St. Louis, Staunton. 1882. Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., Central Texas, Atlanta. 1883. Rev. T. Pryor, D. D., East Hanover, Lexington. 1884. Rev. T. D. Witherspoon, D. T).. ...Louisville, Vicksburg. 1885. Rev. H. R. Raymond. I). D.. Tuskaloosa, Houston. 1886. Rev. J. H. Bryson. 1). D.. North Alabama, Augusta. 1887. Rev. (i. B. Strickhr. D. 1).. Atlanta, St. Louis. SiccEssioN OF Clerks. Suited ( 'l>r/,),. 1861- 18(>5. Rev. John N. Waddel, D. D. 1865 Rev. Joseph R. Wilson. D. T). Ptrimuimt Clerks. 1H61-1865. Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D. 1865-1885, Rev. William Brown, D. D. 1885 Rev. Robt. P. Fanis. D. D. 530 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IX. Officers of the Executive Committees. I. FoKEiGN Missions. Secretaries.— 1S61-1885, Kev. J. Leightou Wilson, D. D. {Emeritus, 1885-1887.) 1872-1882, Rev. E. Mcllwaine, Co-ordinate Secretary. 1884-1885, Eev. M. H. Houston, U. D., Assistant to Dr. AVilson. 1885 , Rev. M. H. Houston, 1). I)., Solr Secretary. Treasurers.— 1S61-1872, Rev. James Woodrow, D. D. 1872-1882, Rev. R. Mclhvaine. D. D. 1882 , L. C. Inglis, Esq. II. Home Missions. Secretaries. — 181)1-18(33, _Rev. John Leyburn, D. D. 1863-1882. Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D. 1872-1882, Rev. R. Mcllwaine, D. D., Co-ordinate Secretai-y. 1882-1883, Rev. R. Mcllwaine, D. D., Sole Secretary. 1883^ , Rev. J. N. Craig, D. D. Treasurers.— \%%\-\%^2,, S. B. Newman, Esq. 1863-1872, Rev. James Woodrow, D. D. ' 1872-1883, Rev. R. Mcllwaine, D. D. 1883-1886, ^...L. C. Inglis, Esq. 1886 , W. A. Powell, Esq. III. Publication. Secretaries. — \8'n\-V6^6, .-: Rev. Wm. Brown, D. D. 1863-1865, Rev. John Leyburn, D. D.' 1865, Rev. Wm. Brown, D. J)., pro teia. 1865-1877, Rev. E. T. Baird, D. D. 1877, Rev. W. A. Campbell, pro tern. 1877 , Rev. J. K. Hazen, D, D. Treasurers. — 1861-1862, Ai-chibald Boiling, Esq. 1862-1865, - James Miller, Esq. 1865-1866, W. F. Taylor, Esq. 1866-1878, Charles Gennet, Esq. 1878 , Rev. J. K. Hazen, D. D. IV. Education. Secretaries. -18i3l-l8m, Rev. J. H. Gray, D. D. 1863, Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Provisional Sec'y. 1863-1874 Rev. E. T. Baird, D. D. 1865, Rev. Wm. Brown, D. D. , pro tern. 1874-1879 Rev. J. N. Waddel, D. D. 1879, Rev. E. M. Richardson, D. 1)., Provisional Sec'y. 1880 , Rev. E. M. Richardson, D. D. Treamrers.- 1861 1863, J. B. Kirtland, Esq. 18(;3 1865, James Miller, Esq. 1865-1866, W. F. Taylor, Esq. 186(i-1874, Charles Gennet, Esci. 1874-1875, Jas. Elder, Esq. 1875-1877, A. F. Dod, Esq. 1877 -, G. W. McCrae, Esq. General Statistical Information. 531 V. BOAKD OF TeUSTEES. Presidents.— 18(33-18&5,... Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D. 1865-1873, Hon. T. C. Perrin. 1873 , James Hemphill, Esq. Treasurers. 1805- 18(58, - A. Crawford, Esci- 18(58-1881, Jesse H. Lindsay, Esq. 1881-1884, John E. Brown, Esq. 1884-1885, A. (i. Brenizer,. Esq. 1885- 188(j, J. C. Burroughs, Esq. 188G- 1887, John E. Brown, Esq. 1887 , J. E. Oates, Esq. CoRRESPONDrN(T Delegates Sent by the General Assembly to Other Ecclesiastical Bodies. [The liginvs give the years when the apiiointments were maile by the .\88embly.] I. To THE United Synod of the Pkesbytekian Chx;i{(;h. Princip.^l. Altern.vie. 1861, Rev. G. D. Armstrong, 1). D., Rev. J. A. Lyon, D. D. 1862, Rev. J. A. Lyon, D. D., Rev. W. J. Hoge, D. D. The appointment of 1862 was repeated in 1863. II. To THE Clmbekland Pkesbyteeian Chukch. Principal. ALXERV.vrE. 1861, Rev. R. B. McMullen, 1). D., Rev. John Hunter. 1862,. Rev. Prof. R. S. Gladney, Rev. J. O. Steadman, D. D. 1863, ...Rev. J. N. Waddel, D. D., Rev. W. A. Harrison. 1866, Rev. T. D. Witherspoon, Rev. D. H. Cummins. 1867,.-. Rev. A. H. Kerr, D. D., Rev. R. F. Bimting, D. D. 1868,.-. Rev. J. W. Neil, Rev. H. B. Boude. 1869,..- Rev. R. K. Smoot, Rev. H. H. Paine. 1870, -..Rev.H. H. Hopkins, Rev. J. T. Hendrick, D. D. 1871, ..Rev. W. E. Junkin, Rev. J. M. P. Otts. 1872, ...Rev. P. B. Price,... Rev. R. J. Taylor. 1873, ...Rev. J. W. Pugh, Rev. A. P. Smith. 1875, Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., Rev. J. W. Pugh. 1876, Rev. J. E. Du Bose, ..- Rev. J. T. Hendrick, D. D. The appointment of 1863 was renewed in 18()4. III. To the .-Associate Reformed Synod of the Soith. Pkinch'ai.. Alternate. 18(il Rev. David Wills, .Rev. D. McNeiU Turner, D. D. 1863 Rev. J. R. Wilson, 1). D., Rev. E. T. Biiist, D. D. 1864, Rev. George Howe. D. D., Rev. Wm. Banks. 1866, ...Rev. J. A. Lyon, 1). D., Rev. J. N. Carothers. 1867 Rev. T. R. English, Rev. H. R. Dickson. 1869,.. Rev. G. W. Boggs, Rev. G. H. W. Petrie. 1870, Rev. A. H. Kerr, D. D.,.. Rev. D. H. Cummins. 1871, Rev. E. McNair, Rev. D. McNeill Turner, D. D. 532 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. |BqoK IX Principal. Alternate. 1872, Rev. John Douglas, Rev. A. W. Miller. 1873, Rev. I.J. Long, Rev. Joseph Bardwell. 1876, Rev. I. S. X. Axson, D. D.,.. ..Rev. John Douglas. The appointment of 1861 was renewed in 1862 ; also that of 1867 in the follow- ing year. IV. To THE German Reformed Synod of the South. Principal. Alternate. 1861, Rev. R. H. Morrison, Rev. D. A. Penick. 1863, Rev. John Donglas, Rev. A. F. Dickson. 1864, Rev. D. A. Penick, Sr., ...Rev. J. Henry Smith. The appointment of 1861 was renewed in 1862. V. To the Independent Presbyterian Convention. Principal. Alternate. 1861, Rev. Wm. Banks, Rev. A. A. James. 1863, Rev. J. E. White, Rev. M. D. Wood. VI. To Churches in Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe. 1866, Rev. Drs. M. D. Hoge, B. M. Palmer, and Rev. J. L. Girardeau. 1874, Revs. John Leybnrn and James Woodrow. VII. To the Synod of Kentucky. Principal. Alternate. 1868, Rev. J. A. Lefevre, Rev. E. W. Bediuger. VIII. To the Synod of Missouri. Principal. . Alternate. 1871, Rev. D. Wills, D. D., Rev. R. Mclnnis. 1872, Rev. J. S. Grasty, D. D., Rev. W. W. Dinwiddle. 1873, Rev. T. R. Welch, D. D., Rev. Wm. Dinwiddie. IX. To the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America. Principal. Alternate. 1871, Rev. J. H. Bryson, Rev. S. J. Baird, D. D. 1872, Rev. M. D. Hoge, D. D., Rev. J. R. Wilson, D. D. 1873, Rev. E. T. Baird, D. D., Rev. L. H. Blanton. 