« 9* *& 0I flit MhtotykHl # «*k PRINCETON, N. J. % ^ _ _ Presented by \-^-<2> 3 \ d>\ (2/ \~\-Y \ c7vV\ o \~\ Division w. Section DIGEST. A NEW DIGEST OF THE ACTS AND DELIVERANCES (lateral |$MnMg / OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. » COMPILED §2 tbe ©rtot an& Jlut^ritg af ik §mm\ JtssemMj. REV. WM. E. MOORE. PHILADELPHIA: PRESBYTERIAN PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. 1334 CHESTNUT STREET. NEW YORK . A. D. F. RANDOLPH, 683 BROADWAY. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 186], by WM. L. H1LDEBURN, (In trust for the Presbyterian Publication Committee,) In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania C. SHERMAN & SON, PRINTERS, S. W. Cor. Seventh and Cherry Sts., Philadelphia. EDITOR'S PREFACE. It is with much satisfaction that this volume is presented to the churches by the Presbyterian Publication Committee. The need of a new, reliable, and complete Digest op the Acts and Deliverances of the General Assembly has been long and deeply felt. To the great body, whether of our laymen or of our ministers, it has been practically an impossibility to have the decisions of the highest judicatory of the Church upon topics of the greatest interest and importance. Full files of the Minutes of the Assemblies of even a single generation are rare. The records of earlier Assemblies are far more rare. And even were they in the»hands of our church officers, they would be useful for reference only at an expenditure of time that would seldom be justifiable. Hence, the want of a well-arranged and fully-indexed Digest of these Acts and Deliverances. Such a Digest the committee have now the satisfaction of publishing. For its preparation, they and the churches are indebted to the patient, laborious, and skilful services of the Rev. William E. Moore, of "West Chester, Pennsylvania. The time and toil which has thus been expended by one will be saved to many. Without the ob- trusion of his personal opinions, or of unauthentic documents, the com- piler has, with modesty and impartiality, allowed the successive General Assemblies to declare their own views and to expound their own positions. He has rigidly adhered to the preparation of a Digest. By the aid of its full table of contents and alphabetical index, any topic discussed in the Digest will be readily found. The typography and materials of the volume, it is hoped, will not dis- parage the excellence of its contents. INTRODUCTION The want of a Digest of the Acts of the Supreme Judicatory of the Presbyterian Church was early felt. In 1818 the following overture was adopted by the Assembly, viz. : "Resolved, That Drs. Janeway, Neill, and Ely, be appointed a com- mittee, and they are hereby appointed, to extract from the records of the General Assembly and of the late Synods of New York and Phila- delphia all such matters as may appear to be of permanent authority and interest (including a short account of the manner in which Missions have been conducted, and their success), that the same may be published for the information of ministers and their people in our churches; and that they report the same to the next Assembly/' — Minutes, 1818, p. 673. The committee reported to the next Assembly, and were authorized to complete the work on the plan reported, and to publish it at the expense of the Trustees of the Assembly. — Minutes, 1819, p. 713. The Digest thus authorized was published in 1820. — Minutes, p. 727. In 1836, upon an overture on the subject of a new Digest, the As- sembly— " 1. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, it is expedient that a new Digest of the acts and proceedings of the highest judicatory of our Church be prepared and placed within the reach of all our minis- ters and elders. "2. Resolved, That Dr. John McDowell, Mr. Winchester, and Mr. Duffield, be a committee to prepare such a Digest, and report the same to the Assembly as soon as practicable, provided the expense of its pub- lication be not defrayed out of the funds of the Assembly." — Minutes, 1836, p. 262. V1U INTRODUCTION. This committee made no report. In 1838, the Assembly — "Resolved, That the Stated Clerk (Erskine Mason, D.D.) and Dr. Patton be a committee to prepare and print a complete Digest of all the important acts of past General Assemblies." — Minutes, 1838, p. 661. This committee " reported progress, and were continued/' — Minutes, 1839, p. 11. In 1841, they reported "that they were engaged in the duty assigned them, but were not at present prepared to make a final report." The committee was continued. — Minutes, 1841, p. 24. In 1849, the committee to whom was referred the subject of the pre- paration of a new Digest, reported that tbey could not learn that any progress had been made in this matter by the committee who were appointed for this purpose by a former Assembly: That it is desirable tbat a new and more complete Digest should be prepared \ and that a committee be appointed to accomplish this object. The plan which has seemed to them most likely to be useful, is to publish a volume containing the text of our standards, with marginal notes, exhibiting, in the proper place, the history of the changes in the Constitution, and the various acts of General Assemblies explanatory of our standards ; the whole forming a complete commentary on the Con- stitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. The report was adopted j and the Rev. Messrs. E. F. Hatfield, S. T. Spear, and A. E. Campbell, were appointed to prepare such a volume. — Minutes, 1849, p. 189. In 1850, the committee " reported progress, and was continued." — Minutes, 1850, p. 308. Also in 1851. — Minutes, p. 10. In 1852, the committee appointed to prepare a Digest, reported that a Digest sufficient for the present had been prepared by other hands, and requested therefore to be discharged. Their report was accepted, and the committee discharged. — Minutes, 1852, p. 254. The Digest referred to was that prepared by the Rev. Richard Web- ster, of Mauch Chunk, Pa., and published by the Presbyterian Board of Publication. It did not, however, prove satisfactory. In 1854, the Committee on Bills and Overtures reported "an overture respecting a new Digest ; and recommended that a committee of three be appointed to prepare and publish such a Digest, if it can be done without expense to the Assembly. The report was adopted." — Minutes, 1854, p. 504. The following committee were appointed, viz. : Rev. Messrs. George INTRODUCTION. IX Duffield, Jr., Henry Darling, and Wm. E. Moore. The Stated Clerk (Rev. Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D.) was added to this committee. — Ibid., p. 505. The committee reported from year to year till 1857, when "The Committee on the Polity of the Church, to whom was referred the report of the Committee on the Digest, recommended that the course pursued by the Special Committee, in the preparation of the Digest thus far, be approved by the xissembly. " That they be instructed to complete the work according to the plan heretofore followed, and to use their discretion in relation to the ques- tions proposed in their report. u That when completed, it be submitted to the Permanent Publica- tion Committee, and, if approved by them, be published under their direction. The report was adopted." — Minutes, 1857, p. 400. The committee thus appointed and authorized have been delayed in the performance of the duty assigned them by the want of funds to publish the Digest "without expense to the Assembly," — a delay the less to be regretted, however, inasmuch as it has enabled them to add to the volume the acts of the last five years, — perhaps the most impor- tant years of the Assembly's history. The difficulty of digesting the acts and deliverances of a series of As- semblies, running through a century and a half, each independent of the other, will readily be appreciated, and may, to some extent, excuse the imperfections of the work. That difficulty has been greatly en- hanced, by the failure of the Minutes, in most cases, to present any clear and intelligible view of the questions which have come before the Assembly for its adjudication. The plan adopted will, it is hoped, meet the approval of those who have occasion to use the work. The effort has been made to digest, under thirteen general heads or chapters, everything of importance in the Acts of the Assembly. The task assigned the committee was not to prepare a history, but a Digest of such Acts of the Assembly as inter- pret the Constitution of the Church, or express her views upon questions of morals and doctrines, or aim to increase and direct her power for good to the world. Much has been omitted that is now obsolete, or that was temporary, or that pertains to institutions not now under our control. For the most part, reports, protests, proposals, and other papers not the Acts of the Assembly, have been omitted. Where the very words of the records are not used, the fact is signified by brackets. X INTRODUCTION. The labors of the committee extend over the- whole period of the organized existence of the Presbyterian Church, from 1706 to 1860. The references in the Digest, from 1706 to 1835, are to the three volumes of Minutes published by the Presbyterian Board of Publication, viz.: "Records of the Presbyterian Church, from 1706 to 1788," "Minutes of the General Assembly, from 1789 to 1820," and "Minutes of the General Assembly, from 1821 to 1835." From 1836 to 1860, the references are to the annual Minutes. The committee have freely availed themselves of the labors of their predecessors, so far as they have trodden common ground. They would cheerfully acknowledge their obligations to the Rev. S. J. Baird, the compiler of the Digest recently published by the Board of Publication. It is proper to say that the chief responsibility of preparing the Digest has devolved upon one member of the committee. The aim has been to furnish the office-bearers and intelligent laymen of our beloved Church a volume which will be of practical use to them in their endeavors to serve the cause of the Master through her organi- zations. We rejoice in the confidence that no lover of Christ, of orthodoxy, of good morals, of large-hearted catholic liberality, of beneficence, of edu- cation, and of liberty, can ponder these acts and deliverances of the Supreme Judicature of our Church without wisdom and profit and grateful admiration. No Presbyterian can read this record without thanking God for his heritage. May the Head of the Church so use our labors as to advance His kingdom and glory, through the enlarge- ment of our branch of His universal Church ! W. E. M. West Chester, Pa., December 31st, 1860. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. OF THE CHURCH. PAGE Section 1. — Standards of the Church, . .17 1. Overture on subscribing the Confession of Faith, 1728. — 2. The Confession of Faith ; Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly adopted. The Adopting Act, 1729. — 3. The Directory recommended. — 4. Intrants, or candidates, required to adopt the Standards. — 5. The Adopting Act to be inscribed on each Presbytery book. — 6. An Act explanatory of the Adopting Act. — 7. Plan of union of the Synod of New York and New- Jersey, 1758. — 8. Constitution of the Presbyterian Church adopted. 1788. — 9. Proof-texts added by order of the Assembly. — 10. The text alone con- tains the Constitution of the Church; the marginal notes have no authority. — 11. Use and obligation of the Standards defined ; to traduce them subjects to censure. — 12. Subscription to the Standards required of every minister entering the Church. — 13. The Catechisms are an integral part of the Con- stitution, and are to be taught to the young. — 14. The term u standing rule" defined. The Assembly has power to enact standing rules. Section 2. — Of a Particular Church, . . 35 1. A particular Church defined. — 2. How new congregations are to be organ- ized. Application should always be made to the Presbytery. Order of procedure: members to be received by letter: candidates to be examined : a covenant to be entered into: ruling elders and deacons to be elected and ordained: the Church to be enrolled. In exceptional cases congregations may be formed without ruling elders. — 3. The organization of churches belongs to the Presbytery, and is not the prerogative of the minister as such. CONTENTS. PAGE Section 3. — Of tiie Members of the Church, . 38 1. Universalists not to be admitted ; decision reaffirmed. — 2. Those who re- fuse to present their children for baptism are not to be refused communion, but the expediency of receiving them to the Church to be judged of by the Session. — 3. Postmasters officiating on the Sabbath to be excluded. — 4. Owners of mail-coaches running on the Sabbath not to be admitted to com- munion of the Church. — 5. By whom members are to be admitted to the Church : by an individual Session regularly constituted : by the Session of that Church to which he will belong; great circumspection to be used, un- due haste to be avoided. — 6. A regular certificate of dismtesion should be required of those coming from another Church. — -7. Rule as to absent mem- bers whose residence is unknown. Every member is amenable to some tribunal ; he can cease to be a church member only by death, exclusion, dismission, or orderly withdrawing to join another denomination. To with- draw from the use of privileges is censurable, and may infer suspension. Members absent and unheard of for years, are not to be stricken from the roll. Those that withdraw wilfully from Church privileges are to be sus- pended.— 8. Members who wish to be released from their obligation. The provisions of the book declared sufficient. CHAPTER II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. Section 1. — Of Deacons, . . .47 1. They have no juridical power. — 2. Their duties consist in distributing the charities of the Church to which they belong to the poor of that Church. — 3. They are to be ordained in the same manner as Ruling Elders. — 4. The duties of Trustees and Deacons not identical. A Board of Trustees not inconsistent with Presbyterianism. The minister not ex-officio President, or a member of the Board. Section 2. — Of Ruling Elders, . . .48 1. The Eldership is essential to the Presbyterian system. — 2. Elders must be duly elected. — 3. Mode of election : a direct vote of the congregation, in every case, recommended. The Session has authority to convene the con- gregation. Should it refuse or neglect to convene the congregation, the party aggrieved may complain to Presbytery. — 4. Who are the electors of CONTENTS. Xlll PAG* Ruling Elders and Deacons? It seems desirable that communicants only should be electors; but the voting of others, where such is custom, does not make, the election void. Unbaptized persons are not to be allowed to vote for Elders. No distinction is to be made as to the age of the voters. — 5. The office of Ruling Elder is perpetual : it cannot be laid aside by the will of the individual ; nor can a congregation form a rule making it lawful to lay it aside. Election for a term of years irregular, but not invalid. A rotary eldership not contemplated by the Constitution, and therefore to be discouraged. — 6. A Ruling Elder may cease to act as such. — 7. An Elder who has no official charge cannot sit in the Church courts. — 8. An Elder cannot hold office in two churches at the same time, nor adjudicate in a church of which he is not an Elder. — 9. Elders censured for leaving with- out permission : and the churches urged to defray their expenses in attend- ing Church courts — 10. Elders have the same right to sit in Synod as in Presbytery. — 1 1. Every church having a stated supply is entitled to be represented in Presbytery or Synod by a Ruling Elder. — 12. A Minister, with one Elder, may form a Session, if there be but one Elder, but not otherwise. — 13. When an Elder has been suspended from Church privi- leges and is restored, he is not thereby restored to office, nor can he be, without a special act of Session, with the acquiescence of the church. — 14. Elders not to participate in the ordination of Ministers by the laying on of hands. Section 3. — Of Pastors, . . .57 1. Mode of proceeding to elect a Pastor. The Session to judge when the congregation is prepared to elect a pastor. To use all due diligence for a speedy settlement. If remiss, a complaint will lie. The Presbytery to take cognizance of the proceedings. — 2. Who may vote in the election of a Pastor? The major vote determines the election. — 3. A pastoral relation allowed where no instalment had taken place. — 4. The translation of a Pastor. Consent of parties may shorten the constitutional process for trans- lating a minister. Every case left to the discretion of the Presbytery. — 5. Removal without consent of Presbytery censurable. — 6. Pastoral faithfulness in visiting and lecturing enjoined — 7. Catechetical instruction enjoined. — 8. Stated supplies have no pastoral relation. Section 4. — Of Ministers without Charge, . 63 1. Ministers without charge have a seat and a vote in the Church Judicatures. — 2. No Minister can be regularly divested of his office but by a course of discipline terminating in deposition. If incapacitated he still possesses ministerial privileges. If he neglect his duties, Presbytery is to use every XIV CONTENTS. PAGE means to recall him to duty. When ministers withdraw wholly or in part from the work of the ministry, Presbytery is to make inquiry, and record their approbation or disapprobation. It belongs to Presbytery to judge ministers. — 3. Demission of the ministry; Case of Robert Laing; also, of William Woodhull. In the case of John Montgomery, Presbytery censured for allowing him to demit. The Assembly refuses leave to the Presbytery of Portage. Full deliverance on the subject. — 4. Holding civil office not in- compatible with the ministry; but worldly-mindedness discouraged. — 5. A Minister may be a chaplain in the army. — 6. An ordination to a chaplaincy not sine titulo. — 7. A chaplain not to be at the same time pastor of a church. — 8. Office of chaplain in the navy encouraged. CHAPTER III. ON CANDIDATES. Section 1. — Before Licensure, and as Licentiates, . 73 1. A liberal education required. — 2. Waived in certain cases. — 3. Time of study. Three years proposed, but not adopted. Rule of a Synod requiring three years, unconstitutional. Presbyteries refuse to extend the time. — 4. Minute on the jurisdiction over candidates and licentiates. They belong to the order of the laity until ordained, and are subject to the jurisdiction of the Session of the church to which they belong. In case Presbytery arrest the studies of a candidate, or withdraw the license of a licentiate, it must remit him to the Session, if discipline be necessary. If Session commence process against a candidate or licentiate, it must notify the Presbytery under whose care he is. — 5. Candidates are under the care of the Presbytery to which they most naturally belong. — 6. For candidates to seek licensure of foreign bodies disapproved.- — 7. Candidates should be placed under the care of Presbytery as soon as possible, and licensed by the Presbyteries to which they most naturally belong. — 8. Candidates of one Presbytery should not be licensed by another. — 9. Certain irregularities in licensing condemned, viz.: Trial and licensure at the same meeting; ordination without previous licensure; and licensing fur a certain term. — 10. Irregularity does not in- validate licensure or ordination. Preaching without license irregular. — 11. Lay preaching, and preaching before licensure, condemned. On lay agency. — 12. Licensure by a self-constituted committee, in a special case, approved. — 13. When students are to be reported as "candidates." Section 2. — Of Ordination, : . .85 1. Ordination by a Committee frequent with the Synod. — 2. Ordination by foreign bodies not approved. — Ordination, sine titulo, generally disapproved CONTENTS. XV PAOI of. Ordination permitted to such as should go as missionaries. Permis- sion asked and granted in special cases. — 4. Overture on ordination, sine iitulo, rejected. — Censure of a Presbytery for ordaining a man, sine liiulo, not sustained by the Assembly. — 6. Ordination on the Sabbath disapproved of. — 7. Reordination of a Methodist elder. 8. These decisions set aside. — 9. Ministers coming from other churches not to be reordained. But all qualifications, as to learning and piety, which are required of our own can- didates, to be required of them. — 9. Lay ordination invalid. CHAPTER IV. ON THE SACRAMENTS. Section 1. — On Baptism, . . .94 1. Baptism by an impostor; by an Unitarian ; by a suspended minister; by a deposed minister, invalid. The un worthiness of a minister does not inva- lidate the ordinances administered by him. — 2. Is Romish baptism Chris- tian baptism ? — 3. Obligations and qualifications of parents. Should be persons of regular life and Christian knowledge. Credible profession to be judged of by the merits of the case. Parents required to enter into en- gagements to perform their duties to their children. — 4. The subjects of baptism. Children of servants. Age of infancy undetermined. — 5. Pastoral care to be exercised over baptized children. To be instructed and cate- . chized. — 6. Discipline of baptized persons, not communicants. — 7. Mode of baptism. Dipping of the person not necessary, but baptism is rightly ad- ministered by pouring or sprinkling. — 8. Baptism of adults is ordinarily to be in connection with their reception into the church. Section 2. — On the Lord's Supper, . . 103 1. Permitted where there is no organized church. — 2. Not ordinarily to be ad- ministered within the bounds of a congregation without the consent of the minister and session. CHAPTER V. OF THE COURTS OF THE CHURCH. Section 1. — Of the Session, . . . 105 Quorum of the Session. One elder, if there be but one, with a minister, may constitute a quorum. — 2. The appointment of a special Session is un- XVI CONTENTS. PAGE constitutional. 3. The Session should be represented in Presbytery and Synod. — 4. A Session may not invite a minister to sit as corresponding member; nor assign him as counsel for the accused. — 5. No one not a member of the judicatory may act as counsel. — G. A ruling elder has in no case a legal right to adjudicate in a church other than that in which he is an elder. — 7. Session records to be sent up annually for review. — 8. The Session has not , the power to introduce a new psalmody without the consent of the major part of the congregation. — 9. Where a minister is the accuser, a minister should preside. — 10. The Session cannot be set aside, and the right of ap- peal denied by the act of the church. Nor would such attempt deprive the church of its right to be represented by its elders in the judicatories of the church. Section 2. — Of the Presbytery, . . 110 I. Its Members. — 1. Ruling elders in the absence of the pastor admitted. — 2. Ministers without charge are members of Presbytery. — 3. An elder who has retired is not entitled to a seat. — 4. The Presbytery alone the judge of the fitness of admitting a member. — 5. A Presbytery may reject an appli- cant for cause. — 6. But not without sufficient reasons. — 7. The Assembly refuse to alter the rule. — 8. Rule as to a member of an extinct Presbytery, bearing a dismission to another. The Presbytery should receive him; but if it refuse he may appeal to Synod, or to the General Assembly. Minutes dismissed by an extinct Presbytery, and not received into any others, are under the jurisdiction of the Synod. — 9. Ministers and licentiates coming from corresponding bodies, are required to answer the constitutional ques- tions.— 10. Ministers dismissed in good standing, should be received on their testimonials. — 11. It is the right of Presbytery to satisfy itself of the soundness in the faith and good character of those who apply for admission. — 12. Examination made imperative in all cases — 13. This rule declared unconstitutional. — 14. Rule as to the reception of foreign ministers. The rule enforced. Decided that the year may be spent in different Presbyte- ries.— 15. Modification of the rule refused. II. Its Jurisdiction, p. 122. — 1. The jurisdiction of the Presbytery ex- tends over members who are non-resident within its bounds. May be transferred to the Presbytery in whose bounds he lives. Chap, v, sec. 3, 4, Book of Discipline does not transfer jurisdiction. — 2. The Presbytery is the proper court to try Ruling Elders, when the Session is incompetent to act. — 3. When ministers, churches, or church members, withdraw irregulariy to join other bodies, their names to be stricken from the roll, and notice given. — 4. When ministers withdraw from the work of the ministry, they are to give their reasons, which the Presbytery must record, with its approbation or disapprobation. — 5. A minister who has withdrawn and wishes to return, must apply to the Presbytery from which he withdrew. CONTENTS. XV11 Pill — 6. Leave to prosecute ministers of other Presbyteries, refused. — 7. Juris- diction over a deposed minister, is in the Presbytery which deposed him — 8. A minister having asked of his Presbytery a letter of dismission, is a member of that Presbytery until received by another. III. Dismission of Members, p. 127. — 1. When a Presbytery dismisses a member it should specify particularly the body to which he is dismissed, and the member dismissed is amenable to the body dismissing him, until connected with the body he is directed to join. — 2. The Presbytery may not dismiss by a "standing committee." — 3. Where sentence has been re- versed, and trial not commenced within a certain time, a member may claim a dismission in good standing. IV. Boundaries, p. 128. — 1. Should have geographical limits. — 2. " Elective affinity'' condemned. — 3. Exceptions allowed ; permission withdrawn. — 4. Ministers living out of the bounds of their Presbyteries to show reason, or be transferred to the Presbyteries within whose bounds they reside — 5. One Presbytery may not dismiss a church to another without the permission of Synod. V. Miscellaneous, p. 132. — 1. Presbytery to inquire into the fidelity of its members. — 2. A Presbytery, organized without the agency of Synod, recog- nized.— 3. Where a majority has withdrawn, duty of the minority. — 4. Reso- lutions, excluding slaveholders from the pulpit and from communion, un- constitutional.— 5. To frame church covenants belongs to Presbyteries and Synods. — 6. Two clerical members are not a quorum. Section 3. — Of the Synod, . . . 135 1. The Synod is a convention of Bishops and Elders. — 2. Where a Synod has failed to meet on its adjournment, the Moderator may fix the time and place. Less than a quorum may adjourn from day to day. — 3. Special or called meetings of Synod are constitutional. — 4. The Moderator has no power to change the place of meeting. — 5. A Synod may not refuse the members of its Presbyteries. — Nor, 6. Order their erasure from the roll of Presbytery. — 7. The Synod may not act judicially on review, when there is no appeal or reference before it. — 8. The Records are to be sent up annually for review. — 9. The members of an inferior Judicatory may not vote on the approval of their own Minutes. — 10. When exceptions are taken to the Records of inferior Judicatories, the exceptions should be stated, and the reasons assigned. — 11. Sessions on the Sabbath censured. — 12. The Records should state the ecclesiastical body to which a corresponding member be- longs.— 13. They should state that the meetings were opened and closed with prayer. — 14. The Minutes should be read and approved. — 15. They should be attested by the stated clerk. — 16. A narrative of the State of Re- XX CONTENTS. PAGE restore a suspended elder to his office. He can be restored to office only by an express act of the Session, and the acquiescence of the Church. — 11. A suspended minister is not to be regarded as possessing the rights of a private Christian in good standing. — 12. Deposition and excommunication are distinct acts, and to be inflicted by the Presbytery. — 13. If a deposed minister persist in exercising the ministerial functions, his name is to be published. — 14. Refusal to submit to sentence, bars the right to petition. — 15. But does not invalidate the sentence. — 16. A Presbytery is censured for restoring a man without due evidence of his repentance. — But, 17. When once restored, he can be deprived of office only by a new process and con- viction— 18. New trial may be had on the discovery of new evidence. [{ it seem desirable for a court to review its own decisions, it should refer the case to the next higher judicatory. — 19. A Synod corrects its hasty action, and is sustained, but a judicatory may not call back a case after an appeal has been taken. — 20. The accused on trial has no right to introduce testi- mony inculpating others not on trial. — 21. The Assembly cannot reverse the judicial acts of a former Assembly, unless in case of error. — 22. The decisions of the superior courts are binding on the inferior. — 23. The judi- cial sentences of sister Churches are to be respected. Section 2. — Or Appeals, . . . 209 An appeal defined and distinguished from a "complaint.*' — 2. The right of appeal is limited to the original parties. — 3. Limitation of time. Must be prosecuted at the first ensuing meeting of the judicatory, appealed to, or the sentence will be confirmed. Personal attendance is not essential. — 4. The appeal must be lodged with the clerk, on the first or second day of the sessions of the court appealed to. — 5. Due notice must be given of the intent to appeal — 6. On the failure of the inferior judicatory to send up their records and copies of the testimony, the appeal was sustained. — 7. An appeal postponed, where the appellant failed to give notice to the court appealed from. — 8. The case may be postponed at the instance of the appellant. — 9. May an appeal be carried over the next higher court? Various decisions. General principle. — 10. The best evidence the case admits of required, and in all trials, this is the record of the judicatory which tried the case. — 11. A copy made by the appellant not admitted as suffi- cient.