FEB 1 2004 THEOLOGlcil^RI BX8952 .M67 1905 Morris, Edward D. Presbyterian Church, New School , 1837-1869 : an historical eview / UBRARYOFPRINCM?'* FEB 1 20C4 theologic^Snary A Booh of Remembrance The Presbyterian Church ^ NEW SCHOOL 1837-1869 /OjJ 4^ I? 4^ - > €• ^n Historic^ Review By EDWARD D. MORRIS, D. D., LL. D. Emeritus /'ro/tssor of Theology in Lane Seminary COLUMBUS, OHIO 1905 8> /'*' V f '•&>' (Ialiaibai.(Wiut by the necessities of the case such segregation could not be permanent. As new settlements began to be formed in the developing provinces, and common in- terests drew together in many ways the adherents of differing sects, it became impracticable for any one Church to maintain an exclusive title to denominational supremacy in any part of the public domain. Provin- cial seclusion gradually ceased to be regarded as de- sirable or just; the right of each sect to establish itself wherever opportunity offered, came by degrees to be broadly recognized; the aspiration to be not provincial but continental began to actuate all alike ; and the grad- ual diffusion of their various types of faith and order throughout the continent was the final result. .Such diffusion and commingling produced their natural consequence in eager struggle for position, for influence, for church supremacy. The spirit of the 14 AMERICAN PRESBYTERIANISM. denominations inevitably came to be, not one of friendly amity and mutual helpfulness, or even of amicable rivalry : too often it degenerated into a temper of sus- picion, of aversion, and even of open antagonism. As the domain to be occupied broadened and became con- tinental, the efifort to possess it became more and more intense ; and an era of sectarian zeal and strife such as has hardly a parallel in Christian history followed. Yet it is pleasant to note that the severe strife of sects rrr America, a phenomenon as pamful as it is unique, was one which by its own nature could not be perma- nent. The warfare of the Puritan against the Baptist, of the Episcopalian against the Quaker, of sect with sect, could not last always. Each Church was com- pelled to acquaint itself with the principles and methods of other Churches : minor differences were gradually seen to be unimportant : contact and comparison tended at length to induce concord : and from the whole experience there emerged by degrees a practical toler- ation and a measure of mutual respect and confidence such as has appeared in no other land. A third condition to be noted is the progressive separation of the Church in whatever variety from the State, and the universal enthronement of the voluntary principle in church support. How much the Regium Donum and other kindred bestowments, — the asserted obligation of the civil power to contribute toward eccle- siastical maintenance, and the consequent obligation of the ecclesiastical to sustain the civil power, and even to submit spiritual matters to its control, has done to cor- rupt the Church in belief and action, in head and mem- TRAXSPLANTATION AND DEVELOPMENT. 15 hers, is well enough known to every careful student of the religious history of the Old World. The same theory was at first, and for long periods, regarded as valid and authoritative by most of the American Churches. For generations every property holder, of wliatever religious belief, was required by law to sup- port financially the established Episcopacy of Virginia. A century has not passed away since the maintenance of the local church was laid as a legal obligation on every resident of the Connecticut parish. Similar re- quisitions prevailed, with more or less of rigor, in most of the colonies. Rut the various attempts to establish State Churches came by degress to be recognized as defective in both theory and jiractice. and were gradually abandoned. The broader principle that any specific form of reli- gion should be maintained by those only who accept it, and that in the eye of civil law all existing varieties of religious belief should not only stand on precisely the same footing, but should be alike left to stand or fall according as the zeal or the indifference of their adher- ents might determine, came by degrees to be generally accepted. The obligation of the State to protect ant! fo.ster the common Christianity continued to be recog- nized : the propriety, for example, of exempting from taxation property devoted exclusively to religious uses was widely admitted : public worship and the Sabbath were protected ; but no consequent right to dictate terms of religious belief or prescribe rules of church administration or discipline was anywhere allowed. The State might neither enact laws establishing reli- gion nor prohibit the free exercise of religion, nor re- 16 AMERICAN PRESBVTERIANISM. quire aiiv religious test as a qualification for civil trust or office. Within its own sphere the Church of what- ever name came to he regarded as a kingdom not of this world — a kingdom far above all civil jurisdictioti or control, so far as its own interests were concerned. That there were some undesirable consequences following from a change so radical — from the en- thronement of voluntaryism as the un. sal rule, may easily l)e admitted. It too often tended to develop an inordinate denominati(jnal zeal. — to incite an intense though narrow love of sect or of party which was in- consistent with broad and generous regard for the one Church Catlioh'c. It sometimes imposed too great bur- dens on the membership, esjiecially in the erection of sanctuaries and (he support of ordinances. It occasion- ally led selfish and worldly minds into indifiference to the claims and blessings of the Christian faith as repre- sented and expressed in and through the Church. Yet voluntaryism has justified itself an hundred fold in the energy it has induced, in the temper of sacrifice it has engendered, in the better administration of church affairs, and in the loftier estimate of religicMi which it has taught the people at large to cherish. It has proved its value also in the larger interest it has developed in all varieties of Christian beneficence and charity, in the generous support given by individual munificence to all forms of higher education, and in the zeal for mis- sions supported by free gifts and including the wIkoIc race of man within their loving and Christlike sweep. Absolute liberty of thought and of speech was still another general condition, clos^'ly related to the preced- TRAXSPLAXTATION AND DEVELOPMENT. 17 ing, — the full rig^ht of every denomination and of each hcliever to express and declare in all proper ways their respective convictions, without check or restraint either by the arm of civil law or through any repressive force of popular sentiment. That right, as all know, was distinctly enunciated in the Reformation : it is em- bodied in the very word. Protestant. It stands out in perpetual antithesis alike to the claims of churchly authority in whatever form, and to all assumption by the State of any warrant to prohibit the free expres- sion of personal belief within the civil domain. It is a right inhering inalienably in all intelligent minds, espe- cially within the religious sphere. How much the ex- ercise of this right was challenged and obstructed in Europe (luring the seventeenth and eighteenth centu- ries, is known to all historical students. Instances are not wanting in .America where both the State and the Church, and the Church Protestant as well as Papal, have attemptetl to invade this right, and under some pretext to repress legitimate freedom of speech. Yet it is to the glory of .American Christianity, and espe- cially of -American Protestantism, that it has more and more firmlv and cordially cotne to recognize this ina- lienable prerogative as vested not only in the Church as an organization, but in each believer as a moral per- son. su])remelv accountal)le for his belief and bis utter- ances to (lod alone. That there are serious dangers accompanying the exercise of such liberty. — that it may degenerate into reckless license, or become a medium of destructive error, or an inciting cause of revolution and anarchy within the religious sjjbere. is (piite obvious. Cnder the 18 AMERICAN FRESBYTERIANISM. banner of free thought, all varieties of opposition to the Christian Faith, all types of unbelief however irra- tional have at times banded themselves together, and wrought immeasurable mischief to the cause of true religion. Nor is it strange that in the natural revolt against such perversion of liberty, thoughtful minds should sometimes question the validity of the principle itself, or should seek shelter from such dangers under the wing of what is supposed to be an infallible and authoritative Church. Neither is it strange that the Church should sometimes assert, even to an unwarrant- able degree, its right to protect itself against such per- nicious license, especially when manifest within its own communion. Still, the right to think as one chooses concerning religious matters, subject only to the scrutiny of con- science and the tests of right reason, and the correlated right to express under proper limitations what is be- lieved, is a heritage so precious, a privilege so unques- tionable and sacred, that we may well rejoice that it came so early to be recognized in the American colo- nies, and has now become so thoroughly established as an essential condition of American Christianity. Protected by positive statutes and by court decisions, upheld bv multiplied ecclesiastical deliverances in its defense, and sustained by concurring popular senti- ment, such liberty of thought and of speech has become for all the future a primal principle both in our per- sonal and in our denominational life as a people — a law imiversal and unchallengeable. Such in brief were the four generic conditions under which the various Christian denominations in America TRASSP LA STATION AND DEVELOPMENT. 19 began their existence and development, and by these the Presbyterian Church found itself surrounded and affected from the first, as it took its place among these religious bodies, and entered upon its ordained and distinctive work. While it retained with tenacity its affiliation with European and especially with Scotch Presbyterianism, it still was constrained even from the outset to recognize its essential independency, and to take on forms and features such as the new continent with its fresh and unique life was imposing. And while it naturally emphasized its own strong system of belief and its particular form of ecclesiastical organization, even claiming for the latter an exclusive jure divino authority, it was at once compelled to adjust itself to the companionship of other sects claiming like warrant, to recognize their rights and their excellencies, and to iabor side by side with them in substantial harmony for the promulgation of the Christian Faith. So, while in Europe, especially in Britain, it had as- pired to become a state religion, and had claimed pecu- niary as well as moral sustenance from the civil power. here it was obliged from the beginning to depend en- tirely on voluntary sujiport. even while Episcopacy and Independency were still receiving contributions to their respective maintenance from or through public treas- uries. And in like manner it was obliged at an early ritish TRANSPLAXTATION AND DEVELOP MUST. 21 or Continental, and accepting freely all that was need- ful in structure or spirit to make it truly and heartily American. It is not needful here to trace in detail the inter- esting history of this implantation, or to emphasize further the conditions under whicli the young denom- ination grew into vigor and influence. Turning rather to the organic evolution that followed, we may note in hrief its two luain elements, the doctrinal and the ec- clesiastical : American I'reshyterianism was from the outset founded as to doctrine generically upon the Calvinism which, centering and generating in (leneva, had worked its way u itli remarkahle energy nortliward, not only on the continent, hut into the British Isles. — where in fact it gained and held a firm position even after it had in some measure declined in coiumanding force beyond the Channel. More especially it was founded on the Confession and Catechisms of Westminster as being the last and best fornudaries of Calvinism : faithfully representing that doctrinal system as distinguished from both Lutheranism and Arminianism. Under the leaching and training of that remarkable system the young denomination was developed from the start and through successive generations : and from it there has never been, as to essential and generic principles, any marked departure, b'rom the organization of the first Presbytery in 1706, and especially of the first Synod in 1717, tlie Church — it may safely be affirmed — has continued to he in all stages and varieties truly Calvin- istic. ■22 AMERICAN PRESBVTERIAXISM. But differing views as to what is really essential in Calvinism, differing interpretations of particular doc- trines, differing judgments as to the degree of minute- ness and stringency with which subscription to the accepted formularies should be required, arose early. One prominent source of such differentiation reveals itself as one notes the composite and somewhat diverse elements brought together in the young organism, — particularly the foreign, such as the Scotch and Irish and other European constituencies on one side, and the native and more thoroughly American on the other. Other sources a]jpear in the extended and complex doctrinal system itself, in varieties of s])eculative ten- dency manifest in the interpretation, in different modes of explaining and applying specific truth, and especially in the exercise of that rational liberty which all were in form agreed in allowing. This differentiation made its appearance at an early day, even in the conflict re- specting the proper rule of subscription to the Adopt- ing Act itself. The Synod had been constituted twelve years before by the subdivision of the original Presby- tery into three (perhaps four) Init its membership had been held together rather through spontaneous affinity and through agreement respecting church order than by any prescribed compact, — the Adopting .\ct of 1729 being the first formal affirmation of the doctrinal basis on which the Churcli was planted. The rule laid down was clear and just. While recognizing the liberty of opinion vested in all alike and disclaiming any inten- tion to impose its fcjrm of belief on the conscience, the Synod held and agreed that the Confession and Cate- chisms of Westminster should lienceforlb be formally TRJ.\SPL.L\T.-iTIO.\ AM) PErELOPMEXT. rS adojjted "as l)eing in all the essential and necessary ar- ticles good forms of sound words and systems (syste- matic statements) of Christian doctrine," and as such should be received and adopted by all who might hold ofifice within the Church. Ikit the underlying question as to what are essential and necessary articles, and as to the measure of liberty to be allowed in the interpretation of the good forms of sound words, still remained. In 1730 it was declared by the Synod that all candidates or intrants must re- ceive and adopt the Symbols in exactly the sense agreed upon by those who concurred in the Adopting Act; and in 1734 particular in(|uir\ was instituted as to the measure of compliance with this rule, though not without oi:)position in the interest of denominational freedom. In 1736 the stricter party, being in the ascen- dency numerically, and believing that dangerous dis- tinctions were being introduced as to certain essential articles and their interjiretation. secured the further declaration that the Synod adhered to the Symbols, not only as containing the true system of doctrine, but also as involving their acce])tance "without the least / variatioii and without regard to such distinctions." Such rigidity of sul)scription was not contem])lated by the Westminster Assembly neither was it re(|uire(l in Scotland or Ireland until it seemed to be demanded as a safeguard against the influence of Episcopacy on the one liand and the subtle tendencN' to Arianism or Moderatism on the other. Nor could a rule so rigid command universal ac- ceyjtance within the Synod itself, and by degrees the differentiation between the two parties, conservatives 24 AMERICAN PRESS VTERIANISM. and liljerals. become so acute as to bring about contro- versy, conflict, destructive antipathies, ending' in the disruption of 1741 — the first in that series of disrup- tions wliich more than ahnost any other cause have hin- dered the growth and influence of Presbyterianism on the continent. It is needless to speak of the specific aspects, ecclesiastical as well as doctrinal, which the general issue assumed. The story of the struggle be- tween the Old Side and the New Side, as the parties were respectively called, is a story not merely of dis- cussion and difference as to doctrine and order, but also of narrowness and partizanship. of suspicion, alien- ation, bitter antagonism, wholly unworthy of men who bore the Presbyterian name. It is easy now to see that a calmer temper, a broader spirit of fraternity, a larger measure of Christian insight and wisdom, might have held and ought to have held the parties together within the one Church, notwithstanding all the irritating is- sues involved. But in spite of all attempts made by moderate men on l)oth sides to Ileal the festering sore", the separation continued for seventeen long years. — both parties and especially the New Side increasing in numbers, each organized in separate presbyteries and synods, though both were all the while agreed as to the general terms and conditions of the Adopting Act itself. But concil- iatory opinion and sentiment began more and more to dis})lace the original antagonism, and in 1758 a formal reconciliation was efifected, resulting in the organiza- tion of the unified Synod of New York and Philadel- ])hia. The history of the negotiations, continued through six or eight vears. which led on to this result — TRAXSPLANTATIOA' AS'U DEl'ELOPMEXT. 25 of the various proposals for compromise and agreement, and the prolonged and patient lal)ors of the inlerme- (hate party with hoth classes of extremists, is not only interesting in itself hut is full of instruction to all who desire to know what the (If)ctrinal foundations of Amer- ican I'reshyterianisni truly are. The ohject sought was well defined hy the Synod of riiiladelphia, fom- years earlier, as the uniting of the various preshyteries and synods in one hody "on such scriptural and rational terms as may secure peace and order, tend to heal the broken churches, and advance religion hereafter." The union thus secured was not a mere scheme of aggrandizement to he effected through the combining of denominational forces, without establishing internal and essential concord as a condition : the movement w^as rather in the interest of that catholic unity, that communion of saints, which according to their C onfes- sion ought to characterize Presbyterians everywhere. Its doctrinal basis was none other than the Adopting Act of 1729, before that Act had been interpreted by the Old Side as riKjuiring subscription without the least variation, and with no recognition of the distinction between things essential and things not essential in the accepted system. Its truly Christian spirit, as well as its broad doctrinal quality, is admirably set forth in the Plan of L'nion as finally adoj)ted. In earnest terms that noble document describes the injury done to the Church and to the cause of religion through the dis- ruption, pleads for the taking away of all occasion for reproach and the banishing of all jealousies, exhorts to submission to the will of the majority and the cor- dial cultivation of the sentiment o{ brotherhood, pro- 26 AMERICAN PRESBYTERIANISM. nounces all careless charges of heresy or heterodoxy a censurable evil, urges the uniting of divided presby- teries and congregations wherever practicable, defines the ])roper standard of church membership and the true tests of religious experience, and affirms it to be the solenm purpose of all concerned to advance through the L^iion the common kingdom of Christ among men. During the lialf century prior to 1758, the young denomination had grown from the single presbytery centered at IMiiladelphia into an ecclesiastical body of considerable magnitude, notwithstanding the mischief wrought through the disruption, and may fairly be said to have already taken its place by the side of Con- gregationalism and of Episcopacy as one of the three dominating t\pes of Protestantism on American soil. Its area had extended northward into Xew York and Long Island, and southward into Maryland and \ ir- ginia, and at the date of the I'nion it comprised nearly a hundred organized churches and a somewhat larger number of ministers. The (ireat Awakening which under the ])reaching of Whitefield and Edwards and others of kindred spirit had quickened so thoroughly the religic-His life of .\cw I^ngland, had imparted a like gracious impulse t(j the l'resl)yterian churches, even while the unhappy division continued, and doubtless contributed largely to the union itself. Meanwhile new missionary fields were opening to view in New Jersey and Pemisylvania. and also in \'irginia and the Carolinas. \\here\er immigrants of the Presbyterian faith from P>ritain or from the Continent became resi- dent. There is ])leasant evidence that the conscious- ness of such a missionary work in ])ros])ect — of the TRJXSPL.LXTJTJO.X AXD DEVELOPMEST. 27 nianiftst and altractivo opportunity to ])lant the okl and revered standards on new soil, had as much as the developed sense of essential oneness even amid diversi- ties in belief, to do with the consummation of the union itself. For nothing unifies Christians like the consciousness of a common work to he done together for God and the souls of men. It must be confessed, however, that that needful and l)eiieficent work wcndd liave been much bettci' done by the Church during the generation that followed the union, bad the disastrous disruption never occurred. That generation nicludes l)otli the ])eriotl of ante- cedent agitation in ci\il affairs and the \ears and trials of the Revolution, and extends to the formation of the first ( ieneral .