1874, Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D., Rev. H. C. Alexander. Hon. J. A. Inglis, Hon. R. Onld. 1875, Rev. J. A. Lefevre. Hon. J. L. Marye. 1876, Rev. R. G. Brank, Rev. W. S. Plumer, D. D. Hon. J. T. L. Preston, .. Hon. J. A. Inglis. 1877, Rev. J. B. Adger, D. D., Rev. E. H. Rutherford. 1878,..- Rev. B. T. Lacy, D. D., Rev. G. T. Goetchius. 1879, Rev. C. H. Read, D. D., Rev. W. U. Murkland. 1881, Rev. Miles Saunders, Rev. John A. Scott, Sr. 1882, Rev. J. Henry Smith, D. D. , Rev. T. D. Witherspoon, D. D. 1883,.. Rev. H. M. White, D. D., Rev. J. P. Smith. X. To the Reformed Episcopal Church. 1882,.. Revs. J. A. Lefevre and A. C. Hopkins. General Statisticax Infokmation. 533 XI. To THE Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Principal. Alternate. 1882, Rev. \Vm. Brown, D. D., Rev. R. P. Farris, D. D. Rev. T. A. Hoyt. D. D., Rev. H. C. Alexander, D. D. Hon. B. M. Estes, Hon. P. Joyce. 1883, Rev. M. D. Hoge, D. D., Rev. R. G. Brank, D. D. J. B. Strattou, D. D., Rev. W. F. V. Bartlett, D. D. Corresponding Delegates to the General Assembly from Other Eccle- siastical Bodies. I. From the Associate Reformed Synod of the South. 1861, Rev. Henry Quigg. 1870, Rev. W. M. McElwee. 1863, Rev. R. C. Grier, D. D. 1871, Rev. A. S. Sloan. 1864, Rev. L. McDonald. 1873, Rev. Monroe Oates. 1866, Rev. H. L. Mnrphy. 1876, Rev. D. G. Phillips, D. D. 1867, Rev. D. Pressly. 1877, John Miller D. D. 1869, Rev. John Miller. II. Fnoir THE Independent Presbyterian Convention. 1863, Rev. R. Y. Rnssel. III. FiioM THE Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 1866, Rev. C. A. Davis, D. D. 1874, Rev. J. L. Cooper. 1867, Rev. A. J. Baird, D. D. 1875, Rev. J. B. Logan. 1869, Rev. S. P. Chesuut. 1879, Rev. R. H. Caldwell. 1870, Rev. J. C. Bowdeu. 1880, Rev. W. B. Farr, D. D. 1873, Rev. S. H. Buchanan. IV. From the Synod of Missouri. 1867, Rev. A. P. Forman. 1871, Hon. Edward Bredell. 1871, Rev. John L. Yantis, D. D. 1872, Rev. \V. W. Trimble. Rev. K. I'. Farris. D. D. V. From the Synod of Kentucky. 1867, Rev. J. T. Heudrick, D. D. 1868, Rev. R. L. Breck. Rev. S. Robinson, D. 1). Rev. J. D. Matthews, D. D. Rev. D. O. Davies. Samnel Cassidy. Rev. G. O. Barnes. E. S. Edmonds. (Jlass Marshall. VI. From the (teneral Synod of the Reformed Church in America. 1871, Rev. John A. Todd, D. D. 1879, Kev. W. R. Duryea, D. D. 1872, Rev. A. B. Van Zaudt, D. D. 1880, Rev. Charles Scott, D. D. 1873, Rev. Chas. H. Stitt, D. D. 1881, Rev. Wm. P. Handy. 1874, Rev. Abel T. Stuart. 1882, Rev. Oscar H. Gregory, D. D. 1875, Rev. H. D. Ganse, D. D. 1883, Rev. Wm. Ormiston, D. D. S. W. Heath, Esq. 1884, Rev. CorneUus Van Sanvoord, D.D. 1877, Rev. Jacob Chamberlain. 1887. Rev. Henry M. Cox. 1878, Rev. T. W. Chambers, D. D. 534 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IX. VII. Fbom the Feee Chuech or Scotland. 1874, Rev. James Chalmers Burns, M. A. , and Eev. James Hood Wilson, M. A. VIII. Fkom the Refokmed Episcopal Chuech. 1877, Rev. Benjamin Johnson. 1878, Rev. J. Howard-Smith, D. D. Rev. Jos. D. Wilson. IX. From the Peesbyteeian Chuech in the United States of Ameeica. 1883, Rev. S. J. Niccolls, D. D. 1883, Hon. S. M. Moore. Rev. Herrick Johnson, I). D. Hon. Wm. Strong. Rev. S. Irenaeus Prime, D. D. 1884, Rev. Arthur Mitchell, D. D. Rev. E. P. Humphrey, D. D. Rev. Henry A. Nelson, D. D. Rev. T. S. Hastings. D. D. Hon. George H. Shields. •saosa •TTiaosipi 1 i 00 o> »| g' g •* 10 ■HI X 3 0 ^* rH ■TPNOIl -voafaoNoo CO s co' CO -3 0 CO as -.0 0 OS ■* 12" W IH CO 0 •* 00 rH to « -* to" oT CI cs en 'il CO CO CO s CO cs •"(1 00 CO 0 00 t- g so OS to eo 0 10 CO CO OS 0 CO 0 •* CI 0 rH g X s 0 10 t- § -* " 1 -nxov iav -TVS 8,aOX8Vi 00 § t- 0 ■H ;• 0 -* .H CJ c-T HI 0" 5i 5 lb 10 0 CO 10 0 0 i 1 g cs g 0" s 0 HI to' 10 1.0 HI t- 1« CO to eo" to >o CO 10 in g in CO g i • to 1 « ! •TYIH -axsasaaa 0 0 5 ! ! 0 00 to to CJ cT 0 a eo i co" CO 0 0 eo X eo 3 CO CO I* 1 •jjoixvona.id[ i 0 0 0 to OS to -J q! § § CO 00 iH to g 00 10 g 0 to to en X g X 0 X X OS CO s X CI eo X 5i ■* •KOixvoaaa CO s 0 00 CO g ■*" CO ■* »o OS* t-^ CO -* § g g to CO t- 00 1-i cc ■* 10 CO CI 00 oc s 00 ■hi' CO to cs" CI 0 to" CO x_ 10 HI t- CO CO 00 eo HI x" CO 0 OS CO •SNOISSIK NOlaHOJ 1 to 00' OS to to -* g g s o_ e-. to_ CO CI CO § in -* CO cs CO OS CO tr- io CO CO HI X s to" HI g eo cf 10 s 10 in m g eo to to •HI •ariVANi 1 i I § a •* 00 l-O r- OS ^ OS OS Cs to cs 0 Ir- es HI 0 cs to -K CO 0 X 0 0" 0" 1 0" CO d co_ to rH CI rH ■ousnaonyAa 1 i 1 1 , 1 LO 0 0 0 CO cs to 0" CO CO CO 0" ■* HI^ to X_ 0 g 0 CO HI 0 ^- eo •* 0 cf •HI CO -* 3 •N,xviNaxsa8 1 co" 00 00 CO 8 2 i ,-( 00 0 i» -* to -* t2 g g CO 10 -«" to >0 CO OS s CO HI g X i CS g" 10 0 t- t- 5 t- HI to to 10 HI ■HI HI OS •HI ■SIOOHOg "S Ni savaoHOg CO ■r44 CO 5 « CO 0 u> 0 CO to ^ f, E S g 5 CO s to to to HI S5 0 OS HI HI Hi CO g in" 10 X t- g to X HI X 'O' X to CS_ X to g •SIOOHDS 'S NI saaHovax •sxuvoiNaw -KOO-KOiJ aazixdva •aazLL -dVa 8XNVJNI i i 1 n 1 -S 1 -^ ■^ j s s 1 1 0 1 1 s^ to OS 00 10 •* cs I- CJ to CO ■* 'K i 0 00 CO CI CO lO_ 10 g -HI 0 to CS_ hT 1 HI 1 i X to OS in en 1 0 g X =" i 0 CI 0 cf rH 1 i HI % cs in 0 HI HI CO HI HI in CI g HI CO g HI HI 0 X cs' CO 3 HI g to HI § X hT ■ CO 10 CO to ■* CO g 0 10 CO LO OS to 00 CO CO g g CO « aaziJ. -avg sxiaav SXpiNflKWOO ,10 -on ^vxox -J 0 0 !0 OS to to 10 t- 00 s S ^ 0 1.0 n cs 0; CO OS ±5 0 to cs" -* OS 0 10 CO X hi" to X X 0 c" CO 00 g to g CO cs CS 0 HI CO CO ci CO g CI 0 X •HI X ^. a 0 CO i •-0 a, C:" 00 C-. HI co" HI •SxvoMixaao NO oaaay •NOIXyNIKV -xgNoaaaav en •* 0 0 CI CO j? to 01 to S -* to cs CO CO OS cs to to C) -*• CO *H X is CO n •3 to to g to HI 0 s to HI g 0 OS CO CO X to 0 HI CO » -*I X s to § CO HI CS CO i to HI in -* CI 10 0 -5t 00 3 >.o CO ira •SNoavaa 1 j 1 1 1 1 1 1 to CO 00 CO CO CO cs 1 0 CO rH CO 1 cs CO i HI g i ■HI X 0 1 ■aaacna: j 1 1 i 1 i 1 1 la 1 1 s 1 1 lO 10 10 •HI 10 i 10 10 ?1 g i to S5 g i i •saHoaano 0 g 00 to i 1 ^ 10 t- t- 5 00 i 00 X c» tH 25 OS 10 cs 0 0 cs 0 0 i g CI X OS d i •saxvaianvo 1 ! 