— 12. Neglect of the inferior judicatory shall not harm the appellant. — 13. Testimony not on record may be received by agreement. — 14. Leave to introduce testimony going to show that the appellant has not submitted to the sentence of the court, refused. — 15. An appeal arrests all further process until it is issued. — 16. But does not arrest the sentence, where the delay is asked for by the appellant. — 17. No one may sit on the trial who was a member of the judicature when the vote appealed from took place, CONTENTS. XXI PAGE nor one who is interested in the case. — 18. The death of the respondent bars the prosecution of an appeal by his prosecutor — 19. An express vote must be taken in an appeal. The sentence must be definite, precise, and just. — 20. Certain irregularities of the inferior judicatures censured. — 31. Appeal of George Sheldon. Points of order decided. — 22. Appeal of Lewis Tappan. Appeal sustained and both parties censured. — 23. Order for issuing an appeal. Section 3. — Of Complaints, . . . 228 1. Distinction between a complaint and an appeal must be observed. — 2. The complaint should be carried to the next superior court, unless valid reasons be given for a different course. — 3. The complaint dismissed for want of evidence of the complaint itself: for want of evidence of due notice of the intent to complain. — 4. Through failure of the prosecutor to appear in person or by proxy. — 5. On account of informality. — 6. After conference with the parties. — 7. In the absence of the records. — 8. Complaint sus- tained for reasons assigned. — 9. Referred back by consent of parties. — 10. Referred to the court below with instructions — 11. Judgment of a Synod reversed, because they decline the merits of the case; because they do not adhere to the rules; because they do not distinguish between their appellate and original jurisdiction, and because they restore an appellant without evidence of repentance. — 12. The superior court may reverse either in whole or in part, but must observe the rules of discipline. — 13. The record should state the nature of the complaint and the grounds of the decision. — 14. A complaint against a Synod for dissolving a Presbytery is sustained and the Presbytery restored. — 15. A complaint rrTay be issued in the absence of the complainant. — 16. The complaint must be specific. — 17. The record must state that the minutes were read on the trial. — 18. Advice given by a judicatory not a ground of complaint. — 19. The discussion must not involve the character of a party in his absence. Regularity of pro- ceedings only to be inquired into.— 20. Order for issuing a complaint. CHAPTER Vn. MORAL QUESTIONS. Section 1. — On Marriage, . . . 237 1. Marriage with a brother's widow declared incestuous, and the parties debarred communion while living together. A similar case referred to the discretion of the Session. — 2. With a deceased wife's sister. The offender XXIV CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. PAGE Section 1. — On Domestic Missions, . . 319 1. The earliest missionary appointments temporary. — 2. Missionaries ap- pointed to itinerate for some months. — 3. Ministers sent to organize churches, ordain elders, administer the ordinances, and instruct the people. — 4. Candidates sent on missionary duty. — 5. Plan of missions adopted by the Assembly. — 6. Operation of the plan. — 7. Leave granted the Synods, in special cases, to prosecute their own missionary work. — 8. The work re- sumed by the Assembly. — 9. Collections ordered. They may not be pro- hibited by a church Session. — 10. The Assembly refuse to exempt a Pres- bytery from contributing to its funds ; as, also, to appropriate their own funds. — 11. Instructions of the missionaries. Form of commission. — 12. Kind of men required as missionaries, and their duties. — 13. "Standing Committee on Missions" appointed ; its duties. — 14. Its powers enlarged, and its name changed to "The Board of Missions." — 15. Recommendations to raise funds, and to supply the new States in the South and West with the Gospel. — 16. Powers of the Board enlarged. Powers defined. — 17. Pro- posal to unite with the American Home Missionary Society. Any change in the Assembly:s mode of conducting missions inexpedient. — 18. The Board has no power to judge of the orthodoxy or morality of a minister who is in good standing in his own Presbytery. — 19. Action of the Assemblies of 1837, 1838, 1849, with regard to the American Home Missionary Society. — 20. A "Standing Committee on Home Missions" appointed. — 21. History of the subsequent relations to and intercourse with the American Home Mis- sionary Society. Committee of Conference appointed. Reports of Com- mittees. A commission raised. Section 2. — On Education for the Ministry, . 341 I. Early efforts by the Synod and Assembly. — 2. The Board of Education established. Passes into the hands of the " Old School." — 3. Other action. American Education Society commended. Action leading to the establish- ment of the Permanent Committee. Section 3.— On Foreign Missions, . . 343 1. Earliest effort to evangelize the heathen. — 2. First missionary appointment. John Brainerd. — 3. Minute on the Indian mission. — 4. The Assembly de- CONTENTS. XXV PAGE clines to form a Board of Missions co-operative with the American Board. — 5. The United Foreign Missionary Society formed. Amalgamated with the American Board. The American Board commended. Section 4. — On the Bible, . . . 348 1. Gratuitous distribution. Aitkin*s edition. — 2. Collins's edition. Ostervald's Notes recommended. — 3. American Bible Society. The Bible to be given to every family, and to the whole world. — 4. The common version com- mended, and the "new version*' deprecated. — 5. Co-operation with the So- ciety urged. Section 5. — On Religious Books and Tracts, . 353 1. Religious books and tracts distributed gratuitously. — 2. Formation of Tract Societies commended. — 3. American Sunday-School Union approved. — 4. The " American" Societies endorsed. Section 6. — On African Colonization, . . 35G 1. First notice; recommended. — 2. Collections on Fourth of July recom- mended.— 3. Recognition of Liberian independence urged. Section 7. — On Systematic Beneficence, . . 359 1. The Plan endorsed. — 2. The American Systematic Beneficence Society commended. CHAPTER X. THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. Section 1. — Preliminary Action, . . 3G1 Reports of committees in 1849 and 1850, looking to raising up ministers, gathering and organizing churches, and building church edifices. — 2. A full report on Church extension. The American Home Missionary Society re- commended. Each Presbytery to appoint a standing committee on Church extension, and to take the oversight of the work within their bounds. The Home Missionary Society requested not to require the official sanction of any XXVI CONTENTS. PAGE of its agents to a Presbyterial application. Exploring missionaries encour- aged. Committee of Conference with the American Home Missionary Society. — 3. Report of the Committee of Conference. Section 2. — Tiie Church Extension Committee, . 367 ] . The powers and duties of the Assembly in regard to home missions. Com- mittee on Church Extension established. A majority to reside in or near Philadelphia. Powers, only such as are conferred by the Assembly. Func- tions of the committee designated. Intention to interfere with the American Home Missionary Society disavowed. Number of the committee; classes and term of office; five a quorum. The committee has power to fill its vacancies, in the recess of the Assembly. — 2. Intent of the appointment of the committee, not to change the co-operative policy of the Church, but to supplement the agencies already existing. — 3. The committee authorized to use their discretion in case of applications requiring prompt action. — 4. The powers and duties of the committee enumerated and enlarged. Authorized to provide for churches which can receive aid from no other source. — 5. The committee instructed to prosecute their work with energy. Feeble churches to ask the least amount possible ; and all the churches not aided by the American Home Missionary Society to take up collections. — 6. The Board of Missions has no authority to sit in judgment upon the orthodoxy or mo- rality of a minister in good standing in his own Presbytery. — 7. The com- mittee can make no discrimination between churches, having the same standing under the Constitution. — 8. Rules of the committee. Section 3. — Committee on Church Erection, . . 375 1. [nitiatory measures. — 2. The committee appointed; its number, classifica- tion, and duties. — 3. The Church Erection Plan — 4. The charter accepted by the Assembly. The fund transferred to the trustees. The Synods en- joined to appoint Committees of Church Extension. — 5. The fund com- pleted.— G. The trustees authorized to require houses mortgaged to be kept insured. — 7. Rigid adherence to the plan required. Amendment of art. xiv, sec. 3. — S. Appropriations not to be made, when there is no organized congregation. The trustees are the sole custodians of the fund. The Assembly refuse to alter the plan. — 9. Act of incorporation of the Trustees of the Church Erection Fund. — 10. By-laws of the trustees. — 11. Rules and regulations for the use of applicants for aid from the fund. Section 4. — TnE Publication Committee, . . 394 1. Preliminary action. — 2. The " Doctrinal Tract Committee*' appointed. Lo- cated at Philadelphia. Its duties and powers. Unanimous consent of the CONTENTS. XXV11 PAGE committee required before any book or tract is published. The committee empowered to fill its own vacancies. — 3. The committee enlarged. Rule requiring unanimous consent changed to three-fourths. — 4. Committee enlarged to fifteen, nine of whom to reside in Philadelphia or its vicinity. Five shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the committee must consent to the publication of anything issued by the committee. The committee divided into three classes of five each. Names of the committee. — 5. Name changed to Publication Committee. — 6. Negotiations respecting the Church Psalmist. The committee authorized to apply for and to accept an act of incorporation. — 7. Power of the press to be employed. The committee empowered to issue such works of an e%'angelical character as may be profitable to the Church at large. The trustees of the house authorized and directed to act as Trustees of the Publication Committee. The " Psalm- ist" recommended. An appendix to be added. — 8. Churches permitted to receive publications to the amount of one-half their collections. — 9. A work- ing capital of $25,000 urged. Power to employ an agent. — 10. Presbyterial depositories recommended. Section 5. — The Trustees of the Presbyterian House, 404 1. History of the origin of the plan. Acceptance of the House conditionally authorized. — 2. The trustees. — 3. The charter accepted. The Board of Trustees enlarged ; its duties and powers. — 4. The charter. — 5. The trustees. — G. The legal title secured. Section 6. — The Education Committee, . . 410 1 . Formation of the Permanent Committee. Located in New York. Five constitute a quorum. Classes and term of office. Duties of the committee. Duties of the Presbyteries and Synods as arising from the Plan. Names of the committee. — 2. Organization and report of the committee. Plan for aiding beneficiaries. — 3. The Plan endorsed and commended. The charter approved and accepted. Candidates to retain their church and Presbyterial relations unchanged during their studies. The act of incorporation. — 4. The Plan again commended. No student ought to receive from educational funds a larger appropriation than is contemplated by the Plan of the Assem- bly. The endowment of scholarships urged. — 5. The committee instructed to continue their work, to revise the Plan and submit it to the Presbyteries. Section 7. — The Committee on Foreign Missions, . 424 1. Origin of the committee. The Permanent Committee established.— 2. The committee enlarged to twelve, and divided into three classes. — 3. Duties of the committee.— 4. Formation of foreign Presbyteries encouraged. The XXV111 CONTENTS. PAGE Synod of New York and New Jersey empowered to form and receive such Presbyteries. — 5. Report of 1S60. The Jubilee year. CHAPTEK XL CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES, 434 1. To correspond with foreign churches belongs to the Assembly. — 2. The Assembly grants permission to Presbyteries and Synods to correspond with local bodies. — 3. Proposals to correspond with the New England churches. — 4. Plan of correspondence with the General Association of Connecticut. — 5. The right to vote asked by the Assembly and conceded. — 6. Confer- ence on complaint of the Presbytery of Philadelphia in reference to the licensure of John Chambers. — 7. For either body to receive a candidate, licentiate, or minister from the other, without regular testimonials and dis- mission, is irregular. — 8. Correspondence with the General Convention of Vermont. Regulations same as with the General Association of Connecti- cut.— 9. With the General Association of New Hampshire. — 10. With the General Association of Massachusetts. — 11. With the General Conference of Maine. — 12. With the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island. Corre- spondence discontinued by the Consociation. — 13. The Assembly requests that the right to vote be given up. — 14. Replies. New Hampshire agrees. Vermont refers the matter to a committee. Massachusetts declines. — 15. The rule as to receiving candidates, licentiates, and ministers urged upon Associations of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. — [6. Reply of the Association of Massachusetts. The right to vote given up. The rule referred to the District Associations. — 17. Minute on correspondence with the New England churches. — 18. Correspondence with the German Re- formed Synod of North America. — 19. With the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. — 20. With the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — 21. With the Congregational and Presbyterian Convention of Wis- consin.— 22. With the General Association of New York. Further pro- ceedings. The correspondence continued. The Association requested to couch its communications in courteous language. The right to review our proceedings, rebuke or reprove denied. — 23. The terms of correspondence defined. — 24. With the union of Evangelical Churches of France. — 25. With the " Reformed Presbyterian Church," and with the " Associate Reformed.*' Terms of correspondence. — 26. Compensation of delegates to corresponding bodies. CONTENTS. XXIX CHAPTER XII. PLAN OF UNION AND THE DIVISION. PAGE Section 1. — The Plan of Union, . . 453 1. Original proposition by the General Association of Connecticut. — 2. Plan digested and adopted by the General Assembly. — 3. Resolutions declaring any change inexpedient and undesirable. — 4. Resolutions to request the Association to consent to annul the Plan of Union. — 5. The Plan declared to be abrogated. Section 2. — The Exscinding Acts of 1837, . 456 1. The Plan of Union declared to be abrogated, on the ground of its uncon- stitutionality.— 2. Protest against the abrogation. — 3. Answer to the pro- test.— 4. Resolutions to cite to the bar of the Assembly such inferior judi- catures as are charged by common fame with irregularities. — 5. Protest against this resolution. — 6. Answer to the protest. — 7. Proposal to inquire into the expediency of a voluntary division of the Presbyterian Church. — 8. Committee of ten appointed. — 9. Report of the Committee of the Ma- jority.— 10. Report of the Committee of the Minority. — 11. The Synod of the Western Reserve declared to be no longer part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. — 12. The Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee declared to be out of connection with the Presbyterian Church. — 13V Protest of the Commissioners of the Synod of the Western Reserve. — 14. Answer to the protest. — 15. Protest of the Commissioners of the Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee. — 16. Answer to the protest. — 17. Dissolution of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. — 18. Protest against the dissolu- tion.— 19. Answer to the protest. Section 3. — Pertaining to the Division, . . 495 1. Pastoral Letter to the churches under the care of the General Assembly, 1837.— 2. Circular Letter to the Churches of Christ.— 3. Assembly of 1838. Organization of the Assembly. — 4. Demands for the records, books, papers, &c, of the General Assembly. The demand refused. — 5. Trustees elected. — 6. Committee of twelve appointed with power to advise and direct. — 7. The Assembly willing to agree to any reasonable measures for the'amicable adjustment of difficulties. — 8. Pastoral letter to the churches under the care of the General Assembly, 1838. — 9. Report of the committee of twelve. XXr CONTENTS. PAGE Articles of agreement proposed. Result of the trial at law. Charge of the court. — 10. A declaration of the General Assembly setting forth its present position and its causes. — 11. Withdrawal of the suits at law. — 12. The roll of the Assembly rectified. — 13. Proposal to unite in communion refused. — 14. Committee of Correspondence appointed. The result. — 15. Detail of efforts for a harmonious understanding. CHAPTER XHT. MISCELLANEOUS. Section 1. — Secession of the Southern Churches, . 563 1. The protest against the action at Cleveland, and the answer. — 2. With- drawal of the Synods of Missouri, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Ten-' nessee, and Mississippi. Claims of the " United Synod.'" — 3. Report of the trustees of the Church Erection Fund upon these claims. — 4. Adjustment of the roll. The Synods of Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Ten- nessee stricken from the roll. — 5. The Synod of Virginia stricken from the roll, and the bounds of the Synod of Pennsylvania enlarged so as to in- clude the Presbytery of the District of Columbia. Section 2. — Bible Classes and Sunday Schools, . 568 1. The forming of Bible classes recommended. Plan of instruction. Not to supersede the Catechism. — 2. Sabbath-schools approved. The instruction of the young. American Sunday-School Union commended. — 3. Catechetical instruction urged on parents, pastOrs, and teachers. Section 3. — On the Support of the Ministry, . 573 1. Early action. Glebe and parsonage recommended. — 2. Adequate provisions urged. Presbyteries to inquire into the fulfilment of contracts. — 3. Congre- gational libraries for the use of ministers. — 1. Liberality in the support of the ministry urged. Section 4. — On Fasting and Prayer, . . 575 1. Prayer for the General Assembly. — 2. Special seasons for prayer recom- mended.— J. Revivals consequent on special prayer. — 1. The monthly con- cert. Time of observing it. — 5. Appointment of a day of fasting and prayer for the conversion of the world. First Monday in January ; standing custom. Last Thursday in February. — G. Prayer for magistrates. CONTENTS. XXXI PAGE Section 5 — On Psalmody, ; . .580 1 Narrative of early action. A new collection to be prepared and a committee appointed. The book approved. — 2. Movement, for anew Book of Psalmody. Referred to the committee ad interim. — 3. The " Church Psalmist'' recom- mended.— 4. Purchased for the Assembly. — 5. An appendix added. — 6. Book of Tunes prepared. Section 6. — Amendments to the Form of Government, Book of Discipline, and Directory for Worship, Adop- ted or Proposed, 585 1. Amended in 1821, and adopted substantially as at present. — 2, Proposal to amend Form of Government, chap, x, refused. — 3. Amendment of chap. xiii, sec. 2, Form of Government refused. — 4. Proposal to amend Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 4. Book of Discipline, chap, vii, sec. 1, art. iv. Chap, vii, sees. 2, 3, 4, on appeals, complaints, and references. Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 7, and chap, xiv, sec. 6. — 5. Answer of the Presbyteries. Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 7, altered. Five of the six proposed amendments agreed to. but the sixth being rejected the As- sembly refuse to make the alterations. — 6. Proposal to alter the ratio of re- presentation in the Assembly ; also to make it Synodical and not Presbyte- rial. — 7. Proposal of an overture in reference to calling special meetings of Synod not adopted. — S. The ratio of representation altered. Form' of Go- vernment, chap, xii, sec. 2. — 9. Proposal to limit the appellate jurisdiction of the Assembly to charges against a minister, and to processes originating in Synod. — 10. Proposal to make the Synods in all cases the courts of final jurisdiction, to hold the Assembly triennially, and to authorize the calling of the Assembly, pro re nata — 11. The proposed amendments affirmed. Alterations of the Constitution made accordingly. Form of Government, chap, xii, sees. 2, 7, and 8. — 12. Proposal to return to annual Assemblies, Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 7, and to restore appellate jurisdiction to the Assembly. — 13. The proposal more clearly stated. Revision of the standards referred to a committee. — 14. The overtures, 1 and 2, respecting annual assemblies, chap, xi, sec. 7, and chap, xii, sec. 7, Form of Govern- ment, adopted. Overtures 3, 4, and 5, pertaining to appeals in the case of ministers, Book of Discipline, chap, vii, paragraph 2, sec. 3, paragraph 2, and sec. 4, paragraph 4, not adopted. — 15. Report on the changes of the Constitution. Proposal to restore it as in 1840 or before the division. Over- tures sent down on Book of Discipline, chap, xii, sec. 4, chap, vii, sec. 2, chap, vii, sec. 3, sub sec. 2, chap, vii, sec. 4, sub sec. 1. Form of Government, chap, xii, a new section after 7, and chap, xii, sec. 2. — 16. These overtures rejected, and the Book restored as before the division. XXXll CONTENTS. PAGE Section 7. — Rules for Judicatories, . . 602 APPENDIX. Opinion of Judge Gibson in Banc, 607 York Church Case, 613 Lane Seminary Case, 618 DIGEST. CHAPTER L OF THE CHURCH. Section 1. — Standards of the Church. 1. Overture in reference to subscribing the Confession of Faith. — 2. Confession of Faith. Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly adopted. — 3. The "Directory" recommended. — 4. Intrants or Candidates must adopt the standards. — 5. The " Adopting Act'' to be copied in the Presbytery books. — G. An act explanatory of the Adopting Act. — 7. Plan of Union of 1 758. — 8. The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, amended and adopted. — 9. Proof texts added by order of the Assembly. — 10. The marginal notes have no constitutional authority. — 11. Use and obliga- tion of the standards. — 12. Subscription to them in every case required. — 13. The Catechisms are an integral part of the Constitution. — 14. The term "Standing Rule'' in the Constitution defined. The Assembly may enact stand- ing rules. ADOPTION OF THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. 1. — Overture laid over a year. 11 There being an overture presented to the Synod in writing having reference to the subscribing of the Confession of Faith, &c, the Synod, judging this to be a very important affair, unanimously concluded to defer the consideration of it till the next Synod, withal recommending it to the members of each Presbytery present to give timeous notice thereof to the absent members. " — 3Jinutes} 1728, p. 91. 2 18 I. — OF TIIE CHURCH. 2. The Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly adopted. u The committee brought in an overture upon the affair of the Con- fession, which; after long debating upon it, was agreed upon, in hcec verba : " Although the Synod do not claim or pretend to any authority of imposing our faith upon other men's consciences, but do profess our just dissatisfaction with, and abhorrence of such impositions, and do utterly disclaim all legislative power and authority in the Church, being willing to receive one another as Christ has received us to the glory of God, and admit to fellowship in sacred ordinances, all such as we have grounds to believe Christ will at last admit to the kingdom of heaven, yet we are undoubtedly obliged to take care that the faith once delivered to the saints be kept pure and uncorrupt among us, and so handed down to our posterity. And do therefore agree that all the ministers of this Synod, or that shall hereafter be admitted into this Synod, shall declare their agreement in, and approbation of, the Confession of Faith, with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at West- minster, as being in all the essential and necessary articles, good forms of sound words and systems of Christian doctrine, and do also adopt the said Confession and Catechisms as the confession of our faith. And we do also agree, that all the Presbyteries within our bounds shall always take care not to admit any candidate of the ministry into the exercise of the sacred function, but what declares his agreement in opinion with all the essential and necessary articles of said Confession, either by sub- scribing the said Confession of Faith and Catechisms, or by a verbal declaration of their assent thereto, as such minister or candidate shall think best. And in case any minister of this Synod, or any candidate for the ministry, shall have any scruple with respect to any article or articles of said Confession or Catechisms, he shall at the time of his making said declaration declare his sentiments to the Presbytery or Synod, who shall, notwithstanding, admit him to the exercise of the ministry within our bounds, and to ministerial communion, if the Synod or Presbytery shall judge his scruple or mistake to be only about articles not essential and necessary in doctrine, worship, or government. But if the Synod or Presbytery shall judge such ministers or candidates erro- neous in essential and necessary articles of faith, the Synod or Presby- tery shall declare them uncapable of communion with them. And the I. — OF THE CHURCH. 19 Synod do solemnly agree, that none of us will traduce or use any oppro- brious terms of those that differ from us in these extra-essential and not necessary points of doctrine, but treat them with the same friendship, kindness, and brotherly love, as if they had not differed from us in such sentiments." [In the afternoon.] All the ministers of this Synod now present, except one, that declared himself not prepared, viz. : Masters Jedediah Andrews, Thomas Craig- head, John Thomson, James Anderson, John Pierson, Samuel Gelston, Joseph Houston, Gilbert Tennent, Adam Boyd, Jonathan Dickinson, John Bradner, Alexander Hutchinson, Thomas Evans, Hugh Stevenson, William Tennent, Hugh Conn, George Gillespie, and John Willson, after proposing all the scruples that any of them had to make against any articles and expressions in the Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, have unanimously agreed in the solution of those Scruples, and in declaring the said Confession and Catechisms to be the confession of their faith, excepting only some clauses in the twentieth and twenty-third chapters, concerning which clauses the Synod do unanimously declare, that they do not receive those articles in any such sense as to suppose the civil magistrate hath a controlling power over Synods with respect to the ex- ercise of their ministerial authority; or power to persecute any for their religion, or in any sense contrary to the Protestant succession to the throne of Great Britain. The Synod observing that unanimity, peace, and unity, which ap- peared in all their consultations and determinations relating to the affair of the Confession, did unanimously agree in giving thanks to God in solemn prayer and praises. — Minutes, 1729, p. 94. 3. The "Directory" recommended. " A motion being made to know the Synod's judgment about the Directory, they gave their sense of that matter in the following words, viz. : The Synod do unanimously acknowledge and declare, that they judge the Directory for worship, discipline, and government of the Church, commonly annexed to the Westminster Confession, to be agreea- ble in substance to the word of God, and founded thereupon ; and there- fore do earnestly recommend the same to all their members, to be by them observed as near as circumstances will allow, and Christian pru- dence direct." — Minutes, 1729, p. 95. 20 I. — OF THE CHURCH. 4. Intrants or Candidates to adopt the Confession and Catechisms in (he same manner and as fully as those then present. a. " Whereas, some persons have been dissatisfied at the manner of wording our last year's agreement about the Confession, &c, supposing some expressions not sufficiently obligatory upon intrants : "Ouertured, That the Synod do now declare, that they understand these clauses, that respect the admission of intrants or candidates, in such a sense as to oblige them to receive and adopt the Confession and Catechisms at their admission, in the same manner and as fully as the members of the Synod did that were then present, which overture was unanimously agreed to by the Synod." — Minutes, 1730, p. 98. b. "Ordered, That the Synod make a particular inquiry during the time of their meeting every year, whether such ministers as have been received as members since the foregoing meeting of the Synod have adopted, or have been required by the Synod, or by the respective Pres- byteries, to adopt the Westminster Confession and Catechisms with the Directory, according to the acts of the Synod made some years since for that purpose, and that also the report made to the Synod, in answer to said inquiry, be recorded in our minutes." — Minutes, 1734, p. 109. 5. To he inscribed on the Book of each Presbytery. u Ordered, That each Presbytery have the whole Adopting Act in- serted in their Presbytery book." — Minutes, 1735, p. 115. 