\ssembl\ in 1788. Doctrinal issues had now retreated largely from view, in the ])resence of the ])()litical struggle that issued finally in national in- dependence. It was a time of extraordinary trial and of severe privation. Religion was at a low ebb in the country at large. The churches were enfeebled in both membersbi]) and resources. The infiux of ministers from Europe diminished steadily and finally ceased altogether. It was to provide a native rather than a foreign ministry that I'rinceton College was founded, even during the ])eriod of disruption ; without its con- tributions in the generation that followed, the minister- ial supply would have been t(jtall\- inade(|uate. .\s early as 1761. the united .Synod declared it im])ortant that s])ecial ])rovision be made by the College for the belter instruction of students in the knowledge of divinity; and in 1768. President \\'ithers])oon. soon after his inauguration, gave lectures on theology and also in- 28 AMERICAN PRESBYTER! ASISM. structed candidates for the ministry in the Hebrew Scriptures. In 1771, special provision was also made for the partial support of students engaged in such studies. Rut the churches were too poor either to maintain properly such supplies as they already had, or to push forward adequately the missionary work of the denomination, whether in the colonies then es- tablished or in the new settlements which were rapidly being ])lanted on the frontier lines of civilization. And during the dark years of the Revolution the impedi- ments to denominational progress were in various ways greatly multiplied. Ministers were persecuted for their loyalty, always conspicuous, to the cause of independ- ence ; sanctuaries were sometimes seized by the royal forces, congregations were scattered, and sacred ordi- nances and worship suspended ; presbyteries and the Synod met but infequently, and spiritual desolation was widespread. With the return of peace through the establishing of constitutional government and the new nationality, the interests of the Church rapidly revived. The scat- tered congregations came together again ; ministers and missionaries were more fully supplied and more adequately supported, and the great task of church extension was resumed as fast as resources and oppor- tunities allowed. And in 1788, five years after the close of the War, the final step in perfecting the con- tinental organization of the Church was taken in the constituting of the first General .Assembly at Phila- delphia. It is im])ortant to refer to this procedure just here, only to direct attention to the doctrinal position of the denomination at this interesting juncture in its TR.iXSPL.'LXT.^TIOX AXf) nEl'ELOPMEXT. 29 history. Xo chancres wore made in the Confession of r'aith except at those points wliich treated of the civil ji^overnment and magistracy, and these amendments consisted simplv in an exchision oi all asserted claim of the civil authority to interfere in church doctrine or administration. The amended Confession afifirmed indeed the ohiigation of the government to protect the Christian Church of whatever name in the enjoy- ment of its spiritual privileges, but declared also that all classes and bodies of Christians should enjoy an e(|ual measure of religious liberty, without interference by the State. The Catechisms were also adopted as authoritative formularies, with the significant omis- sion of the clause which in the original declared the toleration of a false religion to be one of the sins for- bidden in the second commandment. Rut while this action was, like the Adoi)ting Act of 1729, a formal commitment of American i'resby- terianism to the theology of Westminster, there is abundant evidence that the action was taken in no temper of extreme ecclesiasticism. During the War the influence of tlie foreign element in the Church, from which cliicfly the demand for strictness in sub- .'Cription had come, had steadily declined, and in fact had almost wholly given way to the more liberal and catholic, the more American, disposition of Wither- spoon and his associates. The spirit of liberty was (|uite as ])revalent in tlie Church as in the cnuntry, and tlie strong sense of brotherhood whicli was bind- ing the colonies together and drawing them all not- with>;tan(bng niitior ditiferences into unity within the one ctntrabzed government, liad its C()unter])art in tlie •so AMERICAS rRHSBVTERIAXISM. fraternal and mutuaily trustful disposition of the large majority of those who. whether from Britain or the Continent or from New England, now consti- tuted the one denomination doctrinally as well as ecclesiastically. Indeed the strongest objection to the adoption of the Westminster standards seems to have come from those who questioned whether it was best for the young Church to be hampered in belief or teaching, as they feared it might be, through the for- mal acceptance of any such authoritative formularies ■of faith. Had the effort been made to proclaim the Confession and Catechisms as doctrinal standards to be accepted without the least variation, to the exclu- sion of all distinctions between the essential elements and the elements not essential to the Calvinistic sys- tem, there is good reason to conclude that the first Assembly could not have been organized as it was, at least without the loss of some of its most intelligent and lil)eral and most thoroughly American constitu- ents. The Church thus organized now grew far bevond its original boundaries, migrating by degrees from the Atlantic coast into central New York and Pennsylva- nia, crossing the AUeghenies l)y the two or three great mountain passes, and gaining a foothold even in Kentucky and ( )hio. It was soon represented by four synods, composed of the membership of si.xteen presbyteries, which in turn comprised more than four liundred congregations and about half as manv min- isters. The rapid development of the country, sociallv -and cDmmercially as well as politically, was favorable TRANSPLAXTATIOX AX I) D.El'ELOPMEXr. 31 to this marked expansion. — especially as this was aided before long by the considerable immigration from Presbyterian regions in the Old World. In many respects llie prospect of large organic growth and of even continental influence seemed bright as the morning. But it is also true that the baleful spread of irreli- gion. particularly through the poisonous growths of the open unbelief so current in France and also in England, proved to be a powerful hindrance to this denominational development. Skeptical philosophies, false theories of life, flagrant vices originating dur- ing the War and abundant afterwards, the secular spirit an»l the zeal of new enterprise absorbing the thoughts and strength of the multitude, — to say noth- ing of the bitter political controversies developed in the process of framing and organizing the civil gov- ernment — constituted in their combination a barrier to religious progress, in all denominations alike, which seemed at times to be absolutely insurmountable. Such adverse agencies would indeed have been insurmount- able, had not the gracious help of (iod at this juncture, just as the new century was dawning, manifested itself in that remarkable series of revivals which, what- ever may be said of their grotesque and sometmies highly objectionable accompaniments, changed so de- cisively the moral aspect of society, and lifted the whole nation up to a higher religious level. It was found by actual experiment that the evangelical doc- trines, and among Presbyterians that the Calvinistic exposition of these doctrines, still had a potency which unbelief, however intellectual or courtlv, however 32 AMERICAN PRESBVTERIANISM. gross or malignant, could not withstand. It was found that the faithful proclamation of these doctrines by those who believed them and lived up to their belief, could convince men of sin and turn them unto right- eousness, could confirm and quicken languid churches, could stir whole commi.r.ities and regions with the im ■ pulses of a .'livine life, and could confute skepticism by a living and practical process which no skepticism in any age has ever been able to gainsay. Within a few short years, through ihese revivals afifecting espe- cially the western half of the Church, but manifest- ing their efficacv also at many points in more easterly stctions. the whole denomination was lifted up, not only spiritually and numerically, but doctrinally also. Its confidence in the practical as well ' as theoretic cogency of its theological system had been greatly strengthened, and its determination to state, proclaim, defend, exalt its Calvinism became stronger and stronger. Yet out of such a condition and purpose arose by a singular evolution another doctrinal agitation and conflict, culminating in what is known historically as the Cuml)erland Schism. It is not strange that in the stir and zeal of such revivals the growth of congre- gations and the opening of new missionary fields should exceed the capacity of the Church under its orflinary methods to su]i])ly the wide ministerial de- mand. Xor is it strange that such extraordinary de- mand should be met here and there by bringing into service as ministers some who had not attained that degree of mental discipline and equipment which had been regarded b\- the Westminster Assembly, and ever 1 RAXSPL.lXT.iriOX .IXn DEVELOFMEXT. 33 sul)S(.'(|ueiitly. as L'sscntial in tlie sacred office. Xeither is it strange that in the practical application of the Calvinistic fornuilaries in such seasons of excited revival there should be some among accredited min- isters who relatively ceased to lay stress on the sov- ereignty of (lod in grace as in nature, and on the dejjravation and utter helplessness of sinners a])art from etTectual grace, and who emphasized rather the ability and the duty of all men to' repent and believe, and the'r conse(|uent guilt for every moment of im- penitence or unbelief. Xor is it reiuarkable that it should be affirmed by some earnest men of this class, not indeed without some show of reason as is now admitted, that if cer- tain ])roposilions in the Confession did not positively teach a si)iritual fatalism as absolute as any fatalism in nature, they were at least so far fatalistic in form and in the impression they made on man\' minds, that they luight safely be left out of view by the preacher who was anxious only to save souls. .Affirming as much as this, and carrying their convictions out along logical lines, such men further held that the acceptance of such fatalistic teachings was not essential to proper loyalty to the Presbyterian scheme of doctrine, or to be re(|uired as a test in I'resbyterian ordination.- — es- |)ecially in a great spiritual emergency such as had arisen. i;i which persons not prepared or willing to meet such test and requisite, might yet be found in l)ractical ex])eriment {|uite competent as ministers to preach the essential (ios])el. i)articularly in destitute regions, and thereby to lead sinners to getmine faith in Christ and his re(Uni])tion. 34 AMERICAN PRESBVTERIAXISM. Here were the conditions of a strenuous contro- versy, at once theological and ecclesiastical. The con- troversy speedily arose, and was carried on with spirit on both sides, and with growing divergence between the parties, until at length the judicial authority resi- dent in the F'orm of Government was invoked, and those who held such views or shared in such usage either were formally excluded from the Church or vol- untarily withdrew from its fellowship. Whether this painful result was necessary or was right in itself, will always be questioned. Abstractly considered, the doc- trine of particular and unconditional election is so em- bedded in the Symbols, and so prominent in them, that it seems impossible to regard the doctrine as less than essential. But the question still remains whether cer- tain modes of stating that doctrine found especially in the Confession do not tend, as the excluded or with- drawing party believed them to tend, to a species of fatalism not warranted in Holy Scripture, and prac- tically injurious to both faith and life. Was it suffi- cient to hold the doctrine in general terms such as were accepted by Calvinists elsewhere or were em- bodied in other Reformed symbols, or must every phrase or expression in the Confession be formally, assented to as a condition of ordination or of ministe- rial standing in the Church? Might not persons other- wise acceptable and giving good evidence of ability so to preach the Gospel as to win and save men, be wisely and rightfully ordained, even if they were in doubt as to individual and unconditional election or felt themselves unable to proclaim the Gospel under the forms and limitations imposed by that doctrine? Such T R AX S PLANT AT I ON AND DEVELOPMENT. 35 in essence was the issne raised between the parties, — at once a question both of official subscription and standino^ and of theological ojMnion and belief. At this distance in time and in the light of recent events, it seems altogether probable that due consid- eration by each party of the actual position of the other, proper regard for the practical exigency that precipitated the issue, intelligent study of the Re- formed theology in general, close scrutiny of the rec- ords of preceding controversies of like character, just comprehension of the real nature of American as dis- tinct from European Presbyterianism, would have led to a considerate settlement of the questions involved, and saved the Church from another disruption, with all its piteous consequences. Hut it is characteristic of Presbyterians when they ditTer. to dififer positively and sweepingl)-, to hold their differences too tena- ciously and in too litigious a temper, and finally too often to split asunder where they would better a thou- sand fold have tolerated their diversities of opinion, and determined to remain together within the common Church. The disruption of 1741, with its disastrous influence on the growth and prosperity of Presbyteri- anism in the century preceding, ought at least to have awakened in both parties, in this instance, a livelier sense of the mischief and the wrong of schism, and have predisposed both to allow at least that degree of divergence respecting the mysterious tenet of election, with its correlate in the dogma of reprobation, which is now freely allowed within the united Church. Postponing at this point the survey of the doctrinal element in the life of the developing Church, we may 36 AMERICAN FRHSBVTERIAXISM. now glance in brief at the corresponding ecclesiastical element which figured so largely in its earlier, as it has figured also in its later history. Much that falls properly within this division of the general subject has alreadx been introduced incidentally in the consid- eration of the more vital element of doctrine. Faith is always more than form. How a Church is organ- ized and governed, is in the nature of things a ques- tion subordinate to and one largely answered by the more fundamental (|uestion, what does the Church truly believe. It is a notable fact that a particular form of church government has almost invariably accompanied the Calvinistic scheme of doctrine, — the two being con- joined historically in many countries and ages bv some subtle and tenacious bond of affiliation. It is true that tlie I*resl)yterian polity has in soiuc instances maintained its hold where distinctive Calvinism has in a measure declined : it is also true that Calvinism has held its place in some instances where another form of government, or at least a modified form, has been preferred. ^'et the general fact remains that for reasons which undoubtedl\- lie in the nature of the two things rather than in mere l(K'ation or outward circumstance, Calvinism and F'resbyterianism have dwelt together in special harmony, each suggesting and confirming, each commending and strengthening the other. This generic fact is abundantly illustrated in church history, and it goes far to explain the other significant fact that l*resbyterianism has shown larger capacity for transplantation and diffusion, and is now TRAXSPLAXTATIOX A\'D DEVELOPMEXT. 37 habitant in more coinitries and under a wider variety of conditions, than any other type of Protestantism. In view of these two facts the query why Presbyte- rian bodies the world over should bear a name which describes their method of organization and internal administration rather than one that should represent that system of doctrine which they agree in holding so tenaciously as their chief lieritage and glory, is one not easily answered. But the Presbyterian polity like Presbyterian doc- trine has been passing in this country through an ev- olutionary process which has rendered the American type of it, especially as we now have it, a quite differ- ent thing from the norm of the same name which had its cliief seat in Scotland and for a little time throve ami dominated in England in the first half of the seventeenth century. The imported Presbyterianism which was represented in the mother presbytery in Philadelphia and in the original Synod, was essentially a foreign fal)ric ; its ])rinoi])les and methods, its prece- dents and rules and administration were British. But to hold on invariably and indefinitely to a mode of government so foreign.— to live and act generation after generation under the regulative force of Euro- pean usage and tradition merely, was from the nature of the case impracticable. And the records of the Adopting Act. of the disruption of 1741. and of the subse(|uent organic union of 1758. together with all that followed ecclesiasticalh- during the remainder of the century, all show how of necessity new rules and methods were gradually introduced, new precedents establislu'd. a new order iind stvle of atlniinistration 38 AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAMSM. by degrees brought into use. to meet the special exigencies imposed bv the novel conditions of Ameri- can life and work. One illustration of this fact has already come under notice in the early controversy respecting the proper theory of subscription — a controversy substantially in the first instance between the close adherents of foreign order and the advocates of personal liberty, but one which it has required more than a century in various forms to bring even to its present stage of solution, and which as an issue between conservative / and progressive parties may in the future as in the past rise again to disturb, possibly even to divide the Church. Another kindred illustration may be seen in the historic issue raised between the original Synod and the presbytery of New Brunswick respecting the relative rights and prerogatives of the two bodies as to the reception of candidates and their licensure and ordination. That issue is not yet entirely settled, for while the presbytery has now come to be recognized generally as the true unit and source of authority in this particular and indeed in all matters not directly limited under our Constitution, there have been at times even recently strong efforts to lift the synod, and es- pecially the Assembly, into a degree of supremacy which the Form of Government framed in the Jeru- salem Chamber did not give it. In all varieties this is the old conflict between centralized and distributed power, between oligarchy and democracy in the Church, between the freedom of the individual unit acting within its legitimate sphere and the domination of an organism, naturallv too indifferent to individual TRANSPLANTATION AND DEVELOPMENT. 39 rights, and often ready to assert control even at the sacrifice of personal prerogatives and personal welfare. The union of 1758 was a clear triumph for the time of the freer, more generous interpretation of our ec- clesiastical s}steni. Under its terms the official was not permitted to dominate over the private member, nor the presbytery over the humblest minister or church, nor the synod over its weakest presbytery. The organic law was to determine the relative positions, rights, pre- rogatives, of all persons and all organizations within the unified Church. And the administration of that law- was to be not technical, narrow, rigid, domineering, as indeed it is always possible for such administration to become under our Form, but rather tolerant, generous, brotherly throughout, — with supreme de- sire to allay diflferences, remove offences, preserve the sense of fraternity at all points, without assumption or show of magisterial power. Nor is there reason to think that, although some sagacious minds apprehended such a result, the organization of the General Assem bly thirty years later changed in any essential feature^ either the mode or the spirit of church administration At least at the outset, before the stress of contingen-' cies real or fancied wrought otherwise, few if any traces appear of a tendency in that supreme judicatorv to excessive centralization or to the assuming of any control not warranted by just and generous interpreta- tion of the organic law. The Cumberland Schism like the disru])tion of 1 74 1, illustrated painfully the peril of departing on any side from this conception of church government. To revert for a moment to that sad event, there can 40 AMERICAN PRESBYTERIANISM. be little doubt that, strictly construed, both the Con- fession and the Constitution forbad those divergencies in faith and teaching and those departures from proper ecclesiastical regulation out of which that schism grew, and technically called for the exercise of discipline on that account. But is there not as little room for doubt that if that issue had been met in the spirit of the Union of 1758, — if all the occasions for divergence or variation had been duly considered and so far as possible provided for, — . if all parties had been will- ing to adjust their issues on the true American basis of large toleration and on the true Christian basis of brotherhood, the ecclesiastical rupture might have been avoided, and Cumberland Presbyterianism might have remained a prolific and valuable branch of the one continental vine, the one undivided Church ? Still it is obvious in general that, notwithstanding occasional variations, the earlier history of organized Presbyterianism in America reveals a decisive and healthful development in the ecclesiastical as in the doctrinal sphere. The extent of that evolution is greater than many are accustomed to suppose. It is inconceivable, for example, that an American Assem- bly, even in the eighteenth century, should call on the civil power, were there any such power adequate to the task, as the Assembly of Westminster more than once did, to order the seizure and burning of a doc- trinal treatise believed by it to be heretical. It is equally inc()nceival)le that an Assembly at least in our time should re(|uire, as the Synod of 1741 required, that the cliurcb standards should be suliscribed by every official person without the least variation, io the TKANSl'LAXTATIOS A\'D DErELOPMEXT. 