0 to CO 0 i3 g 0 OS S I to CO to uo HI 3 1 1 HI § § CI i •eaxvuNaori § 10 5 OS » cs to 00 0 0 s eo ? CI t- 5 s s g g B 'asaisiKiK 1 i § i i i OS 00 CI 00 OS OS 1 i rH 1 0 s fH 1 X s 0 s rH 1 CI 1 10 1 CO 3 -xixasaacf 1 ^ 28 :s ts 10 to 10 10 10 to to s s to § CO 5 g to X CO § s s •avai t- 00 1 OJ 0 00 00 00 CO ■>* 10 00 00 00 CO 00 00 00 X 0 X X X X CO g HI 1 i 1 1 536 Digest of the Acts of the General Assembly. [Book IX. STATISTICS OF FOEEIGN MISSIONS, Taken from the Annual Reports of the ExEcuTrv'E Committee. TS CONTBI- ED. z H S C8 O o TS FROM MlS- rABY Societies. z u < ■ a O t« . fi a o irl SJ o Contributing day-schools. 1 ^ d W a; g iZ H IB Z H f» 5 a fi ^ u Z H a fe z 2 S O i o ^; a PS O & O K m 2 o o t3 & 3 0 s K S PH < is % a -«: < H o ^ 1866 $33,472 217 220 30 $8000 1867 29,049 450 120 .. . 1868 23,942 439 104 .. 1869 26,948 652 118 17 2970 .. $3624 1870 23,431 624 --- 8 1000 .. 6470 1871 21,890 .. .. 6503 1872 22,609 .-. 1000 ._ 6353 1873 23,525 144 26 3290 $2671 18 8096 1874 25,717 756 180 12 2100 6691 12 382 9340 1875 21,665 855 153 19 2520 6702 21 415 8568 1876 22,665 1074 185 22 3152 7496 30 602 10,190 1877 19,488 1040 164 8450 614 9243 1878 16,652 981 7514 678 9627 1879 16,681 948 145 8 1150 ()999 34 686 8382 1880 19,250 108K 156 8439 33 795 10,253 1881 18,526 10,959 36 10,248 1882 21,715 935 180 20 2660 13,822 55 840 11,088 1883 23,846 955 173 36 5550 16,225 70 802 10,517 1884 25,604 964 185 .. 19,705 .. 912 9892 1885 23,890 1019 .-. - - 17,028 67 889 10,852 1886 31,361 182 15 1425 19,044 59 10,798 1887 26,951 172 35 4915 18,133 61 --- 12,158 2 * p 125 p !zi "23 ;;^ 57 78 80 88 80 359 82 530 87 551 86 773 96 772 895 09 850 22 979 122 979 106 . 104 939 99 931 946 108 946 107 The amounts coutributed appeiir iii these columns less than those found in the General Tabular Summary. The explanation of this disciepancv is that this table is made from the reports of the treasurer of the Executive Committee of moneys passing through his hands, whereas in the General Summary the figures are those derived from the statistical tables sent up by the Presbyteries, which embody all funds raised in the Presbyteries to be expended at home, and which therefore did not enter int O P Q ? p H p « o sSw oo OK H « H fx' H a: g !^ ntCoj THE C MMITT o a i ^ 12^ -t* H -^ < D O O O HO Sn 0 S ggg 14 a p s H H Eh s f« <: •^ % CO m 00 -<: 1867 !$1657 18 14 27 1868 3110 43 23 24 .. " 1869 11,196 83 26 26 ._ 1870 17,369 108 32 35 ._ 1871 18,872 121 35 46 1872 19,661 130 50 62 1873 17,414 115 - -_ 56 62 1874 16,779 109 57 60 ._ 1875 15.215 92 612 38 77 .. 1876 14,345 95 700 25 74 .. 1877 13,078 74 --- 25 62 6 til58 1878 11,000 79 756 39 51 6 2000 1879 11,333 88 820 28 54 10 1880 11,145 95 874 26 51 13 2457 1881 10,336 80 875 .. 50 23 2776 1882 11,767 79 987 55 22 3679 1883 13,024 123 28 56 31 3467 ' 1884 14,317 137 34 48 31 3569 1885 17,850 160 41 .48 28 3354 1886 15,278 145 22 52 22 3587 1887 18,689 158 --- '" 59 27 The funds uoted in the first cohimn are only such as have been disbursed by the Executive Committee of Ediication. It does not include moneys disbursed directly by the Presbyteries and congi-egations. For the gross amount, see General Tabu- lar Summary. General Statistical Information. 539 PUBLICATION STATISTICS. 1 Excess of Assets OVER LlABIUTIEB. Assets. Endowment. Total Hkckii-ts. < Excess of Assets over Liabilities. Assets. '■A o z a a 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 $37,176 36,820 39,050 39,429 40,255 41,706 43.913 ' ' 39^706 ... 42,023 $35,962 17,1.34 $30,322 32,664 34,243 33,213 33,489 39,687 35,208 44.252 39,141 62,973 38,669 39^576 .'." 39,363 1878 1879 $13, 008. $61. 186 1880 16,836' 1881 19,743 1882 26,674 1883 31,737 1884 39,903 1885 47,481 1886 54,867 1887 64,100 $2li837 14,772 13.065 13,198 13,556 23,929 29,894 32,617 34,986 After the year 1878, in view of the debt under which this department labored, we give the excess of assets over liabilities, instead of making two columns, to show the solvency of the committee. The decline in receipts for several years after 1877 is due to the fact that the business durint^ that period was done by contract, and not directlv bv the committee. SABBATH SCHOOL STATISTICS. i 2 Z ^ 3 o NTRI- THE o 0 ^ ./ 0 0 (H ■ X X o s =^ s ya2 ^ S§§ x » a 0 ^ a o X a Q s Z H S b Z H K i. (i a 3 c O ^ o 0 a 33 0 a x H o S H 0 S H o S > S5 < 1877 "A < >* 1 1883 « < 1871 562 $12,741 911 $31,417 $41,583 1872 682 26,678 1878 986 24,555 ' 1884 iiie 47,075 1873 721 25,819 1879 1044 29,967 1885 1291 47,070 1874 760 31,022 1880 909 25,643 1886 1112 42,905 1875 871 1 30,058 1881 1132 37,055 1887 1241 64,535 1876 715 i 28,525 1882 1135 42,091 For other figures bearing on Sabbath-schools, see General Tabular Summarj-. INDEX. 7'/i( Jigures rtfiv to the number uf piuje. Absentees from the ordinances of the Church, 20. from Synod, must be noted in the re- cord, ()5. Address to Churches throughout the Earth, 3(>9. to the churches on higher educa- tion, 212. Admonition, when the force of, termi- nates, ii'H). Africa, 125. Agencies of the Churcli, relation of dia- conate to, 42. AlUauce, General Presbyterian, .oO(>. constitution of, .'iOS. delegates to, how accredited, .50i». delegates to, how chosen, .olO. Dabuey resolutions as to, ")()!♦. standing connuittee to correspond I with. r.lO. expenses of. "ilo. Amending constitution us to power of the Assembly to effect union, corres- i pcmdence, etc., 501. Amendments to constitution UTegularly adopted, 4."). Amusements, fashionable, 8Gl-y(>3. Appeal, right to, cannot be abridged, .">27. Appeal of Stuart Kobinson and othei-s, 515. of E. T. Baird, 51(;. of J. E. White, 517. of ]>. C. Robinson, 525. Appeals of W. S. Turner, 520-522. Api)ortioiimcuts for coUoctions, 808. Army, provision for clinplains in, 128. prayer for, and for youth in, i;50, 20!t. religioiis literature for, 2(18. memorial on Sabbath observance in, :{40. Assessments iox c(.)ntingeiit fund, 80-81. As.so<'iate Reformed Synod, steps toward union with, 40(). union with two Presbyteries of, 408, 409. Atlanta convention. (>7. pi-ovision by, for conduct o{ Foreign Missions, 95. Auditing repi>rts of executive ct>niinittees, 8:i Auditing — reports of treasiuers of the executive committees, 88. committee, to be one of the standing committees, 83. rejiorts of treasurer of Domestic Mis- sions, 181. Baltimore, aid for Sustentation from, 134. Baltimore Conference, proceedings of, 4(>7. Baptism as a burial, 345. Romish, 34(1-848. may Presbj'terians immerse. 