6. An Act explanatory of the Adopting Act. "An overture of the committee upon the supplication of the people of Paxton and Derry was brought in, and is as followeth : That the Synod do declare, that inasmuch as we understand that many persons of our persuasion, both more lately and formerly, have been offended with some expressions or distinctions in the first or preliminary act of our Synod, contained in the printed paper, relating to our receiving or adopting the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, &c. ; that, in order to remove said offence, and all jealousies that have arisen or may arise in any of our people's minds on occasion of said distinctions and expressions, the Synod doth declare, that the Synod have adopted and still do adhere to the Westminster Confession, Catechisms, and Directory, without the least variation or alteration, and without any regard to said distinctions. I.— OF THE CHURCH. 21 And we do further declare, that this was our meaning and true intent in our first adopting of said Confession, as may particularly appear by our Adopting Act, which is as followeth : 'All the ministers of the Synod now present (which were eighteen in number, except one that declared himself not prepared), after proposing all the scruples any of them had to make against any articles and expressions in the Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, have unanimously agreed in the solution of these scruples, and in declaring the said Confession and Catechisms to be the confession of their faith, except only some clauses in the twentieth and twenty-third chapters; concerning which clauses the Synod do unani- mously declare, that they do not receive these articles in any such seuse as to suppose the civil magistrate hath a controlling power over Synods with respect to the exercise of their ministerial authority, or power to persecute any for their religion, or in any sense contrary to the Protest- ant succession to the throne of Great Britain.' "And we hope and desire, that this, our Synodical declaration and explication, may satisfy all our people as to our firm attachment to our good old received doctrines contained in said Confession, without the least variation or alteration, and that they will lay aside their jealousies that have been entertained through occasion of the above hinted expres- sions and declarations as groundless. This overture approved nemine contradicente." — Minutes, 1736, p. 126. 7. Upon the reunion of the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, May 29, 1758, the following Plan of Union teas agreed upon, viz. : 11 The Synods of New York and Philadelphia, taking into serious con- sideration the present divided state of the Presbyterian Church in this land, and being deeply sensible that the division of the Church tends to weaken its interests, to dishonor religion, and consequently its glorious Author; to render government and discipline ineffectual, and finally to dissolve its very frame ; and being desirous to pursue such measures as may most tend to the glory of God, and the establishment and edification of his people, do judge it to be our indispensable duty to study the things that make for peace, and to endeavor the healing of that breach which has for some time subsisted amongst us, that so its hurtful con- sequences may not extend to posterity; that all occasion of reproach upon our society may be removed, and that we may carry on the great designs of religion to better advantage than we can do in a divided 99 I. — OF THE CHURCH. state; and since both Synods continue to profess the same principles of faith, and adhere to the same form of worship, government, and disci- pline, there is the greater reason to endeavor the compromising those differences which were agitated many years ago with too great warmth and animosity, and unite in one body. "For which end, and that no jealousies or grounds of alienation may remain, and also to prevent future breaches of like nature, we agree to unite and do unite in one body, under the name of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, on the following plan : " I. Both Synods having always approved and received the West- minster Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms as an orthodox and excellent system of Christian doctrine, founded on the word of God, we do still receive the same as the confession of our faith, and also adhere to the plan of worship, government, and discipline, con- tained in the Westminster Directory, strictly enjoining it on all our members and probationers for the ministry that they preach and teach according to the form of sound words in said Confession and Catechisms, and avoid and oppose all errors contrary thereto. "II. That when any matter is determined by a major vote, every member shall either actively concur with or passively submit to such determination ; or, if his conscience permit him to do neither, he shall, after sufficient liberty modestly to reason and remonstrate, peaceably withdraw from our communion, without attempting to make any schism : Provided always, that this shall be understood to extend only to such determinations as the body shall judge indispensable in doctrine or Presbyterian government. " III. That any member or members, for the exoneration of his or their conscience before God, have a right to protest against any act or procedure of our highest judicature, because there is no further appeal to another for redress, and to require that such protestation be recorded in their minutes. And as such a protest is a solemn appeal from the bar of said judicature, no member is liable to prosecution on the account of Jiis protesting : Provided alwa}-s, that it shall be deemed irregular and unlawful to enter a protestation against any member or members, or to protest facts or accusations instead of proving them, unless a fair trial be refused, even by the highest judicature. And it is agreed, that pro- testations are only to be entered against the public acts, judgments, or determinations of the judicature with which the protestor's conscience is offended. I. — OF THE CHURCH. 23 " IV. As the protestation entered in the Synod of Philadelphia, Ann. Dom. 1741, has been apprehended to have been approved and received by an act of said Synod, and on that account was judged a sufficient obstacle to an union, the said Synod declare, that they never judicially adopted the said protestation, nor do account it a Synodical act, but that it is to be considered as the act of those only who subscribed it; and therefore cannot in its nature be a valid objection to the union of the two Synods, especially considering that a very great majority of both Synods have become members since the said protestation was entered. " Y. That it shall be esteemed and treated as a censurable evil, to accuse any member of heterodoxy, insufficiency, or immorality, in a ca- lumniating manner, or otherwise than by private brotherly admonition, or by a regular process according to our known rules of judicial trial in cases of scandal; and it shall be considered in the same view, if any Presbytery appoint supplies within the bounds of another Presbytery without their concurrence ; or if any member officiate in another's con- gregation, without asking and obtaining his consent, or the Session's in case the minister be absent; yet it shall be esteemed unbrotherly for any one, in ordinary circumstances, to refuse his consent to a regular member when it is requested. " VI. That no Presbytery shall license or ordain to the work of the ministry any candidate, until he give them competent satisfaction as to his learning, and experimental acquaintance with religion, and skill in divinity and cases of conscience, and declare his acceptance of the West- minster Confession and Catechisms as the confession of his faith, and promise subjection to the Presbyterian plan of government in the West- minster Directory. "VII. The Synods declare it is their earnest desire that a complete union may be obtained as soon as possible, and agree that the united Synod shall model the several Presbyteries in such manner as shall appear to them most expedient. Provided nevertheless, that Presby- teries where an alteration does not appear to be for edification, continue in their present form. As to divided congregations, it is agreed that such as have settled ministers on both sides be allowed to continue as they are; that where those of one side have a settled minister, the other being vacant, may join with the settled minister, if a majority choose so to do ; that when both sides are vacant, they shall be at liberty to unite together. 24 I. — OF THE CHURCH. u VIII. As the late religious appearances occasioned much specula- tion and debate, the members of the New York Synod, in order to pre- vent any misapprehensions, declare their adherence to their former sentiments in favor of them, that a blessed work of God's Holy Spirit in the conversion of numbers was then carried on ; and for the satisfac- tion of all concerned, this united Synod agree in declaring, that, as all mankind are naturally dead in trespasses and sins, an entire change of heart and life is necessary to make them meet for the service and enjoy- ment of God ; that such a change can be only effected by the powerful operations of the divine Spirit; that when sinners are made sensible of their lost condition and absolute inability to recover themselves, are enlightened in the knowledge of Christ, and convinced of his ability and willingness to save, and upon Gospel encouragements do choose him for their Saviour, and, renouncing their own righteousness in point of merit, depend upon his imputed righteousness for their justification before God, and on his wisdom and strength for guidance and support; when, upon these apprehensions and exercises, their souls are comforted, notwithstanding all their past guilt, and rejoice in God through Jesus Christ; when they hate and bewail their sins of heart and life, delight in the laws of God without exception, reverently and diligently attend his ordinances, become humble and self-denied, and make it the business of their lives to please and glorify God, and to do good to their fellow men : this is to be acknowledged as a gracious work of God, even though it should be attended with unusual bodily commotions, or some more exceptionable circumstances, by means of infirmity, temptations, or re- maining corruptions; and wherever religious appearances are attended with the good effects above mentioned, we desire to rejoice in and thank God for them. "But, on the other hand, when persons seeming to be under a reli- gious concern, imagine that they have visions of the human nature of Jesus Christ, or hear voices, or see external lights, or have fainting and convulsion-like fits, and on the account of these judge themselves to be truly converted, though they have not the Scriptural characters of a work of God above described, we believe such persons are under a dangerous delusion ; and we testify our utter disapprobation of such a delusion, wherever it attends any religious appearances, in any Church or time. " Now as both Synods arc agreed in their sentiments concerning the nature of a work of grace, and declare their desire and purpose to pro- mote it, different judgments respecting particular matters of fact ought I. — Or THE CHURCH. 25 not to prevent their union ; especially as many of the present members have entered into the ministry since the time of the aforesaid religious appearances. " Upon the whole, as the design of our union is the advancement of the Mediator's kingdom, and as the wise and faithful discharge of the minis- terial function is the principal appointed mean for that glorious end, we judge that this i3 a proper occasion to manifest our sincere intention unitedly to exert ourselves to fulfil the ministry we have received of the Lord Jesus. Accordingly, we unanimously declare our serious and fixed resolution, by divine aid, to take heed to ourselves that our hearts be up- right, our discourse edifying, and our lives exemplary for purity and godli- ness; to take heed to our doctrine, that it be not only orthodox, but evangelical and spiritual, tending to awaken the secure to a suitable concern for their salvation, and to instruct and encourage sincere Chris- tians, thus commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God ; to cultivate peace and harmony among ourselves, and strengthen each other's hands in promoting the knowledge of divine truth, and diffusing the savor of piety among our people. "Finally, we earnestly recommend it to all under our care, that in- stead of indulging a contentious disposition, they would love each other with a pure heart fervently, as brethren who profess subjection to the same Lord, adhere to the same faith, worship, and government, and en- tertain the same hope of glory. And we desire that they would improve the present union for their mutual edification, combine to strengthen the common interests of religion, and go hand in hand in the path of life ; which we pray the God of all grace would please to effect, for Christ's sake. Amen. " The Synod agree, that all former differences and disputes are laid aside and buried; and that no future inquiry or vote shall be proposed in this Synod concerning these things; but if any member seek a Sy- nodical inquiry or declaration about any of the matters of our past dif- ferences, it shall be deemed a censurable breach of this agreement, and be refused, and he be rebuked accordingly." — Minutes, 1758, p. 285, 288. 8. Constitution Amended and Adopted. [In 1787, preparatory to forming the General Assembly, the Synod ordered a thorough revision of the standards, altering the articles ex- cepted to in the Adopting Acts, and making such amendments as were found necessary. The Constitution as thus amended was adopted.] 26 I. — OF THE CHURCH. Form of Government and Discipline, as Amended, Adopted. "The Synod having fully considered the draught of the Form of Government and Discipline, did, on review of the whole, and hereby do, ratify and adopt the same, as now altered and amended, as the Consti- tution of the Presbyterian Church in America, and order the same to be considered and strictly observed as the rule of their proceedings, by all the inferior judicatories belonging to the body. And they order that a correct copy be printed, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, as now altered, be printed in full along with it, as making a part of the Constitution. " Resolved, That the true intent and meaning of the above ratification by the Synod is, that the Form of Government and Discipline, and the Confession of Faith, as now ratified, is to continue to be our Constitu- tion, and the Confession of our Faith and practice unalterable ; unless two-thirds of the Presbyteries, under the care of the General Assembly, shall propose alterations or amendments, and such alterations or amend- ments shall be agreed to and enacted by the General Assembly." — Min- utes, 1788, p. 546. Directory as Amended Adopted. Larger and, Shorter Catechisms Ratified as the Catechisms of the Church. u The Synod having now revised and corrected the draught of a Di- rectory for Worship, did approve and ratify the same, and do hereby appoint the said Directory, as now amended, to be the Directory for the worship of God in the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. They also took into consideration the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and having made a small amendment of the Larger, did approve, and do hereby approve and ratify the said Cate- chisms, as now agreed on, as the Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in the said United States. And the Synod order, that the said Directory and Catechisms be printed and bound up in the same volume with the Confession of Faith and the Form of Government and Discipline ; and that the whole be considered as the standard of our doctrine, govern- ment, discipline, and worship, agreeably to the resolutions of the Synod at their present session." — Minutes, 1788, p. 547. 9. Proof Texts added by Order of the Assembly. The committee appointed to consider the expediency of a new im- I. — OF THE CHURCH. 2 t pression of the Confession of Faith, Form of Government and Discipline of this Church, reported .... that another impression appeared expedient, in which, if the Scripture proofs were inserted at length, it would become more acceptable, and might be of greater utility to the churches j and proposed that a committee be appointed properly to select and arrange the Scripture texts to be adduced in support of the articles in the Confession of Faith, Form of Government and Discipline, and prepare the same to be laid before the next General Assembly. 11 Resolved, That Dr. Robert Smith, and Messrs. Mitchell and Grier, be a committee to carry the above into execution." — Minutes, 1792, p. 59. "A letter was received and read from Mr. Mitchell, one of the mem- bers of a committee appointed by the Assembly of 1792, to revise and prepare for publication an edition of the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Form of Government and Discipline of this Church, informing this Assembly that considerable progress had been made in the business, but that it was still incomplete. Whereupon the business was recommitted, and the Moderator [the Rev. James Latta], added to the committee in the place of the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, deceased, and they were di- rected to report to the Assembly in 1791." — Minutes, 1793, p. 66. [The letter was as follows :] "Upper Octorara, May 14th, 1793. " The Reverend the General Assembly. "Reverend Fathers and Brethren: The task assigned the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Mr. Grier, and myself, by the last General Assembly of our Church, was divided by your committee in the following manner : Doctor Smith undertook to adduce Scripture testimony in proof of the Larger Catechism, Mr. Grier the Shorter, and Mr. Mitchell the Confes- sion of Faith and Church Government. Doctor Smith's remove from serving any longer in the Church militant, has left his part unfinished, and uncorrected (if correction it requires). I send his manuscript, and the printed book, which was the Doctor's property. Mr. Grier will in- form the Reverend the General Assembly what progress he has made on his part. Your correspondent has completed the proofs for the Confession of Faith, and made some progress on Church Government, the first twelve chapters; but a severe pain in my right arm, attended with a paralysis in my hand, prevented me from finishing what 1 had incon- siderately undertaken. I hope I shall not tire nor repent of any poor I. — OF THE CHURCH. service I may be called to perform to the Church of Christ ; but this was a herculean labor for the time assigned to do it in. " The General Assembly will perceive my method, which was to men- tion the chapter in the Confession, with its title and the several sections it contains: then insert the small letters of the Roman alphabet in the printed copy, and these serve to direct to those texts of Scripture ad- duced to prove the subject, or any part of it, where they are placed. Those texts that appear to me to be the most adequate and suitable to the design, I have wrote out in full. Where I have viewed them as serving either as parallel, or corroborating, I have only set down book, chapter, and verse in figures. There may be lapsus pennce, which can be corrected when reviewed and examined. But these, with many other things, I submit to the Assembly's correction and inspection. Had it been pardonable, I should have taken the liberty to have altered some of the terms and phraseology in our translation, a3 more correspondent to the original ; but to depart from established customs in religious mat- ten is dangerous. I would also have abridged the proofs ; but this would have raised a clamor among the people at large, that we had de- parted from the ancient faith. The printed copy belongs to the General -ibly, and accompanies my manuscript papers, together with the Scripture proofs on Church Government. May the great Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ, be in the midst of you, to direct and assist you in all your consultations and deliberations for his glory and the prosperity of Zion. So prays your brother in the Gospel of Christ. '•A. Mitchell/' Minutes, 1793, p. 66. u The committee appointed to prepare the Scripture proofs in support of the doctrines of the Confession of Faith, the Catechisms, &c, of the Presbyterian Church, submitted their report, which was read, examined, and approved as a specimen of the work. Whereupon Dr. Green, Messrs. John B. Smith, James Boyd, William M. Tennent, Nathaniel Irwin, and Andrew Hunter, were appointed a committee to compare the proofs prepared by said committee, and now reported to the General rubly, with the proofs annexed to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory ; to revise the whole, prepare it for the pr - - _ree with the printer for its publication, and to superintend the printing and vending of the same." — Minutes, 1794, p. I I. OF THE CHURCH. 29 10. Authority of the Notes. :t alone contains t' tion. The committee to which was referred an inquiry, proposed to the -iblv by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, relative to the notes found in the book containing the Constitution, reported. Their report was adopted, viz. : u That the book referred to was first published with nothing but the simple text, without any Scripture proofs, or any notes of any description whatsoever. This is evident not only from the minutes of the General mbly, but from the numerous copies of this first edition of the standards of our Church which are now in existence. It is also equally evident, from examining the records of the General Assembly, that not a single note in the book has been added to or made a part of the Con- stitution of the Church, since it was first formed and published, in the manner above recited. Several alterations and additions have been made by referring them, when contemplated, to the Pia for their decision thereon, in the manner pointed out in the Constitution itself. But among all the points thus referred, there is not found a single note which now appears in the book containing the Constitution of our Church. Hence it follows, beyond a doubt, that these notes are no part of that Constitution. If, then, it be inquired how these notes obtained the place which they now occupy, and what is the character, as to authority, which they possess, the answer is this : When a second edition of the standards of our Church was needed, it was thought by the General Assembly, that it would be of great use in itself, highly agreeable to the members of our Church generally, as well as conformable to the example of the Church of Scotland, from which we derive our origin, if the Scripture proofs were added in support of the several parts and clauses of the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Form of Government. A com- mittee was accordingly appointed by the Assembly to select the Scripture proofs, and to prepare them for being printed in the second edition of the book. The work of this committee was, the following year, referred to another, and ultimately the committee charged with preparing the Scripture proofs reported, along with these proofs, the notes which now appear in the book, and which were approved by the General Assembly, and directed to be printed with the proofs, in the form in which they now appear. These notes, then, are explanations of some of the prin- ciples of the Presbyterian Church, given by the General Assembly, and which, of course, the General Assembly may modify or altogether ex- 30 I. — OF THE CHURCn. elude, at their pleasure, whereas the articles of the Constitution must govern the Assembly themselves, and cannot be altered or abrogated, but in the manner pointed out in the Constitution itself. "On the whole, in the book containing the standards of our Church, the text alone contains the Constitution of our Church ; the notes are an exposition of principles given by the highest judicature of that Church, of the same force, while they continue, with the other acts of that judicature, but subject to alterations, amendments, or a total erasure, as they shall judge proper. " Resolved, That as it belongs to the General Assembly to give direc- tion in regard to the notes which accompany the Constitution, of which they are the supreme judicatory, this Assembly express it as their opinion, that in printing future editions of the Constitution of this Church, the parenthesis on the note, on this part of the Form of Govern- ment, which defines a Synod, and which is expressed in these words, 1 since a Synod is only a larger Presbytery/ be omitted, as well as the note connected with the Scripture proofs in answer to the question in the Larger Catechism, 'What is forbidden in the eighth commandment V in which the nature of the crime of man-stealing and slavery is dilated upon. In regard to this last omission, the Assembly think proper to declare, that in directing it, they are influenced by far other motives than any desire to favor slavery, or to retard the extinction of that mournful evil as speedily as may consist with the happiness of all con- cerned."— Minutes, 1816, p. 630. [Note. — These notes are not found in the Constitution as revised in 1820.] "Resolved, That as the notes which have been expunged from our public formularies, and which some of the memorials referred to the committee request to have restored, were introduced irregularly, and never had the sanction of the Church, and therefore never possessed any real authority, the General Assembly has no power to assign them a place in the authorized standards of the Church, and does not deem it proper to take the constitutional measures for effecting their restora- tion."—Minute*, 1836, p. 248. 11. Use and Obligation of the Confession. 1. That, in the opinion of this Assembly, Confessions of Faith, con- taining formulas of doctrine, and rules for conducting the discipline and I. — OF THE CHURCH. 31 worship proper to be maintained in the house of God, are not only recognized as necessary and expedient, but as the character of human nature is continually aiming at innovation, absolutely requisite to the settled peace of the Church, and to the happy and orderly existence of Christian communion. Within the limits of Christendom, few are to be found in the attitude of avowed hostility to Christianity. The name of Christian is claimed by all, and all are ready to profess their belief in the Holy Scriptures, too many reserving to themselves the right of put- ting upon' them what construction they please. In such a state of things, without the aid of Confessions, Christian fellowship can exist only in a very limited degree, and the disorder of the Corinthian Church, condemned by the Apostle, would be realized : "I am of Paul and I of Apollo s." 2. That, though the Confession of Faith and standards of our Church are of no original authority, independent of the Scriptures, yet we regard them as a summary of those divine truths which are diffused throughout the sacred volume. They, as a system of doctrines, therefore, cannot be abandoned, in our opinion, without an abandonment of the word of God. They form a bond of fellowship in the faith of the Gospel, and the General Assembly cannot but believe the precious immortals under their care to be more safe in receiving the truth of God's holy word, as exhibited in the standards of our Church, than in being subject to the guidance of any instructor, whoever he may be, who may have confidence enough to set up his own opinions in opposition to the system of doctrines which men of sound learning, full of the Holy Ghost, and mighty in the Scriptures, have devised from the oracles of the living God. It should never be forgotten, that the Church is solemnly cautioned against the danger of being carried about by every wind of doctrine. 3. This Confession of Faith, adopted by our Church, contains a sys- tem of doctrines professedly believed by the people and the pastors under the care of the General Assembly, nor can it be traduced by any in the communion of our Church, without subjecting the erring parties to that salutary discipline which hath for its object the maintenance of the peace and purity of the Church, under the government of her great Master.— Minutes, 1824, p. 114. 12. Subscription to the Standards in every case required. The committee appointed on an overture respecting frhe consistency 32 -OF THE CHURCH. of admitting into this Church ministers who manifest a decided hostility to ecclesiastical creeds, confessions, and formularies, make the following report, which was adopted, viz. : 1. That the Constitution, as is well known, expressly requires of all candidates for admission, a solemn declaration that they sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures. 2. That the last Assembly, in a report of their committee, to be seen on the minutes, have so explicitly and fully declared the sentiments of this Church in regard to her ecclesiastical standards, and all within her communion who may traduce them, that no further expression of our views on this subject is deemed necessary. — 31inutes, 1825, p. 155. 13. The Catechisms an Integral part of the Standards of the Church. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 5, viz. : u On subscribing the Confession of Faith," made the following report, which was unanimously adopted, viz. : That, in their judgment, any further legislation on the subject by the Assembly would be unnecessary and inexpedient. They consider the formula contained in our book, and the rule adopted by the Assembly in 1830, viz. : "That, in their judgment, every licentiate coming by cer- tificate to any Presbytery, in connection with the General Assembly, from any portion of a corresponding ecclesiastical body, should be required to answer in the affirmative, the constitutional questions directed by chapter fourteenth of our Form of Government, to be put to our candidates be- fore they are licensed ; and that in like manner every ordained minister of the Gospel coming from any church in correspondence with the Gen- eral Assembly by certificate of dismission and recommendation, should be required to answer affirmatively the first seven questions directed by chapter fifteenth of our Form of Government, to be put to one of our own licentiates when about to be ordained to the sacred office/ (p. 12, 1830), sufficiently explicit; and would earnestly recommend these to the attention oP the Presbyteries under the care of the Assembly. As to the question submitted to them, "Whether the Catechisms, Larger and Shorter, arc to be considered as a part of the Standards of our Church, and are comprehended in the words, Confession of Faith of this Church ?" the committee feel no hesitation in answering that ques- tion in the affirmative. It does not appear that any doubts on that sub- I. — OP THE CHURCH. 33 jcct have ever been entertained until very recently. The committee find in the minutes of the old Synod, at the union of the Synod of Phil- adelphia with the Synod of New York, in 1758, that the first article of the Plan of Union contains the following words (Digest, p. 118), viz. : " Both Synods, having always approved and received the Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms as an orthodox and excellent system of Christian doctrine founded on the word of God, we do still receive the same as the Confession of our Faith; and also the plan of worship, government, and discipline, contained in the Westmin- ster Directory, strictly enjoining it on all our members and probationers for the ministry that they preach and teach according to the form of sound words in said Confession and Catechisms, and avoid and oppose all error contrary thereto." In the recital of the manner in which a Presbytery was received by the Synod of New York, 1763, we have the following record which is contained in the Assembly's Digest, p. 50 : " It was agreed to grant their request, provided that they agree to adopt our Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and engage to ob- serve the Directory as a plan of worship, discipline, and government, according to the agreement of this Synod." In 1788, in the Adopting Act of the Confession, as entered in the Di- gest, p. 124, the Catechisms are distinctly mentioned as a part of our standards. " They also took into consideration the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and having made a small amendment of the Larger, did approve, and do hereby approve and ratify the said Cate- chisms as now agreed on, as the Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in the said United States. And the Synod order that the said Directory and Catechisms be printed and bound up in the same volume with the Confession of Faith and the Form of Government and Discipline; and that the whole be considered as the standard of our doctrine, govern- ment, discipline, and worship, agreeably to the resolutions of the Synod at their present sessions" — one of which resolutions was (p. 123), " that the Form of Government and Discipline, and the Confession of Faith, as now ratified, is to continue to be our constitution and the confession of our faith and practice unalterably, unless two-thirds of the Presby- teries under the care of the General Assembly shall propose alterations or amendments, and such alterations or amendments shall be agreed to and enacted by the General Assembly." Accordingly, in the Directory for the administration of baptism, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly are mentioned in connection with the Con- 3 34 I.— OF THE CHURCH. fession of Faith, as adopted by this Church, and are to be recommended as containing a summary of the principles of our holy religion, taught in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. The committee therefore recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions, viz. : 1. Resolved by the Assembly, that in receiving and adopting the Con- fession of Faith, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster As- sembly of Divines are included, and do constitute an integral part of the standards of this Church. 2. Resolved, That the use of the Catechisms in the religious instruc- tion of the young and of the children under the care of the Church, be affectionately and earnestly recommended to the Sessions in connection with the General Assembly, as the most effectual means, under God, of preserving the purity, peace, and unity of our Church. — Minutes, 1832, p. 371. 14. Power of the Assembly to make " Standing Rules." [The Presbytery of New York laid before the Assembly the following paper, viz. :] " The Presbytery took into consideration the regulations adopted by the General Assembly at their last meeting, intended to embrace and extend the existing rules respecting the reception of foreign Ministers and Licentiates ; whereupon the Presbytery were of opinion that if the General Assembly designed these regulations as a standing rule, sup- posing that having passed through their body, they became obligatory upon the subordinate judicatories, and ought to be carried into immedi- ate effect, they therein violated the sixth section of the eleventh chapter of our Constitution, which says, ' Before any overtures or regulations, proposed by the Assembly to be established as standing rules, shall be obligatory upon the churches, it shall be necessary to transmit them to all the Presbyteries, and to receive the return of at least a majority of the Presbyteries, in writing, approving thereof/ " — Minutes, 1799, p. 172. [To this the Assembly reply :] " 1. That the first reason assigned by the Presbytery of New York for their request is founded on a misinterpretation of an ambiguous expres- sion in the Constitution. The sixth section of the eleventh chapter is thus expressed : i Before any overtures or regulations proposed by the I. — OF THE CHURCH. 35 Assembly to be established as standing rules shall be obligatory on the churches, it shall be necessary to transmit them to all the Presbyteries, and to receive the returns of at least a majority of the Presbyteries, in writing, approving thereof.' Standing rules in this section can refer only to one of the following objects : 1st. To articles of the Constitution which, when once established, are unalterable by the General Assembly ; or 2d. To every rule or law enacted without any term of limitation ex- pressed in the act. The latter meaning would draw after it consequences so extensive and injurious as forbid the Assembly to give the section that interpretation. It would reduce this Assembly to a mere committee to prepare business upon which the Presbyteries might act. It would undo, with few exceptions, all the rules that have been established by this Assembly since its first institution, and would prevent it forever from establishing any rule not limited by the terms of the act itself. Besides, standing rules, in the evident sense of the Constitution, cannot be predicated of any acts made by the Assembly and repealable by it, because they are limited, in their very nature, to the duration of a year, if it please the Assembly to exert the power inherent in it at all times to alter or annul them, and they continue to be rules only by the As- sembly's not using its power of repeal. The law in question is no other- wise a standing rule than all other laws repealable by this Assembly." — Minutes, 1799, p. 179. Section 2. — Of the particular Church. 1. A " Particular Church" defined. — 2. How new Congregations are to be organ- ized.— a. Application must be made to the Presbytery. — b. Order of proceeding in constituting a Church. — c. Covenant to be entered into. — d. Ruling Elders and Deacons to be elected and ordained. — e. The newly formed Church to be reported to Presbytery. — ■/. In exceptional cases congregations may be formed without Ruling Elders. — 3. Churches not to be organized without an order of Presbytery. 1. What is a particular Church? a. "A particular Church consists of a number of professing Christians, with their offspring, voluntarily associated together for divine worship and godly living, agreeably to the Holy Scriptures, and submitting to a certain form of government." — Form of Gov., ch. ii, sec. 4. 36 I. — OF THE CHURCH. b. The committee to whom was recommitted the report to the last Assembly on the organization of new churches, reported again, and their report was read and adopted, and is as follows, viz. : That a particular Presbyterian Church, so far as adults are concerned, is constituted and organized, as such, by a number of individuals pro- fessing to walk together as the disciples of Jesus Christ, on the princi- ples of the Confession of Faith and Form of Government of the Pres- byterian Church, and the election and ordination of one or more ruling elders, who, by the ordination service, become the spiritual rulers of the persons voluntarily submitting themselves to their authority in the Lord. — Minutes, 1831, p. 325. 2. How new Congregations are to be organized. a. This organization ought always to be made by application to the Presbytery within the bounds of which the church to be organized is found, unless this be exceedingly inconvenient, in which case it may be done by a duly authorized missionary, or a neighboring minister of the Gospel. b. At the time appointed for the purpose, after prayer for divine direc- tion and blessing, the presiding minister, or committee appointed by the Presbytery, should first receive from those persons to be organized into the new church, if they have been communicants in other churches, letters of dismission and recommendation ; and in the next place, exa- mine and admit to a profession of faith, such persons as may offer them- selves, and may be judged suitable to be received on examination. If any of these persons, admitted to a profession on examination, have not been baptized, they should, in this stage of the business, be made the subject of Christian baptism. c. The individuals ascertained in the foregoing manner to be desirous and prepared to associate as a church of Christ, should now, by some public formal act, such as rising, joining hands, or subscribing a written statement, agree and covenant to walk together in a church relation, according to the acknowledged doctrines and order of the Presbyterian Church. d. The next step is to proceed to the election and ordination of ruling elders, in conformity with the directions given on this subject in the Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church. Deacons are to be elected and ordained in like manner as in the case of ruling elders. — Minutes, 1831, p. 32G. I. — OF THE CHURCH. 37 e. When a church has been organized in the manner already described, report of the same should be made as soon as practicable to the Presby- tery within whose bounds it is located. And when a missionary, or other minister of the Gospel, not specially appointed to the work by a Presbytery, has, in the manner above specified, organized a church, not within the known bounds of any Presbytery, the church thus organized should as soon as practicable make known to some Presbytery, with which it may be most naturally and conveniently connected, the time and manner of its organization, and desire to be received under the care of said Presbytery. In cases in which churches are to be formed within the known boundaries of any Presbytery, it is most desirable that persons wishing to be organized as a Presbyterian Church should petition that Presby- tery to receive them under its care for the purpose of organizing them in due form. There may be people in destitute portions of our land who may be disposed to associate for the purpose of forming a Presbyterian congre- gation, when no minister of the Gospel can be obtained to aid them. The forming of associations for such a purpose, in the circumstances contemplated, should be considered not only as lawful, but highly com- mendable. And such associations when formed, should, as speedily as possible, take measures for obtaining the preaching of the Gospel, and for becoming organized as regular churches. — Minutes, 1831, p. 326. f. " Cases may also occur in various places, in which a collection or association of people may desire the preaching of the Gospel, and be willing in whole or in part to support it, and yet may not have suitable men among them to sustain the office of ruling elders. Such people may and ought to obtain a preacher of the Gospel to labor among them, and occasionally to administer ordinances, under the direction of some Presbytery, till they shall find themselves in circumstances to make proper choice of ruling elders, and to have them regularly set apart to their office."— Jl/mufes, 1831, p. 326-7. 3. To organize Churches belongs to the Presbytery. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 14, viz., " Is a minister of the Gospel in our connection ex-officio authorized to organ- ize churches in the bounds of Presbyteries, without any previous order 38 I. — OF THE CHURCH. of Presbytery, directing such organization," made a report recommend- ing the following resolution, which was adopted accordingly, viz. : Resolved, That, except in frontier and destitute settlements, where, by Form of Government, chap, xv, sect. 15, it is made a part of the business of Evangelists to organize churches ; and, except in cases where it is exceedingly inconvenient to make application to a Presbytery, for which provision is made in the act of Assembly of 1831, it is not the prerogative of a minister of the Gospel to organize churches without the previous action of some Presbytery directing or permitting it; since in Form of Government, chap, x, sect. 8, to form new congregations is enumerated among the powers of the Presbytery; and since in chap, iv, of Bishops or Pastors, no mention is made of any such power being lodged in the hands of an individual minister. — Minutes, 1833, p. 410. Section 3. — Members of the Church. 1. Universalists not to be admitted. Decision reaffirmed. — 2. Persons refusing to present their children for baptism not to be refused communion; but the expe- diency of receiving them to membership left to the Session. — 3. Postmasters officiating on the Sabbath to be excluded from communion. Decision reaf- firmed.— 4. Owners of stage coaches which run on the Sabbath ought not to be received to the communion of the Church. — 5. Members to be admitted to the communion of the Church. — a. Only by an individual Session regularly consti- tuted.— b. By the Session of that Church to which he will belong. — c. Undue haste is to be avoided. — 6. Members by letter should produce a regular certificate of dismission. — 7. Absent members whose residence is unknown. — a. Every member amenable to some tribunal. — 6. Cannot avoid membership but by death or process. — c. Withdrawal irregularly from Church privileges censurable. — d. Absent members not to be stricken from the roll. — e. But those who wilfully withdraw are to be suspended. — 8. Members wishing to be released from their obligations. The provisions of the book sufficient. 1. Who may be received. a. A question from the Synod of the Carolinas was introduced as follows, viz. : " Are they who publicly profess a belief in the doctrine of the uni- versal and actual salvation of the whole human race, or of the fallen angels, or both, through the mediation of Christ, to be admitted to the sealing ordinances of the Gospel V I. — OF THE CHURCH. 39 The Assembly determined that such persons should not be admitted. —Minutes, 1792, p. 60. b. The consideration of Dr. McCorhle's letter was resumed. On the proposition in the letter, requesting a reconsideration of the sentence of the General Assembly, respecting the doctrine of universal salvation, passed at Carlisle in 1792, the Assembly unanimously agreed to adhere to the aforesaid decision. — Minutes, 1794, p. 86. 2. Persons refusing to present their Children in Baptism not to be refused Communion ; but the expediency of receiving them to be judged of by the Session. The committee appointed on Overture No. 7, from the session of Union Grove church, Illinois, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : That two questions are submitted in this overture to the judgment of the Assembly, viz. : 1st. Is it the duty of Church Sessions to admit to membership persons who refuse to present their children to God in the ordinance of baptism ? 2d. What is the duty of the Session in case of parents, members of the Church, who refuse from conscientious scruples to present their children for baptism ? For a reply to these questions, the Session are referred to the Digest^ part iv, chap ii, sec. 7, p. 98, where the decision of the Assembly on the principle involved in both is recorded as follows : "A letter also came, through the Committee of Overtures, from Bethuel Church, Esq., inquiring whether he may be admitted to occa- sional communion, whilst he has scruples concerning infant baptism. " The letter from Bethuel Church, Esq., as overtured, was read, and the motion formerly made thus amended, i That the Session of the church of Cambridge be permitted to receive Mr. Church upon satis- factory evidence of his good character, his scruples notwithstanding/ was taken up and agreed to." But while it 'is clear, that persons otherwise of good Christian cha- racter, are not to be excluded from the communion of the Church, because they have scruples concerning infant baptism, there is in every case, where such persons apply for admission, a question as to the expe- diency of receiving them, upon which the Session of the Church must decide.— Minutes, 1831, p. 449. 40 I. — OF THE CHURCH. 3. Postmasters officiating on the Sabbath. An appeal by Mr. Wiley, postmaster in Washington, Pennsylvania, from a decision of the Synod of Pittsburg, by -which it is determined that Mr. Wiley's officiating as postmaster on the Sabbath day, under existing circumstances, is a sufficient reason to exclude him from the special privileges of the Church, was overtured and read. On motion, Resolved, That the above decision of the Synod of Pittsburg be affirmed. And it is hereby affirmed. — Minutes, 1810, p. 456. A petition signed by a number of persons in Washington, Pennsyl- vania, and its vicinity, praying the revision, with a view to its being rescinded, of the decision of the Assembly of 1810, respecting the case of Mr. Wiley, postmaster, was overtured. Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be not granted. — Mi- nutes, 1812, p. 508. 4. May the Proprietor of a Stage running on the Sabbath be received in the Church? In answer to an " Overture relative to receiving a person as a member of the Church, who is a proprietor in a line of stages which carries the mail, and runs on the Sabbath;" the following was adopted. Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of this Assembly, that all attention to worldly concerns on the Lord's day, farther than the works of necessity and mercy demand, is inconsistent both with the letter and spirit of the fourth commandment ; and consequently, all engagements in regard to secular occupations on the Lord's day, with a view to secure worldly advantages, are to be considered inconsistent with Christian character; and that those who are concerned in such engagements ought not to be admitted to the communion of the Church, while they continue in the same. — Minutes, 1819, p. 713. 5. By whom to be admitted, &c. The committee to whom was referred the subject involved in so much of the records of the Synod of Cincinnati as relates to the admission of persons to church privileges at the great meetings common in that region, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : That they have given this subject a careful consideration, and recom- mend the adoption of the following resolutions, viz. : I. — OP THE CHURCH. 41 Resolved, 1. That the order of the churches requires that all persons making a public profession of religion be introduced to the communion of the Church only by an individual Session regularly constituted Resolved, 2. That it is the right and duty of Sessions to take the ex- clusive oversight of their respective congregations, and that the practice of one Session admitting to a Christian profession persons belonging or intending to belong to a congregation under the care of another Session, is irregular, and ought not to be countenanced. Resolved, 3. That the purity and prosperity of the Church, as well as the best interests of those immediately concerned, demand great cir- cumspection in the admission of persons to church privileges ; and that ordinarily it is deemed improper to receive persons immediately upon their indulging a hope of reconciliation with God, and especially in the case of the young, and of persons of previously immoral lives or lax principles, and of those concerning whom little is known. — Minutes, 1832, p. 373. 6. Members received by Certificate. Nor can the Assembly forbear to regret that the Session of Chilicothe had not acted in a more formal manner, in receiving Mr. McCalla, and had not required a regular certificate of dismission from the church to which Mr. McCalla belonged before they received him. — Minutes, 1821, p. 21. 7. Absent Members, whose Residence is unknown. a. The committee appointed on the overture from the Synod of New Jersey, inquiring what a church Session ought to do with members in communion, who have been absent for years without having taken a certificate of dismission, and whose place of residence is unknown, made a report, which, being read and amended, was adopted, and is as fol- lows, viz. : That although this particular case is not provided for by a specific regulation in our Book of Discipline, yet it is embraced by certain general principles, which are recognized in that book, and interwoven with many of its provisions. These principles, together with the result, bearing on the case in question, the committee beg leave most respect- fully to state : 1. Every church member is amenable to some appropriate tribunal, 42 I. OF THE CHURCII. by the wisdom and fidelity of which, in case of his falling into any error, immorality, or negligence, he may be dealt with according to the word of God. 2. No member of a church can properly ever cease to be such but by death, exclusion, a regular dismission, or an orderly withdrawing to join some other Christian denomination; and must of necessity continue to be amenable to that church until he becomes regularly connected with another. 3. For a church member to withdraw from a use of his privileges as a member, either by irregularly connecting himself with another deno- mination, or by going to a distant part of the world, to reside for a number of years, without making known his removal to the church Ses- sion, and asking a certificate either of good standing, for the purpose of enjoying occasional communion elsewhere, or of dismission, to join some other church, is itself a censurable violation of the principles of church fellowship, and may infer suspension from its privileges. 4. Church members, therefore, who have been absent for a number of years. in unknown places, are by no means to have their names erased from the churches to which they respectively belong, but are to be held responsible to their respective churches ; and if they should ever return, or be heard from, are to be regularly dealt with according to the word of God, and the principles of our Church j and, although great caution and tenderness ought to be exercised toward those whose withdrawing from Christian privileges may be occasioned by the unavoidable dispen- sations of Providence, without any material fault of their own, yet in all cases in which a church Session has good reason to believe that any of the church under their care have absented themselves with design, either from a disregard of Christian privilege, or from a wish to escape from the inspection and discipline of the Church, they ought without unnecessary delay to declare such persons suspended from the privileges of the Church, until they give evidence of repentance and reformation ; and, of course, in making their statistical reports, ought to enumerate such among the members under suspension. — Minutes, 1825, p. 138-9. b. The Records of the Synod of New York and New Jersey were ap- proved, with the exception of the action of the Synod (p. 381) in rela- tion to the course of the Presbytery of North River, in the case of delinquent church members. — Minutes, 1853, p. 323. [The record referred to is as follows, viz. : "The Committee on the Records of the Presbytery of North River, reported recommending that I. — OP THE CHURCH. 43 they be approved as far as written, with the following exception, viz. : On page 18, the Presbytery refused to sustain the following exception to the Records of the Session of Freedom Plains, viz. : " That several members of the church have been suspended by the Session simply for having absented themselves for years, and having gone beyond the knowledge of the Session without applying for certificates. The Report was adopted." — Minutes of the Synod of New York and New Jersey. ~\ The Rev. William Homes, in behalf of himself and forty-three other commissioners, in accordance with notice given yesterday, submitted the following dissent from the action of the Assembly on the report of the Committee on the Records of the Synod of New York and New Jersey : " The undersigned, acting in the fear of God, and unfeignedly regard- ful of the interests of the Presbyterian Church and the just rights of its individual members, in the full belief that the action of the Assem- bly, in excepting to the Records of the Synod of New York and New Jersey, was erroneous in judgment, and may prove the sanction of fu- ture action mischievous to the honor of the Church of Christ, involving principles injurious to the interests of religion and subversive of the constitutional rights of the members of the Presbyterian Church, ask leave respectfully to dissent from the action above mentioned for the fol- lowing reasons : " 1. It concedes to the judicatories of the Church the right to inflict a judicial sentence upon members of churches, without a trial, contrary to the Form of Government, in which there is no authority whatever for sentence of any kind against such without a fair and impartial trial, a citation and a hearing. "2. It violates the constitutional rights of individuals, not less sacred in the Church than out of it, to such trial for any alleged offence before sentence of condemnation can be pronounced upon them ; reversing also the principle of common law, that innocence is to be presumed of every individual till proved guilty by due process of trial, he having fair op- portunity to explain or defend. "3. It is mischievous to the interests of justice and the credit of religion, in that it establishes the principle, that not only in the offence in question, but in any and every alleged offence, a judicatory may sit in judgment upon members of churches, and, without legitimate trial, record sentence of suspension or excommunication. u 4. Affording license as it does for such indiscriminate and unlimited 44 I. — OP THE CHURCH. illegal action, even if the course of the lower judicatory should be de- fined and limited to cases where Sessions could know that members had unworthily separated themselves from church association, yet sentence of suspension is utterly unwarranted in such cases without a citation and a hearing ; and, moreover, the difficulty in ascertaining the real facts, and the possibility of committing a mistake, are so manifest, that such a proceeding is to be discountenanced in all cases. " 5. By assuming that members of churches have absented themselves without good and sufficient reasons, when, in many cases, it is impossible that the judicatory should know anything about it, it allows that a stigma may be inflicted upon members of the Church, worthy, and in other places fulfilling conspicuously their obligations as true and honorable members of Christ's Church universal, and upon others who are kings and priests unto God in the New Jerusalem. u 6. Even if it be affirmed that such sentence of suspension, as is sanctioned by the action from which we regret to be compelled to dis- sent, entails no obloquy ; yet the Form of Government knows nothing of a sentence of suspension from the honorable and precious privileges of church membership that does not imply guilt and reproach, and fur- nishes no authority for a sentence of condemnation without dishonor. u For these reasons, which seem to us to take deep hold of the founda- tions of justice and true religion in the Presbyterian Church, and be- lieving that the offence for which it is implied that sentence of suspen- sion may be pronounced without a trial, however, as we freely allow, it is one requiring the notice of Church Sessions, is not one so offensive to the honor of Christ, or destructive of the purity and edification of the Church, as to justify the alarming proceeding of a departure from the express enactment of our Form of Government, and an ignoring of those rights guaranteed by civil and ecclesiastical law, we beg leave to dissent from the action of the General Assembly, and to have these reasons spread upon the minutes." — Minutes, 1853, pp. 325, 326. The Rev. Marcus Smith, Rev. E. J. Richards, Rev. J. C. Smith, and Hon. William Strong, were appointed a committee to answer the fore- going dissent, who subsequently presented a report, which was adopted, and is as follows : "It is fully conceded and firmly maintained by the General Assembly that, in all cases where an offender can be reached by citation and brought to trial, it is the duty of the judicatory to which he is directly amena- ble, to proceed against him according to the process prescribed by the Book of Discipline. I. — OF THE CHURCH. 