41 exclusion of the fundamental right of private inter- pretation. Hardly more conceivable is it that, in this age, those sacred guarantees with which the Consti- tution surrounds every minister and every member of the Church should, even to correct lawlessness or re- press heresy, be so much ignored or set aside, as they were even a century ago. More and more a wider, freer, nobler interpretation alike of our organic law! and of our confessional teaching has come in. not! merely to modify Old World usage or tradition, but also to confer new power and new dignity on thq Presbyterian name. | The growth of the Church during its first century clearly shows the inestimable value of the twofold evolution here described, and establishes the right of the denomination to a large place and to strong and practical influence on American soil. Within a hun- dred years from the organization of the first presby- tery, with its seven ministers and five churches. l(Kated in a comparatively narrow space on the Atlantic coast, the Churcli had extended its area throughout almost the entire country, exce])ting New England, and its ministers had increased thirty fold and its congrega- tions more than seventy fold. Its .strong, clear, con- sistent and commanding creed, fairly interpreted, had founcl favor in the eyes of men, and as in an eminent sense the Church of the Doctrines the denomination had ac(|uired for itself a teaching function within the religious s])here which no other Church seemed quite so competent to till. Meanwhile, its representative type of government resembling so closely that of the nation, and its fine adjustment in administration be- 42 AMERICAN PRESBVTERIAXISM. tween an excessive individualism on one hand and hierarchal assumption to the other, had also done much to inspire general respect and win public confi- dence and support. On the whole, it is safe to say that a hundred years ago no other type of Protestant- ism exhibited evangelical belief and church life in more attractive ways, or contained in itself larger ele- ments of popularity and influence. And when the nineteenth century opened there was much, notwith- standing existing impediments and the distracting issues doctrinal and ecclesiastical, to justify the hope that the place and influence thus reached would broaden with time until Presbyterianism should become one of the most extensive and commanding forms, if not indeed as some of its adherents fondly expected, the dominant form of Protestantism in America — in the best sense a free Church in a free State. CHAPTER SECOND. The Disruption of 1837. It is indeed a pleasant jiictnre wliich the Church in the first three decades of the nineteenth century presents. Out of various colHsions and conflicts earlier and later the principle of toleration had come to be widely recog'niztd, and even to be enthroned as a sovereign law in the denominational conviction and activities — as indeed it is recognized and enforced in the confessional Cliapter on the Communion of Saints.! The consciousness of substantial unity around the main tenets and interests of the Church had risen into commanding prominence : circumstantial diversities had' for the most part disa})peare(l. This was in some de- gree a natural result, flowing from past experiences both agreeable and painful, and developing more freely as the organization became less foreign and variant, more and more distinctively American in temper and habit, and as the great denominational work spread out before it more fully and attractively. Doubtless it was also a supernatural result, induced by the pres- ence of the Divine Spirit, and nurtured into strength by that gracious culture which everywhere reveals one of its most l)eautiful manifestations in the expe- rience and fellowship of the organized Church. And surely no one in contemplating the condition and prospects of the denomination at this juncture would have dreamed it possible that within a brief period explosive differences would arise, partizan antago- nisms would be (levelo])ed. the sense of oneness and 44 THE niSRUPTIOX OF 1837. brotherhood would vanish, and bitter struggles be be- gun, — all ending in a rupture which a decade or two earlier all parties would have pronounced impossible. But the conditions of further conflict still remained. The old questions respecting faith and order were not. could not, be settled once for all ; the composition of the organism was more or less explosive in its nature ; new issues of policy and instrumentality were of ne- cessity from time to time arising. Spontaneous con- flagrations, exploding gases, infectious diseases, were always possible agents of michief and of ruin. And back of all lay the latent poison, the corrupting potency of original sin — of original sin in a hun- dred forms of mutual blindness and narrowness, of obliquity in motive, of selfishness and ambition and the spirit of evil. A brief survey of some of the more conspicuous among these deteriorating or destruc- tive forces is essential to a just comprehension of the result that finally came to pass. At this distance of time, when partizan feelings and purposes have hap- pily died away, and when another and more substan- tial unification has taken place, such a survey mav properly be undertaken, — provided it l)e conducted in the liist(»ric tem])er, and with no (lis])ositi()n to at- tempt the dislril)uti(Mi of ])raise or blame among the parties involved. It would l)e a judgment l)otb shallow and unjust to condemn all differences or diversities among evan- gelical people as de]:)artures from the essential prin- ciples of the common Christianity, or as a reflection upon the religious character or profession of those who are concerned in them. l'"or while there is nuich OCCASIOXS OF COXFLICT. 45- in that Christianity respecting which its adherents are not at hberty to differ — much whicli it l)econies sinful schism in them to wrangle about, there is also just room within the religious sphere as elsewhere for the free action of specific and particularizing ten- dencies, for the play of many diversifying sentiments and convictions, even for large differences as to creed and organization and church life, — all permissible within reasonable limits so long as they do not mili- tate against the supreme good which all parties are pledged alike to revere and sul)serve. Ancestral ten- dencies flow all unconsciously in our blood: the tra- ditions and impressions kr one denominational fold. Just here arosC the third cause of division, involv- ing the rightful utilizing of the church polity as a corrective in the response to this very practical and perplexing question. To that polity the party of strictness would naturally turn as a suitable instru- ment in suppressing what it regarded as doctrinal looseness, and in restoring theological harmony and ecclesiastical peace, while the party of liberty on the other hand might seek to find in its provisions some safeguard against what thev regarded as an unwar- rantable imputation and an unjust challenge of their title to standing in the Church. T©« much caiiwot be said in general respecting that polity as to its inherent strength, its careful adjustments and balances, its re- markable adaptation as a JLulicial guardian alil-;e of denominational unity and of j)ersonal rights. No Church in Christendom has a more carefully devised or more potential or etTective method of government, in multitudes of instances from the Westminster period down to our age this polity has jjroved its effi- ciency and value, and no small share of the prestige of IVesbyterianism generally may justly be attributed COXFLICT RHSPECTIXG POLITY. ' 55 to its iiifluence and working'. ( )ften as it has been criticised and sometimes denounced, especially by those who have experienced its corrective or punitive force, the Church has just occasion to be proud of it. and to preserve and commend it. Like the Calvinism with which it has been almost always closely affiliated, it has stood thus far and now seems likely to stand all the tests which time and the developing experience of the various churches bearing the Presbyterian name may require. But like every other denominational mode of gov- ernment, history has more than once or twice shown that this mode may become an agency of harm rather than of l)]cssing. Its capabilities of good however marked may. if unwisely or unrighteously used, be- come ca])abilities of evil. lnjuri(nis mistakes, grave errors, have sometimes occurred in the application of its principles. The inconsiderate zeal of men or par- ties has sometimes perverted its salutary rules. Even the ])assi()n. the selfishness, the ambition of men have sometimes through its instrumentalitv wrought griev- ous wrong to individuals or to parties in the Church. In the last resort, everything seems to depend on the temper with which its requisitions are interpreted and applii'd — the s])irit tliat moves and acts within its polished machinery. In the instance here considered, as we shall see. both the intrinsic efficiencies and the attendant |)erils a])parent in this polity made their ap- ])earance in x-arious ways, — good men. brethren at heart, but disagreeing respecting some articles in the conunon b'aitb, differing widelv. disastrously, as to what might be and what ought not to I)e sought or ac- 56 THE DISRUPTION OF 1837- complished through this dynamic instrumentaUty. Nor will it be strange or vmprecedented if such differ- ence, long continued and aggravated with time, should be found to end at last in a formal rupture, justified by one party on constitutional grounds, and resisted by the other as unwarranted either by church law or by that justice! which is higher than law. The fourth cause "of the Disruption comes into view in this immediate connection, — in the general question whether the church polity, viewed now not as an instrument in judicial procedure, but as an agency in carrying forward the work and especially the missionary work of the Church, was to be pre- ferred and utilized to the exclusion of all voluntary, undenominational organizations such as were at the time conspicuously active in that great field of Chris- tian effort which is the World. That this general question should arise at this juncture, involving a series of particular issues respecting missions at home and abroad, respecting the education of ministers, respect- ing the publication of religious literature, and the sup- port of other kindred undenominational agencies, was perhaps inevitable. During the earlier and simpler life of the Church in the eighteenth and the first de- cades of the nineteenth century, such issues were rel- atively few in number and of small importance. But as these voluntary agencies grew in magnitude and activity, and as their points of contact with the church life became more frequent and more close, the prob- lem of denominational connection with them became more and more urgent, and the query whether the Church could not better do its share of the great work /I ^i^.^MM^ j2^/^-v<.^i^^'^* DISCUSSION OF REVIVALS. 57 in its own way and through the instrunicntahties ex- istent in its pohty, soon arose in various forms asking for an early solution. The issue thus raised was at first i)rudential rather than fundamental : it involved (juestions of efficiency in service, of hrotherly union with other Christian peo- ples, of practical methods and demonstrated results. quite as much as the application or enforcement of abstract principle. But by degrees the same parties that were in conflict around the three direct issues already described, came into collision at this strategic point also. Loyalty to the Church and its machinery and methods, as against loyalty to these voluntary agen- cies acting outside of the Church and not directly re- sponsible to it, grew to be the watchword of the more conservative and churchly party. That intense, even bitter controversy should arise in time between this party and those who entertained an opposite opinion, and found superior delight in conscious brotherhood with believers of another name, naturally followed, and filled a real, not an initial or main — as some sup- pose — but rather a subordinate, place among the causes which brought on the final rupture. Two other contributing causes are to be considered here. Of th.ese the first related to the nature, the doc- trinal teaching, the special methods, and the real value of the revival movements which for almost a genera- tion before the final division had been prevalent in cer- tain sections of the Church. To these movements it was earnestly objected that they were a departure from the normal and healthful process of church growth 58 THE DISRUPT I OX OF 1837. suggested in Scripture and illustrated in the best ex- perience of Protestantism. — that they were largely the product of physical excitement and of social agi- tation, — that many of their methods were at best questionable, and some of their manifestations posi- tively offensive and discreditable to the very name of religion. It was alleged that many of the ministers conducting such revivals were silent respecting such weighty truths as the elective grace of God, the spirit- ual deadness of the sinner, the sovereigntv of the Di- vine Spirit in salvation. It was further alleged that some of the ministry had not only surrendered such essentials of Calvinism but had substituted positive Arminian heresy and were teaching dangerous error from the pulpit. It was also said that manv of the supposed conversions were spurious, that the churches were being filled up with a membership in fact uncon- verted, and that the whole denomination was conse- quently in danger of becoming not only heretical in belief but also corrupt in heart and life. The friends of these movements were no less earn- est in enforcing the opposite view. They claimed that such special visitations of grace were promised in Scripture and illustrated in the Pentecost, and verified at many points in the history of spiritual Christianity. While they admitted that in some instances improper methods had been adopted, and animal excitements had been aroused, and grotesque consequences had been manifest, yet these in their judgment were onlv occasional, and could not be justly adduced against the movement as a whole. They claimed also that, although there had in some instances been departures MATTER OF STAl'ERV. 59 more or less distinct from sound doctrine, yet in the main the preaching liad been in substantial harmony with the Symbols and thoroughlv Biblical in both con- tent and spirit. They affirmed that the conversions in such revivals were genuine in general, and that the religious character developed was often of the highest and noblest type, and consequenth- that the churches in the regions visited by such revival influences had been wonderfulh' increased in numbers and activity, and in their power to proclaim and commend the (iospel in the communities where they were planted. That this issue should induce suspicion, disputation, antagonism was inevitable : the diversity between the parties was wide, intense, and for the time incurable. What is to be noted just here is the serious fact that this controversy was in direct line with the conflicts and antagonisms alreadx- noted, and that it became, especially in the later periods of the denominational struggle, a strong factor among the forces that brcnight about the final result. The sixth and last among the causes of division named was the relation of the Church to the institu- tion of domestic slavery. .As early as 1818, the (k-n- eral .Assembly had adopted an emphatic deliverance condemning such slavery as a grievous wrong, and enjoining all churches and presbyteries to discounte- nance the institution in all possible ways, and. especially to discipline church members guilty of selling slaves, unless some mitigating circumstances shfuild appear. This was in harmony with the action of the Svnod in the ])receding century and it was followed in subse- (|uent years by other declarations equallv clear and ()0 THE DISRUPTION OF 1837. emphatic. Hut the marked growth of the Church in the south, and the prominence of its ministry and membership in tliat section of the country — to say nothing of other influences social and pohtical con- tributing — induced in some sections of the denomina- tion, first passive endurance, then cul])able inrhlfer- ence to the existing evil. l>ut in other sections the sense of the enormity of slavery steadily increased, and the hostility to it grew luore intense, until at length the determination was reached to array the Church more decisively against the evil at whatever cost to denominational development. The issue was as una- voidable in the Church as in the Xation ; neither could permanently exist half slave and half free. And it is noticeable that long years after the Disruption, both branches of the divided Church were rent in twain by that issue, and that within a generation the Nation was passing through the agonies of civil war to protect itself against a disruption which slaverv sought to efifect. That the antagonism developed around this issue became, especially in the later stages of the general conflict, one of the active forces in bringing about the final division can hardly be questioned, although its influence was more incidental than direct. Hostility to slavery and the desire to limit or to end it by whatever legitimate means were manifest in nearly all sections, even in the more southerly portions of the Church, at least along the Atlafitic coast. P.ut such hostility was most openly manifest in those regions where the most liberal interpretation of the Sym^bols prevailed, where revivals were most abundant, and where church gov- PLAN or IW'IOX. 01 crnnictit assumed its freest type. And while the more conservative party gra(hially l)ecame incHned to suffer the abhorrent institution in silence, leaving all action respecting it to the discretion of southern churches, presbyteries, synods, the more progressive and liberal element became all the more earnest in antagonism to it. and the more strenuous in the purpose to utilize the judicial as well as the moral authority of the Church in order to its abolition. It is not to be supposed that the six causes here described were always working together at all times, or were equally active or equally visible at any given time or ])lace : or that they always wrought in obvious conjuncti'jn, each conscious of its afifinity with all the rest : or that the result when it came to pass could, so far as responsibilit\- extended, l)e distributed among them severally, with accuracy and with impartialit}'. The movements and the issues (if history do not sub- mit to such close analysis. In conjunction with these productive causes, one important occasion or condition should also be introduced here — what is known his- torically as the Plan of Tnion. During the later de- cades of the eighteenth century the vigorous Congre- gationalism of Xew h'ngland and the developing F'res- byterianism of the other .Atlantic States became asso- ciated in several wavs more or less formal and ex- tensive, in implanting the Gospel in w liich they alike believed throughout the rajjidly expanding West. .\s early as 1766 the Synod of Xew York and Philadel- l)hia a})i)ro\ed a definite scheme for fellowship in such missi()nar\- endeaxor. — the object being declared to be •62 THE DISRUPTIOX OF 1837. the spread of true religion, the founding and strength- ening of churches, and the magnifying of the name and influence of the two denominations in what were then the frontiers of the nation. Conventions in fur- therance were held annually and alternately in New England and New Jersey until the War of Independ- ence compelled their susi)ension. But in 1790, the General Assembly, just constituted, sought a renewal of such conference, and two years later a plan of cor- respondence with the Association of Connecticut was established, which in 1794 was so far extended as to give the representatives of that body a right to vote in the Assembly — a privilege which a few years later was granted to kindred Associations in \' ermont. New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Out of such fellowship grew in 1801 the Plan of Union, whereby on the principle of mutual toleration and fellowship churches and ministers of the two de- nominations might become affiliated ecclesiastically on terms which, it was believed, would secure the just rights of all parties without doing violence to either of the two types of church government. Arrangements working toward this end had already in fact occurred. Presbyterian ministers had organized Congregational -churches, and Congregational ministers had organized Presbyterian churches, wlierever the preponderance of the one element or the other seemed to determine the form of organization. Presbyteries, oppressed with the vastness of the field and work and with the inade- quacy of their own sources of supply, had assigned Congregational ministers to service within their own boiuids, and some Associations had pursued a similar DirERSITIES ARISIXG. 