848. by Campbellites and Unitarians, 348. of children of non-professors, 349. of children of suspended members, 349. of unconscious adults, 350. in extremis, 850. infant, neglect of, 350. when valid, 851. Begging discouraged, 143. Benediction, 355. Beneliciary education of candidates, 181. objections to, 185. 188. formerly conducted by the Presby- teries, 189. this jilau relinquished, 190. report on, 199. objections to the scheme, 199, 202-204. declines to abandon the scheme. 198. by agency of the Presbyteries, 200. Benefit fund, 178. Bequests, trustees to pay over, 331. form for, 831. licthel, seaman's, at New Orleans, 148. Bibles and tracts. Kennedy bequest for. 291. Bible, inspirati(m of. in seminaries, 245. Bible revision, 337. Bible Society. British and Foreign. 270, 887. Confederate States National, 88(). American, .■58(>. declines to add to list of benevolent causes, 888. Blanks for statistical reports. 814. lioard of Aid for Southern l'a.stors, 133. Boards discarded for committees, 379. ' liond of treasurer for Domestic Missions, ' 131. 542 Index. Bonds issued by Committee of Publica- tion, 280. Book of Chnrch Order, prepared, voted on and adopted, 7-17. a mode of amending, refused, 3. indexing, 17. Book of Discipline, liow amended, '2. revision of, 7-17. Boundaries of Synods changed, (Jl-li;!. Brazil, mission to, 12'i. Synod of, 123. Brookes, Rev. Dr., and others, memorial of, to Northern Assembly, 470. Brown, llev. Wm , D. D., 71 Bureau of information, 143. Burial service, 35'). Byington, Rev. Cyrus, IKi. By-laws for evangelistic fand, 1 ')4. for colored evangelistic fund, 1H.">. for invalid fund, 1 70. for board of trustees, 332 for.Sustentation, 138. for trustees of Publication, 2 7 7. Campbellite baptism, 348, 3;"i:;. doctrine, 303. Campinas institute, 1 23. Candidates, plan for training colored, 1()3. of non-co-operating Presbyteries, maj' not be aided, 1'.)3-1J)7. Presbyteries shall require reports from, 194. care in receiving, 190. maximum appropriations for, 19(J. at what period should aid be given, 199, 203. belong to the whole church, 201. loans to, 193, 203. pledges to, must be absolute, 20;}, 204. those who have dropped out must re- turn moneys received, 20U. should get credentials from their ses- sions, 206. when applications for aid for, should be sent in, 208. color of, to be reported, 20M. aid for, 183. form of application for aid for, 2(is. as coli^orteurs, 289. Card-playing, 3(>1, 302. Catechisms, how amended, 2, 3. Censure, ecclesiastical, in case of disobe- dience to the civil magistrate, 52(5. Centennial of first (ieneral .Assembly in America, 8^. Certificate of recreption, in case of dis- missed members, 23, ("haplains and the army, 12S. Charleston Union Presbytery, secession of, 49. C!harter for Committee of Publication, 27(;. for the Assembly, 317-324. trustees organize under, 32r>. amended, 329. Cherokee mission suspended, 118. Children included with parents in letters of dismissal, 21. attendance of, on public worship, 294, 356. Children's day, 11 4-. Children's Friend, 29-1. China mission, 1 l.s. Choctaw Bible, 110. Church, meaning of, 20. its non-political character, 383-385. spirituality of, 384. Church editices. b\-law in reference to, 1 38 loans for completing, 143, Church extension, 128. Church property, fis affecting fraternal relations, 4 77. Churches, Presbytery has discretion jis to mode of organizing, 5(;. presbyterial visitation of, l."2. foreign, best method of training, 54. not in our connection, when our minis- ters may supply, 27. the grouping of, 145. Citation by the session, 45. Clergy Friendly Society, 177. Clerks of Assembly have privileges of the floor. 09. term of service of, 70, 93. expenses of, 70. list of, 529. to correspond with Presbyterian Alli- ance, 510. stated, to publish list of reports re- quired, 70. Collections, should be weekly, 302. for benevolence. Presbytery must re- quire, 302. dates for, 302, not to conflict, 311, to be made in vacant churches by sup- plies, 303. causes of smallness and methods of in- creasing, 303. Colombia, U. S. of, mission to, 121. Colored churches, plan of separate or- ganization for, 1(>0-1(!2 Colored evangelistic fund, 103. by-laws for, 1()5. collection for, 100. Colored exhorters to be licensed, 158, 159, 161. Colored ministers, 101. Colored people, under care of domestic missions, 155. religious instruction of, pastoral letter on, 155. a plan for religious instruction of, 1 50. separate churches for, 157-159. branch congregations for, 158, 159. Sabbath-schools for, 158, 300. co-operati(m with Northern board as to work among, 159. aid for, from Sustentation fund, 1(14. Index. 543 Colored people — Presbyteries to report all work among, 1G5. missionaries among, 16G. progress of work among, 166. evangelists for, 242. literature for, 291. Colportage undertaken, 287. remitted to the Presbyteries, 288. again undertaken, 28!). candidates employed in, 289. Columbia Seminary transfeiTed to the Assembly, 215. constitution of, adopted and changed, 217. endowment of , 218. condition of, and relief for, 217, 218, 22.0. removal of, 219. election and inauguration of professors in, 217, 220. resignation of prof essors, 222, 227, 233. attendance upon chapel services, 222. protest to action on chapel attendance, 223. financial agent for, 226. complaint against a professor, 226. financial losses, 226. retirement of Dr. Plumer, 228. seminary closed, 227. Dr. Girardeau withdraws resignation, 231. Assembly sunenders control of, 229. condition of, 230 -233. faculty of, 234. origin of, 233. Commission of Presbyiery, who may sit in, 57. number required to constitute, .'