45 "But the action complained of by the dissentients relates to a very different class of cases. The individuals in question have absented them- selves from the church with which they are connected, and after diligent inquiry cannot be found. They are, therefore, beyond the reach of cita- tion. They cannot possibly be brought to trial. Shall the Church, in such cases, be responsible for them ? As they have placed themselves beyond the oversight of the Church, it is but reasonable that the Church should be permitted to secure itself against any reproach which might come upon it from the conduct of such absentees. "In accordance with these principles, the Constitution of our Church makes provision (Book of Discipline, chapter xi), for the case of ab- sent church members. It relieves the Church from the responsibility of sustaining a certificate of good standing when it has run on for more than one year. It implies that a church member may not absent him- self a longer time from the ordinances, without a forfeiture of his good standing. In those cases, therefore, where individuals have absented themselves for years together, and after the most diligent inquiry cannot be found, it is but right that the Session of the church to which they are amenable should make entry of the fact on their records, and de- clare such persons to have forfeited their good standing, until they return and account for their absence. Such was the judgment of the Assembly of 1825, with which this Assembly perfectly accords." The Rev. S. Holmes moved a reconsideration of the action of the Assembly in reference to the Records of the Synod of New York and New Jersey. The motion was lost. — Minutes, 1853, p. 327. 8. Members who icish to be released from their Obligations. The Committee on the Polity of the Church reported a paper, "ask- ing what shall be done with certain Church members, against whose moral character no charges can be made, but who wish to be released from their Church obligations. The committee recommend that such cases be referred to the sound discretion of the Sessions to which such persons may be answerable j reminding the Sessions, that it is a funda- mental law of the Church that no person can be suspended from the communion of the Church, or have any other penalty inflicted, without regular citation and trial, according to the form prescribed in our Book of Discipline." 46 I. OP THE CHURCH. The report was recommitted, " with instructions to report, that no new order be taken in the case." — Minutes, 1859, pp. 17, 18. Subsequently, " The report of the Committee on the Case of Delin- quent Church Members was taken up, and it was resolved, in accordance with their recommendation, that the provisions of the Book of Discipline are all that is needed." — Minutes, 1859, p. 48. CHAPTER II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. Section 1. — Deacons. 1. Have no juridical power. — 2. Their duty consists in distributing the charities of the Church to the poor. — 3. To be ordained in the same manner as Ruling Elders. — 4. The duties of Trustees and Deacons not identical, and Ministers not ex-officio members or Presidents of the Board of Trustees. 1. Deacons have no Juridical Powers. " We need only represent unto you the ends and institution of Scrip- ture Deacons, and that there is no juridical power allowed them in the Scriptures." — Minutes, 1716, p. 42. 2. Their Duty consists in distributing the Charities of the Church to the Poor. The committee on Overture No. 4, viz., a reference from the Presby- tery of West Tennessee, requesting an answer to the two following ques- tions, viz., 1. What are the nature and duties of the office of deacon? 2. What is the Scriptural and appropriate mode of ordination ? — made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : In answer to the first inquiry, " What are the nature and duties of the office of deacon V we reply : The answer we conceive to be expli- citly given in our Form of Government, chapter vi. Their duties there are plainly made to consist in distributing the charities of the church to which they belong, to the poor of that church. Over charities collected for any other purpose than those specified, their office gives them no control. In addition to this the temporalities of the church generally may be committed to their care. — Minutes, 1833, p. 405. 48 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 3. To be ordained in the same manner as Riding Elders. In answer to the second inquiry, "What is the Scriptural and appro- priate mode of ordaining them f" we reply : Our Form of Government, chap, xiii, sec. 4, declares that such, whether Elder or Deacon, shall be set apart to their respective offices by prayer. The imposition of hands, however, we are aware, in many of our churches, is practised, and, as it is plainly in accordance with apostolic example, it is the opinion of the committee that it is proper and lawful. We conceive that every church in this respect may with propriety be left to adopt either of these two modes, as they think suitable and best. — Minutes, 1833, p. 405. 4. The appointment of Trustees, not inconsistent with Presbyterianism ; their Duties distinct from those of Deacons. Ministers are not ex- officio Members or President of the Board of Trustees. "It is not inconsistent with the Presbyterian plan of government, nor the institution of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Trustees, or a committee chosen by the Congregation, should have the disposal and application of the public money raised by said Congregation, to the uses for which it was designed ; provided that they leave in the hands and to the manage- ment of the Deacons, what is collected for the Lord's table, and the poor. And that Ministers of the Gospel, by virtue of their office, have no right to sit with or preside over such Trustees or committees." — Minutes, 1752, p. 249. Section 2. — Ruling Elders. 1. The Eldership is essential to the existence of a Presbyterian Church. — 2. Elders must be duly elected. — 3. Mode of Election. — 4. Who are electors of Ruling Elders and ])eacons? — a. Baptized persons only, legal voters. — b. No distinc- tion is to be made as to the ages of the voters. — 5. The office of a Ruling Elder is perpetual. Form of Government, chap, xiii, sec. 6. Electjon for a term of years is irregular, but not invalid. — 6. An Elder may resign his office. Form of Government, chap, xiii, sec. G — 7. In which case he has no seat in any Church court. — 8. An Elder cannot hold office in two churches at the same time, nor adjudicate in a church in which he is not an Elder. — 9. Elders cen- sured for leaving, and also for non-attendance upon Church courts. — 10. An H. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 49 Elder who may sit in Presbytery, may sit in Synod by the same right. — 11. Every church having a stated supply, entitled to be represented by an Elder. — 12. A Minister with one Elder, may form a Session, if there be but one Elder. — 13. Restoration to Church privileges, does not restore to office. — 14. Elders are not to participate in the ordination of Ministers, by the laying on of hands. 1. The Eldership essential to the Existence of a Presbyterian Church. " The report of the Committee to Examine the Records of the Synod of the Western Reserve was taken up and adopted; and is as follows, viz. : That the records be approved, with the exception of the sentiment on page 154, viz., that the Eldership is not essential to the existence of the Presbyterian Church. In the opinion of the committee, the Synod advance a sentiment that contravenes the principles recognized in our Form of Government, chap, ii, sec. 4; chap, iii, sec. 5; chap, v; chap, ix, sects. 1, 2."-— Minutes, 1833, p. 404. [This does not prevent the forming of congregations for religious wor- ship, where they " may not have suitable persons among them to sustain the office of Ruling Elder/' See ante, p. 37.] 2. Elders must be dull/ elected. " The following inquiry was referred to the decision of the Assembly, by the Synod of the Carolinas, viz. : "In what point of light are the Elders, nominated and ordained by Mr. Balch, to be viewed hereafter in Mount Bethel Congregation ? "It was determined by the Assembly that the 'Elders' mentioned in the inquiry, are to be henceforth viewed as private Church members only, unless they be duly elected and set apart as Church officers here- after."— Minutes, 1798, p. 158. 3. Mode of Election. " Every congregation shall elect persons to the office of ruling elder, and to the office of deacon, or either of them, in the mode most approved and in use in that congregation." — Form of Government, chap, xiii, sec. 2. a. " And while the Assembly would recognize the undoubted right of each congregation to elect their elders in the mode most approved and in use among them, they would recommend that in all cases where any 4 50 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. dissatisfaction appears to exist, the congregation be promptly convened to decide on their future mode of election. And they are inclined to believe that the spirit of our Constitution would be most fully sustained by having, in all cases, a direct vote of the congregation in the appoint- ment of elders/' — Minutes, 1827, p. 215. h. The committee on Overture No. 9, relating to an amendment in the Form of Government, chap, xiii, sec. 20, reported, and their report was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " The committee to whom was referred the consideration of the Over- ture (No. 9) relating to an alteration of that part of the Constitution of our Church which gives the right of choosing ruling elders and deacons to the congregation, in the way most approved and in use in the congre- gation, reported, that after deliberating on the subject, they find them- selves unable to devise any method by which a uniformity of practice can be established in this interesting concern throughout the different sections of our Church, and believe that any alteration effected in the Constitution, with a view to relieve the difficulties in one section, would produce difficulties in another section of the Church. The committee therefore judge it inexpedient to propose any alteration, and recommend that the Assembly dismiss this subject from any further consideration." — Minutes, 1826, p. 187. c. " The Assembly gave their opinion, that the Session of a church has the authority to convene the congregation for all such purposes; but should the Session neglect or refuse to convene the congregation, the party feeling aggrieved has its remedy by application to Presbytery in the form of a complaint." — Minutes, 1822, p. 49. 4. Who are the Electors of Ruling Elders and Deacons? a. The consideration of the report of the committee to which was referred the appeal of Messrs. Lowerie and Kelso from the decision of the Synod of Ohio, affirming the decision of the, Presbytery of Miami, by which decision the Presbytery had pronounced the election of Messrs. Dillingham and Rice to the office of ruling elders in the Second Presby- terian Church of Cincinnati a valid election, was resumed and finished ; and the report being amended and fully discussed, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : The General Assembly, having gone fully into the consideration of the appeal from the decision of the Synod of Ohio by Messrs. Lowerie II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 51 and Kelso, and having seen, with deep regret, the appearance of much disorder in the whole business, which they disapprove ; believing, as the Assembly do, that the election of elders should be conducted with all due deliberation, according to the letter of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and in the spirit and temper of the Gospel, and that, although the Assembly are of the opinion that it would be most desirable to have the communicants only as the electors of ruling elders, yet, as it appears to be the custom in some of the churches in the Pres- byterian connection to allow this privilege to others, they see no reason why the election should be considered void, nor any reason why the decision of the Synod of Ohio should not be affirmed. Therefore Resolved, that the sentence of the Synod of Ohio be, and it hereby is affirmed. — Minutes, 1822, p. 49. b. The committee on Overture No. 1, viz., the following reference from the Presbytery of Steubenville : Ought an unbaptized person, who yet pays his proportion for the support of a congregation, to be permitted to vote for ruling elders ? made the following report, which was adopted, viz.: That, in the opinion of your committee, the office of ruling elder is an office in the Church of Christ ; that ruling elders, as such, according to our Confession of Faith, book i, on Government, chap, v, are "the representatives of the people by whom they are chosen, for the purpose of exercising government and discipline," in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ; that the discipline lawfully exercised by them is the dis- cipline exercised through them by their constituents, in whose name and by whose authority they act in all that they do. To suppose, there- fore, that an unbaptized person, not belonging to the visible kingdom of the Redeemer, might vote at the election of ruling elders, would be to establish the principle, that the children of this world might, through their representatives, exercise discipline in the Church of God; which is manifestly unscriptural, and contrary to the standards of our Church; your committee would therefore recommend, that the question in the said overture be answered in the negative. — Minutes, 1830, p. 284. c. The Committee on Polity reported paper No. 4, inquiring as to the right of minors to vote in the election of elders and deacons. The com- mittee recommend to return for answer — That it is not in accordance with the principles and usages of the Presbyterian Church to distinguish between members of the Church as to their ages in voting for officers of the Church. 02 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. The recommendation was adopted. — Minutes, 1859, p. 18. 5. The office of Ruling Elder is perpetual. Election for a term of years is irregular, hut not invalid. a. u The report of the committee on Overture No. 1 was amended and adopted, and is as follows, viz. : The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 1, a communica- tion from the Session of Wheatland congregation in reference to the ap- pointment of Freeman Edson as a commissioner to this Assembly, beg leave to present the following report, viz. : ''Agreeably to the Constitution of our Church, the office of Ruling Elder is perpetual (see Form of Government, chap, xiii, sec. 6), and can- not be laid aside by the will of the individual called to that office, nor can any congregation form rules which would make it lawful for anyone to lay it aside. Your committee are of opinion that the mode of elect- ing Elders in the congregation of Wheatland for a term of years was irregular, and ought in future to be abandoned, but cannot invalidate the ordination of persons thus elected and ordained to the office of Ruling Elder. And whereas, it appears that Mr. Freeman Edson was once elected to the office of Ruling Elder in the church of Wheatland, and was regularly set apart to that office ; whereas, there seems to be some material diversity of views between the Presbytery of Rochester and the church Session to which Mr. Edson once belonged, as to the man- ner in which, and the principle on which, he ceased to be an acting Elder in the said church, into which the Assembly have no opportunity at present of regularly examining; and whereas, the Presbytery, with a distinct knowledge, as is alleged, of all the circumstances attending this case, gave Mr. Edson a regular commission as a Ruling Elder to this General Assembly; therefore " Resolved, That he retain his seat as a member of the Assembly." — Minutes, 1835, p. 471. h. "The overture on limiting the term of service of Ruling Elders was, on motion, taken up for consideration. The report of the commit- tee was adopted, and is as follows : Whereas, sundry memorials have been presented to the Assembly, asking for a change of the Constitution, respecting the term of service in the office of Ruling Elder. u Resolved, That while the Assembly sympathize with those churches, which arc more especially tried by the present rule, yet, believing that II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 53 the evils of a change would far outweigh those of the present system, they are not prepared to recommend any overture on the subject." — Minutes, 1849, p. 182. c. " An overture from the Presbytery of Pennsylvania, asking ' whe- ther the Constitution of our Church shall be so altered as to make the term of office of Ruling Elder temporary in such churches as prefer it,' was taken up and answered as follows : " The Assembly do not deem it expedient, or for the edification of the Church, to send down to the Presbyteries such an overture ; the most obvious and natural construction of our Form of Government does not contemplate a rotatory Eldership; and while such an organization of a Session is not Anti-preshyterial, yet the Assembly would discourage the adoption of the principle in our Church, from respect to the plain mean- ing of our rule ; but nothing in this resolution is intended to disturb the relations of those churches which have adopted the principle of a limited period in the service of Elders." — Minutes, 1852, p. 177. 6. A Ruling Elder may cease to act as such. [See Form of Government, chap, xiii, sees. G, 7.] a. "A petition from the members of the Session of the Third Pres- byterian Church in this city, asking advice of this Synod with respect to the execution of their office in consequence of the judgment of the Synod respecting that church. After it was duly considered, they re- turned the following answer, viz. : The Synod advise them to continue to act as elders, but in case they cannot, consistently with what they apprehend to be their duty, continue as such, and act upon the decisions of Synod, that they may resign their office, and the congregation pro- ceed to choose other elders, who may have freedom to act according to the determinations of the Synod." — Minutes, 1772, p. 435. h. "The Assembly earnestly recommend to the whole Session, in- cluding the majority and the minority, in view of the state of the Fifth Church, to take the constitutional steps, and cease from acting as Ruling Elders in that congregation, and that the entire church take immediate measures to elect a new bench of Elders, with a view to promote the peace of the church, and to secure the permanent settlement of the Gospel ministry among them. And further, that it be recommended to the persons so elected not to accept the office unless they shall obtain the 54 II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. suffrages of at least two-thirds of the electors participating in the elec- tion. "—Minutes, 1834, p. 453. 7. A Ruling Elder ivithout Office has no Seat in a Church Court. 11 Resolved, That no Ruling Elder who has retired from the active exercise of his office in the church to which he belongs, can be admit- ted as a member of a Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly." — Minutes, 1835, p. 489. 8. An Elder cannot hold Office in two Churches at the same time. a. "The Judicial Committee reported that, by permission of the Assem- bly, a complaint was presented to them by the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, in behalf of a minority, against a decision of the Synod of Philadelphia,* recorded on the Synod book, page 168, by which complaint the following question is presented for the decision of the Assembly, viz. : " Is it consistent with the Constitution of this Church for the same individual to hold the office of Ruling Elder in two different churches at the same time ? " The complainants were heard in support of their complaint ; the Synod was heard in defence of their decision, and the complainants con- cluded with a reply : " When it was resolved by the Assembly, that the decision of the Synod be affirmed, and the complaint dismissed." — Minutes, 1827, p. 204. Nor Adjudicate in a Church of which he is not an Elder. b. u Overture No. 14, viz., the following question from the Presby- tery of Salem : ' Has a Ruling Elder in any case a legal right to adju- dicate in another church than that of which he is an Elder V was taken up and decided in the negative." — Minutes, 1831, p. 324. 9. Elders Censured for leaving ivithout Permission, and Sessions directed to defray Expenses. a. "Upon calling the roll, it being found that many of the Elders have gone home without leaving any reason for their doing so, the Synod * The Synod having rejected a resolution declaring it lawful for an elder to exer- cise the office in two different congregations. II. — OFFICERS OF THE CnURCH. 55 do order that such Elders as do withdraw from the Synod without leave, shall be left to the censure of their Sessions, and report made thereof to the next Synod. And the Synod do recommend it to the several con- gregations to defray the necessary charges that their Elders be at during their attendance upon the Synod. " — Minutes, 1735, p. 117. b. Whereas, the Synod is deeply affected that the judicatures of the Church are so exceedingly neglected, both by ministers and elders, es- pecially the latter, and taking this matter into serious consideration, and apprehending that one reason of this non-attendance, particularly on the sessions of Synod, arises from the congregations making no provision for defraying the expenses of ministers and elders, do therefore request the Presbyteries to direct their members to recommend it to their respective congregations to make contributions for this purpose ; and the Synod do further request that the Presbyteries take every proper mea- sure to excite their members to attend upon this judicature. — Minutes, 1781, p. 491. 10. Elders have the same Right to sit in Synod as in Presbytery. The committee also overtured this question : Has an elder, whom the discipline of our Church authorizes to sit as a member in Presbytery from a vacant congregation, or united congregations, a right by that dis- cipline to sit in Synod as a representative of such congregation or con- gregations ? The vote being taken, the question was determined in the affirmative. —Minutes, 1808, p. 403. 11. Every Church, having a Stated Supply, is entitled to he represented in Presbytery or Synod by a Ruling Elder. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported Overture No. 2, from the Synod of West Pennsylvania, "On Stated Supplies and Vacant Congregations," in the form following : " When a minister is at the same time pastor of one church, and acts as the stated supply of another church, has each of said churches a right to be represented by its own elder at the same meeting of Presbytery or Synod ? Or does this case come under the rule, chap, x, sec. 4, p. 368, of Form of Government ?" They recommend that the following answer be returned, viz. : " That churches, having stated supplies only, are not such churches as are contemplated in the article referred to, and have a 56 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. right of representation according to the principles of the Form of Go- vernment, chap, x, sec. 5." The report was adopted. — Minutes, 1851, p. 15. 12. A Minister, with one Elder, may form a Session, if there be hut one Elder. The question, " Can a minister, with one elder, form a Session capa- ble of transacting judicial business?" is sufficiently answered in the Constitution, Form of Government, chap, ix, sec. 2, where it seems to be implied that cases may occur with infant or feeble churches in which it would be impracticable, for a time, to have more than one elder, and yet be necessary to perform acts of a judicial character. For such the Constitution provides ; but if there be more than one elder, then two at least, with a minister, are necessary to form a Session. — Minutes, 1836, p. 263. 13. When an Elder has been suspended from Church privileges and restored, he is not thereby restored to Office. " When an elder has been suspended from Church privileges, for an offence, and again restored to the privileges of the Church, is he also restored to his office as a ruling elder?" should be answered in the negative. The two things are distinct; and since an elder, as well as a minister, may be suspended from his office, and not from the communion of the Church, so there may be reasons for continuing his suspension from his office after he is restored to the privileges of the Church. He cannot be restored to the functions of his office without a special and express act of the Session for that purpose, with the acquiescence of the church.— Minutes, 1836, p. 263. 14. Elders not to Participate in the Ordination of Ministers by the laying on of Hands. The Committee on the Polity of the Church reported an answer to the inquiry, " Ought the eldership to participate in the ordination of minis- ters by laying on of hands?" as follows : It is a recognized principle of our Church polity, in accordance as we believe, with Apostolic teaching, that bishops, ministers, and elders, constitute but one grade or rank of officers in the Christian Church ; II. — OFFICERS OF THE CnURCH. 57 and hence that in all our Church judicatories they have equal rights and powers. In all the judicial business of the Church, all are Pres- byters alike. (See Form of Gov., chap, ix, sees. 1, 2,4; chap, x, sees. 2 to 7; chap, xi, sees. 1, 2; and chap, xii, sec. 2.) Still it can- not be denied that in the Bible a distinction is recognized between those Presbyters who rule only, and those who both rule and preach. In the practice of the Presbyterian Church in all its branches, this distinction has become very marked. Some are set apart expressly to preach the Gospel, and to administer the ordinances of God's house. They arc Presbyters in common with others; but as ministers of Christ, they have functions and rights peculiar to themselves, and are required to possess peculiar qualifications. In the ordination of ministers, your committee believe there are two distinct things to be done : 1st. The examination and approval of the candidate. In this all the members of the Presby- tery participate alike; and 2d. The formal act of induction into office, in which, by almost universal consent, as we suppose, only ministers officiate. It is true our Form of Government, chap, xv, sec. 14, speaks of the whole Presbytery as laying on hands, and giving the right hand of fellowship. But every statute should be construed consistently with itself, and with general usage under the statute. Your committee would suggest, that the act of induction is ministerial, not judicial. And, as in respect to baptism, the elders, jointly with the pastor, deter- mine who shall be admitted to this ordinance; yet the pastor only administers it; so in ordination — the whole Presbytery determine the fitness of the candidate, but only the ministers present induct into office. This, we believe, has been the universal practice under this rule ; and that this usage was intended by the framers of the book seems probable from the fact that, in the form of induction, those aiding in the service are directed to extend to the new minister their right hands, saying, " We give you the right hand of fellowship to take part of this ministry with its." This language manifestly implies, that those thus welcoming him do themselves occupy places in that ministry to which they welcome him. The committee therefore recommend, that the question be an- swered in the negative. The report was adopted. — Minutes, 1860, p. 243. Section 3. — Pastors. 1. Mode of proceeding to elect a Pastor. — The Session to judge of the readiness of the Congregation to elect. — To procure a settlement as speedily as possible. 58 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. If remiss after being requested, a complaint to Presbytery will lie. — The Presbytery has full cognizance of the proceedings to avoid undue delay or haste. — 2. Electors. None may vote for a Pastor but those who contribute to his sup- port; and a major vote determines. — 3. Case of a Pastorate by prescription. — 4. Dissolution of the Pastoral relation ; mode of proceeding. — 5. To remove without consent of Presbytery, censurable. — G. Pastoral faithfulness enjoined, in visiting and in lecturing. — 7. Catechetical instruction enjoined. — 8. Stated sup- plies have no Pastoral relation. 