63 course wherever this was deemed expedient. It was inevitable that such procedure should in time result in such a broader, better organized, more effectual scheme as the Plan of Union when adopted aimed to be. Its special provisions need not be described here. It is enough to say that a most sincere and earnest desire existed on all sides that in actual oper- ation neither party to the Plan should have precedence of the other in whatever form, and that the Plan in every detail should be so administered as best to sub- serve those great missionary interests to whose furth- erance both denominations were alike devoted. High encomiums were pronounced upon the Plan : it was wisely recognized and admired as the finest expression of Christian fellowship and of denomina- tional comity which the continent had ever witnessed. Yet from the nature of the case it was but a temporary expedient. As what was the frontier at the opening of the century became more fully settled and better furnished, it was natural that each of the denomina- tions should become more distinctly conscious of its own independent strength, and should seek to establish within itself more positive and controlling forms of fellowship. The retreating frontier might continue to call for such fraternal interaction in its behalf, but in the more matured sections of the missionary field such demand naturally grew less and less. There crept in also a growing inclination to emphasize denomina- tional differences and laud denominational excellen- cies, which tended more and more to reduce interest in the Plan, to embarrass its practical operations, and to render manv minds less ardeiU in its continuance. 04 THE DISRUPTIOX OF 1S37. By degrees the doctrinal and ecclesiastical diversities arising within the Presbyterian fold gave occasion for questioning and even for opposition to the Union, partly among more zealous Congregationalists. but chiefly among more strict adherents to the Presbyte- rian standards, who apprehended the corruption of doctrine under and through the existing compact. Nor were these the onlv unfavoring influences. The question between the relative value of voluntary methods and ecclesiastical methods in carrying on re- ligious work also entered as a disintegrating issue. The education of the ministry for distinctively denom- inational work, the publication of literature adapted to the needs and designed to satisf\' the tastes of each communion, the use and distribution of moneys col- lected for common purposes, and manv other kindred problems came in to complicate, if not to divide. In such various ways the original temper of toleration and of trustful brotherhood gave wav to a more pro- nounced denominationalism on both sides : the weaker elements of the Plan became the occasion of heated discussion ; suspicion and jealousv grew more mani- fest in its varied applications. And tlius in a single generation what seemed in 1801 to be so beautiful a manifestation and bond of concord, and so advanta- geous a method ;)f carrying on the one great continen- tal work, became a chronic and an acute occasion of difiference — difference not only between the two com- munions now conscioush- ])arting company, but be- tween the conservative and progressive parties within the Presbyterian liody itself, until at last it came to be an efficient inducement, and ])ossiblv even, as .some ACTIl'Ii COXI-LICT DEIHLOFIXG. 65 have tlioiiut the Assembly virtually rejected their explanation, and. thus left the responding party under the grievous ini])utation of unsoundness in the faith as set forth in the church standards. But the statement thus rejected by the Assembly became the headstone of the corner in the Auburn Convention, and afterwards in the developing denom- ination. The convention took up the statement originating in such painful circumstances, and openly 82 GENESIS AND EVOLUTION. adopted it as expressing its own matured belief and that of the churches and ministers which it represented, on the several doctrines involved. It thus became what is now known as the Auburn Declaration — a representative document, not indeed to be regarded as a substitute for the Confession of Faith, as has sometimes been supposed, but simply as a reasonable and satisfactory explanation and commentary on what the Confession was believed to teach. The Convention' had not been called together to make a new creed, or even to expound the old creed authoritatively, and it was careful not to go beyond its proper sphere. But as the original document had been put forth as a formal protest against injurious allegations, and as such allegations continued to be made against the ministers and congregations comprised in the four synods, it was deemed needful to utter this open and positive Declaration, in the hope that it would check all unjust interpretation and would make manifest to all men what was the real belief of the excluded party. A full account of the contents of this Declaration, undoubtedly the most interesting and commanding statement of esential doctrine in the history of Amer- ican Presbyterianism, is not needful or practicable here. The main points defined or expounded in it are, I ^ first, the introduction and transmission of sin, and the condition of mankind as fallen and corrupt through sin ; second, the relation of the divine and the human in regeneration and deliverance from sin. and in the Y spiritual life resulting; and third, the nature and char- acteristics and extent of the plan of salvation, through the mediation and atonement of Christ. :^ ITS THEOLOGIC VALUE. 83 But more specifically each of these main points was expanded in the document in a series of minor propo- sitions or articles, so framed as to meet in each par- ticular the charge of Pelagian or Arminian error on one side, and on the other to present the antithetic truths, sixteen in number, as these are set forth irt Scripture and in the Symbols also, in contrast with what the Convention believed to be defective, possibly erroneous, interpretations of the creed set forth by the conservative party — the party of prosecution. The chief values of the Declaration lay in what it was as a protest against narrow or defective confessional ex- position, and as a clear and open testimony to what was held and cherished as essential truth. In this respect it resembled and followed the Confession itself. And as such its verbal lucidity, its fine balancings in statement, its reverential pauses at each point where real doctrine might degenerate into disputatious spec- ulation, and above all its thoughtful moderation and its devout temper and spiritual influence gave it wide currency from the first, and still continue to make it, though signed and sealed by no formal endorsement even by the denomination that accepted it. one of the most interesting .nnd fruitful symbols of recent times. During the autumn of 1837 and the trying winter that followed, the general situation was unchanged. The excluded churches and ministers carried on their special work with a measure of diligence which possi- bly was energized by their sense of the wrong wrought in their estimation, and by a growing conviction that 84 GENESIS AXD Ei'OLUTION. their position was essentially right and was therefore certain to secure extensive sympathy and support. In some quarters this sense of wrong led to extreme hostility toward the exscinding party, and even toward Presbyterianism itself. But such was the commanding influence of the .Auburn Convention, that all revolu- tionary tendencies, so far as these existed, were held in check, and although lowering clouds hung darkly over the future, the spirit of unity survived, and a temper of courageous devotion was manifest. And in the spring of 1838 all of the presbyteries but two, following the advice of the Convention, elected com- missioners to the General Assembly as heretofore. In taking this course the majority, though not all, hoped that this Assembly would reconsider the action of its predecessor, and take some steps which even at this stage would preserve the Church from rupture absolute and perpetual. It was hoped that the temper- ate and judicious course of the Auburn Convention would lead the dominant party to see, not perhaps that wrong had been done in the excision, but at least that the way was still open for some adjustment, upon the principle of mutual toleration, which might prevent the scandal of utter and bitter separation. There were also many outside of the bounds of the four synods, who though themselves remaining within the Church, were still in active sympathy with the excluded party, and strongly desired that its representatives should be received by the Assembly, and that an earnest attempt at reconciliation and adjustment should l)e made. And there is reason to believe that if all parties had ap- proached the difificult i)roblcm in the temper of broth- A\ liCCLESIASriCAL CONFLICT. 85 erly love and mutual forbearance — if the spirit of faction and the love of supremacy and the heats of resentment and other like infirmities had been sup- pressed on all sides, the evils of complete disruption mif^^ht even at this last stage have been escaped. What followed, it would be painful to describe in detail. At the organization of the Assembly its officers refused to recognize the commissioners from the ejected presbyteries as members, on the ground that the bodies they represented were no longer constitu- ent parts of the Church. A motion to enroll them, ofifered by other commissioners who believed the action of 1837 to be unconstitutional, and therefore held that these representatives were still within the Church and entitled to admission to the Assembly, was declared to be out of order and illicit. The door of admission was thus closed ; conference within the Assembly with a view to some adjustment became under this ruling impossible. At this juncture, amid great confusion, the unprecedented process of deposing the obstructive officials, and electing others in their stead, was under- taken. — commissioners from twentv-nine presbyteries outside of the four synods, nearly sixty in tnmiber. joining in this revolutionary measure. Such a pro- cedure could be justified, if at all. only on the ground that the officials arraigned were assuming prerogatives not vested in them, even though the Assembly of 1837 had instructed them to act as they were acting. — that the party in power was nullifying the Constitution, and trampling on the rights of loyal Presbyterians, — and that no alternative was left to the aggrieved party but to secure their rightful place within the C^hurch 8G GEXESIS .AXn UrOLUTIOX. even through such revolution. It may lie added that eminent legal counsel had advised that in such an emergencv as had arisen, such a process of organiza- tion must he carried through in order to secure to the liheral party its place and title and property interests within the Church. Whether with or without sufficient warrant, the revolutionary step was taken. The offending officers were sujjerseded ; one who had liecome ct^nspicuous in the movement. Dr. IJeman, a former Moderator,* was called, to preside ; other action requisite to complete the organization was adojited : and those who shared in the procedure, claiming now to be the true and only (ieneral Assembly of the l'resl)yterian Church, ad- journed and withdrew to meet elsewhere. Those who remained, making the same claim, jiroceeded to com- plete their organization as an Assembly, the superseded officers presiding, as if no interruption had occurred. And the fatal die was now cast ; the separation was com])lete and final. The faithful historian, viewing in all its stages and aspects the ccMiflict thus ending, especially in the light of subsequent history, and apply- ing to it such tests as Christian princijile and Chris- tian charity mav sup])ly, will probably be led to con- clude that if all inferior motives and doubtful meas- ures had been cast aside, and the vast denominational *Nathan S. S. Beman, 1). 1)., born New Lebanon, N. Y., 1785; graduated Middlebut v College, 1807: pastor Portland. Mc, 1810; missionary in Georgia; pastor Troy, N. Y., 1822- 18(>:-?; died Carbondale, Ills.. 1871. .Author of Scnnons on the Atonement and other discourses; compiler of Church Psalm- ist. Moderator of the General .Assembly in 1831. six years before the Disniiition. .ISSliMHL)- or lH:iH. 87 interests ini])erille(l liad been duly considered, in the teni])er of l)rotherly love and true loyalty to the one Church and Kingdom of (jod among men. something better, something nobler, something more beautiful and Christlike, might have transpired. Those who withdrew from that scene of strife and gathered themselves together in another sanctuar\-, now realized as never before that a new denomination had by their act come into being. They proceeded at once to the performance of the duties incumbent upon a (leneral .Assembly imder the I^'orm of riovernment. The roll of membership having been duly adopted, the Rev. Samuel h'isher. 13. D..'^ was elected Moder- ator: stated and ])ermanent clerks were chosen; com- mittees on rules, on bills and overtures, on jtulicial business and other kindred matters were ajipointed ; and the body — much o])pressed meanwhile by the strangeness and the difficultx' of the situation — settled down to work and to serious contemplation of the future. The ])ersonnel of the first Assemlily was note- worthy. .\mong its members were Albert Barnes and Phomas lirainard. Erskine Mason and William Pat- ton, i^>eman and Squier and the venerated James Rich- ards, President Pierce and Aikin and Cleveland. Pres- ident Edward Peecher and h'lavel liascom. Lyman ik'echer and Paxter Dickinson, whose facile pen had *S.\MLEi. FiSHEk. I). 1)., l)orn in Sunderland, Mas.-^.. June 'MK 1777; graduated Williams College, 1199: pastor Wilton, Conn., 1S(I4-!); Morristown. N. J., 1809-14 ; Paterson. N. J., 1814-M4: Ramapo. N. Y.. 1884-40: Greenbush. 1844-50. Died Dec. •_'!». 18.")(;. at Suckasnnnv, N. J.. D. D. Coll. of New Jersey, 1827, Father of Saninel \'\'. Fisher. D. D., Moderator. 1857. 88 GENESIS AND EI'OLUTION. drafted the Auburn Declaration. Many others of somewhat less prominence were present, representing not only the exscinded territory, but also presbyteries as remote as Illinois and Tennessee. There were val- uable elders also, men prominent as judges, lawyers, physicians, teachers, merchants, — men of character and influence who did much to guide and give tone and weight to the deliberations. For the new move- ment was not something in which ministers only were concerned : there were many laymen in all sections who deeply felt the shock and pain of their enforced separation from a Church in which many of them had begun their religious life, and to whose upbuilding they had up to that fatal crisis been ardently devoted. The first formal act of the Assembly was the adop- tion of a preamble and resolution condemnatory of the excision of 1837, and affirming the title of the excluded synods and presbyteries to full standing within the Church ; denouncing the exclusion of the commissioners from these bodies as unwarranted, and declaring the entire proceedings of the conservative party an unworthy violation of the rights guaranteed under the Form of Government. Claiming to be the only true Assembly, it demanded all records and other papers in the hands of the other body, including the commissions of all delegates, and proceeded to elect trustees to care for all church property, and directors of the several theological seminaries under Assembly care, as though it alone had legitimate jurisdiction in these matters. It also appointed a special committee, with full power to act in respect to all legal questions and all pecuniary interests, that might need attention ASSEMBLY ACTIOS. 89 . the ministers from '2140 to 1"_MM, tile churches from 'JHtio to 1828. and the members from '_'"_'(i.r).">7 to l"JS,n48 The loss of men of ability and character who had lield hitjli r.ink in the Cliurcii, was even greater in l)ro])ortion. IH GEXESIS A\'D ErOLUTIOX. and VVilliston and Duffield and ( iilliert and Hill, Wil- liam Wisner and Josiah Hopkins and John Rankin, Judd and Wing and Gale, and Professor Calvin E. I Y- Stone, together with many valuable and influential elders. It is ne less to say that the various matters of routine, such s the constituting of subordinate bodies, the elect?^ ( delegates, and the adjustment of other like affairs, vere transacted with unanimity and dispatch, and that an earnest and prayerful temper was manifest throughout the deliberations. One of the most important subjects of ^nsidera- tion was the report c{ the special committee .. ^pointed in the previous year to have charge of all pecuniary , interests and all legal questions involved in the Dis- \ ruption. The committee had instituted a suit quo warranto, not yet settled, in order to test in la\ • the validity of the title to certain church properties, md also the validity of the act of 1837, by which the young denomination had been cut off from the benefits of its just share in these properties. The committee ;, also reported a detailed Plan of Division, afterwards approved by the Assembly, for the peaceable separa- tion of the two Churches, including a fair division of all church funds, a just distribution of immu- nities and privileges, the right of ministers and churches to make their own election between the two tlenominations, and the amicalile adjustment of all * Baxtek Dkkinsox, 1). D.. horn Ai)r. 14, 1705; Yale, 1817: pastor Loiignu-adow, Mass., 182S--J!> : Newark. N. J., 1829-35; Prof, of Sacred Rhetoric, Lane Sem.. 1835-39 al.so, in Auburn Sem., 1839-47. Secretary, Boston, 1850-59; died, Brooklyn, N. Y.. Dec. 7, 1875. D. D. Amherst, 1838. A FORMAL DECLARATIOX. 95 other difficulties on the I)asis of entire equahty and in the interest of permanent peace in the future. It be- ing ascertained that this Plan would not be accepted, the Assembly adopted a formal Declaration, in which the history of the division was n ed, the position and purpose of the new Church ' e defined, and a solemn appeal was made to the CI tian world touch- ins: the justice of its cause. In connection with the public Dc-jlaration. a lengthy and elaborate Pastoral Letter was sent to all the churche^ J under the jurisdiction of the Assembly, in which AG whole matter of the separation was again detailed, the charge of schism was resented, the need of faithful adherence to the i)rinciples at stake was urged, fellowship and unity were commended, and the chuvches were enjoined and encouraged to go on with utc'ost energy in the great work divinely set before them. The Narrative of the State of Religion also issued is an interesting illustration and proof of the practical realization of what was thus suggested, and also an impressive evidence of divine favor, and of the reviving and edifying energy of the Spirit of God even in the midst of difficulty and trial. In conjunction with these documentary appeals, the Assembly itself paused in its business and spent a session in special prayer, with fasting, that it might be divinely guided and Ciod might be glorified through the prospering of Zion. In addition to an annoying case of discipline, which was continued at intervals through five succes- sive days and engrossed far too much attention, no very important principle being involved. — the first in 9(i GENESIS AND El'OLUTION. a sad succession of like cases, — two particular mat- ters occupied perhaps too larg-ely the time and thought of the body. One of these was the use of abbreviated creeds, short summaries of faith, in some of the churches, especially in connection with admission to membership. The committee appointed by the pre- vious Assembly made a full report, showings that such creeds or summaries, as actually in use within twenty- five of the presbvteries where unsoundness in doctrine was supposed to prevail, were found on examination to be to a gratifying extent orthodox on all the essential points of Calvinism. — The other matter was domestic slaverv, with the responsibility and duty of the Church respecting- it. Overtures on this subject were sent in bv various presbyteries, and an exces- sive amount of time was spent in somewhat heated discussions, — followed finally by the adoption of a resolution, referring the whole niatter to the lower judicatories, to take such action as they should deem most judicious, and best adapted to remove or limit the evil. Overtures were adopted to be sent down to the presbyteries, proposing that hereafter the synods be made the courts of final aj^peal and jurisdiction in all cases of discipline, — that the Assembly should be re- garded simply as an advisory counsel in all church administration, — and that its sessions should hence- forth be held triennially instead of annually, mean- while retaining its place and power as the supreme judicatory of tlie Church. .Vnd then, with the trans- action of some minor business, the Assembly after eleven days of deliberation was adjourned. ASSEMBLY OF 1840. 97 The history of the several AssembHes during" this period of g^enesis and evolution is here presented som- what in detail for the reason that it furnishes so dis- tinct a photograph or transcript of the history of the Church itself. The Assembly of 1840, as it convened, had special occasion to rejoice in the encouraging growth of the denomination during the preceding year, as shown in the increase of its ])resbvteries from 75 to 89. of its ministers from Ii8r to 1260. of its churches from 1286 to 1375, with correspondent enlargement of its membership and its territory which now included eight States in addition to the two in which the orig- inal synods were located. The organization was thus almost as large already as the other Church which re- ported for the same year 95 presbyteries. 1615 minis- ters, 1673 churches, and a membership of 126,583. There were indeed some churches and ministers, originally counted, that had either returned to their former connection or gone elsewhere, but man\- more had made the oj^posite exchange, esj^ecially in the territory more remote. The revivals enjoyed during the year had done much not onlv to increase the meiu- bership. but also to inspire hope, courage, zeal in all hearts. The vexing and fruitless claim to the pro])- erties and privileges vested in the ])arent Church liad been vielded. not because it was regarded as unwar- ranted, but because it was felt to be useless to prolong a struggle so painful. The minor strifes and litigations within ])articular presbyteries and congregations had now measurabh' ceased. The sej^aration was seen to be a i)ermanent fact: and the conviction that the nas- cent Church unist live in and liv itself, if it lived at all. 98 GEXESfS A.