>7. quorum of, 57. Commission of elders to supervise col- ored congregations, 158. Commissioners to the army, 128. Commiooioners for Susteutation, 132. Commissioner to higher courts may be required to report on other matters than their diligence, 93. Commissioners' fiind, 81, 82. Committees, presbyterial, what eldei-s may be appointed on, 55. Complain, right to, cannot be abridged, 527. Complaint of Jas. Sinclair, 512. of A. W. Miller and others, 512. of Sam'l Galloway, 512. of J. J. Cooke, 513. of S. J. Baird, 514. of I. W. Cantield, 515. of R. K. Smoot and others, 516. of R. S. McAllister and M. H. Shaw, 517. of J. H. Moore, 517. of J E White, 518. of I AV. and W. Q. Cantield, 518. of E. E. Baker, 51 9. Complaint — of the Presbytery of Memphis, 523. of C. A. Baker, 524. of F. P. Eamsay, 525. of James Woodrow, 525. Complaint may be against other than a judicial decision, 524. Confederate constitution, a clause in, ap- proved, 381. Confession of Faith, how amended, 2, 3. amended, 4-7. declines to transfer a paragraph to, from Form of Government, 3. Congregational meetings, 47. for what purposes may be held, 23. who may preside at, 23. Constitution adopted, 1. how amended, 2, 3 informalitv in manner of amending, 19. amendments to, irregularly adopted, 45 . Constitution of Execiitive Committee of Domestic Missions, 127. Contingent fund for Assembly, 80, 81. Contribution to special objects in Mis- sions, 99 Convention at Huntsville on Education, 211 Co-operation in the foreign tield, 100. Co-operative Alliance with the Reformed Church, 296, 443. Co-operative work, conference on, 502-"6. Co-ordinate secretary for Home Missions, 146. Correspondence solicited with various churches, 433. Correspondence with M. E. Churcli, South, 434. with M. E. Church, North, 435. with U. P. Church of Scotland, 435. ' with Free Church of Scotland, 436. with Reformed Episcopal Church in the United States, 436. with the bishops of the P. E. Church, 438. with Cumberland Presbvterian Church, 438. with colored Cumberland Assemblv. I 44.'. j with Reformed Church, 444. I with Northern Presbyterian Church, with reference to union, 449. pastoral letter on this subject, 454. deputation to churches in Great Britain and on the continent of Europe, 43.3. I with South Carolina S. S. Convention, I 437. with Y. M. C. A . 437. mode of, 499. Counsel for the accused, 528. Courtesies, custom of Assembly as to ac- cepting, 7(>. ' Courts not parties in judicial cases, 528. not compelled to bring trial, because charges are brought, 521, 544 Index. Creed, the Apostles', amendiug, 7. Uaiiciug, 89, 3«1, ;-5«2, .•?h4. Dancing schools, 'S(i2. Danville Seminary, r>04-50G. Day of prayer for youth, 208, 209. Deacons, demission of, 37. 'their relation to the session, 42. Deceased wifes sister, 4-7. Delegates sent by the Assembly to other bodies, list of, 53 1 . sent to the Assemblj'f rom other bodies, list of, .533. Deliverances, courts have power to make, defining what is an offense, 89. en t/icsi, their nature and authority, 89, 91, 92. force of logical inferences from, 92. Demission of elders and deacons, 37. Deposed ministers, mode of restoring, 29, .-)20. Depositories for Publication Committee, 271. branch, 272 Diaconate in its relation to the agencies of the Church. -42. Directory of Worship, how amended, 2. revision of, 17-19. Directory for the Oblation, 312. Disabled ministers' fund. Km, 1{J9, 170. Discipline, its two-fold meaning, 90. necessity of, iu certain cases, 3(i2, 3«3. comity in matters of, between North- ern and Southern Churches, 504, 50.-.. Discipline of retail liquor dealers, 3(J6. Dismission of ministers to other denomi- nations, 24. of members, to churches not connected with the Assembly, 21, 520. of non-communing members, 21. of members, notification to church to which they are dismissed, 22. letter of, when retiirned, reinstates in membership, 22. Dissolution of pastoral relation, 27. Doctrines of the Church to be taught in Sunday-schools, 293. Domestic Missions, Southwestern Ad- visory Committee of, 12fi. constitution of Executive Committee of, 127. change of location for Committee of, 127. temporarv Executive Committee for, 127. Executive (Joinmittee of, consolidated with that for Foreign Mis.sions, 128. auditing reports of treasurer of, 131. salary of treasurer, 131. has oversight of work among colored people. 155 non-co-operative Presbyteries, 131. Drew, lie v. Thomas, 24. Earnest Worker, 295. j Education, beneficiary, 181. I objections to Assembly cond\icting, 188. Education, Executive Committee of, con- stituted, 179. new constitiition for, 191. united with that of Publication, 181. duties and powers of, 180, 191, 192. a provisional committee for, 180. early embarrassments of the work, 192, 193. secretary of, to visit Synods and Pres- byteries, 20(>. travelling agent for the committee, 193. money for, how remitted, 194. location of Executive Committee changed, 195. declines to enlarge the powers of the Executive Committee, 196. receipts and disbursements to be jirint- ed, 215. an aiiportionment for, 207. ecclesiastical year for, 207. Presbyterial reports on, 2(i(). duties of Presbyterial chairmen, 207, 208. Education, ministerial, address on, 20G. standard of, 245. Education, theological, change in the mode and standard of, 245-20 1. Education, secular, 210. convention at Huntsville on, 211. Elders, membership of, in Presbytery continues until next stated meeting, 35. representing associated churches, 35. to conduct services m neighboring congregations, 35. Presbj'terial courtesies to, 3(j such as have moved from their bounds, 36. returning letters of dismissal resume their functions, 36, demission of, 37. function of single, 38. examination of, on the standards, 38. in Presbytery, are representatives, 57. Presbytery may have original jurisdic- tion over, 5H. ui Presbytery and Synod, record should show what church each represents, Elder Moderator, 39. Electioneering pami^hlets, 76. Eleemosynary projects, evils incidental to all, 200. Established (^hurch, constitutional provi- sion against, approved, 3Sl. Evangelical Alliance, 437. Evangelism in the Seminaries, 154. Evangelist, powers of, and his relation to the courts, ■■>2. duties and powers of, 149, 151, 155. ecclesiastical character and powers of foreign, 104-108. Index. 