1. Order of Proceeding in the Election of a Pastor. " The business left unfinished in the morning was resumed, and, after a full discussion of the subject, the motion to sustain the appeal of the Session of the Third Presbyterian Church in this city from the decision of the Synod of Philadelphia, affirming a decision of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, by which the Presbytery directed the said Session, within twenty days from the date of their decision, or after the final determi- nation of the case, to convene the congregation for the purpose of elect- ing a Pastor, was determined in the affirmative; and Dr. Green, Dr. Neill, and Mr. Richards were appointed a committee to prepare a minute, stating the principles on which the Assembly sustained the appeal. " The committee appointed to prepare a statement of the principles and grounds upon which the Assembly sustained the appeal of the Ses- sion of the Third Presbyterian Church in this city reported, and their report being read and amended, was adopted in the words following, viz. : " That both to prevent misapprehension and to aid the congregations and judicatures of this Church in deciding on any similar cases that may arise, the Assembly therefore declare, — " I. That in vacant congregations which are fully organized, the Ses- sion of each Congregation are to determine, under their responsibility to the higher judicatures, when the Congregation are prepared to elect a Pastor, as directed in the Form of Government of this Church, chap, xiv, sec. 1. u II. That it is the duty of the Session when a Congregation is vacant, to use their best endeavors to promote the settlement of a Pastor in the same, in the speediest manner possible, consistently with the peace, order, and edification of the Congregation; and it is the privilege of the people, or of any portion of them, to complain to the Presbytery when II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 59 they think that the Session, after being suitably requested, neglect, or refuse to convene the Congregation to elect a Pastor. " III. That it belongs to the Presbyteries to take cognizance of the proceedings of Sessions and Congregations in the important concern of settling Pastors, and to adopt the most effectual measures on the one hand to prevent all undue delay by the Session, or the people, and on the other, to prevent all precipitancy in the settlement of any Minister, or the adoption of any system of proceedings in the Congregation incon- sistent with the real and permanent edification of the people. u IY. That by the due and discreet observance of these principles by all concerned, it will be found, that so far from the Session of a Congre- gation having it in their power to deprive a majority of a Congregation of their right to make an election of a Pastor, when sought in an orderly and Christian manner, or to keep a Congregation unsettled for an inde- finite length of time, the rights of the people will be most effectually secured, and their precious and inalienable privilege of choosing their own Pastor will be exercised by them in the shortest period which their own real benefit will permit. " V. That the conviction of this Assembly, that the foregoing ob- vious and constitutional principles had not been duly adhered to in the case before them ; that the Congregation had not proceeded with a suit- able respect to the Session, and that the Presbytery did not adopt the most suitable measure when they advised and directed the Session to convene the Congregation in twenty days, has led the Assembly to sus- tain this appeal as the measure most constitutional, best calculated on the whole to do justice to all the parties concerned, and to point the way to the most speedy settlement of the unhappy differences and disorders which have so long existed in the particular Congregation immediately concerned." — Minutes, 1814, p. 559-560. 2. Who may Vote in the Election of a Pastor. " Agreed, that none shall be allowed to vote for the calling of a Mi- nister, but those that shall contribute for the maintenance of him, and that the major vote of these shall be determinative." — Minutes, 1711, p. 24. " In this election no person shall be entitled to vote, who refuses to submit to the censures of the Church regularly administered; or who does not contribute his just proportion, according to his own engage- CO II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. merits, or the rules of that Congregation, to its necessary expenses." — Form of Government, chap, xv, sec. 4. 3. A Pastoral Relation allowed where no Instalment had occurred. " It appears evident to this Synod, that Mr. Tennent having in all respects acted, and been esteemed and looked upon, not only by this Synod, but also by the Congregation of Neshaminy, and particularly by the appellants themselves, as the Minister and Pastor of the people of Neshaminy, that he is still to be esteemed as the Pastor of that people, notwithstanding the want of a formal instalment among them ; which omission, though the Synod doth not justify, yet it is far from nullifying the pastoral relation between Mr; Tennent and said pe'ople." — Minutes, 1736, p. 127. 4. The Translation of a Pastor, a. Amendment to chap, xvi, sec. 2, of Form of Government. Strike out together with a written citation to him, and insert if the parties be not prepared to have the matter issued at that Presbytery, a written citation shall be given to the Minister. — Minutes, 1804, p. 305. Note by the Assembly. " This amendment [adopted 1805, p. 333], is intended to provide that consent of parties shall shorten the constitu- tional process for translating a Minister." — Minutes, 1804, foot of p. 305. b. The committee on overture, viz. : " Is it contrary to chap, xvii of the Form of Government for a Presbytery to dissolve the connection between a Minister and his congregation at the time when he presents his request for its dissolution, and the congregation joins issue by com- missioners duly appointed for that purpose ?" made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : " Resolved, That it is not expedient for this Assembly to give a de- •cided answer to the question, but to leave every Presbytery to act accord- ing to their own discretion in the premises." — Minutes, 1832, p. 373. 5. Removal ic ithout Consent of Presbytery censurable. a. " The Presbytery of East Jersey having reported that Mr. John Cross has, without the concurrence of Presbytery, removed from one congregation to another, the Synod do declare that the conduct of such Ministers that do neglect attendance upon the meetings of the Presby- II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 61 tery without necessity, or that take charge of any congregation without the Presbytery's concurrence, to be disorderly, and justly worthy of Presbyterial censure, and do admonish said Mr. Cross to be no further chargeable with such irregularities for the future. " — Minutes, 1735, p. 115. b. "The Synod having deliberately considered the affair of Mr. Ali- son's removal to Philadelphia, judge that the method he used is con- trary to the Presbyterian plan. Yet considering that the circumstances which urged him to take the method he used were very pressing, and that it was indeed almost impracticable to him to apply for the consent of Presbytery or Synod, in the orderly way, and further, being persuaded that Mr. Alison's being employed in such a station in the Academy, has a favorable aspect in several respects, and a very probable tendency not only to promote the good of the public, but also of the Church ; as he may be serviceable to the interests thereof in teaching philosophy and divinity, as far as his obligations to the Academy will permit, we judge that his proceedings in said affair are in a great measure excusable. Withal the Synod advises, that for the future its members be very cau- tious, and guard against such proceedings as are contrary to our known approved methods in such cases." — Minutes, 1752, p. 206. 6. Pastoral Faithfulness enjoined in Visiting and Lecturing . a. Upon an overture to Synod, in pursuance of an order of the com- mittee to that purpose, viz., to use some proper means to revive the de- clining power of godliness, the Synod do earnestly recommend it to all our ministers and members, to take particular care about ministerial visit- ing of families, and press family and secret worship, according to the Westminster Directory, and that they also recommend it to every Pres- bytery at proper seasons to inquire concerning the diligence of each of their members in such particulars. — Minutes. 1733, p. 105. b. " That in the discharge of pastoral duties they take the utmost care that the word of God be known and understood by the people, and that for this purpose, in their public instructions, the practice of lectur- ing on certain portions of Holy Scripture be not laid aside, but rather revived and increased; that they endeavor, where it is prudent and practicable, to institute private societies for reading, prayer, and pious conversation ; above all, that they be faithful in the duties of family visita- 62 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. tion and catechetical instruction of children and youth." — Minutes, 1799, p. 182. 7. Catechetical Instruction enjoined. The following resolutions on the subject of catechetical instruction were unanimously adopted, viz. : "1. Resolved, That this General Assembly consider the practice of catechetical instruction as well adapted to the prosperity and purity of our Zion. "2. Resolved, That this Assembly view also with deep regret the neglect, on the part of many of our churches, of this good old practice of our fathers ; a practice which has been attended with such blessed results to the cause of pure and undefiled religion. "3. Resolved, That the institution of Sabbath Schools does not exo- nerate ministers and parents from the duty of teaching the Shorter Cate- chism to the children of the Church. tt 4. Resolved, That this Assembly earnestly and affectionately recom- mend to all the Ministers and Ruling Elders in its connection to teach diligently the young of their respective congregations the Assembly's Shorter Catechism." — Minute*, 1849, p. 181. 8. Stated Supplies have no Pastoral Relation. a. The committee on Overture No. 9, viz., a memorial from East Hano- ver Presbytery on inefficiency in the ministry, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : .... 3. That it be enjoined on all the Pres- byteries to take such measures as they may deem expedient for forming the pastoral relation, in a regular manner, in all cases where churches are now served by stated supplies, unless there be special reasons to the contrary, of which reasons the Presbytery is required to judge, and to make their judgment matter of record on their minutes. — Minutes, 1834, p. 450. b. The committee to whom was referred the complaint of the minority of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church in New Orleans, re- ported the following minute, which was adopted, viz. : Resolved, That as Mr. Clapp was merely a stated supply of the church in New Orleans, the Presbytery of Mississippi had a right, and it was II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. bS their duty, under existing circumstances, to adopt measures to detach him from said congregation. — Minutes, 1831, p. 340. c. Churches having stated supplies only are not such churches as are contemplated in chap, x, sec. 4, Form of Government, and have a right of representation according to the principles of the Form of Government, chap, x, sec. 5. — Minutes, 1851, p. 15. d. " The pastoral office should be more and more highly appreciated, practically honored, and mainly promoted, in all our judicatories and churches, as the ordinary, the permanent, and the incomparable way of the Lord, in promoting his own cause, and in educating his people for Heaven/' — Minutes, 1840, p. 17. Section 4. — Ministers without Charge. 1. Ministers without charge have a right to sit in Church Courts. — 2. A minister cannot cease to be such but by deposition ; but if providentially incapacitated, he is still held to possess the ministerial character and privileges, and is under the inspection of his Presbytery. If, through a worldly spirit, or any other criminal motive, he lay aside his office, Presbytery is to endeavor to bring him to duty; and failing of this, at length to exclude him from office. When minis- ters have withdrawn wholly or in part from the work of the ministry, Presbytery is to require and record the reasons, with its approbation or disapprobation. — 3. Demission of the ministry allowed in the case of Robert Laing ; also of Wm. Woodhull. Case of Joseph Montgomery, leave refused by the Assembly.— 4. On holding civil office ; deliverance upon the subject. — 5. Office of chaplain in the army allowed. — 6. An ordination to a chaplaincy is not sine titulo. — 7. A chaplain may not at the same time be pastor of a church. — 8. Office of chaplain in the navy approved of. 1. Have a Seat in Church Courts. a. The committee to which was referred the overture from the Pres- bytery of Baltimore, in the following words, viz., " Are ministers with- out charges constituent members of our Church judicatures, and have they an equal voice with settled pastors and ruling elders of congregations in ecclesiastical governments V reported, and their report being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " In the judgment of this Assembly, this question is answered affirma- tively, chap, ix, sec. 2, of the Form of Government of the Presbyterian 64 II. — OFFICERS OF TIIE CHURCH. Church, in these words : ' A Presbytery consists of all the ministers and one ruling elder from each congregation within a certain district.' " — Minutes, 1816, p. G15. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 9, relative to the right of ministers without charge to a seat in our judicatories, made their report, which, after some discussion, was referred to a committee consisting of Dr. Blythe, Dr. Hoge, Mr. Montfort, Mr. Elliot, and Mr." A. 0. Patterson, to take the subject into consideration, and report to the next General Assembly. — Minutes, 1835, p. 492. The report of the committee on the rights of ministers without charges to a seat in the judicatories of the Church, was taken up, and indefi- nitely postponed. — Minutes, 1836, p. 294. 2. TTViO Withdraw from the Discharge of the Duties of the Ministry, how regarded and dealt with. By a report of the Presbytery of Lewes, it appeared that a minister, heretofore a member of that Presbytery, had been declared to be no longer a member thereof, and, as the Assembly were informed, is con- sidered by them as divested of the ministerial office, and this without deposition, suspension, or censure ; wherefore — Resolced, That it is a principle of this Church, that no minister of the Gospel can be regularly divested of his office, except by a course of discipline, terminating in his deposition. That if any minister, by providential circumstances, become incapa- ble of exercising his ministerial functions, or is called to suspend them, or to exercise them only occasionally, he is still to be considered as pos- sessing the ministerial character and privileges; and his brethren of the Presbytery are to inspect his conduct; and while they treat him with due tenderness and sympathy, they arc to be careful that he do not neglect his ministerial duty beyond what his circumstances render un- avoidable. That if any minister of the Gospel, through a worldly spirit, a dis- relish for the duties of his office, or any other criminal motive, become negligent or careless, he is by no means to be suffered to pursue this course, so as at length to be permitted to lay aside the ministry, without censure; because this would be to encourage a disregard of the most solemn obligations, by opening a way to escape from them with impunity. But in all such cases, Presbyteries are seasonably to use the means II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 55 and pursue the methods pointed out in the word of God and the rules of this Church, to recall their offending brother to a sense of duty; and if all their endeavors be ineffectual, they are at length regularly to ex- clude or depose him from his office. If any cases or questions, relative to this subject, arise in Presbyteries, which are not contemplated by the provisions of this rule, such cases or questions should be referred to the General Assembly for a special decision. — Minutes, 1802, pp. 258, 259. , Resolved, That when ministers have withdrawn, or may hereafter withdraw, wholly or in part, from the work of the ministry, it be en- joined upon the Presbyteries to which they belong to require of such ministers their reasons for so doing; which reasons are to be put upon record by the Presbytery, with an expression of their approbation or dis- approbation of the same. — Minutes, 1834, p. 450. Resolved, That the constitutional remedy of these evils is in the hands of the Presbyteries, to whom it belongs to ordain, instal, remove, and judge ministers (see Form of Government, chap, x, sec. 8), and whose duty it is to inspect the fidelity of those whom they have solemnly set apart to the work of the ministry by the imposition of hands. — Minutes, 1834, p. 450. 3. Allowed to demit the exercise of the Ministry, for cause assigned. a. There being from time to time complaints of the weakness and deficiency of Mr. Robert Laing, rendering his exercise of the ministerial function a detriment to the interest of religion, and rather a scandal than a help to the Gospel; the Synod advised him to demit the whole exercise of the ministry, and not to take it up again, but by the appro- bation of at least three ministers of the Presbytery wherein he may reside. The said Mr. Laing did quietly and humbly acquiesce in the aforesaid advice. — Minutes, 1726, p. 84. h. " The Presbytery of New York report, that the Rev. Mr. William "Woodhull, one of their members, appeared before them at their last meeting, and stated to them his situation, as being still incapable of ex- ercising his ministry by his continued indisposition, and the little or rather no probability of his ever being able to attempt the exercise of it in future ; and that he was at the same time engaged in certain secular employments that would seem to render it improper to have his namo in their records as a member, while he is incapable of attending their 66 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. meetings or discharging any of the great duties of his ministry; and therefore submits to them the propriety of their continuing and consider- ing him as a member from time to time ; and that the Presbytery, on considering his situation, thought it best to leave his name out of their records in future, till he shall be able to return to the exercise of his ministry ; an event that would give them great pleasure. "The Synod considered the above report, and are of opinion that Mr. Woodhull ought to be continued a member of the Presbytery of New York, and therefore direct that Presbytery to insert his name in their roll."— Minutes, 1783, p. 497, 498. c. [The Presbytery of New Castle reported], " that in consequence of Mr. Joseph Montgomery's having informed them that, through bodily indisposition, he was incapable of officiating in the ministry, and having also accepted an office under the civil authority, they have left his name out of their records. " " The Synod disapprove of the conduct of the Presbytery of New Castle, in striking the name of Mr. Montgomery off their roll, for the reasons given in their report,, neither of which, nor both together, seem to be sufficient ; and in future recommend to all Presbyteries, when any ministers under their inspection resign their charge, or discontinue the exercise of their office while they remain in the same bounds, to pass a regular judgment on the reasons given for such conduct; and continue their inspection of those who shall not have deserved to be deprived of the ministerial character, though they may be laid aside from immediate usefulness." — Minutes, 1785, pp. 507, 510. d. [The Committee on Church Polity reported Overture No. 4, from the Presbytery of Portage, asking advice as to the case of a minister, "who, though charged with no disciplinable offence, had forsaken the ministry for ten or more years, had regularly and permanently engaged in secular employment, had become a private member of the Church, and had no design of again acting as a minister of the Gospel, and who on this ground had requested his Presbytery to strike his name from the roll of members." The committee recommended, " that the Presbytery be directed to strike his name from the roll, without implying any censure or any im- putation on his Christian character/'] " The action recommended by the Committee on the Polity of the Church was not adopted." — Minutes, 1852, p. 177. ■e. " The Assembly resumed the consideration of the report of the II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 67 special committee [Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D., Henry B. Smith, D.D., and Walter S. Griffith, Esq.] on the Demission of the Ministry. After considerable discussion, the report was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : "The committee to whom was referred, by the last General Assem- bly, an Overture from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Third, on the * Voluntary Demission of the Ministry/ respectfully submit the follow- ing report : " The Constitution of our Church, it is well known, provides for the deposition of the unworthy, by due process of discipline; but seems not to have anticipated that any other class would require to be sepa- rated from the responsibilities of an office so high and so sacred. It nowhere contemplates the dismission of the members of the Church to the world, nor the return of the ministry, at their own instance, to the mere secularities of every-day life. " Such is the view that has been taken of our standards from the be- ginning. Neither the old Synod of New York and Philadelphia, nor any of our General Assemblies, has ventured to give any different inter- pretation. The Assembly of 1802, on the occasion of the exercise, by the Presbytery of Lewes, of the prerogative of divesting one of their ministers of his office, without deposition, suspension, or censure, passed the following resolution : "'Resolved, That it is a principle of this Church, that no minister of the Gospel can be regularly divested of his office except by a course of discipline terminating in his deposition. That, if any minister, by providential circumstances, become incapable of exercising his ministe- rial functions, or is called to suspend them, or to exercise them only occasionally, he is still to be considered as possessing the ministerial character and privileges; and his brethren of the Presbytery are to in- spect his conduct; and, while they treat him with due tenderness and sympathy, they are to be careful that he do not neglect his ministerial duties beyond what his circumstances render unavoidable/ " The office is to be retained ; but, for sufficient reason, the exercise of the office may be discontinued in whole or in part. Such was the judgment of the Synod of 1726, in the case of Mr. Robert Laing, who, by reason of the complaints of his < weakness and deficiency/ brought against him, l rendering his exercise of the ministerial function a detri- ment to the interests of religion, and rather a scandal than a help to the Gospel/ ' advised him to demit the whole exercise of the ministry, and 68 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. not to take it up again, but by the approbation of at least three minis- ters of the Presbytery wherein he may reside/ li Similar was the judgment of the Synod of 1783, in the case of Mr. William Woodhull, who had represented to the Presbytery of New York, of which he was a member, ' his situation as being still incapable of ex- ercising his ministry by his continued indisposition ; and the little, or rather no, probability of his ever being able to attempt the exercise of it in future; and that he was at the same time engaged in certain secu- lar employments that would seem to render it improper to have his name in their records as a member/ The Synod judged, 'that Mr. "Woodhull ought to be continued a member of the Presbytery of New York/ " Two years afterwards, in the case of Mr. Joseph Montgomery of the Presbytery of New Castle, whose name had been dropped from the roll of the Presbytery, at his own instance, on account of indisposition of body, and the acceptance of " an office under the civil authority/' the Synod expressed their disapprobation of the measure, and recommended " to all Presbyteries, when any ministers under their inspection resign their charge, or discontinue the exercise of their office while they remain in the same bounds, to pass a regular judgment on the reasons given for such conduct, and continue their inspection of those who shall not have deserved to be deprived of the ministerial character, though they may be laid aside from immediate usefulness." Thus uniformly has the doctrine been maintained by the ecclesiastical authorities of our Church, " that no minister of the Gospel can be regu- larly divested of his office except by a course of discipline terminating in his deposition/' The Assembly of 1852 took the same ground, or at least refused to take ground to the contrary. In the case of a member of the Presbytery of Portage, "who, though chargeable with no discip- linable offence, had forsaken the ministry for ten or more years, had regularly and permanently engaged in secular employments, had become a private member of the Church, and had no design of again acting as a minister of the Gospel, and who, on this ground, had requested his Presbytery to strike his name from the roll of members," the Presbytery took the position, " that presbyterial law contemplates the ministerial office as permanent, ceasing not but by death or deposition/' yet they referred the case to the wisdom of the General Assembly. And the Assembly of 1852, although the Committee on the Polity of the Church recommended " that the Presbytery be directed to strike his name from II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 69 the roll, without implying any censure or any imputation upon his Chris- tian character/' refused to adopt the recommendation ; thereby confirm- ing the position taken by the Presbytery, and conforming their action to the uniform decisions of the highest ecclesiastical authorities of our Church from the beginning. It is true that, in common with most of the evangelical denomina- tions, we maintain that ordination is but a ceremony — an outward sign — a public recognition on the part of the ordainers of the fitness of him who is ordained for the office to which he is set apart, it does not im- press a character or impart a fitness not previously possessed. But, in the case of a minister of the Gospel, it recognizes the fact that the man has consecrated himself to this high and holy calling; has, by irrevoca- ble vows, set himself apart from merely secular pursuits to the service of the Lord Jesus Christ in the ministry. From these vows the Church has received no dispensation to release him; and, therefore, has ever disclaimed the power and right, even in the exercise of discipline. So long, therefore, as it is in the power of the minister, he is to exer- cise his gifts and graces in this particular calling. He is under cove- nant, both to Christ and to the Church, thus to serve God. He may not, without breach of covenant, abandon, merely at his own instance, the ministerial for a secular calling. If the providence of God puts it out of his power, evidently and unmistakably, to pursue his ministerial work, it becomes his duty to bring his case before his brethren of the Presby- tery, and submit it to their decision. If any minister neglects this ob- vious duty, and of his own accord devotes himself to secular pursuits, his Presbytery are to investigate the case, and pass judgment upon it. Such was the judgment of the General Assembly of 1834. "When ministers have withdrawn," they say, "or may hereafter withdraw, wholly or in part, from the work of the ministry, it is en- joined upon the Presbyteries to which they belong to require of such ministers their reasons for so doing; which reasons are to be put upon record by the Presbytery, with an expression of their approbation or disapprobation of the same." In like manner, also, the Assembly of 1802, in order, very properly, to guard against the practical demission of the office, determined and directed, " that if any minister of the Gospel, through a worldly spirit, a disrelish for the duties of his office, or any other criminal motive, be- comes negligent or careless, he is by no means to be suffered to pursue this course, so as at length to be permitted to lay aside the ministry, 70 II. — OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. without censure ; because this would be to encourage a disregard of the most solemn obligations, by opening a way to escape from them with impunity. But, in all such cases, Presbyteries are seasonably to use the means and pursue the methods pointed out in the word of God and the rules of this Church, to recall their offending brother to a sense of duty ; and, if all their endeavors be ineffectual, they are at length regularly to exclude or depose him from his office." This rehearsal of the action of previous Assemblies, it is thought is a sufficient answer to the overture, without entering upon a discussion of the abstract question : " May an ecclesiastical body, in any case, demit from the office of the ministry without discipline or censure?" We simply refer to the usages of our own Church, and urge them upon the attention of our Presbyteries. They are not to allow any of their min- isters to retire from the ministerial work of their own accord ; but to require, of such as are desirous to enter into a secular calling, their reasons for such a course, which they are to put upon record, approv- ingly or otherwise. The circumstances of the age call loudly upon this Assembly to reaffirm these long-established principles, and to enjoin upon the Presbyteries the utmost carefulness in preventing the secularization of our ministry. — Minutes, 1860, pp. 234, 236. 