\'D El'OLUTlON. had become not only a fixed conclusion, but also a stimulus to consecration and activity! such as nothing less than such an emergency could have secured! The awakening sense of a valuable opportunity to be grasped, of a providential mission to fulfil, of a large and noble destiny possible, was felt by all as an elec- tric inspiration. And the Assembly, meeting under such conditions, was quite ready in temper to welcome the strong doctrine of the opening sermon touching the Spirit poured out from on high, and the wilderness becoming under his gracious influence a fruitful field — such as Isaiah saw in sacred vision. The attendance was not so large as had been an- ticipated, many of the presbyteries in the farther west and south being unrepresented. While the absence of some who had been prominent in the earlier organi- zation was felt, the body was not lacking in wise and safe leaders. — notably the Moderator, the venerable William Wisner, D. D.,* one of the honored pastors and fathers of the Church, the veterans Cox and Dick- inson and Hill, Drs. DeWitt and Riddle of Pennsyl- vania, Kirk and Parker and Mills and other men of like value. The sessions were comparatively brief, and the business was concluded within nine days. Favorable responses having been received from the presbyteries it was ordained, in accordance with the overtures transmitted to them, that the rritio of * William Wisner, D. D., born Warrick, N. Y., April 18, 177'2 ; admitted to practice law, 1805 ; studied theology pri- vately. Pastor for two long periods in Ithaca, N. Y., also pastor in Rochester and St. Louis. Died in Ithaca. Jan. 7, 1871. D. D., Delaware Coll. Father of Wm. C. Wisner, D. D.. Moderator, 1855. CHANGES IX POLITY. 99 representation in the Assenil)ly sliould be one minister and one elder from each ])resbytery whatever its mem- bershi]). with the recommendation that no presbytery shonld contain more than twenty-four ministers, and on the other hand that none should be so small as to be incapable of discharging^ efficiently its constitutional functions. It was further ordained that the synods should become the courts of final resort in all matters of discipline, and should come to I)e — as was said ^ |)rovincial assemblies, with enlarged responsibilities both in interpreting church law and in acting for the welfare and edifying of the denomination. It was also ordained that the .\ssemblly should meet triennially insti^ad of annually, and that it should become more fullx' a conciliar and spiritual body — a grave an^l holy convocation of the Church, as was said, for the pro- motion of the interests of truth, piety and benevolence. Among the motives leading tt) these constitutional changes, some undoubtedly were the general feeling awakened by the arbitrary proceedings of several Assemblies ])rior to the Disruption, the natural opposi- tion to centralized power, the preference for a wider distribution alike of responsibility and of service, and a conviction that after all the presbytery is the true unit and ])rimal authorit}- in the Presbyterian system. It is not impossible that one motive may have been to re- move from the arena of the Assembly that troublesome question of domestic slavery which was annually forc- ing itself into notice there, and was even then threat- ening to convulse and divide the Church. In fact, that ((uestion did absorb no small amount of time and excite no small degree of conflicting feeling in the Assembly. IdU GEXESIS AM) HrOLUTIOX. the prolonged discussions finally ending in an indefi- nite postponement. It was natural that the interest of the body should still be centered largely in the Disruption and its vari- ous issues. The chief act in this direction was the adopting of a Declaration of Principles, so called, in which the .Assembly once more expressed its estimate of the excluding Act, and again defined its own posi- tion and claims under what was styled the historic Constitution of American Presbyterianism. The De- claration affirmed that this Constitution was no nullity but rather a grand and inviolate charter, whose pro- visions and requirements were to be preserved unsul- lied and sacred in all ecclesiastical administration. It affirmed that no member of the Church should be de- prived of his constitutional rights and {privileges thus guaranteed e.xcept by fair and regular process: that no one should be impeached, discredited or disfran- chised by private judgment, by cahnnn\- or any illicit form of procedure; and that all members, officers, judicatories of the Church should always hold them- selves under most solemn obligation to act in every case in accordance with these fundamental i)rinciples. In the light of all that had transpired during the three or four years preceding, the force of this vigorous Declaration can be easily understood, and its i)assion may be easilv condoned. The general temper of the .Assembly appears in its action res])ecting .•-ome other matters of interest. A trf)ublesome judicial case, involving chieHy the rulings of certain lower judicatories, claimed too large an amount of time and attention. In view of the unusual COXDITIOX OF THE CHURCH. 101 prevalence of drunkenness with its kindred vices, a strong resolution was passed in favor of temperance. The prevalence of Sabbath desecration led to like action on that subject — pastors being counselled to preach respecting it, especially on the Sunday pre- ceding the Fourth of July. The Assembly declared itself, even more fully than its predecessors had done, in favor of the voluntary societies organized in the interest of home and foreign missions, ministerial education, tract distribution and Sunday school work, and made an earnest appeal for enlarged liberality in all departments of religious enterprise. The general condition of the young Church is graphically sketched in the Narrative of Religion adopted by the Assembly. On one hand the Narra- tive describes the difficulties and discouragements manifest. — external, in the general state of the coun- try, the commercial depression current, the spread of vices, the indifference of the multitude to spiritual things. — internal, in the coldness and inaction of many among professed believers, the temper of worldliness ])revalent. the contentious sectarianism, and specifically the measure of controversy still manifest between those who once were brethren within the one Church. On the other hand it dwells with enthusiasm on some evidences of outward prosperity in the churches, the organizing of new congregations especially on the frontiers, and the strengthening and increase of many of the older congregations. It emphasizes even more joyously the signs of spiritual advance, the numerous revivals adding from 12.000 to 15.000 members on j)rofession of faith, and the growing sense of unity 102 GEXESIS AND FJ-QLUTION. within the Church. It exhorts to increased confidence in the Gospel and in the stated ministrations of the Word, to the cuhure of greater stabiHty in church Hfe, and the cultivation of deeper interest in mission work especially in the far West. And the Narrative closes with these earnest words : Finally, we recom- mend seasons of special private and social thanksgiving to God for the spiritual mercies of the ecclesiastical year which has just closed. It was begun in darkness and fear, in fastings and tears and supplications. It has closed in triumphs and joys which have brought heaven and earth to mingle in holy sympathy. I Three years elapsed before another Assembly was ponvened. and the history of the Church during this period can be gathered only from occasional and some- what scant indications. The organization still labored under the opprobrium which had fallen upon it. or the nucleus of it. at the Disruption — still encountered opposition, sometimes unfair and even cruel, from the conservative sources. Moreover, it had as yet neither churchly machinery nor wealth nor mucli other help- ful resource : it was still weak in various ways. Yet it had reason for encouragement in the quieting or elimination of undesirable elements and tendencies, in the developing spirit of unity, in the increasing con- sciousness of responsibility and of progress, and in its rapidly w-idening area. There had also been an actual increase, though slight, in the number of synods and presbyteries, ministers and churches, and a somewhat larger growth in membership. Added to all this was the cheering fact that the symi^athy and aid of various ASSEMBLY OF 1848. 103 other evans^tlical communions wire freely manifested in its interest. The Assembly of 1843 """^t, as its predecessors had done, in the I'irst Church of Philadelphia of which Albert Barnes was the loved and honored pastor. The attendance was lar^^e. and among the commissioners were many conspicuously earnest and active men, from both the East and beyond the Alleghenies. Still it is obvious that the change from an annual to a triennial convocation, toijether with the large transfer of juris- diction to the synods — a change which was later on to reveal more fully its injurious quality — detracted somewhat from botii the number and the weight of the assembled body. The Moderator chosen was An- sel R. Edd.y, D. D..* and the bu^^iness in hand went forward nroni])tly, the sessions closing on tlie tenth day. It is needful to refer here to only a few items of special interest. The general disjiosition of the Assembly is indi- cated by its action resj^ecting the observance of the Sabbath, res])ecting i)romiscuous dancing as incon- sistent with Christian propriety. resj)ecting benevolent collections for religious uses, res])ecting days of fast- ing and prayer for special objects, res])ecting its own religious exercises daily and a solemn communion ser- vj"ce. The ajiproaching centennial anniversary of the convening of the Westminster .\sseniblv was recog- nized by ajiprojjriate ])reamble and resolution. As to * Ansel R. Eddy, D. D., born. 171»1»: grad. Union Coll., 1817; Ando\Tr Sem., 182"J; pastor, Canandaigua, N. Y., New- ark, N. J., Chicago. Ills. .\gent A. and F. Christ. Union. Died Lansingl)iirgh. X. Y., Feb. 7, 187'"). 104 GE.^fESIS AND EVOLUTION. slavery a strenuous -discussion was carried on day after day, with various propositions and some bitterness of feeling, to the exclusion of other important matters, and with some harm to the unity of the body. — the whole ending in a resolution adopted, not without dis- sent and protest, declaring it inexpedient to take pres- ent action. A judicial issue, involving the suspension of a minister, and revealing some irregularity in dis- cipline, added to the excitement of the body, and was finally referred to the synod implicated for review and correction — a considerable minority protesting against the decision. The special committee which had been charged by the preceding Assembly with the oversight of the pecuniary interests and claims of the Church involved in the Disruption reported that the quo warranto suit had been abandoned, and the Assembly approved its action, but with a declaration that this step must not be regarded as waiving or extinguishing its legal and equitable rights in the properties of the parent Church. In the same temper it was resolved to forego the elec- tion of trustees or directors to look after these ancestral interests — these valuable heritages. An important resolution was also adopted in this connection, express- ing gratification at some evidences of increase in the measure of kindness and courtesy shown by the other Church, and counselling all ministers and churches to cultivate a responsive measure of brotherly love toward that body. The Narrative of the State of Religion is the most distinctive evidence now iUtainable as to the s])'ritual condition of the Cliurch at that juncture. It ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS. 105 records with devout o^ratitude to God the remarkable series of revivals which had been enjoyed both in the Atlantic sections of the Church, and equally in the central West wherever the standard of the denomina- tion had been planted. It refers to the rapid develop- ment in the farther West, instancing^ especially one of the frontier States where a few years earlier there was not a sing^le presl)ytery. but where now there were no less than five presbyteries, united in one strong synod. It speaks of increasinj^- interest in the study and the distribution of the Bible, in the cause of temperance and the Sabbath, and in Christian benevo- lence and activity : also of greater permanence in the pastoral office, and the increasing confidence shown in the outcome of the faithful preaching of the Word publicly and from house to house. In this connection it commends the three theological seminaries as fur- nishing many faithful young men for the ministry, and urges the duty of pressing on the continental work of home missions with fidelity and vigor. All in all, the condition and prospects of the young Church were said to be such as would justify enlarged confidence and the l)r()adest ex])cctations for the future. Tlie remaining years of the first period in the lite of the young Church, extending t() and including 1849, may be sufficiently described with smaller detail. The process of evolution went on steadily, and with less of outward ojjposition or of interior agitation, except in one or two directions, as the years advanced. When the Assembly of 1846 met in the usual ])lace, it chose as Moderator a irifted and l)rilliaiU man, wlio had 10(i GENESIS A.\n El'OLVriON. shared conspicuously in the movement from the be- _£;innin_g^, Samuel H. Cox, D. 1).,* and entered with some enthusiasm on the discharge of its proper ecclesi- astical functions. Puit its proceedings were soon dis- turbed by the incursion on the second day of memorials from nearly thirty presbyteries and four synods touch- ing the subject of slavery and specially the relations of the Church to that enormous evil. A discussion followed, largely to the exclusion of other matters, which was continued for eight consecutive days, — the roll being called, and each commissioner given oppor- tunity to express his judgment. Wide variety of opin- ion was developed, involving mucli excitement and no small strain upon the brotherliness of the body, and injuriously protracting its sessions. The discussion was finally closed by the adoption, not without a large negative vote followed by two or three protests, of a formal Declaration, which on one side referred the whole matter of discipline for slaveholding to the minor judicatories to which it properly belonged, but deplored on the other hand the existence of the msti- tution of slavery, endorsed the condemnatory action of previous Assemblies from 1787 to 18 18, exhorted all who might be implicated to put away the evil, and meanwhile counselled all others to abstain from divis- ive or disturbing action. But this was not the end : eleven years later the controversy rent the Church in twain. * Samuel H.'XNson Cox. I). 1)., lioni Aug. "J"). IT!):?; pastor, Mcndliam, N. J.. 1817-21; New ^'ork City, lS21-:^4; Prof, of Pastoral Thcol. Auburn Scni., IS.'U-T : pastor, Brooklyn, N. Y., 1837-54. President of Ingliam Univ. Died, Bronxville, N. Y., Oct. 2. 18S(i. 1), 1). Williams. ISJ:?; l.L. D., Marietta, FKA TliRXA L REL.i TJOXS. 107 Special iiilcrest was iiianifesL"(l in the matter of fellowsliip with other religious Ixxhes. Deles^ates from such IxxHes, inchuHni^ the (lernian Reformed and the Evan.5;elical Lutlieran Churches, were welcomed: steps were taken toward wide reciprocal correspond- ence, emhracinj^ not onlv American denominati(.)ns, but also the Cont^res^ational I'nion of Kni^land and Wales and the Free Church of Scotland. The Evano^elical Alliance was heartily endorsed and its approaching convocation in London was anticij^ated with hope and exultation as a ste]) toward union throughout Christ- endom. .\ sjjccial committee was appointed for con- ference with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with a view to closer fellowshij). if not to organic union. .A fraternal communication was addressed to the .\ssembl\- of the (). S. Church, then in session in Philadelphia, j^roposing a joint celebration of the Lord's Sui)])er. — a ])ro])osal which was lj ut it was evident that the inordinate discussion resjx'Cting slavery, while it prolonged the sessions of the Assenilily for more than two weeks, had crowded out injuriouslv otiier subjects, such as tem])erance. the Sal)bath. ])salmo(l\, doctrinal literature, which were 108 GEXESIS AND ErOLUTION. of great practical moment to the Church. It also be- came evident that Assemblies, meeting but once in three years, could never give adequate consideration to these and other kindred denominational interests. It was also realized that though since 1843 there had been some advance in the roll of ministers and churches and meml)ership, as the statistics showed, the Church had suffered in several respects in consequence of so long an interim of fellowship in and through the Assembly. It was therefore resolved, not without serious questionings as to validity, that the Assembly when it adjourned should meet at Cincinnati in the coming year: and an overture was sent down to the presbyteries i)roposing a return to annual sessions and a restoration of appellate power to the Assembly. The Narrative of' Religion was then read, referring with interest to the Church growth as real though small, and lamenting certain hindrances such as the spread of pernicious literature, the rise and influence of gross forms of error, and especially the prevalence of war as a public condition always unfavorable to the progress and power of the (Gospel of Peace. And the Assembly then adjourned. When the liocK- met again in 1847 according to adjom-nment, the attendance from both the cast and the farther west was found to l)e but small, and a shadow seemed in view of the recent constitutional rule to rest upon the convocation, liut the constitutionality of the adjournment was affirmed I^y an elaborate opin- ion from Chancellor Kent, and further justified bv the report of a special committee appointed to consider the question. ihe reasons given in that report were AXXU.IL ASSEMBLIES PKEEERRED. 109 that ovviiii^ to tlic protracted discussions respecting slavery business of importance iiad I)een wliolly set aside or unfinislied, — that the ])lan of triennial sess- ions had left the Church too much without visi])le imity and adequate sui)ervision, — that the mission work in the far west had suffered especially for the lack of such care as the Assembly alone could supply, — that the education of the ministry, the u])l)uildinty of other church interests, the extension of relij;-ion in the land, not onh- justified but demanded annual sess- ions of the sui)reme judicatory. The Assembly adojited this view, and accordin regarded as marking the point of transition from the first to the second stage in the life of the denomination. During the earlier vears the Church had been coming gradually into a distinct consciousness of its real character and position as an independent organization. The pro- cess of aggregation and assimilation had been going on, not without external difficulty or inward embar- rassment, yet steadily and safely. Roth the doctrmal position and the ecclesiastical structure had by de- grees become clearly defined. The geographical area to be occupied and the vast work possible to be done were also somewhat fully manifest. The spirit and the purpose were now well matured, but the organism was as yet infantile, and the methods and machineries requisite to efficiency in action and service were as yet lacking. Still the young Church, with its twenty synods and more than a hundred presbyteries, located along the most favorable lines in no less than twelve States, was now prepared not only to live on. but to complete its organization, perfect its methods and system, gather up its resources, and proceed in strength and hope to fulfill its providential mission in the land. The attendance was large, all sections of the de- nomination being well represented, and among the commissioners were many both of the original leaders ASSEMBLY Ul- 184'J. Ill and of vouiiger men on whom the task of leadership was to fall durini; the next decade. The organization was completed 1)\ the election of I'liilip C. Hay, D. D.* as Moderator. .\ majority of tlie preshyteries con- curring, the proposed change fr(-)ni triennial to annual Assemhlies was agreed upon, and steps were taken toward the resumption of appellate ])ower and an adjustment of the ratio of representation. Several changes in sy nodical l)(nmdaries were arranged, and provision was made for the extension of church lines, notahly in the erection of a presh) tery in distant Cali- fornia. \'arious questions, such as a term .service in the eldership, the establishment (j1 a theological sem- inary in the northwest, correspondence with other Churches, exchange of delegates with the Assembly O. S. were discussed. Nineteen memorials touching slavery were received, and after some consideration the troublesome subject was disposed of for the time by the adoption of an elaborate report, in wdiich the deliverances of preceding .Assemblies were cited and reaffirmed, the main principles involved were forcibly stated, and the matter dismissed with instructions to the subordinate judicatories to e.xercise kind and salu- tary discipline and with general counsel to patience and Christian forbearance an all sides. While no definite adv-ance was made in the line of denominational assumjjtion of the wt)rk of home mis- sions, the resolutions adopted show active and grow- * Phillm' Courti.andt Hav. 1). D.. born in Newark, N. J., July 25, 171W; grad. Princeton Coll.; licensed 1820; pastor in Newark eleven years, afterwards in Geneva and Oswego, N. Y. ; teacher and principal. Died, Dec. 27, 1860. 