545 Evangelist — relation of foreign to ex committee, the various courts, and his fellow evangelists, 105. should he join the native Presbytery, r.O, 54. relation of, to his Presbytery and to the centnd committee, 152. salary of, how paid, 151, 15], 155. synodical, 1 53. Evangelists, the labors of, must be re- ported to Assembly, 150. this rule repealed, 153. grouping churches under, 150. the churches served must help sup- port, 150. for colored people, 242. lay, 30. Evangelistic labor, standing committee on, 150 this committee discontinued, 153. Evangelistic work separated from that of sustentation, 151. a stated collection ordered for, 151. plan of prosbyterial visitation, 152. licentiates in, 32. in Texas, 153. Evangehstic fund, column for, in pres- byterial blanks, 153. by-laws for, 154. collections for, wheu to be made, 154. appropriations, when made, 154. no aid to be given from, to non-co-op- erative churches, 152. Evolution, deliverance on, 3<;, 307, 301>. reports of the treasiirers of, 307, 31 1. how the.se reports shall be audited, 83, 84. secretaries of, are e.r. officio trustees of the Assembly, 32(5. have privileges of the floor in Assem- bly, (Jit. relations ^^•ith the board of trustees, 327. list of secretaries and treasurei-s of, 530. Exhorters, colored, to be licensed, 34, 158, !.">;», 101. lay, 31. Family training, pa.storal letter on, 356. Family worship, 35(). Fasting and prayer, day of, 355, 381. Florida as a mission field, 148. Florida land company, 214. Foreign Missions, constitution for the executive committee of, 94. location of, 94. treasurer's bond, 104. duties of secretary, 94. salary of, 104. work of provisional committee of, 95. executive committee of, organized, 97. duties of the committee, 100. refuses to consolidate with Northern board, 109. secretary and treasurer of, vindicated, 109. corresponding members of the exec- utive committee, 114. pastors to preach on, 98. separated from department of Home Missions, 145. an evening for, in the Assembly, 99. amounts asked for, 126. Form of Government, how amended, 2. transfer of a paragraph from, to Con- fession of Faith, refused, 3. revision of, 7-17. Fraternal relations with Northern church, committee of conference appointed on, 458. protest against this, 464. failure of the conference, 466. correspondence between the commit- tees, sitting in Baltimore, 467. further negotiations, 489. salutations exchanged, 492. estabhshed, 492. interchange of delegates, 495. refuses to re-open the question, 496. Free-will offerings, 109, 311. Gambling, 366. General Assembly, organized, 67. membei-s without commissions, 69. term for which commissioners to are chosen, 69. declines to make that term two years, 69. commissioners leaving before adjourn- ment, 69. "secretaries and clerks have privileges of the floor, 69. expenses of clerks and their term of service, 70 stated clerk to publish what reports are required, 70. treasurer of, 70. his accounts to be published, 71. reporter for, 71. time of meetings, 72. biennial meetings, 72. place of meetings, 72. rules for, adopted and revised, 72. prayer for, 77. permanent standing committees of, 77. minutes of, 79. quarto-centennial of, 84. 546 Index. General Assembly — centennial anniversary, 85. without power to organize or dissolve | a presbytery, 83, 50. relation of, to churches on mission ter- ' ritory, 51. what control over the foreign evangel- ist, 5'6. Graybill, Kev. A. T. , founds the Mexican mission, 124. Greece, mission to, 124. Grinnan, Rev. R. B!, founds the Japan mission, 125. Grouping churches, 145. Hamner, Rev. Dr. J. G. , agent for Edu- cation, 193. Hangchow Presbyterj", 50. Historical Society, Presbyterian, 338. Southern Presbyterian, 339. History, collecting materials for, 87, 339. Home Missions, execiitive committee of created, 148. made separate from that of Foreign Missions, 145. change of location for, 146. secretary of, to visit throughout the church, 148. receipts, how published, 149. amount of money asked for, 149. vote of thanks to the old committee, 145. Howe, Rev. Dr., 266. Hymn Book, 357. revision of, 360. Rouse's version of the Psalms, 359. Hymu Book for Sunday-schools, 298. Hymn and Tune Book, 359. Hymns and Tunes, Robinson's, 360. Immersion, 345, 348. Independent Presbyterian Church, union with, 410. Index for Book of Church Order, 1 7. Indians, missions among, 95, 114. schools among, 115. transfer of, to Home Missions, 118. literature for, 291. Inquiry, committee of, as to organic union, etc. , with Northern Church, 49(;. Inslee, Rev. E. B. , founds the China mission, 1 1 8. provision for the family of, 119. Inspiration of Scriptures in the Semina- ries, 245. Intemperance, 365. International Lessons, 29(i. Invalid scheme, 1 70. by-laws for, 179. Investing committees for Relief fund, 176. Irvine, Rev. Robert, 24. Italian mission, 120 Jackson, General T. J., 397. on Sabbath mails, 341. Japan, mission to, 124. Jews, missions among, 125. Judicial cases, who entitled to sit in, 528. courts not parties in, 528. and so not entitled to be represented on appeal, 528 Jiidicial committee may not pass final judgment on a case. 525. Kalopothakes, Rev. M. D., 124. Keith, Rev. W. J., colportage books of, 269. Kennedy bequest for Bibles and tracts. 291. Kentucky, aid for Sustentation from, 134. legacy for evangelistic work in, 154. Kentucky, Synod of, unites with the As- sembly, 4 1 2. letter to the Assembly of 1867, 414. statement of her doctrines and princi- ples, 417. historj'^ of the schism in, 427. Kingsbury, Rev. Dr. Cyrus, 117 Lane, Rev. C. W. , plan of, for a disabled ministers' fund, 167. Lane Rev. E., foiinds the Brazilian mis- sion, 122. Latin thesis, 33. Lay preachers and evangelists, 30, 31, 516. Legacies for Home Missions, 149. method of distributing, 334. expense of collecting certain, how de- frayed, 333, 334. ■ Legacy of Wm. Workman, 154. of Stuart Robinson, 178. of Robert Lusk, 197. of N. T. Leonard, 334. Letter, dismissing members to other de- nominations, 21, 520. for a member, must include his chil- dren also, 21. Letter of dismission, return of, reinstates a party in membershij), 22. License, partial. 