4. May they hold Civil Office f a. "The committee to whom were referred the communication from the Presbytery of Ohio, respecting the Rev. Boyd Mercer, and his letter to the Moderator of the Assembly, exhibited their report. "The report having been read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows : " With respect to the abstract question, whether the tenure of a civil office be or be not incompatible with that of the holy ministry ; your Committee are of opinion that there is nothing in the Holy Scriptures, or in the Constitution, acts, or proceedings of the Presbyterian Church in these United States, expressly prohibitory of such union of offices. " With respect to the particular case referred to their consideration, as Mr. Mercer in his letter expressly asserts, that it is not his intention to decline the office of the holy ministry, and that he was led to devote himself, for the present, to the functions of an Associate Judge, by a state of health so infirm as to interrupt the regular discharge of his public duties as a minister of religion; your committee are of opinion II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 71 that the Presbytery of Ohio ought not to censure him, unless there be some circumstances in the case unknown to the Assembly. " That none, however, may so far misconstrue these sentiments as to persuade themselves that they countenance a covetous, ambitious spirit; your committee farther beg leave to suggest the propriety of cautioning your clergy against worldly-mindedness ; of exhorting them not to as- pire after places of emolument or civil distinction ; of reminding them that the cure of souls is their peculiar business, and that they who serve at the altar, ought, as far as possible, to avoid temporal avocations." — Minutes, 1806, pp. 363, 364. b. " The Committee (of Overtures) also overtured the following ques- tion, preferred by the First Presbytery of South Carolina, viz. : i Is it admissible for a Gospel minister to hold office V " Resolved, That the Presbytery be referred to the decision of the Assembly of 1806, on the same question." — Minutes, 1808, p. 399. 5. May hold the Office of Chaplain in the Army or Navy. a. "Application was made to Synod by Mr. Beatty, desiring to know their mind with respect to his going chaplain to the forces that may be raised in the Province of Pennsylvania, if he shall by the Government be called to that service. The Synod do judge it to be his duty." — Minutes, 1756, p. 275. b. " Application having been made to Mr. Beatty by Colonel Arm- strong, to serve as chaplain to the first battalion of the Pennsylvania Provincials for the ensuing campaign, he requested the advice and judg- ment of this Synod with respect to his duty therein. The Synod do unanimously agree that it is his duty to go." — Minutes, 1758, p. 282. c. " 'Tis allowed that Messrs. Alexander McDowel, and Hector Al- lison, go as chaplains to the Pennsylvania forces, and that Mr. Kirk- patrick go with the New Jersey forces the ensuing campaign." — Min- ute*, 1760, p. 302. d. "The First Philadelphia Presbytery report, that they have or- dained Mr. Israel Evans, and Mr. William Lynn, to qualify them to act as chaplains in the Army, to which they had been appointed." — Min- utes, 1776, p. 472. e. "Also ordained Mr. Robert Keith, to qualify him to act as a chap- lain in the Army." — Minutes, 1777, p. 477. i£ II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 6. An Ordination to a Chaplaincy, not sine titulo. " By the report now made by the New Castle Presbytery, it appears that there was a mistake in the report of last year, respecting Mr. Arm- strong's ordination j that he was not ordained sine titulo, but in conse- quence of his having accepted a chaplaincy in the army." — Minutes, 1779, p. 484. 7. May a Chaplain he at the same time Pastor of a Church. "The affair respecting the First Presbyterian Congregation in this city was resumed. " In the course of reasonings upon it, a case of conscience was put, viz., Whether a minister, having connection with any part of His Ma- jesty's regular forces as their chaplain, and receiving the salary, or any part thereof as such, may, or ought to accept of a stated pastoral relation to any congregation ? Which question was answered in the negative." — Minutes, 1759, p. 294. 8. Chaplains in the Navy. " A reference from the Presbytery of Philadelphia on the propriety of their ordaining to the work of the Gospel ministry, a licentiate under their care, who now holds the office of a chaplain in the Navy of the United States, was considered ; whereupon the Assembly "RcsohcJ, That this judicature of the Presbyterian Church feels a deep and lively interest in the spiritual welfare of the mariners of this country ; and especially of those who are engaged in the naval service of our Union ; and that the Assembly therefore will rejoice, if any Pres- bytery under its care has the opportunity of ordaining any well-qualified persons, men of piety and learning, with a view to their rendering per- manent ministerial services to large congregations of our fellow-citizens who dwell in ships of war." — Minutes, 1826, p. 171. CHAPTER III. CANDIDATES. Section 1. — Before Licensure and as Licentiates. 1. A liberal education required. — 2. Waived in certain cases. — 3. Time of study. — a. Three years proposed, but not adopted. — b. Rule of a Synod enjoin- ing three years' study, unconstitutional. — c. A new proposal to extend to three years, negatived. — 4. Candidates are under the care of Session till ordained. — a. They belong to the order of the laity ; and, b. Discipline over them is to be exercised by the Session. — c. In case of discipline, the Session must notify the Presbytery under whose care he is. — d. When Presbytery drops a candidate, or deprives a licentiate, it must notify the Session to which he is amenable. — 5. Candidates under the care of that Presbytery to which they most naturally belong; i.e., in the bounds of which] they have lived for the most part, and are best known. — 6. For candidates to go to foreign bodies to be licensed, is irregular. — 7. Candidates aided by the churches, to be placed under the care of Presbytery as soon as possible, and licensed by the Presbyteries to which they most naturally belong. — 8. Candidates of one Presbytery not to be licensed by another. — 9. Neglect to record the adoption of the standards; trying and licensing at the same meeting; ordaining without trial or licensure; and licensing for a certain time, condemned as irregular. — 10. Irregularity does not invalidate licensure. — 11. Lay-preaching and preaching before licensure, con- demned.— 12. Case of licensure by a self-constituted committee — 13. How soon students are to be reported as candidates. 1. A Liberal Education required. a. It was requested by the First Presbytery of Philadelphia, that Synod declare to them their sense on this point, viz., Whether a person without a liberal education may be taken on trial or licensed to preach the Gospel ? The question being put, it was carried in the negative. — Minutes, 1783, p. 499. 1. u An overture was brought in in the following terms, viz. : Whether in the present state of the Church in America, and the scarcity of mi- 74 III. — CANDIDATES. nisters to fill our numerous congregations, the Synod, or Presbyteries, ought therefore to relax in any degree in the literary qualifications re- quired of intrants into the ministry? And it was carried iu the nega- tive by a great majority." — Minutes, 1785, p. 511. c. " Your committee recommend to the General Assembly to enjoin it upon all their Presbyteries to take the most effectual order in their power to increase, if possible, the qualifications of candidates for the Gospel ministry, with regard both to sincere piety and solid and exten- sive learning, that the improvements of the pulpit may keep full pace with the progress of society and letters." — Minutes, 1799, p. 181. (See also letter to Dr. Rice, Minutes, 1804, p. 299). 2. Liberal Education luaived in certain cases. a. " Several very earnest applications were made to the Synod by Welsh people in different parts, representing that many among them understand not the English tongue, and unless they have a pastor capa- ble of speaking in their own language, they must live entirely destitute of ordinances ; that a certain Mr. John Griffith came some years ago from "Wales, with good certificates of his Christian knowledge and piety, though he has not had a liberal education, and of being there licensed to preach the Gospel ; that he has preached among them to their great satisfaction ; and therefore pray the Synod to ordain him to the minis- try, that he may both preach and also administer the sacraments among them. " Upon considering the case, the Synod find that several members have seen his certificates from Wales, that some have conversed with him, and were much satisfied with his Christian knowledge and acquaintance with experimental religion ; that those of the Welsh here who testify to the Synod concerning his useful preaching and pious conduct, are known to be men of judgment and integrity; and as the circumstances of that people are singular, and no other way appears in which they can enjoy ordinances, the Synod agree that the said Mr. John Griffith, though he has not the measure of school learning usually required, and which they judge to be ordinarily requisite, be ordained to the work of the ministry, and appoint Messrs. Samuel Davies, Dr. Allison, Treat, Hun- ter, and Kettletas, to be a Presbytery (pro re nata' to ordain him to- morrow at 11 o'clock." — Minutes, 1758, p. 289. [Mr. Griffith was accordingly ordained.] III. CANDIDATES. 75 Case of John Gloucester. b. Whereas, from the communications from the Presbytery of Union, it appears that the said John Gloucester has been for some time under the care of the Presbytery of Union ; that, in the opinion of that Presby- tery, he possesses promising talents and eminent piety; that he has been for several years engaged in the study of. literature and theology, but has not yet obtained all the literary qualifications usually required in candidates for licensure ; and that if he were licensed, there is much reason to believe he might be highly useful in preaching the Gospel among those of his own color; and whereas, said Presbytery requests the advice of the General Assembly; therefore, Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly highly approve the cau- tion and prudence of the Presbytery of Union in this case. 2. That considering the circumstances of this particular case, viz., the evidence of unusual talents, discretion, and piety possessed by John Gloucester, the good reason there is to believe that he may be highly useful in preaching the Gospel among those of his own color, and the various difficulties likely to attend a farther delay in proceeding in this case, the General Assembly did, and hereby do, authorize the Presbytery of Philadelphia to consider the case of John Gloucester, and, if they think proper, to license him to preach the Gospel. — Minutes, 1807, p. 387. 3. Time of Study. a. On motion Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Presby- teries of this Church to consider whether it would be proper to extend .the time necessary for young men to apply to the study of Divinity be- fore they be taken on trials, to three years at least, and to send up a report of their opinion to the next General Assembly. — Minutes, 1792, p. 60. [Xo action of the Presbyteries is reported.] Rule of a Lower Judicature Unconstitutional. b. The records (of the Synod of New York and New Jersey) were ap- proved, except a vote of that Synod by which they determine it to be constitutional for that Synod to enact, "That, in future, candidates who have the Gospel ministry in view, be required to attend to the study of Divinity at least three years before licensure ;" which vote was deter- mined by the Assembly to be unconstitutional. — Minutes, 1792, p. 59. 76 III. — CANDIDATES. "A remonstrance was presented by the Synod of New York and New Jersey, against the decision of last year, by which they determine, that 'it is unconstitutional for the Synod of New York and New Jersey to enact that, in future, candidates who have the Gospel ministry in view, shall be required to attend to the study of Divinity at least three years before licensure.' " It was moved to reconsider the above decision j which was agreed to. " When it was unanimously Resolved, as the sense of this house, that the decision of the last General Assembty, which is the subject of com- plaint, ought not to be altered." — Minutes, 1793, p. 73. Proposal to Extend the Time to Three Years. c. u Overture No. 6 was taken up, viz. : Requests from several Presby- teries that the 6th section of chapter xiv, of our Form of Government, might be sent down to the Presbyteries, to be so altered as to read, ' to study theology at least three years, &c.' The overtures were read. And it was resolved that the proposed alteration be sent down as an overture to the Presbyteries ; and that the Presbyteries be required to send up their answer to this overture, in writing, to the next General Assembly." — Minutes, 1835, p. 475. " The committee to whom was referred the reports of Presbyteries, on the overture from the last General Assembly, proposing a change in the term of study of Theological Students, from two to three years, made a report, which being amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : "That they have had under their consideration, reports from fifty-five Presbyteries. Of these, thirty-five are in favor of the proposed change, and twenty are opposed to it. By the Constitution of our Church, the consent of a majority of the Presbyteries is necessary to authorize the alteration contemplated. And as a majority of the Presbyteries have sent up no report to this Assembly, that such Presbyteries be careful to send up their opinion in relation to the proposed alteration in the Con- stitution, to the next General Assembly/' — Minutes, 1836, p. 276. " The committee to whom was referred the reports of the Presbyteries in relation to certain changes of the Constitution, reported that fifty-two Presbyteries have reported in favor of, and thirty-eight against, the ex- tension of the term of study to be required from Theological Students." —Minutes, 1837, p. 438. [Since an affirmative vote of a majority of all the Presbyteries is needed III. — CANDIDATES. 77 for any change in the Constitution, the change proposed was not made.] 4. Candidates under the Care of the Session until Ordained. The committee to whom was recommitted Overture No. 1, viz., The question at what period of their preparatory course are candidates for the Christian ministry to be considered as dismissed from the jurisdic- tion of the Session and transferred to that of the Presbytery, made a report, which, being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : IVhereas it appears necessary, in order to preserve the purity of the Church, and uniformity of procedure in the judicatories under the care of the General Assembly, that the manner of administering discipline to candidates and licentiates for the Gospel ministry should be distinctly specified; therefore, Resolved, 1. That as the word of God, and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, recognize the distinction of laity and clergy, and a system of procedure in discipline in some respects diverse, as the one or the other of these orders of men is concerned, it becomes the judica- tories of the Church to guard against the violation of this principle in the administration of discipline. 2. That, although candidates and licentiates are in training for the Gospel ministry, and in consequence of this are placed under the care of Presbyteries, and in certain respects become immediately responsible to them, yet they are to be regarded as belonging to the order of the laity till they receive ordination to the whole work of the Gospel min- istry. 3. That it follows from the last resolution, that when candidates for the Gospel ministry are discovered to be unfit to be proceeded with in trials for the sacred office, it shall be the duty of the Presbytery to arrest their progress; and, if further discipline be necessary, to remit them for that purpose to the Sessions of the churches to which they properly belong ; and that, when licentiates are found unworthy to be permitted further to preach the Gospel, it shall be the duty of the Pres- bytery to deprive them of their license ; and if further discipline be necessary, to remit them for that purpose to the Sessions of the churches to which they properly belong. 4. That, in order to insure the proper effect of discipline- in the per- 78 III. — CANDIDATES. formance of the duties which severally belong to Sessions and Presby- teries, it will be incumbent on church Sessions, when they shall see cause to commence process against candidates or licentiates, before Presbytery has arrested the trials of the one, or taken away the licens- ure of the other, to give immediate notice to the moderator of the Pres- bytery to which the candidates or licentiates are amenable, that such process has been commenced, to the intent that the impropriety may be prevented of an individual proceeding on trials, or continuing to preach after committing an offence that ought to arrest him in his progress to an investiture with the sacred office j and when Presbyteries shall enter upon an investigation with the view of stopping the trials of a candidate, or taking away the license of a licentiate, the Session to which such candidates or licentiates are amenable shall be immediately informed of what the Presbytery is doing, that the Session may, if requisite, com- mence process and inflict the discipline which it is their province to administer.— Minutes^ 1829, pp. 263, 264. 5. Candidates under the care of the Presbytery to which they most naturally belong. " Query. Whether our students, bred in our colleges, have not a right to apply to any of our Presbyteries for improvement for the sacred work of the ministry, and whether they ought not to be received on sufficient recommendations V — Minutes, 1760, p. 305. The Synod judge that any student in divinity who professes a design to enter into the ministry has a right, in our present situation, to study for his improvement under the direction of any divine of reputation in the Synod, according to a former act; but that, when he proposes to enter upon trials, with a view to the ministry, he shall come under the care of that Presbytery to which he most naturally belongs ; and he shall be deemed most naturally to belong to that Presbytery in whose bounds he has been brought up and lived for the most part, and where he is best known. But if another Presbytery desire that any student or students should come into their bounds, or if any such student or students, for greater conveniency, or from any circumstances that make it necessary, desire to enter on trials in a different Presbytery, upon his offering satisfactory reasons, he may be dismissed ; but in either case, the Presbytery to which he removes shall not receive nor admit him to come under trials upon his having a certificate as a regular church member only; but he III. — CANDIDATES. 79 shall bring a testimonial from the Presbytery, or several neighboring ministers where he lived, recommending him as a candidate for the ministry, of exemplary piety and holiness of conversation ; nor shall any- thing less be esteemed a sufficient recommendation. — Minutes, 1764, p. 337. 6. Query. Whether it is regular for our students of divinity, who intend to return and officiate in the bounds of the Synod, to go into New England, or elsewhere, in order to be licensed. — Minutes, 1760, p. 305. Answer. " Though the Synod entertains a high regard for the asso- ciated Churches of New England, yet we cannot but judge that students who go to them, or to any other than our own Presbyteries to obtain license, in order to return and officiate among us, act very irregularly, and are not to be approved or employed by our Presbyteries, as hereby we are deprived of the right of trying and approving the qualifications of our own candidates ; yet, if any case may happen, wherein such a conduct may, in some circumstances, be thought necessary for the greater good of any congregation, it shall be laid before the Presbytery to which the congregation belongs, and approved of by them." — Minutes, 1764, p. 338. 7. Candidates should be placed under the care of Presbytery. a. " It is recommended to the agencies and committees to endeavor to have the young men aided by the Church, especially in their theological studies, placed under the care of Presbyteries, and that, in all ordinary cases, they be licensed by those Presbyteries where they naturally belong." (See Form of Government, chap, xiv, sec. 2.) — Minutes, 1854, p. 507. b. " It is recommended that the young men aided by the Assembly's committee be ordinarily placed, as soon as possible, under the care of Presbyteries ; and that, in all ordinary cases, they be licensed, if con- venient, by the Presbyteries to which they naturally belong." — Minutes, 1856, p. 224. 8. Candidates of one Presbytery may not be Licensed by Another. a. u The Presbytery of New Castle expressing some uneasiness at the conduct of the Second Philadelphia Presbytery, for having received and licensed a certain Mr. John McClean, who, they apprehend, most properly belonged to the Presbytery of New Castle, and had applied to 80 in. — CANDIDATES. them to be licensed ; and while they were taking the proper steps for obtaining more full satisfaction concerning his church membership and Christian character, he, in the mean time, removed from them, and applied to the Second Philadelphia Presbytery, and was licensed by them : both the Presbyteries were fully heard in a free conference on this subject, and withdrew. The Synod, after mature deliberation, order Mr. McClean to be cited before the Presbytery of New Castle, with power to them to hear the charges against him, and issue the affair in a regular manner, and report to the next meeting of Synod. And the Synod do prohibit the Second Philadelphia Presbytery from employing him to preach till the affair shall be concluded. " — Minutes, 1772, p. 435. b. The consideration of the report of the Committee to Examine the Minutes of the Synod of Philadelphia was resumed. The report is as follows, viz. : "Your committee observe in page 24th, that although the Synod were informed by the Presbytery of New Castle, that a certain Mr. Hindman had put himself under the care of the Presbytery of Donegal for trials, and afterwards, without certificate or dismission, offered him- self to, and was received upon trials by the Presbytery of Lewes; and though in page 34th the Presbytery of New Castle represent that the said gentleman had been laid under censure by the Presbytery of Done- gal, that they had no authentic proof that it was taken off, and that this gentleman had obtained license in opposition to a rule of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in their minutes of 1764, pages 79 and 80; yet the Synod recommended it to the Presbytery of New Castle to receive and treat this gentleman as a regular candidate, without any de- cision upon the matters referred to them." [Whereupon the Assembly] "Resolved, That the Synod be informed that the Assembly disap- prove of the proceedings as represented in their records, in recommend- ing a candidate to be received as in full standing, before they had given a decision upon the allegations against him." — Minutes, 1791, p. 37. c. "At a meeting of the Presbytery of New Castle, in Wilmington, upon the first Tuesday of January, 1791, and continued by adjourn- ments, the Rev. James McCoy, of Morris County Presbytery, with a commissioner from Queen Ann's Congregation, applied to be received as a member of this Presbytery. As Mr. McCoy had been under trials for licensure in the Presbytery of New York, and was licensed and ordained by the Presbytery of Morris, this Presbytery agreed not to receive him III. — CANDIDATES. SI as a member, until his case be laid before the General Assembly, at their next stated meeting. " The General Assembly, upon considering this case, determined that neither the Presbytery of New Castle, nor any other Presbytery, ought to receive Mr. McCoy into their connection, until he shall have produced a certificate from the Presbytery of New York, of his having given them the satisfaction which his case requires." — Minutes, 1791, p. 38. 9. Certain Irregularities in Licensing condemned. 11 The Presbytery book of Suffolk approved, except that they have neglected to record their candidates' adopting our public standards at licensure, though they inform us it is a matter of constant practice ; that they try and license at the same Presbytery; and in one instance, or- dained without previous trial or licensure; and that they license for a certain time. All which we highly disapprove." — Minutes, 1764, p. 339. 10. Irregularity does not invalidate the Licensure. a. " The committee appointed to draught a minute respecting the ap- peal from the decision of the Synod of Philadelphia, whereby they refused to revise a minute of their preceding sessions, in the case of Mr. Hind- man, and refused to take into consideration the conduct of the Presby- tery of Lewes in the affair of his licensure, produced a draught to that purpose, which, after some amendment, was approved, and is as follows, viz. : "The Assembly having had the whole affair laid before them, and fully heard the parties, after mature deliberation, judged that in the case of Mr. Hindman there appeared to have been such a want of attention to the rules of this body, and neglect of order, as to afford just ground of uneasiness to the appellants,. and to deserve the disapprobation of the Assembly. But inasmuch as acts which have been performed in an in- formal manner must often when done be sustained, the Assembly do hereby sustain the licensure and ordination of Mr. Hindman, while at the same time they enjoin it in the most pointed manner on the Synod of Philadelphia, to give particular attention that no Presbytery under their care depart in any respect from that rule of the former Synod of New York and Philadelphia, which is as follows : "Any student in divinity, who professes a design to enter into the G 82 HI. — CANDIDATES. ministry, has a right, in our present situation, to study for his improve- ment under the direction of any divine of reputation in the Synod, according to a former act ; but that when he proposes to enter upon trials, with a view to the ministry, he shall come under the care of that Presbytery to which he most naturally belongs; and he shall be deemed most naturally to belong to that Presbytery in whose bounds he has been brought up and lived for the most part, and where he is best known. But if another Presbytery desire that any student or students should come into their bounds, or if any such student or students, for greater convenience, or from any circumstances that make it necessary, desire to enter on trials in a different Presbytery, upon his offering satisfactory reasons, he may be dismissed; but in either case, the Presbytery to which he removes shall not receive nor admit him to come under trials, upon his having a certificate as a regular Church member only, but he shall bring a testimonial from the Presbytery, or several neighboring ministers where he lived, recommending him as a candidate for the ministry, of exemplary piety and holiness of conversation, nor shall any- thing less be deemed a sufficient recommendation. " — Minutes, 1792, p. 56. 11. Preaching before Licensure and Lay Preaching irregular. a. " Upon information that David Evan, a lay person, had taken upon him publicly to teach or preach among the Welsh in the Great Valley, Chester County, it was unanimously agreed that the said Evan had done very ill, and acted irregularly in thus invading the work of the ministry, and was, thereupon, censured. " — Minutes, 1710, p. 17. h. "The consideration of the business left unfinished yesterday after- noon, was resumed, viz., the complaint of the Presbytery of Washing- ton, Ohio, against the Presbytery of West Lexington, for licensing and ordaining the Rev. William L. McCalla contrary, in the opinion of the complainants, to Presbyterial order, Mr. McCalla having been suspended from Church privileges by the Presbytery of Washington, in consequence of a reference on the subject from the Session of the Church of Chili- cothe." " After a long discussion of the subject, the Assembly adopted the following resolution and decision in the case, viz. : " Resolved, That while the Assembly disapprove the conduct of Mr. McCalla in preaching the Gospel before he was regularly licensed: III. CANDIDATES. S3 and while they regret that the Presbytery of West Lexington, in the final trials of Mr. McCalla for licensure, did not pay sufficient attention either to his irregularity in preaching as just mentioned, or to the pro- ceedings in the Session of the Church of Chilicothe, and of the Pres- bytery of Washington in his case, they nevertheless judge that the proceedings of the Presbytery of West Lexington, in licensing and ordaining Mr. McCalla, be sustained, and that Mr. McCalla be consi- dered as a Minister in good and regular standing in the Presbyterian Church."