112 GENESIS AND El'OLUTION. iiig- interest in the work itself in all its branches. This is partly indicated also in the Narrative adopted, which indeed acknowledges the presence of spiritual dearth in the churches, and of what are described as extensive defections, but points cheerfully to occasional revivals reported, to the building ot sanctuaries, to in- crease in benevolence, and various other signs of life and prosperinfy. The Xarrative is, however, too gen- eral and too diffuse to be accepted as a safe index to the denominational situation. The statistical report indicates a slight decline in both churches and member- shi]) during the three years reviewed — a decline which mav be explained jjartlv by the extensive defections so far as there were such, as alleged in the Xarrative, toward Congregational fellowship on one side and the ( ). S. communion on the other. Close examination shows that, while the denominational growth was more rai)id during the first half, there was still a healthful advance in all particulars during the latter half of the period which has here been passed in review. A comparison between the statistics of 1839, the first full \ear in the life of the young Church, and those of 1849, shows an increase of synods from 15 to 20. of presbyteries from 85 to 104, of ministers from 1 181 to 1453, of churches from 1286 to 1555, and of membership from 100,850 to 139,047. The figures in the first series are ])rol)al)ly excessive, many churches and ministers being counted who never really cast in their lot with the excluded party. There were also many internal causes. — dififerences in tempera- ment, training, religious associations, theological bias. localit\- and outward conditions. — which operated REIIEIV OF THE DECADE. 113 strongly against the rapid development of unity, of mutual affection, of absorbing devotion to the common cause. The Church; moreover, was sailing year by year between the deep sea of Congregationalism and the rugged cliffs of a conservative Presbyterianism, and was at every moment liable to be engulfed by the one or shattered to pieces on the other. All things considered, it seems remarkable that an organization begun as this was, and so sorely beset, should have survived and grown as it did, — survived and grown not merely through human energy and sacrifice but, as its friends believed, because the divine favor rested benignantly upon it. And imperfect as it was in both experience and resource, erring occasionally in both plan and temper, far from being what it ought, the young Church nuist be said to have exhibited a re- markable measure of vitality and power, and to have justified thus early the belief that it was destined yet to do a good and great work for Christ. CHAPTER FOURTH. Organization and Advance. 1850-1859. The first stage or era in the Hfe of the Church, with all the conflicts and diffculties, the efforts and sacrifices involved, had now been safely passed. The hope of an honorable reconciliation and of union with the Church from which it had been excluded — a hope long cherished by many minds and still lingering in some, was now seen to be vain. The earlier unwilling- ness to set forth upon an absolutely new existence, with all the trying problems involved, had now measurably died away. The sense of unity, awakened at first by the presence of common dangers and com- mon trials, had now developed into a strong and lofty sentiment of union. The preliminary questions re- specting its doctrinal foundations, its ecclesiastical principles and policy, its right to exist, its providential sphere and mission, had for the most part been an- /ii swered. Its relations not only to the other. Church but to various evangelical denominations, had been sufficiently determined. In the short space of eleven or twelve years, but as a span in the career of most Churches, a remarkable work had been accomplished. P)Ut the decade that followed was to witness a de- velopment still more remarkable, — a process of organ- ization such as would thoroughly fit the Church with agencies and machineries adequate to the filling of its providential s])here, and a steadfast progress toward healthful, vigorous maturity. In fact, the work of organization had l)eeii alroa2. President. Jefferson Coll.. 18»iJ-5 ; Professor in. 18ti5-8 ; pastor in Canonsburg and Martinsburg, Pa., 18tj8-79; died at Falls Church, Va., Julv 16, 1888. 110 ORGANIZATION AND ADTANCE. who had proved himself an active and efficient servant of the Church as well as an honored pastor, was made Moderator ; and the ordinary business was promptly transacted. But the subject of slavery, notwithstand- ing the elaborate action of the preceding year, brought on an exciting jand unprofitable^ discussion, engrossing most of five out of the twelve davs of the session — a sad precursor of the larger conflict and estrangement that were to follow. The matter of fraternal correspondence and the restoration of fellowship with the O. S. Church ex- cited earnest and prolonged debate, but was at length indefinitely postponed with a formal statement of the failure of previous movements toward that end. an expression of regret that such movements had hitherto proved fruitless, and a declaration of desire to establish close fraternal relations whenever such a step should be found practicable. Various other special matters, such as provision for the support of aged ministers, publication of doctrinal tracts, the correction of synod- ical records, were acted upon. The answers to the several overtures sent down to the presbyteries by the previous Assemlily showed that the proposed alter- ations in the Constitution as to the limitations of appeals and the ratio of representatives had not been approved — the Constitution therefore remaining un- altered. The central subject of Home Missions was intro- duced by a sermon from the Moderator which was a forceful delineation and defense of the four main prin- ciples which the Church was set specially to represent: first, religious liberty in contrast with ecclesiastical M/ssio.y or the church. m authority; second, living Calvinism in contrast with a rigid dogmatic system and a literal subscription ; third, cooperative activity in religious work in contrast with an exclusive ecclesiasticism ; fourth, an aggressive in contrast with a conservative type of church life. It was maintained that it should be the great work of the denomination to proclaim and illustrate these four prin- ciples. A series of strong resolutions was adopted by the Assembly in harmony with the discourse ; sug- gesting significantly, however, that in organizing churches and supplying destitute regions the presby- teries may act by themselves as well as through the American H. Mission Society — a suggestion which contained the germ of the complete separation that occurred a few years later. The Narrative of Religion reports various fav- orable and unfavorable matters, :v.d cldims a f^ir degree of consolidation and progress, but the statis- tics show no appreciable increase or expansion — a small advance beyond the figures of 184c). The best attainable index of the actual condition of the denom- ination appears in a thoughtful volume prepared that year, under the authority of the Synod of New York and New Jersey, by a conmiittee of which Drs. Judd, Skinner, Hatfield and Spear and Judges Hornblower, Haines and Jessup were members. The volume was designed to set forth before the Christian public the real position and claims of the Church, to correct cur- rent misunderstandings respecting it. and to further its interests by a full statement of its belief, temper, purpose. It contains a considerate and just account 118 ORGAXIZATIOX AM) ADfAXCE. of the Disruption as to its causes and procedures, and closes with the following emphatic testimony : Many of the obstacles to our progress, by which we have been embarrassed most of the time since our organization in 1838. are now removed. During a large part of this period much of our time and energies was necessarilv devoted to the defense of our position and rigiits. Xinv we can consecrate them to labors for extending the borders of our heritage, and the spread of the Gospel through the world. We are not, indeed, rich in moneyed investiiients : all that the Clnirch ]:)ossesse(l previous to the Division our brethren have appropriated to theuiselves. We are con- hdent, however, that (iod approves our jjrinciples and policy, and that if we humbly ctati(>iis. Occasio)tal Seniious and Ad- dresses. DISCUSSION ON S I.AVERY. 13^ earlier stages of that great spiritual awakening which like a gale from heaven swept over the land during that vear, and its deliheratif)ns. even at points where controversy was waged, were calmed and hallowed by that gracious visitation. The ordinary Inisiness. such as the erection of synods and ])resl)yteries, the review of records, fraternal correspondence, was transacted with despatch. One item of interest was the approval of the Presbyterian Historical Society, as a joint asso- ciation of several Presbyterian communions, and an agreement to share in a proposed commemoration of the reimion of the iwo historic Synods, in 1758. after seventeen years of separation. The subject of church extension in its four branches or departments was the matter of chief interest. ¥\\\\ reiiorls on various sec- tions of the home missionary work, on church erec- tion, on publication, and on education for the ministrVr the latter accompanied by a plea for aiding students in their theological training, were considered and acted upt)n, and various measures to increase the efficiency, of these departments were discussed. Their great value to the Church was now assured. Both in the Narrative and elsewhere the growth of a healthful de- nominational feeling is mentioned as a direct con- sequence of the establishing and etYective action of these ecclesiastical instnunentalities. The one painful event in the Assembly was the protracted, bitter, disastrous debate on slavery and the responsibility of the Church concerning it. Several memorials brought uj) the subject in forms which seemed to demand not onlv thorough discussion, but some oard as a reliable and ade(|uate agency, and in view of the THE CiriL WAR. 155 urj^t'iic) of its work and of its financial needs, earnestly exhorted all ministers and congrej^ations to i^ive it liberal sustenance. Initial steps were taken toward inauijuratins^ a plan, with suitable endowment, in aid of disabled ministers and their families. The subject of systematic beneficence was also urged upon the attention of the whole Church. Xo judicial business or other constitutional matter of much moment, with one exception, came before the body. In view of the new work and duty likely to arise out of the impending war. the I'ible Societ\ . the Tract Society, and also the organizations in the interest of the Sabbath and of Temperance, were fn(lorseorn, Leyden, N. Y., June 17, \Hi\-l: student at .Andover; pastor Cincinnati, 1831-7; Phila., 1837, till his death at Scranton. Pa.. Aug. 22, 18fiti, .\uthor of Life of John Brainerd. Assoc. Editor Pres- l)yterian Quarterly. 158 MATURITY AND CONSUMMATION. vigorously as possible, and with a fair degree of success. In 1862 it was declared that the salvation of the country was the first and highest duty of the Church, and in this conviction the body urged all its churches to contribute liberally to the cause of home missions, counseled both diligence and economy in the prosecution of the work, pressed the task of ex])lor- ation especially along the frontiers with the purpose of planting churches wherever these were needed, and called loudly for ministers suited to such service. In 1863 the Assembly congratulated the Church on the measure of success attained in this department, de- clared its confidence in the plan of independent action and in the wisdom and efficiency shown by the com- mittee, asked for the co-operation of every synod and every presbytery, and called again for both means and men to carry on the growing work. In 1864 it was said that the diversity of feeling and counsel respect- ing the policy of the Church in this great field of Christian activity had passed away. — that the receipts in the treasury and the number of laborers had in- creased in a gratifying ratio, — that new regions were opening in the distant west, far beyond the capacity of the Church to supply them, — that some sections of the south were already becoming promising fields, — and that the war instead of diminishing was vastly augmenting both opportunity and responsibility. In 1863 and 1864, the subject of theological educa- tion as adjunctive to this missionary work was care- fully considered : existing difficulties were discussed and objections answered; the rules were revised and new jirovisions and adjustments made: the necessity ORGANIZATION COMPLETED. 159 for the plan in hand was strongly argued ; and pres- byteries were exhorted both to greater care in receiv- ing candidates for the sacred office and to greater effort to secure the requisite funds. On the whole, the three years exhibit a gratifying advance in this department, though the cause had not yet gone far beyond the stage of infancy. The story of the other adjunctive agenc\ . church erection, is somewhat sim- ilar, though with less of criticism and adjustment, and a fair degree of success. But the large number of exceptional cases presented, the inconsiderate demands of presbyteries and synods, and the palpable inade- quacy of the permanent fund, rendered such success less extensive and thorough than it might have been. The fourth agency, publication, is represented as still struggling with special difficulties, yet more and more proving its right to exist and its value as an effective aitl in the church life. ( )ne new agency which was destined to grow into ^popularity and usefulness was established in 1864 under the title of Provision for Disabled Ministers, including also their families. The strong reasons for such an agency were recognized by the Assembly, a tentative plan was drafted, contributions were solicited from congregations and individuals, and the distribu- tion of such funds was placed for the time in the hands of the trustees of the Presbyterian House. In 1862 an elaborate report on systematic lienevolence. as a condition essential to the largest success of the vari- ous agencies of the Church, was a(U)pted and com- mended to the churches. A proposition to establish new missions under denominational control in regions 160 MATURITY AXD CONSUMMATION. not occupied by the American Board, thoug^h strongly advocated, was declined on the ground that such a step might imperil the cordial relations subsisting be- tween the Board and the Church. The matter of organic union with the Church O. S. was considered as earily as 1862, but while regret at the separation and the existence of cordial feeling were affirmed, it was deemed desirable to take no action, — one reason given being the possibility of diverse sentiments and judgment respecting slavery and respecting the obligations of ioyaltv to the govern- ment. In 1863 an invitation to institute fraternal cor- respondence through delegates was accepted, and the hope was expressed that this step might lead to a better understanding of the relations proper to be maintained between the two Churches. In 1864, a more formal declaration was adopted by unanimous vote, welcoming all signs of returning love and unity. suggesting reasons why the Churches should come to- gether, and expressing a readiness to enter into full and cordial union on terms that were just and equal. It may be said here that the withdrawal of the southern section from the Church (). S. and other incidents of the war probably explain these conciliatory actions on both sides. It is hardly needful to advert to the various minor proceedings of the three Assemblies: their position on the issues involved in the civil war is in fact the most significant feature in their history. What had been said and done at the outset, in t86i. had determined substantially the attitude of the Church throughout, and ])re]jared the wa\ for all the succeeding action LOYALTY or THE CIICRCH. 161 wliicli sliincs so bri<>^htl\- in the (k'nominatiDiial records. In each of the three years the dehverance of i86i was repeated in elaborate and emphatic terms. The right- fidness and value of the national Union and of the S^overnment established under it. the wronj^ and the crime of secession, the references to slavery as an institution which secession had been or.qanized to sub- serve, the horror and sin of civil war in such a cause, were all set forth in the strongest language. Expres- sions of confidence in the ])rinciples and purposes of ['resident Lincoln and those associated with him in autboritv were heartily adopted. .An ofificial letter manifestini.; the sentiment of the C"burch was addressed to the I'resident in 1862. and another in 1863, and in 1864 a committee was sent to \\'ashin,i!;-ton to express that sentiment in person. .All pastors were instructed to read these deliverances on the Sabbath to their res])ective couiirej^ations. and continual prayer for the country was enjoined upon all — the .Assemblies settin^.^ the example by rejX'ated seasons of united supplica- tion and strons^- crying before (lod. A'arious practical measures were also urq;ed. such as carin*^ for the physical wants of the soldiers. sup])lyin«;' aid to the woimded in camps and hospitals, securing; the services of chaplains and other relit^ious helpers, providinpf relii^ious literature for distribution, contributing^ gen- erously in cverv way calculated to sustain the Union. The CbristiaTi Commission and the Sanitary Commis- sion, and other similar ag^encies. were commended for their valuable services. The Narratives of the State of Relig^ion chfinG: these three vears reveal the disastrous influence of a 162 MATURITY AND CONSUMMATION. condition of domestic war on all religious interests and movements — an influence illustrated most pain- fully in several particulars. But they also indicate that the deliverances of the Assemblies had had a marked effect in the development of patriotism in syn- ods and presbyteries, and that the Church everywhere was standing maniully on the ground so defined. It is stated that large numbers of communicants had joined the armies, and that many of these were show- ing themselves true Christians and loyal men even in the shock of battle. It was also said that in view of the unexampled exigency, and of the evils specially induced by war, such as intemperance and the violation of the Sabbath, many churches and members were thinking and feeling and praying as never before. What is most remarkable is that many revivals of religion are reported as having been enjoyed in various presbyteries during these years, — 14.719 persons hav- ing been added to the churches on profession of faith. All in all, the position of the Church, as thus evidenced, was one of steadfast loyalty both to the country and to the cause of religion, and its course throughout, in both directions, was one of which American Pre.sby- terianism may well be proud in the coming ages. The Assembly of 1865, met in Brooklyn, and was organized by the choice of James B. Shaw, D. D., as Moderator. The civil war had just ended in a final vic- * James Boyl.\n Shaw, D. D., born in New York, 1808; ordained 1834; pastor Utica. 1834, and later, Rochester for forty years till his death, May 8, 1890. D. D., Univ. of Rochester. ASSEMBLY OF 1863. 163 tory for the government and nation,. but the joy which such an issue had excited throughout the loyal States had been greatly lessened by the tragic death of the President whose wisdom, patience, courage and en- ergy had made that issue possible. The attendrmce was large, with, full delegations fnjm almost every presbytery, an.d contained an unusual proportion of the leading minds in the Church. It may be imagined that the regular business of the Assembly was carried through with a vigor and a hopefulness such as the restoration of peace in the land would inspire. The work of home missions naturally received the chief attention. While both laborers and contributions had increased during the year at an encouraging ratio, it was realized that the work to be done had grown much more rapidly. The western field seemed never so inviting or the call from the frontiers more urgent : a vast empire, it was said, was fast growing into greatness, and sanctuaries and the preaching of the \\'ord and other evangelizing agencies were needed everywhere. Two presbyteries in Tennessee, with- drawing in 1857. now returned and were received, and a synod was at once erected in that State as a step toward the establishment of the Church in the south- ern sections of the Republic. It was justly felt that the fourteen seceding States, devastated and prostrated by the ravages of war, had still a strong claim on all denominations in the North, and on none more dis- tinctly than upon the body froiu which the United Synod had withdrawn. The work among the freedmen also presented itself as one of vital moment and of great urgency. .And in view of these wide and varied 164 MATURITY AND CONSUMMATION. opportunities the Assembly resolved itself to under- take, and also to summon all its churches and member- ship to help in carrying forward in all its branches, this supreme work of home evangelization. P>ut a task so complex and so great could not be prosecuted with efficiency without the aid of the other three administrative agencies of the Church. The Assembly therefore, while encouraged by the increase of candidates and contributions reported, and by the good conditi(Mi of its theological seminaries, empha- sized afresh the loud call of Providence for a larger number of trained and devoted ministers to meet the expanding need. As to church erection it was said that, the hindrances occasioned liy the war being re- moved, there was now in both the west and the south an extraordinar\- summons for hel]) in building houses of worslii]) such as would cheer and strengthen the feebler churches everywhere. The peculiar exigencies of the hour, it was said, also called upon the Church to print and scatter abroad more freely its religious publications, and presbyteries were counseled to em- ploy ministers or other colporteurs in this hopeful form of evangelistic service; and in this connection the religious papers affiliating with the Church and the Ouarterly Review were strongly cctnrnended. The attention of churches and of individuals having means was directed to the straij?htened circumstances of many disabled ministers as calling loudly for sympathy and for timely aid. The claims of foreign missions were said not to be impaired by the recent events or the great need at home, but were declared to be as sacred and as urgent as ever. Keference to other imi)ortant action DECLARATION OF LOYALTY. 