34. Licensing colored exhorters, 34. Licensure, lowering the standard for, 33. (lualification for, 255. in extraordinary cases, 30. Licentiate may not be an evangelist, 1 54. Licentiates in evangelistic work, 32. may declare a church vacant, 34. Presbytery may recall license of, 5 1 2. Linn, Rev. S. P., case of, 520. Liquor traffic, sixppression of, 365. retailers of, 366. Literature for the army, 268. for the colored jjeople, 29 1 . for the Indians, 291. Liturgy for public worship, 354 Loans for completing chi;rch edifices, 1 43. to candidates, 193, 203. Louisville conference, 504. Lusk, Mr. Robert, legacy of, 197. Males only eligible to office, 31. Manses, 143. Manual for Foreign Missions, 100. Maryville College, 213. Index. 547 McAlpine, a founder of the Japan mis- sion, 12;j. McCormick, Hon. C. H., 235, 26«. Mcllwaine, Eev. R., D. D., 113, 147. Members of the church, when in good standing, 20. how received from other denomina- tions, 20. dismissing to churches not connected with the Assembly, 26, 520. non-communing, dismission of, 21. non-communing, a roll of, to be kept, 22. losses of, not to be reported, 22. \ non -contributing, 22. Presbytery may have original jurisdic- tion over, .">6 Membership, courts cannot make new rules of, 23, 89. suspension from, without trial, 52(J. Memorial services, 84, 85. Memorial fund, 87, 88. Memorial of Eev. G. Nash Morton, 110. Mexican mission, 124. Miller, Ilev. John, on beneticiary educa- tion, 187. Ministers, reception of, without letters of dismission, 23. dismission of, to other denominations, 24. subscribing, when received into a Pres- bytery, 26. when they may supply churches out of our connection, 27, 28. may not become such supjjly perma- nently, 28 without charge, 28. mode of restoring the deposed, 29. ordination of an additional class of, 30. out of doctrinal accord with the Church, 31. who doubt their having a call, 31. alarming need of more, 206, 263. colored, 161. Ministerial education, 245. Minutes of the Assemblj', committee to verify, 79. to be published by the < Committee of Publication, 79. price of, 79. ilissioD, the, how composed and what its duties. 101. Mission press for China, 119. ^lissionaries, duty of, 101. how appointed, 102. rules pertaining to the support of, 103. how transfeiTed to a foreign Presby- tery, 109. entitled to copy of the executive com- mittees' record affecting themselves, in certain cases, 1 1 2. among the colored people, ItU;. women as, 98. Misxioiiuri/, The, 97. Missionary meetings in Presbytery, !>9. Missionary societies, women's, 98. Missions, monthly meetings in interest of, 306. Missouri, Synod of, unites with the As- sembly, 429. history of the division in, 481. cause of separation from Northern As- sembly, 4 79. Moderator, an elder may be, 39. of session, who may be, 46. of a congregational meeting, 23. Moderators of the Assembl}^ 529. of the United SjTiod, 406. Monthly concert for Foreign Missions, 97. collection at, 97. Morton, Eev. G. Nash, founds the Bra- zilian mission, 122. memorial of, 110. Narratives, topics for, 58. must be signed by the clerk, 58. Oblation, directory for the, 355. Offense, courts may make deliverances defining what constitutes, 89. Offenses are all to be dealt with by judi- cial process, 90. Ordination of an additional class of min- isters, 30. in extraordinary cases, 30. by a foreign evangelist, 104. 108. qi;alifications for, 255 ff. cannot be partial, 523. sine titulo, 29. Organic union with Northern Church, correspondence with reference to, 449. pastoral letter on, 454. amending powers of the Assembly to effect, >j01. resolves to maintain its independent stand, 502. decUnes to consider, 502, 505 committee of inquirj' as to, 496. Original jurisdiction, when Presbyteries may have over elders and members, 56.' Overture, the right to cannot be abridged. 527. Overtures, informality in manner of send- ing down, 19. to be printed in the minutes, 78. should come through lower courts, 78. and memorials may be refen-ed with- out reading, 77. Painter, G. W., ordination of, 104. Paragraphs of the Book of Church Order to be numbered consecutively, 17. Parents, relation of, to Sunday School, 294. Park, Eev. Samuel, case of, 523. declines to reconsider the point therein decided, 1()4. Pastor, who may vote for, 26. amending form of call for, 27. call for, without promise of adequate support, 27. 548 Index. Pastoral relatiou, not to be lightly broken, I 27. i dissohition of, 27. Pastoral letter on organic nnion with | Northern Church, 454:, j on religious instruction of colored peo- ! pie, 155. j on parental training, 356. Pastors sho^^ld preach to the children, 299. Patapsco, Presbytery of, unites with the Assembly, 398. | Pernambuco, mission founded at, 1 23. Perrin, Hon. T. C, 335, Philadelphia, invitation to the Assembly to meet in, 87. Plumer, Rev. Dr., 2(56. Prayer for the General Assembly, 77. for increase of candidates for the min- istry, 210. for the army, 130. for the Confederate States, 380. for soldiers and generals, 381. ' Prayer, day of, for missions, 98. for youtii, 208, 209. fasting and, 355, 381. thanksgiving and, 356, 381. Prayer, week of, 210. Pratt, Rev. H. B., founds mission to U. S. of Colombia, 121. Preliminary principles, chapter on, in old book, omitted in the new, 10 Presbyterial changes in Synod of Georgia, 48. chau-men f(jr Foreign Missions, duties of, 114. supervision of Sunday-schools, 293. Presbyterian Church, North, correspon- dence with, with reference to union, 449. Presbyteries, the original, 47. new, 48. that have disappeared from the roll, 48. of Potomac and Winchester, 4 8. mixed, in the foreign lield, 108. relatiou of, to Home Missions, 135. relation of, to the Committee of Edu- cation, 192. for colored people, 163, 164. of the United Synod, 405. visitation of the churches by, 152. Presbytery, what control over her for- eign evangelist, 52. elders not appointed may not sit in, 55. an elder necessary to a quorum, 55. meeting out of proper place, 56. how often shall meet, 56. when it has original jurisdiction over elders and members, 56. Assembly without power to organize, 83. Presbytery of Charleston Union, 49. of Sao Paulo, 49. of Hangchow, 50. of Tuscumbia, transfened to Synod of Memphis, 60. Presbytery — of North Alabama, transferred to Synod of Alabama, 61. of Tamaulipas, 124. formed in Greece, 124. Private judgment, right of, 92. Profanity, 356. Protest, limitation on the right of, 92. Provincial Assemblies, 501. Psalms, Rouse's version of, 359. Publication, the execiitive committee of, constituted, 267. property of Synod of Mississippi ten- dered to Assembly, for, 267. location of the committee, 208. quorum of, 270. vacancies in, 270. endowment for, 271, 273, 280. benevolent work of, 275. management of committee and secre- tary endorsed, 275. the executive committee incorjporated, 276. by-laws for the trustees, under the act of incorporation, 277. bonds issued by the committee, 280. contracts of committee with sffcretarv. 