165 on kindred lines must be omitted. As to the matter of union with the Church O. S. the Assembly expressed its gratification with the kind spirit manifest and with the restoration of fraternal relations, and also its gen- eral desire for organic union, but queried whether the hour for consummating that union had really come. The action of the Assembly respecting civil afTairs was especially important. It affirmed anew the loyalty of the Church to the government and the Union, con- demned the secession as treasonable and fraught with wrong, declared its belief that the hand of God had been manifest in the overthrow of slavery and of the confederacy, and expressed the conviction that in its issues the conflict which had cost so much would prove at last a blessing to the nation and to the Church of God in the land. It declared it.s profound sorrow over the death of President Lincoln whom it pronounced one of the noblest of men and whose services to the nation it held to be above all valuation, spoke of its tender and prayerful sympathy with his bereaved family, and pledged to his successor the loy- alty and the support freely given to him during his illustrious administration. It also avowed its sympa- thetic interest in the loval people of the south, and its desire to aid them in the trying task of reconstruction, while in terms now seen to be immoderate it declared the course of those ministers who had encouraged and justified the rebellion in the interest of slavery as one of the most astonishing moral perversions to be found in history. It emi)hasized the duty of all to care foi the wounded and destitute soldiers, and for the widows and orphans whom the war had bereaved. .As to the 166 MATCRirV AXD COXSUMMATION. frecdmen it advocated the recognition of the rights of citizensliip as inhering in every man of whatever class or complexion who had been true to the country and the flag, yet admitting that there might be honest difference of judgment among good and loyal men as to the immediate conferring of such rights. The Nar- rative for the year reports similar sentiments as prevalent everywhere among the churches, speaks hope- fully of the future notwithstanding much current demoralization, and recounts many revivals as enjoyed, — the statistics showing an addition of nearly seven thousand to the church membership on profession of their faith. As the earlier years of the decade were largely engrossed with the problems precipitated upon the Church by the Civil War, so the remaining four years in its historv were to be chiefly concerned with the absorbing problem of ecclesiastical Union. In the Narrative of Religion for 1862, the general position and condition of the Church, at the end of the quarter of a century from the Disruption, were concisely de- scribed, and its adequate equipment for service as an independent denomination was strongly stated. The three subsequent years had furnished practical evidence on these points, and when the war closed and the way for a broader developinent was providentially opened, the capability of the Church to take and hold such a place had become still more manifest. Its progressive zeal had been somewhat attempered by a healthful conservatism such as is generally evolved in the process of jiractical activity, yet without any imi)airment of its THREE Sl'CCEEDIXG ASSEMBLIES. 167 actual efficiency. It had become more homogeneous, more compact, more consciously and heartily one, vvitliout beings stiffened or solidified through such imi- fication. It had fully justified its claim to be in a worthv sense C'alvinistic in doctrine and Presbyterian in polity, but had sufifused both its polity and its doc- trine with the American spirit and purpose, and had come into a throbI)ing consciousness of its mission as a representative of these high cpialities before the Anierican peo])le. As its statistics showed, it was en- tering upon a ])eriod of growth more marked than any in its earlier history. And there is no just reason to doubt that, if it had chosen to continue an independent life, it would have held indefinitely an honorable place among the evangelical communions of the land. The records of 1866, 1867 and 1868* which may here be grouped into one statement, furnish a good * The Assemblies for these years met respectively in St. Louis. Rochester, and Harrisburgh, and their presiding offi- cers were, 1866. Samuel Miles Hopkins. D. 1).. born Geneseo. N. Y., Aug. 3, 1818; grad. Amherst Coll., 1832; Auburn and Princeton Senis.. 1884-7 ; pastor Corning, N. Y.. 1839-43 ; Fre- donia. 1843-6; Prof, of Church Hist. Auburn Sem.. 1847. and emeritus Prof, till his death. Oct. 29. 1901. D. D.. Amherst, 18'i4. .Author. Manual of Church Polity. ]X(>~. Henry .Addison Nelson, D. !).. born .Knihcrst. Mass.. Oct. 31. 1820; grad. Hamilton Coll.. 1840; .-Xuburn Sem.. 1843-oard of h'oreign Missions: 178 MATURITY AND CONSUMMATION. certain other adjustments were made in contemplation of the immediate union. As to the union itself it was ascertained that each and all of the one hundred and thirteen presbyteries had approved the basis submitted in May, and that in all but three where a slight negative vote had been cast, the approval had been unanimous. The Assembly was also informed officially that one hundred and twenty-eight presbyteries in the Church, O. S. had approved the basis, that only three had declared against it, and that thirteen, chiefly in missionary fields, had taken no action. It being thus apparent that the judicatories of both Churches had in due constitutional form approved the measure, the Assembly resolved unanimously and by a rising vote that the Basis of Reunion was henceforth in full and binding force, and that on that Basis the two Churches were here- after to be one. The Assembly was then formally dis- solved with prayer and thanksgiving and the apostolic benediction, and with this solemn act the New School Presbyterian Church, after a generation of conflict and trial, of planning and labor and sacrifice abundant, of growth and maturing and success divinely bestowed, ceased to be. CHAPTER SIXTH. The Union of 1869. The General Assembly, representing the two de- nominations now united in one Church, was convened in 1870. in Philadelphia, the ancestral home of Ameri- can Presbyterianism. It was by far the most important convocation in the history of that type of Protes- tantism on this continent. The numerical contrast with the first General Assembly which also met in that city, and which, was composed of only twenty-two ministers and ten elders, representing twelve presby- teries, was marked indeed. P>ut the contrast in equip- ment and resources and institutions, in knowledge and experience and capacity for effective service in the spiritual field which during the intervening period had spread out in such various forms and such continetital magnitude, was much more marked. Compared with the .\ssembly of 1837. it represented twice as many ministers and members, and nearly twice as many churches and presbyteries as that body contained prior to the act of excision. It had fifty-one synods, located in as many as eighteen or twenty States and in China and India, and embracing nearly half a million of com- municants. .And well might those who shared in this memorable convocation, as they called the past to mind and measured the promise of the future, rejoice to- gether in the task of organizing what was in essence another, a new and grander Presbyterian Church. I'^or such in fact it was. Neither of the two de- nominations joined the other : neither received the 180 THE UNION OF 1869. other into its communion. One did not return to the other as an ancestral home, nor did one admit the other as a sharer in an inheritance which it had hitherto held exclusively. The fact that one had retained dur- ing the disruption the archives, properties, heritages once held in common, gave it neither priority in posi- tion nor a special right to continued life. In fact both organizations. alike ceased to be. and in dying both alike gave their possessions, their endowments, their all. to the Church that came into being in and through their dissolution. The new organization was no more cither of them than an infant is one of the parents that united in giving it birth. Xor can it prop- erly be said that that organization was the same with the Church that existed before the separation, ever since the convening of the first Assembly in 1789: for that body had also ceased to be in the dark catastrophe of excision. The name, the polity, the standards and doctrine survived, but the organism that maintained and represented them became extinct in that unhappy process. Its traditions, usages, precedents, historv were well preserved as precious heirloonis by both of the Churches that succeeded it in time, but neither was or could properly claim to be that historic and vener- ated communion. What came into existence in 1870 was therefore neither an absorption nor a resurrection but rather a new and grander Church, through whose veins the warm ancestral blood was fiovving. on whose countenance the strong ancestral lineaments were trace- al)le. but which had come into being through a fresh generative i)r()cess, was endowed with a life largely ASSEMBLY OF 1870. 181 independent, and was divinely ordained for a broader and nobler work. Yet this new I'resbyterian Church was not only to be composed of materials supplied 1)\' the denomina- tions preceding it in time and becoming merged in it : it was also solenmly l)()und in the entire process of organization to hold sacred the terms and conditions, all and singular, which had been agreed upon by the two dissolving Churches prior to the act of union. The last will and testament of each of these Churches was in its hands, and this was to be executed through- out with the same fidelity with which a faithful son would carry out the wishes of his deceased parents. It had no right at first, neither at any stage in its history can it ever acquire the right, to ignore or vio- late any of these sacred provisions. No new discovery made in the practical task of organization or adjust- ment could have justified it. neither can any discovery developing itself anywhere in the future justify it, in setting aside any of those terms, conditions, covenants, on which either of the denominations relied when en- tering into the compact on which as a basis the union was formed. A disposition to do this would be equiv- olent to treachery to that union : to attempt it could result only in an explosive disintegration. The particular and somewhat elaborate process of organization through which the new Church became a living, compact, efficient structure deserves careful examination. The Assembly was a body remarkably well adapted to attempt and carry through such a com- plex process. A glance at its roll shows that not only 182 THE UNION OF 1S69. a larg^e proportion of those who had been actors in the antecedent neo;otiations. but also a great number of men who in one sphere and ancjther had been lead- ing minds in both communions — including seven or eight Moderators of preceding Assemblies — and also an unusual proportion of elders conspicuous in com- mercial and public atifairs, were present. The body was constituted by the unanimous choice as Moderator of Rev. J. Trumbull P>ackus, D. I)..* who had been a member of the original committee on the Union, and for nearly forty \ears one of the honored pastors of the Church. The Minutes show how large an amount of business was transacted during the fortnight of earnest and diligent deliberations that followed, and with how much of harmony the results were secured, as if in res])onse to the opening discourse: There is One Body and One Spirit, even as ye are called in ( )ne Hope of your Calling. The first step toward com])leteness of organization was the adjusting of the boundaries of the several synods and i)resbyteries, together with the question of rei)resentation in the Assembly. .An Enabling Act was therefore passed, reducing the number of synods from fifty-one to thirty-four, defining the territory of each, determining the jiossession of all rights and franchises, prescribing the manner of the organization of each, and assigning to each the jurisdiction of the several pres- byteries or parts of presbyteries lying within its speci- * Rev. J. Tkiimhi'1,1. Backus. D. D.. LL. D., born Albany, N. Y., Jan. 27, 1800; grad. Columbia Coll.. 18'27 ; student in Princeton, Andover. Yale, 1882: pastor Scbenectady, 1832-73. Died Schenectady. Jan. 21. 18!C'. D. 1).. Lhiion Coll. 1847. J.V ESABLISC ACT. 183 fied l)()uiuls. I'nder tliis enablinp; act the number of the preslnteries was reduced (hirinj^ tlie year from two hundred and fifty-nine to one hundred and sixty-five. Recommendations in respect to the number of minis- ters in each presbytery, comprising those without charg^e resident within the prescribed Hmits, were adopted, but no cliani(e in the ratio of representation was proposed. To discourajj^e pertinacious Htigation in future Assemblies, and assist in the (hspatch of business there, overtures were sent to the jjresbyteries, proposing that all cases of appeal or complaint be limited to the synod, except on questions of constitu- tional law or the trial of a minister for heresy in doctrine. I>\ adopting these measures the .Assembly completed the ecclesiastical organization of the Church St) far as this was needful at the outset of the denom- inational life. The second stej:) in the ])rocess was the atljustment of the several agencies engaged in carrying on the church work. — permanent committees on one side and permanent lioards on the other, with their re- spective secretaries and other officials — the general object being to secure practical unity and the highest degree of efficiency in and through these instrument- alities. In respect to the four main departments already efi"ectively at work in each of the two Churches, comprehensive statements of sphere and method were submitted, and little more was needful than consolida- tion, location, general rules for administration, and the choice of supervisory and executive officers. A glance 184 THE UNION OF 1869. of each of these departments as thus adjusted, must suffice : The Assemhly was fully ahve to the claim of home missions as primal and central. American society in its present formative state was waiting — it declared — for the institution of pure, simple Protestant Chris- tianity. Never were such imperial opportunities pre- sented for rapid and successful evangelization. This work — it was added — was now assuming before the united Church new proportions and vastly greater im- portance. A Board of Home Missions was accord- ingly planned, two secretaries and a treasurer were elected, the location was defined, some needful provis- ions were made for administration, the necessary legis- lation was provided for, the appointment of district missionaries was approved under prescribed conditions, competent support for missionaries was urged, and the whole Church was encouraged to prosecute this work with a hope of being able to occupy every point of influence in this vast country in the name of the Master. Similar provisions were made for the constituting of three other Boards, to have charge of the depart- ments of education, of church erection, and of publica- tion respectively, with all needful arrangements as to place, office, treasury and sphere. The claim of the Board of Education, with its six hundred candidates for the ministry, was earnestly commended to the sym- pathy and support of all the churches. — especially in view of the widened opportunity and the enlarged de- mand for efficient ministerial service. Some needful adiustments were made in orsranizin<>- the Board of ADJUSTMENT OF BOARDS. 185 Church Erection, and this agency was also recognized with emphasis as a most valuahle help in establishing the Church everywhere, — in the cities, on the prairies, along the railways, and on the shores of the Pacific. The Board of Publication as thus organized was com- mended in terms equally strong ; instructions were given to it respecting Sabbath School literature, psalmody and other publications : the appointment of colporteurs was advised, and a central house of publi- cation was judged to be an essential adjunct in the prosecution of the work in this department. — a work earnestly declared to be one of vital moment to the whole Church. A fifth agency, a Board of Foreign Missions, was also established by the Assembly, with provisions and adjustments similar to those just mentioned. The way to such a stej) had been made clear by a conference with the official representatives of the American Board of Foreign Missions — a conference eminently friendly and satisfactory, in which proposals for the transfer of certain missions with their property, and for the adjustment of the ecclesiastical relation of the mission- aries concerned, were amicably made and cordially accepted. That venerable institution — as it was de- scribed — was assured of the continued sympathy and good will of the Church, although the Church felt itself constrained in the interest of the general cause to assume the entire charge of the missionary work with- in its own jurisdiction. While individual donors were regarded as still at liberty, if such was their prefer- ence, to contribute to the treasury of the American Board, the churches were counseled to sustain the de- 186 THE UNION OF 1869. noniinational agency, now appointed, with their means and with their prayers. The work among" the freechnen and the provision for the rehef of disabled ministers were carefully con- sidered by the Assembly, and permanent committees — which afterward became Boards — were appointed under suitable regulations to care for these two im- portant interests. The vast significance of the former work was strongly emphasized in its bearings both upon the religious culture of the colored race and upon the moral welfare of the south and of the whole country. The committee was empowered, acting in conjunction with the Boards already constituted, to receive and disburse funds, to sustain existing institu- tions and organize others for the education of the negro jjopulatioii. The committee on ministerial relief received special instructions in regard to the collection and disbursement of funds, and the cause itself was warmly commended to the churches as one deserving their cordial sympathy and aid. And with all these various agencies thus established, the Church was fully equipped at the outset of its organized life, for practical endeavor in every department of evangelical and beneficetit service. All that the experience of half a century had suggested as desirable was now in order and fully empowered, and nothing more was needful except a corres])ondent temper of work and sacrifice, to carry on a trul\' benevolent, a truly apos- tolic mission for the Church and for mankind. The third ste]) in the process of organization here cf)nsidered was the adjustment of the relations between SEMIXAR/ES AND THE CHURCH. 187 the Churcli and llie thcolotjical seminaries already ex- isting within its ecclesiastical domain. These institu- tions, founded chieHy before the separation of 1837, and actino^ under the auspices of the one or the other of the two uniting Churches during that separation, had been established and conducted on principles in some respects quite diverse. Those affiliating with the Church. (). S. had been constituted by the Assembly directly, their teachers and managers electeil by it, their funds chiefly under its control, and their courses of instruction and their theological teachings subject to its supervision. Those affiliating with the Church N. S. though they had always been cherished as its. special wards and representatives, had made aiuiual rei)()rts to its Assemblies, and were often formally endorsed by it. were originally founded, as they were afterwards sujijiorted. entirely through the generous zeal and sacrifice of l'resl)yterians acting independently in their several localities. Their charters were con- ferred not by ecclesiastical but by the civil authorities, and their funds and interests were in the hands of boards of trustees or directors who were not respon- sible to the .Assembly for their administration, and who ])rovided ])erpetually for their own succession, outside (if an\ direct ecclesiastical oversight. To bring two classes of institutions so unlike in their origin and constitution and their antecedent rela- tions to the Churches for whose benefit they were severally maintained, under one uniform plan, in one and the same scjrt of relationship to the Church of the Union, was early seen to be unattainable : and the .As- sembly of i86g wisely declared that comj^lete uniform- 188 THE UNION OF 1869. ity was impracticable, and the attempt to secure it altogether undesirable. It was well known that to require the seminaries of the second class to surrender their autonomy, put aside their civil charters, place their funds under the control of the Assembly, and confer on that body a supreme right to elect their teachers and direct their internal administration, or in case of refusal to relegate such seminaries to an inferior position within the Church, or regard as less worthy their claim upon the sympathy and support of the entire body, would have rendered the Union im- possible. A more feasible and equitable scheme was therefore devised. It was agreed that in seminaries of the first class the several boards of directors should have power to fill vacancies in their own number, to elect or remove teachers, to conduct the internal aflfairs of such institutions at their own discretion, — the As- sembly retaining, the right to veto any election of direc- tors or instructors, to inquire into the proceedings of the several boards, and to require full account of all funds and transactions whenever demanded. As to the institutions of the second class it was agreed that, while their civil charters could not be altered, or the obligations resting on their boards of trust under such charters be ignored, or their true autonomy in any way disturbed, the Assembly should have the right to ex- press bv formal veto its disapproval of the election of any instructor, and so far forth to bring the instruc- tion given in these institutions under direct ecclesias- tical control. In the explicit language of one of these boards subsequently adopted, it was agreed that in case any Assembly should by vote express its disap- COXDITJOXS OF iWITV. 