281. losses through failure of the secretary. 283. report on these losses, 283. the business to be done by contract, 280 restrictions on sales removed, 289 regulations for the committee of, 289. [ gratuitous distributions, 290. i relations of the committee- with the Philadelphia board, 290. committee consolidated mth that of Education, 290. date for collections for, 291. committee to have supervision of Sun- day-school work, 294. nde about examining books, 271. publishing annual receipts, 274. of non-denominational books, 274. ecclesiastical year for, 275. secretary of, to visit Synods and I'res- byteries, 290. secretary made treasurer, 289. his salary, 270, 291. attendance of treasurer at the Assem- bly, 275. itemized statements in treasurer's re- port, 291. Publications of other houses, ourimprim- atur to be placed on, 270. Publishing agent, 271. Publishing house, 278. Quarto-Centennial services of the As- sembly, 84 Quoriim of a session, 44. of a Presbytery, elder necessary to, on. of a commission of Presbytery, 57. of a Synod, 65, Index. 549 Reception of members from other denom- iuatious, 20. certilieates of, 23. Reception of ministers without letters, 24. from foreign countries, 24. Red River country as a mission field, 148. Reformed Church of America, co-opera- tive alliance with, 443. co-operation in publishing' Sunday- school journals, 21IG. Register of baptized children to be kept, 21. also of non-communing members, 22. Relief fund, scheme for, 170. the scheme goes into operation, 178. regulations for, 173, 174. plan for, modified, 174. investing committees for, 176. investment of, under whose control, 17(;. taken from under church control, 17G. supervision of contract with Clergy Friendly Societj' transferred to com- mittee of Foreign Missions, 1 78. amount of invested funds, .537. Reporter for the Assembly, 71. Representation, mode of, in higher courts, !»2. Representatives may not be instructed how to vote, 8. who may vote on the approval of, '6. what control over theological semina- ries, 264. Synod of Georgia, Presbyterial changes in, 48. I of South Georgia and Florida organ- ized, 59. of Texas, division of, refused, 59. of Brazil, 123. Synodicid boundaries changed, (i()-63. Synodical evangelist, 123. Synods, the original, 59. Synods — received, 59. how divided, 66. , and Presbyteries to be arranged in the Minutes alphabetically, 77. formerly in connection with the United Synod, 405. Systematic Benevolence, reports of Pres- byteries on, 302. Standing Committee on, 303. opportunity should be afforded all to give, 303. Presbyterial committees on, 306. blanks for, 306, apportionment for, 308. tract on, 313. Texas, Home Missions in, 148. evangelistic work in, 153. Thanksgiving, day of prayer and, 356, 381. Theatrical performances, 381. Theological education, change in the mode and standard of, 245-261. Theological seminary for the Southwest, 245. Theological seminaries, origin of, in America, 247. English Bible in, 253, 262. terms of six months, 258. missionary interest in, 99. health in, 264. patronizing our own, 264 control of the Assembly over, 264. evolution in, 265. Tithe, 309. Title of the Church adopted and changed, I. Travelling agent for Education, 193. Treasurer, a single, for all the funds of the Assembly. 301. Treasurers of executive committees, list of, 530. Tract Society, Keligious, of London, 270. Trustees of the Assembly organize the charter, 325. secretaries of executive committees ex officio members of the board of trus- tees, 326. number of reduced, 326. divided into three classes, 333. relations of the board of, with the exec- utive committees, 327. to lay claim to certain property, 330. to pay over bequests to executive com- mittees, 331. by-laws for, 332. reports of the board, 333. tenure of office, 333. treasurer of the board, 334. expenses of the board, 3:54. quorum of the board, 335. president of the board ex officio a mem- ber of the Assembly, 335. members of the board have the privi- leges of the floor, 335. Index. 551 Trustees — list of officei-s of, ")31. Tiiastees of the Committee of Publicatiou, 27(5, 277. Tuskaloosa Institute, origin of, 289. agency for, 241. salary for secretary of, 241. commended, 241 statistical column for, 242. incompetent students, 242. change in financial management of, 242. progiess and history of, 248. Union Theological Seminary, Assembly assumes review and control of, 284. opening and closing day of, 23.">. financial condition of, 28.">-238. gift of C. H. McCormick to, 285. legal title of, 237. origin of, 288. faculty, and faculty changes, 237, 288! Unitarian baptism, 348. United Synod of the South unites with the Assembly, 4()(i. terms of the union, 4(12. history of. 404. Unity, reply to Episcopal bishops on, 438. TTuiversity, scheme for a Southern Pres- bj-terian, 210, 211. Vacant pulpits, inviting Northern minis- ters into, 437. Visitation of churches by Presbyteries, 1.52. Waldensian churches, aid for, 48."). Week of prayer, 210. Westminster di^^nes, sketch of, to be added to Book of Church Order, 17. Wilson, Rev J. Leighton, D. D., 113, 114, 147. Women, as preachers, 81. as missionaries, !)8. Women's Missionary Societies, !t8. Woodrow, Rev. James, 112. Workman, Wm. , legacy of, for evangel- istic work in Kentucky, 1.54. Worship, public, attendance of children upon, 294. Year, ecclesiastical, f or Sustentation, 142. for Education, 207. for Publication, 27:5. uniform, ;>12. Y. M C. A., 437. Youth, day of prayer for, 208, 209. Princeton Theological S L_ 1 1012 01031 9558 f'.'^mi'imW'x-: mm mMl^i^MM iiiii iiiiiil 'Mm