189 proval of any election, such professorship should from and after such vote of the Assembly be ipso facto vacant. — it not beings the pleasure of this board that in such case an\- such professor should continue in office. The scheme thus outlined met on l)oth sides of it the cordial approval of the Assembly. It was ex- plicitly declared that this scheme would secure all the uniformitv necessary to ensure g^eneral confidence and satisfaction. Less than this, it was said, might excite jealousy; more than this, it was added, would be cumbersome and undesirable. And when this result was reached with entire unanimity, an eminent leader in the Asseml)ly pronounced such asjreement a conspic- uous evidence that the whole movement for union was from (iod. And it was added that an aj^reement so cordial at a point where special difficulty had been apprehended, was an earnest not only of perpetual unity and harm;jn\- within the Church, but also of increased efficiency in every department of church work. Such was the sober judj^^ment of the hour; and so far as strict fidelity to this historic covenant has been main- taitied, the seminaries of both classes have for a jren- eration justified the conspicuous ])lace then gn'^'ited them amon_e^ the beneficent and fruitful aj^encies of the ("hurch. r>ut while (he Assenibl\- was thus earnesth' and wiselv occupied with the ])rocess of organization and structure in the three directions now described — skiv- ing form, coherency, etTfectivtness to the C^hurch ex- ternall\- in and thr.tu'j^^b these administrative auencie?.. 190 THE UNION OF 1869. it was not unmindful of certain interior, more generic conditions on which the future existence and pros- perity of the Church were seen to be no less vitally dependent. Of these conditions the most fundamental was the development of a positive and cordial regard for each other as Christian men and brethren, on the part of all who were henceforth to become members together in the one household of faith. Compliance with this primal condition was as difficult as it was indispensable. There was nmch to be forgiven and forgotten — much to be changed or greatly modified. The prejudices, the jealousies, the animosities of a generation were to be done away. Estrangement was to give place to unity and rivalry to love. Suspicions as to belief and teaching, diversities of usage or in- terest, the many barriers to personal fellowship which had been set up or had grown up with the years, were all to be laid aside, and a new Caritas like that which Paul commended to the believers of Corinth was to take their place. How difficult this personal task of reconciliation and cordial fellowship was. only those who lived through that eventful period and shared in Jts experiences can truly apprehend. But this indis])eusable culture was not personal and individual only, duirches long more or less hostile or rival in their separation were now to be united in common activities, and in many instances to become organically one. Presbyteries were to be composed of men who bad lived apart, and possibly lived in antagonism for half a lifetime. Xew associations as well as new boundaries were to be instituted every- where as signs and products of the union now defined BROTHERHOOD — LOVALIY. 191 and established. The apostolic injunction to love the brotherhood was not only to be accepted as a supreme law by each disciple in every congregation, but written also as a golden rule of wide and tender import in the records of every judicatory from session to sytiod. This was indeed a difficult task — an elevation of dis- position, temper, activity in some directions almost unattainable, but none the less indispensable to the healthful life and growth of the new organism. For it was fully realized that, apart from this interior ex- perience, this spiritual reconstruction, this indwelling and triumphing sense of brotherhood pulsating through its veins, all outward adjustments and provisions how- ever skillfully devised would be but worthless, the union would become a fretting bondage as well as a mere outward form, and the Church would inevitably sooner or later fall otif into incobering fragments, and ultimately cease to be. How fully the Assembly real- ized all this — how carefully it carried forward the process of formal organization under the influence of this fundamental conviction, is apparent to every con- siderate reader of its records. A second condition of like nature in the judgment of the Assembly, was the cordial agreement b\ all parties that the accepted polity of the Church should not only command universal fealty, but should be administered throughout in a free, broad, fraternal spirit and method. — in harmony with the Union itself. It is a fact of history that Christen(K)m thus far has evolved no more effective or beneficent type of church polity, if rightly administered: but it is also a fact of history that no Protestant polity works more in- 192 THE UNION OF isny. juriously if administered in the temper of tyrannizing power. It was seen to be indispensable to the success of the Union that the extremes of intense ecclesias- ticism on one hand and mischievous laxitv on the other should be alike avoided. All tenacious stickling for forms or usages, all dogmatic narrowness or per- sistency, all illicit license or lawlessness, were by the nature of the compact to be excluded. Faithful regard for the rights of the individual, cordial recognition of all just prerogative, an administration of law as gentle and brotherly as it is just, were to be required of all — acknowledged by all. IJoth the prescribed prerogatives of the several judicatories and the constitutional limitations of their jurisdiction were to be faithfullv regarded. Central- ization of power in the Assemblv was to be resisted as a departure from the spirit of the Constitution : indifference to superior jurisdiction or authority in the presbytery was no less a departure. Above all. a broad generosity which could appreciate the fact that in the kingdom of God there are many ways of administra- tion, and could rejoice in practical ends gained by whatever process admissible under the common law of the Church, was to be the pervading, controlling spirit in the ecclesiastical sphere. That this was the temper of the Assembly itself is very apparent: that it also sought to enthrone this spirit as a supreme element in the life of the Church for all the future, is no less apparent to the thoughtful student of its records. And so far as the succeeding generation of church judica- tories has recognizerl and regarded this fundamental condition, the accepted and enthroned polity has been. HARMONY IN DOCTRINE. 193 never an injury, always a helpful and j^racious element in the denominational life and history. The cordial recognition by all alike of substantial uniformity in belief and doctrine was the third, and probably the most important among the interior con- ditions on which the Assembly regarded the life of the Church as de])endent. This uniformity had been affirmed in the Plan of Union itself, though the ex- plicit statement of it had been omitted fr(jm the final draft of that (hxnunent. All were agreed that the Symbols were U) be interpreted as standards in the Calvinistic or Reformed sense, and in that sense only. It was understood that various methods of viewing, stating, ex])laining and illustrating the- teaching of the Symbols, in accord with that general test, were to be freely allowed in the united Church as they had been in the two separate communions. Rut the two extremes of .Antinomianism and Fatalism on one hand, and Arminianism and I'elagianism on the other, were — as the first draft said — to be faithfully shunned bv all schools and ])arties alike. In a word, the uniform- ity affirmed was to rest on a distinctively Calvinistic basis in harn.iony. not indeed with everv letter nor with the interpretation of anv special school, but with the substance and heart of that Confession of Faith to which all alike avowed their allegiance as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures. This type or measure of uniformity was in fact that on which the Westminster .Assembly itself rested while engaged in setting forth before the world its strong, compact, systematical scheme of faith. It was the tyjx' of uniforniit\- in which the American IVesbv- 194 THE UNION OF 1869. terianism liad found rest in 1758, after eighteen years of contention over the proper rule of subscription. It was the uniformity which the two separated Churches, after thirty years of disputation and con- flict, g'radually came to see and appreciate as the only foundation on which org'anic union was possible — on which a really broad, comprehensive Presbyterianism could build with vigor and with hope. And there is abundant evidence in the records of the preliminary negotiations, and in those of the Assembly as well, that the Church being organized under its skillful hands was planted doctrinally on this broad, yet firm and distinct and sufficient basis — becoming in the full sense, a Calvinistic Church. But it should be added here that the Assembly in its affirmations and its acts held also that while the Church was to be stanch and positive in opposition to error in whatever form, it was to be in the largest sense free, cordial, catholic, in in- cluding within its sacred circle all of whatever type or school who worthily wore the Calvinistic name. The remarkable catholicity which the Assembly manifested in its own acts, and by its example taught the Church, deserves to be emphasized as still another of the interior, spiritual conditions on whose main- tenance the future growth and power of the denomina- tion were to rest. The Assembly showed in various ways its own broad, cordial, loving disposition toward all men and all communions that had a just place in the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ among men. It welcomed to its convocation repre- sentatives of the Lutheran, the Reformed, the Con- gregational and other evangelical denominations in CATHOLICITY OF THE ASSEMBLY. 195 America, and also delegates from Presbyterian bodies in this country and Canada, and from England, Scot- land and Ireland, and in turn appointed delegates to each of these Churches. It received a fraternal letter from the Presbyterian Church in distant Boh.emia. and responded to it with a cordial assurance of interest and regard, to be borne by a special deputation to the supreme council of that ancient and long persecuted household of faith. It declared the Heidelberg Cate- chism, the doctrinal standard of the Reformed Church both in America and abroad, to be a valuable scriptural compendium of Christian doctrine and duty proper to be u.sed in family instruction, and in that connection expressed its great satisfaction in the increasing evi- dences of agreement among all those whose symbols maintain in common the faith once delivered to the saints. It also commended the free public schools as an essential part of our republican system, conducive to the moral unity, the common spirit and kindly sym- pathy of American citizenship, and avowed its readi- ness to unite with all Christian people of whatever name, and with all good citizens, in supporting and perfecting the plan of j)opular, as opposed to all forms of sectarian education. The most significant act of the Assembly in this direction was the appointment of a delegation to the Assembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church, then in session in Louisville. Ky., commissioned to assure that body of the friendly interest cherished toward it, and to propose fraternal correspondence for the future. It was hoped that this might prove an introductory step to closer relations, if not ultimately to organic 196 THE UNION OF lS6y. union. The action was not regarded with favor by that Assembly, and the proposal to establish fraternal correspondence was decisively rejected in a formal com- munication in which, among other things, the union between the two northern Churches was said to in- volve a total surrender of the historic testimonies of Presbyterianism as to some fundamental doctrines of grace. To this the Assembly responded with an ex- pression of profound regret over the decision an- nounced, aiid of hope that negotiations might soon be resumed under happier auspices. Twelve long years passed before that ho])e was realized in an exchange of delegates, with nnitual expressions of fraternal re- gard. 'Jlie .Assembly also commended the Historical Society, in which all Presbyterian bodies in the country are associated, as an important agency in preserving the records of American I 'resbyterianism in all its braiiches, and all memorials of its growth, trials and conflicts, and of those who had lieen its honored cham- pions in whatever branch. The ])ractical wisdom, the sanctified tem])er. the tireless assiduit\- manifested by the .Assembly in the various directions here described and in others, during its twelve or thirteen working days of existence, lift it into prominence as the grandest Assembly ever con- vened on this continent — a prominence not likely to be superseded until the meeting at some future day of that .Assembh- yet to be. in which all varieties of Presbvternianism, however se])arate now. shall he. brought together organically in one continental com- muninn of lielief. order, activi(\- in tlie service of its EN CO L'KA GI.\'G RE FOR TS — S TA TIS TICS. 197 one and only Lord and Redeemer. The Narrative of Religion adopted by the Assembly exhibits in an in- terestino^ form the general condition of the Church at the outset of its career. It reports all parties and sections as becoming one in practical sympathy and fellowship, and one in loyalty to the accepted doctrine and polity, and to the one divine and adorable Head. It commends the movements in the interests of home missions and of church extension as in large degree successful. It mentions the work among the f reed- men as showing commendable progress. It represents the Sabbath School interest as encouraging, and urges the establishing of mission schools in neglected dis- tricts, especially in our great cities. It laments the prevalence of Sabbath desecration, of intemperance, and of other social vices, and calls for more strenu- ous effort to counteract such evils. But it also reports the fact of revivals enjoyed in at least eighty presby- teries, and the addition during the year as shown in the statistical tables, of thirty-two thousand members on profession of their faith. It pleads for large in- crease in Christian benevolence in view of the extra- ordinary demand for financial expenditure. And the Assembly crowned all its previous action by calling for the raising of five millions of dollars as an offering of lifratitude to Cod for the Union, and in order to the more- effective prosecution in all its branches of the grand mission of the Church, as God had clearly ap- pointed. The Minutes of the Assembly of 1870. report the Church as consisting at the date of its organization of fifty-one synods and two hundred and fifty-nine pres- 198 THE UNION OF 1869. byteries (reduced by the Enabling Act to thirty-four synods and one hundred and sixty-five presbyteries) with 4,238 ministers and 4,526 churches, having an aggregate membership of 446,551. The Minutes of 1837. prior to the disruption, report thirty-three syn- ods, and one hundred and thirty-five presbyteries, com- prising 2,140 ministers, 2,865 churches and 220,557 members. The loss through the two secessions during the interim on account of slavery amounted to at least sixteen synods and sixty-eight presbyteries, with about 1.300 churches and more than 92,000 communicants. Including these figures as representing a real part of the aggregate growth during the thirty-three years of the separation, that growth may be estimated at 120 per cent, in the number of churches (with a like in- crease in the ministry) and at 135 per cent, in the roll of membership. During the thirty-four years since the Union, the increase in churches and in ministers has been about 80 per cent, and in communicants not far from 140 per cent. These figures seem to suggest the conclusion that the Union has not thus far had the large efifect anticipated from it, so far as the annual increase of the Church is concerned. A comparison of the contributions per member for congregational uses and for all benevolent purposes also seems to show no increase but rather a decline in the beneficences of the denomination — a result the more remarkable if the vast accummulation of wealth in Presbyterian hands since 1870 be taken duly into the account. ]->ut if comparative statistics should not show that the united Church has grown in numbers and resources since the Union at a ratio superior or even equal to UiVION A BLESSING. 199 that of the twn comhining Churches (hirine^ the period of separation, tlie Union has justified itself fully in other wavs. Increase in members or in resources is not always the last or the best measurement of the growth of any church organism : in the kingdom of God there are other measurements of far greater mo- ment. The Union of 1870, whatever may have been the results reported in the statistics subsequent, was in many aspects a grand fact accomplished. It was a great thing to terminate a schism and a rivalry which had been prolonged through an entire generation, and which had become a scandal not only to the two de- nominations involved, but to the general cause of Protestant Christianitx . It was a vast gain, not merely in economics, to consolidate into one group of effective agencies the various committees and boards at work in the separate Churches, and so to adjust and improve these as to make them in higher degree useful as de- nominational and evangelizing forces. It was a large advance in government and administration when the dilifering. somewhat variant conceptions of the church polity were so fully harmonized and unified on the basis of the common Constitution justly and generously interpreted. It was a still larger and more significant advance when the varying types of Calvinism which had been warring bitterly against each other around issues minor and relatively unimportant, were brought together under the banner of a broader, more spiritual unity. — when the long and sad era of disputation was ended in a theological as well as ecclesiastical recon- ciliation. 2m THE UNION OF 1869. Nor was this the whole. It was a noble thing thus to lift up the Presbyterian name into its just promin- ence, to cleanse it from the dust and blood of gladiator- ship, and make it shine with some measure of fitting lustre and of brightening influence. It was a worthy deed to set before the varying, somewhat antagonized sects and parties in the land the winning spectacle of disagreements harmonized, of generous ignoring of old alienations, of unity attained through legitimate con- cessions, and of loving fellowships reigning where dis- cord and alienation had once prevailed. And it was worthiest and noblest of all to secure by this combina- tion of elements and forces a larger capacity for dili- gent and fruitful service in the vast field of spiritual ministration which just at this juncture was opening before the organized Church — a field as wide as the nation, as wide as the world. Assuredly no Christian organization on American soil ever saw a grander opportunity awaiting it, or was consciously better ecjuipcd for successful activity as one among the evan- gelizing agencies of the age. These one and all were results actually gained or at least made possible in and through the grand transaction of 1869. And if we are obliged to confess, as we must, that the real- ization at the end of a generation has not equaled the ])romise or the potency apparent at the beginning, we may still rejoice that the Church has both preserved faithfully the principles and heritages then possessed h\ it and also has done in this land and in foreign lands a great, if not the greatest possible work for (]o(l and Mis Kintrdoni anions: men. WILL THE i'SIOS COXTLXL'E? 201 The task of the historian is already ended: the narrative of the i^enesis. evolution, organization, ad- vance, maturity and consuniuiation of the Church whose existence hegan in 1837. and was terminated in and with the Uniting Act of 1869, is now finished. One serious (|uestion still remains to confront who- ever thoughtfully reads the simple story — the ques- tion whether the Church which came into being through that historic Act will continue to live for generations to come, increasing in volume and influence, and pos- sibly including other Presbyterian bodies now sepa- rated within its broadening communion, — or will be- come itself the victim of internal controversies pre- venting such development, and ending possibly in other disruptions or in ultimate decay. It must be con- fessed that no section of Protestantism has exhibited stronger disruptive tendencies than the Presbyterian. Its divisions in Britain, especially in Scotland, have been many and marked, although it is justly questioned whether the reasons for se])aration. with one or two exceptions, had any large significance when contrasted with the fundamental matters in which the separating parties were in both substance and spirit agreed. The multiplied divisions in America, once or now existing, hardly seem more significant when thus tested. And certainly the presence among us at this late day of so many Presbyterian communions, accepting in Uv'arly all essential features the same standards of faith and order, yet dwelling in separate tents and with more or less of alien feeling, must be regarded as a blemish on the Presbyterian name, as well as a serious hind- 202 THE UNION OF 1S /6 nr.T 17 1957 /.^ MOV ^ *^^ /^< M \ Z 'G5 FEB 1 1 '69 MAR 1 5 '73 1 1