— Minutes, 1821, p. 21. Lay-Agency — no Organization needed. Rights and Duties of Lay- Members defined. c. " The committee to which was referred the paper on the subject of lay-agency, presented a report, which was adopted, and is as follows : " The committee appointed to consider the overture of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Fourth, inquiring as to the expediency of organizing a lay-agency in the work of evangelization, beg leave respectfully to report : " They have taken the inquiry presented in the overture under careful consideration, and are of the unanimous opinion, that no such organi- zation is needed by the Church as is therein suggested. In declaring this opinion, they would not be understood as disparaging in any way the importance of lay efforts in advancing the Gospel. It is one of the cardinal doctrines of Protestants, that the proper sanctification and effi- ciency of the Church depends, in a large degree, on the constant exercise of all the natural talents and spiritual gifts of its members in the service of the Lord. Believing, though we do, in the divine ap- pointment of a specially trained and ordained ministry, we do by no means confine to it the blessed work of bearing witness for Christ, by words and example. The divine word makes it the duty of every be- liever to let his light shine, and the savor of his salt be diffused; and so to contribute, according to his ability, unto the edification of the Church, and the saving of souls. This duty can never be too earnestly enforced and carried out. Its faithful observance is the very life of the Church, and the administrative skill of a minister and session is nowhere more signally shown, than in the means which they employ to bring, every Church member under their care to realize and carry out the obli- gation. But, in order to this, your committee believe that no new 84 III. — CANDIDATES. ecclesiastical provision is required. Indeed, it is to be feared that such provision would hinder rather than promote the good sought. The ex- cellence of lay-agency consists very largely in its voluntary character. It tells upon the people, because it is the free out-going of earnest and irrepressible sentiments and convictions, and because it is neither com- missioned nor rewarded by man. We rob it of its peculiar power and efficiency, when we render it perfunctory. Very undesirable is it, there- fore, to change its character, and convert it into a second-rate ministry, liable to assert pretensions for which it is not qualified. The history of the Church, in times past, too clearly sets forth the evils arising from the creation of such an order, for us to venture on the renewal of the measure. " Accordingly, your committee recommend that no action be taken by the Assembly in the matter proposed, excepting, "1. To declare it as our unanimous judgment, that the liberty con- ceded by our excellent polity, for the free exercise of all spiritual gifts in an orderly manner, renders the organization of any lay-agencies super- fluous. "2. To urge on all pastors and sessions, that they exert themselves, in all suitable ways, for the development, the employment, and direction of all the lay-talent existing in their churches, unto the upbuilding of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the glory of his name/' — Minutes, 1859, p. 45. 12. Case of licensure by a self-constituted Committee upon sufficient reasons approved. "It is reported that Mr. Samuel Davis, Mr. Hampton, and Mr. Henry, having, upon good and sufficient reasons, taken Mr. John Brad- ner under trials, in order to his being licensed to preach the Gospel, and having gone through the ordinary pieces of trial, and being satisfied with him therein, as also with respect to the orthodoxy of his faith, did license him accordingly in March last; which was approven." — Minutes, 1714, p. 3G. 13. When Students are to be Reported as " Candidates." The following overture from the Presbytery of New York, Third, was then adopted : III. — CANDIDATES. 85 " Resolved, That it be recommended to the General Assembly, in order to ascertain the full number of individuals in the Church who are preparing for the ministry, to require of every Session to state in their annual report to their Presbytery how many of the communicants under their care are pursuing a course of study for the Gospel ministry; and that every Presbytery be required to report the whole number of these students, thus ascertained, among their churches, in their annual statement to the General Assembly, instead of reporting, as heretofore, only those who have formally been received under the care of the Pres- bytery."— Minutes, 1852, p. 176. Section 2. — Ordination. 1. 'Ordination by a committee, frequent and approved. — 2. Ordination of our can- didates by foreign bodies, disapproved. — 3. Ordination sine titulo, generally dis- approved of. In cases where it seems desirable, the Presbytery to consult Synod. Leave granted in certain cases. — 4. Ordination sine titulo. Overture upon, rejected. — 5. A Presbytery censured by Synod for an ordination sine titulo. The censure disapproved of by the Assembly. — 6. Ordination on the Sabbath disapproved of generally. — 7. Reordination of Foreign Ministers. — 8. Decisions reversed. — 9. Rule as to receiving a Minister from any other Church. Not to be reordained, but all the qualifications demanded of our own candidates to be insisted on. — 10. Lay-ordination invalid. 1. By a Committee. a. "The Presbytery having seen Mr. George Gillespie's certificate from the Presbytery of Glasgow, concerning his being licensed to preach, and his conversation, did approve of them; and in case Providence make way for his ordination by a call from any congregation before next Pres- bytery, Mr. Andrews, McNish, Anderson, and Morgan, are ordered to ordain him ; and that one of the said members, or two, as they shall see fit, preach at the solemnity ." — Minutes, 1712, p. 26. I. "It was reported by the ministers appointed to transact the affair relating to Mr. Wotherspoon's ordination, that they, in compliance with the last year's minutes, did solemnly, by prayer, fasting, and imposition of hands, ordain the said Mr. Robert Wotherspoon unto the sacred func- tion and office of the ministry to the Presbyterian congregation at Apo- quinomy, upon the 13th day of May, 1714." — Minutes, 1714, p. 35. c. "An unanimous call from the people of Welsh tract to Mr. David 86 III. — CANDIDATES. Evans, being presented to us and approven, we offered it to him, which he accepted ; whereupon it was appointed as follows, viz. : " That Messrs. Jedediah Andrews, Jones, Anderson, Gillespie, and Wotherspoon, solemnly ordain him to the work and office of the minis- try, after having been satisfied with his ministerial abilities, in any pieces of trial they shall think fit to appoint him." — Minutes, 1714, p. 36. [See Minutes of General Presbytery passim.'] d. " The appointment of the Synod with respect to the ordination of Masters John Clement and William Stewart, was complied with. They being solemnly set apart to the work of the ministry by the Rev. Mas- ters Samuel Davis, John Hampton, and John Thompson, at Rehoboth, in Somerset County, in Maryland, upon the — day of June, 1719. " — Minutes, 1719, p. 55. [See, also, case of John Griffith, ordained by a Presbytery pro re nata, appointed by Synod, p. 74. This mode of ordination by a committee was common with ,the Synod.] 2. Ordination by Foreign Bodies not approved. The Assembly took up the report of the committee on Overture No. 3, which was laid on the table ; which, being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : Whereas many of the ministers, who are to supply the vacant churches and destitute places in the more new and growing parts of our Church, must, for some time to come, continue to be educated in the older sec- tions of our country, and at a great distance from the field where they are to be employed ; and whereas, it is important to the happy and use- ful settlement of these ministers, in their several fields of labor, that they should enjoy the full confidence of the ministers and churches among whom they are to dwell ; and whereas, the ordination of ministers in the presence of the people among whom they arc to labor, is calcu- lated to endear them very much to their flocks, while it gives their fath- ers and brethren in the ministry an opportunity of knowing their opin- ions and sentiments on subjects of doctrine and discipline; and whereas, our Form of Government seems to recognize the right and privilege of each Presbytery to examine and ordain those who come to the pastoral office within their bounds, and who have never before exercised that office; therefore, Resolved, III. — CANDIDATES. 87 1. That it be earnestly recommended to all our Presbyteries not to ordain, sine titulo, any men who propose to pursue the work of their ministry in any sections of the country where a Presbytery is already organized, to which they may go as licentiates and receive ordination. 2. That the several bodies with which we are in friendly correspon- dence in the New England States, be respectfully requested to use their counsel and influence to prevent the ordination, by any of their Councils or Consociations, of men who propose to pursue the work of the ministry within the bounds of any Presbytery belonging to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ; and that the Delegates from this Assembly to those bodies respectively be charged with communicating this resolu- tion.— Minutes, 1834, p. 428. 3. Ordination, sine titulo, a. " The Synod would bear testimony against the late too common, and now altogether unnecessary, practice of some Presbyteries in the north of Ireland, viz., their ordaining men to the ministry, sine titulo, immediately before they come over hither, thereby depriving us of our just rights, viz., that we, unto whom they are designed to be co-presby- ters, and among whom they design to bestow their labors, should have just and fair inspecting into their qualifications; we say, it seems neces- sary that the Synod bear testimony against such practice by writing home to the G-eneral Synod, thereby signifying our dissatisfaction with the same The Synod do agree that no minister ordained in Ireland, sine titulo, be for the future received to the exercise of his ministry among us, until he submit to such trials as the Presbytery among whom he resides shall think proper to order and appoint. And that the Synod do also advertise the General Synod in Ireland, that the ordain- ing any such to the ministry, sine titulo, before their sending them hither, for the future, will be very disagreeable and disobliging to us." — Minutes, 1735, p. 119. h. " A question was proposed : Whether it be proper to ordain to the ministry sine titulo, except for some particular mission ? The considera- tion of which is deferred till our next sederunt." — Minutes, 1762, p. 314. The question, Ought ministers to be ordained sine titulo, i. e., with- out relation or probable view had to a particular charge, resumed ; and, after further deliberation, we judge as follows : 88 III. — CANDIDATES. That in ordinary cases, where churches are properly regulated and organized, it is a practice highly inexpedient and of dangerous conse- quences, not to be allowed in our body except in some special cases, as missions to the Indians, and some distant places, that regularly apply for ministers. But as the honor and reputation of the Synod is much interested in the conduct of Presbyteries in such special cases, it is judged that they should previously apply to the Synod and take their advice therein, unless the cases require such haste as would necessarily prevent the benefit of such a mission if delayed to the next session of Synod ; in which cases the Presbyteries shall report to the next Synod the state of the cases and the reasons for their conduct. — Minutes, 1764, p. 337. c. Application was made to the Synod by the Presbytery of New Cas- tle for advice respecting the propriety of Mr. Samuel Smith's being ordained by said Presbytery of New Castle, under whose care he is, in consequence of his having accepted a call from a congregation within the bounds of the Presbytery of Hanover. The Synod having heard all the circumstances relative to this case, and deliberated thereon, agree that it is not expedient for the Presby- tery of New Castle to ordain Mr. Smith, as the matter now stands. — Minutes, 1775, p. 465. d. The Presbytery of Lewes, by their commissioner, Mr. Slemons, requested leave to ordain a certain Mr. James Lang, a licentiate under their care, sine titulo. "Resolved, That the reasons offered for this measure are not sufficient, and therefore that the request be not granted. " — Minutes, 1800, p. 199. e. The following request was overtured by the Committee of Bills and Overtures : "That the Synods of Virginia and the Carolinas have liberty to direct their Presbyteries to ordain such candidates as they may judge necessary to appoint on missions to preach the Gospel ; whereupon — "Resolved, That the above request be granted, the Synods being care- ful to restrict the permission to the ordination of such candidates only as are engaged to be sent on missions to preach the Gospel." — Minutes, 1795, p. 98. /. "The Presbytery of Baltimore directed their commissioners to solicit the permission of the General Assembly to ordain Mr. William Maffit, a licentiate under their care, to the office of the Gospel ministry, if upon examination he should appear qualified. The request was made III. — CANDIDATES. 89 at the particular instance of the church of Bladensburg, where Mr. Maffit officiates as a stated supply. "Resolved, That said request be granted." — Minutes, 1798, p. 14G. g. The Presbytery of Philadelphia submitted to the Assembly for their decision the case of Mr. John Jones, a licentiate under their care, who at their last session had requested that Presbytery would take measures to ordain him, sine titulo. The Presbytery stated that Mr. Jones had been a licensed candidate for a number of years; that he had always sustained a good and consistent character ; that he was engaged in teaching an academy, and was so circumstanced, that his being or- dained might render him more extensively useful. The Assembly, having considered the case — " Resolved, That the Presbytery of Philadelphia be permitted and authorized to ordain Mr. Jones to the work of the Gospel ministry, sine titulo : provided, the Presbytery, from a full view of his qualifications and other attending circumstances, shall think it expedient so to ordain him."— Minutes, 1807, p. 386. h. "Mr. Robert Smith was appointed a missionary to the western and northern frontiers of the State of New York, provided he shall be ordained by the Presbytery of New Castle for that purpose." — Minutes, 1794, p. 86. [See also Minutes, 1799, p. 172; 1809, p. 415; 1810, p. 459.] i. A reference from the Synod of Philadelphia, was laid before the Assembly. By an extract from the minutes of that Synod, it appeared that Mr. John Waugh, a licentiate under the care of the Presbytery of New Castle, had, for special reasons, requested the Presbytery to take measures for his ordination, sine titulo. The Presbytery accordingly presented the request to Synod, and the Synod finding that the authority in this case is by the Constitution expressly vested in the General As- sembly, agree to refer the matter to them for their decision. The Assembly, having taken the subject into consideration — Resolved, That the Presbytery of New Castle be, and they hereby are permitted and authorized to ordain the said Mr. Waugh to the work of the Gospel ministry, sine titulo: provided, that the Presbytery, from a full view of his qualifications and other attending circumstances, shall think it expedient. — Minutes, 1805, p. 337. 4. Ordination sine titulo. Overture on rejected. a. "The following overture was brought in and read, viz.: 90 III. — CANDIDATES. "In what cases, except the one provided for in the seventeenth chap- ter of the Constitution of our Church, may a Presbytery ordain a man to the work of the Gospel ministry without a call to particular charge V — Minutes, 1810, p. 456. This overture was referred to Drs. Miller and Green, Messrs. Nathan Grier, Anderson, and Campbell, as a committee. — Minutes, 1811, p. 464. This committee reported as follows, viz. : " Whereas, there may exist cases in which it may be needful for Presbyteries to ordain without a regular call ; but as the frequent exer- cise of this power may.be dangerous to the Church, and as this case does not appear to be fully provided for in our Constitution and Book of Discipline — Resolved, That the following rule be submitted to the Presbyteries for their opinion and approbation, which, when sanctioned by a majority of the Presbyteries belonging to the Church, shall become a constitu- tional rule, viz. : "That it shall be the duty of Presbyteries, when they think it neces- sary to ordain a candidate without a call to a particular congregation or congregations, to take the advice of their respective Synods, or of the General Assembly, before they proceed to this ordination/' — Minutes, 1811, p. 474. [Answered in the negative — 11 to 7 — and the subject dismissed.] — Minutes, 1812, p. 494. I. [In 1813 another rule was proposed], viz. : The rule proposed, and on which an affirmative or negative vote of the Presbyteries is required, is in the following words, viz. : "It shall be the duty of Presbyteries, when they think it necessary to ordain a candidate without a call to a particular pastoral charge, to take the advice of a Synod, or of the General x\ssembly, before they pro- ceed to such ordination." — Minutes, 1813, p. 524. [Of the Presbyteries answering this overture, twenty-six replied in the negative and four in the affirmative.] — Minutes, 1814, p. 558. 5. Censure of Sj/nod for Ordination, sine titulo, not sustained. The records of the Synod of Illinois were, on the recommendation of the committee, approved, with the exception of a censure, on p. 209, of the action of Knox Presbytery, for ordaining a man when there was no call from any part of the Church. — Minutes, 1843, p. 17. III. — CANDIDATES. 01 6. Ordination on the Sabbath. An overture was received from the Presbytery of Orange, requesting the opinion of the General Assembly on the question, whether it be proper to ordain licentiates to the office of the Gospel ministry on the Sabbath day. The General Assembly think it would not be for edifica- tion to adopt a uniform rule on the subject. In general they think it is not expedient that ordinations should take place on the Sabbath ; yet that there may be cases in which urgent or peculiar circumstances may demand them. The Assembly, therefore, judged it best to leave it to the Presbyteries to act, in this concern, as they may judge that their duty requires. — Minutes, 1821, p. 10. 7. Reordination of Methodist Ministers. a. A petition was laid before the General Assembly from the Presby- terian Church in the Island of Bermuda, requesting the settlement of a Mr. Enoch Matson, an elder formerly connected with the Methodist Church, who was represented as willing to subscribe the doctrine, dis- cipline, and government of the Presbyterian Church, accompanied with a request from the Presbytery of Baltimore, for direction in what man- ner to proceed in receiving him into this Church. " The Assembly recommend to the Presbytery of Baltimore to pro- ceed in receiving Mr. Matson to trials for the ministry, in the same manner as if no licensure or ordination by the Methodist Church had taken place." — Minutes, 1792, p. 56. b, " The following question from the Commissioners of Hudson Pres- bytery was brought in through the Committee of Overtures, viz. : " Ought a Methodist minister, applying to one of our Presbyteries, and proposing to put himself under their care and to adopt their stand- ards, to be again ordained ? " On motion, it was agreed that a sufficient answer is already given to this question by the Assembly in their sessions of 1792, where they direct a Presbytery in a similar situation to proceed as though no ordina- tion had taken place."— Minutes, 1800, p. 199. 8. These decisions reversed. •< The Committee of Overtures brought in the following resolution, 92 III. — CANDIDATES. which, having been read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Assembly, the decisions of the General Assembly of 1792, and referred to by the Assembly of 1800, respecting the reordination of ministers regularly ordained in the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, and desiring to connect themselves with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, however expedi- ent at the time of its formation, ought not to be considered as a prece- dent to guide the future decisions of the judicatories of this Church; and that the Presbyteries under the care of this Assembly, when they receive into their connection an ordained minister from any other denomi- nation, be careful to record the circumstances of the case and the reasons which induced them to receive such ordained minister." — Minutes, 1810, p. 441. 9. Rule in respect to receiving a Minister from another Church. The consideration of the report of the committee to which had been referred the question of validity of ordination in the case of a Baptist elder, was resumed, and the report being read was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : It is not among the principles or usages of the Presbyterian Church to consider the ordination of ministers by other Protestant churches as invalid ; on the contrary, the Presbyterian Church has always considered the ordinations of most other Protestant churches as valid in themselves, and not to be repeated, when those who have received them become members of the Presbyterian Church. Nor is it perceived that there is any sufficient reason why the ordinations in the Baptist Church should not be considered as valid, and be sustained as such. But while the Presbyterian Church can act as has now been stated in regard to ordinations, it is among those principles and usages which she regards as most sacred and important, to secure for her churches both a pious and a learned ministry, and she cannot admit of any usage, or ex- ercise any apparent liberality, inconsistent with security in this essential particular. On the whole, therefore, the committee recommend the following resolution : Resolved, That when applications are made by ministers of the Bap- tist or any other Protestant denomination, to be connected with the Presbyterian Church, the Presbytery to which the applications are made III. — CANDIDATES. 93 shall require all the qualifications, both in regard to piety and learning, which are required of candidates for licensure or ordination of those who have originally belonged to the Presbyterian Church ; and shall require the applicants from other denominations to continue their study and preparation till they are found on trial and examination to be qualified in learning and ability to teach in the manner required by our standards; but that when found to be thus qualified, it shall not be necessary to re- ordain the said applicants, but only to instal them when they are called to settle in Presbyterian congregations. — Minutes, 1821, p. 23. 10. hay Ordination invalid. a. The committee to whom was referred Overture Xo. 15, viz., on ordination by a deposed minister or by laymen, made the following re- port, which was adopted, viz. : That this paper contains a letter from a minister in South Carolina to the stated clerk, requesting him to obtain a decision of the General As- sembly on the question, " whether the ordination of a minister of the Gospel by the interposition of the hands of the laity is valid t" That the answer to this question should be in the negative is so obvious and evident, on all correct principles of ecclesiastical order, that your com- mittee are of opinion that it is unnecessary for the General Assembly to give any further consideration to the subject. — Minutes, 1832, p. 366. b. The committee on Overture Xo. 3, viz., a question from the Pres- bytery of Bethel, respecting holding communion with the followers of Win. C. Davis, a deposed minister, and calling themselves Independent Presbyterians, reported that, in their judgment, the questions proposed in said overture ought to be answered in the negative. They, there- fore, would recommend the adoption of the following resolution, viz. : Resolved, That while this Assembly readily acknowledges the right of the Session to determine according to the Scriptures and the Constitu- tion of our Church the qualifications for admission to sealing ordinances, yet they feel it to be their duty to declare that, in their judgment, the services of those who have received only lay-ordination, and of those who have been deposed from the Gospel ministry, are unscriptural and unwarrantable; and, therefore, an attendance on their ministrations can- not be in the order of the Gospel, and ought to be discouraged and dis- countenanced by every friend of the Redeemer's kingdom. — Minutes, 1833, p. 407. CHAPTER IV. THE SACRAMENTS. Section 1. — Baptism. 1. By whom administered. — a. Baptism by an impostor invalid. — b. As also by a Unitarian. — c. And by a suspended Minister during his suspension. — Also, d. When administered by a deposed Minister. — e. Unworthiness of the Minister does not invalidate the ordinances dispensed by him ; but the effect of irregu- larities to be judged of in each case by the Session. — 2. Is Romish baptism Christian baptism? indefinitely postponed. — 3. The parents or others presenting children for baptism. — a. To be examined as to character and knowledge. — b. And instructed in their duties. — c. Meaning of "a visible and credible profes- sion" to be decided in each case by the proper judicatory. — d. Parents required to enter into an express engagement to perform their duties to the baptized. — 4. The subjects of baptism. — a. Slaves of Christian masters and mistresses may be baptized. — b. Christian slaves of unbelieving masters should have their chil- dren baptized. — c. It is the duty of Christian masters to present the children of their servants, and of Ministers to baptize them. — d. The period of infancy is not defined, but must be decided in each case by the proper authorities. — 5. Pastoral care to be exercised over baptized children. — And catechetical in- struction imparted. — 6. Discipline of baptized persons, not communicants. — 7. Mode of baptism. — 8. Baptism not ordinarily to be administered to adult con- verts previous to their reception to a particular church. 1. By wJiom administered. a. Whereas a certain person pretending, at Egg Harbor, to be a min- ister regularly ordained among the Presbyterians, under that character baptized some adults and infants, and it appearing to the Synod that his pretences were false, having at that time no license or ordination, it is our opinion that all the Gospel ordinances he administered under that false and pretended character are null and void. — Minutes, 1752, p. 249. IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. 95 h. The Committee to which was referred the question submitted by the member from the Presbytery of Harmony, and with the advice of that Presbytery in the following words, viz. : " A person who had been baptized in infancy by Dr. Priestley applied for admission to the Lord's table ; should the baptism administered by Dr. Priestley, then a Unitarian, be considered valid ? reported, and their report being read was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " Resolved , That this question be answered in the negative. And it accordingly was determined in the negative. "In the present state of our country, whilst Unitarian errors in vari- ous forms are making their insidious approaches, whilst the advocates of this heresy in many cases are practising a system of concealment and insinuating themselves into the confidence of multitudes who have no suspicion of their defection from the faith, the Assembly feel it their duty to speak without reserve. " It is the deliberate and unanimous opinion of this Assembly, that those who renounce the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity, and deny that Jesus Christ is the same in substance, equal in power and glory with the Father, cannot be recognized as ministers of the Gospel; and that their administrations are wholly invalid." — Minutes, 1814, p. 549. Baptism hy a Suspended Minister. c. " The following overture was presented by the Committee on Over- tures, viz. : " Can a Presbytery consistently acknowledge as valid the ordinance of Baptism, as administered by those who are regularly suspended by a higher judicatory of the Church ? If not, how are we to regard the baptism of the Cumberland Presbyterians ? " The Assembly resumed the consideration of the report of the com- mittee on the overture respecting the Cumberland Presbyterians. After considerable discussion, the report of the committee was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : "1. That, in the opinion of this Assembly, Ministers of the Presby- terian Church, when regularly suspended by the competent judicatories, have no right to exercise the functions of a Minister during that sus- pension. " 2. That while those persons styling themselves the Cumberland Pres- bytery were under suspension, their administrations are to be considered 96 IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. as invalid; but after the General Assembly have declared them as no longer connected with our Church, their administrations are to be viewed in the same light with those of other denominations not connected with our body. This decision is grounded on the opinion, that the act of the Assembly of 1814 precluded the propriety of deposition, or any other process in the case. — Minutes, 1825, p. 156. d. " A reference from the Presbytery of Hudson, requesting of the Assembly an answer to the following question, was received and read, viz. : "Is baptism administered by a minister after he is deposed from office valid ? " Resolved, That in answer to this question, the Presbytery be referred to chap, vii, sec. 1, of the Directory for Public Worship." — Minutes, 1819, p. 701. [The section thus referred to is as follows, viz. : " Baptism is not to be unnecessarily delayed ; nor to be administered, in any case, by any private person ; but by a minister of Christ, called to be the steward of the mysteries of God/'] c. "The following question was proposed by the Committee of Over- tures, viz. : "Ought such persons to be rebaptized as have been offered in bap- tism by notoriously profligate parents, and baptized by ministers of the same description ? " The question proposed by the Committee of Overtures respecting baptism was resumed; and after a full investigation of the subject, the following determination was adopted, viz. : " Resolved, That it is a principle of this Church that the unworthi- ness of the ministers of the Gospel does not invalidate the ordinances of religion dispensed by them. It is also a principle, that as long as any denomination of Christians is acknowledged by us as a Church of Christ, we ought to hold the ordinances dispensed by it as valid, not- withstanding the unworthiness of particular ministers. Yet, inasmuch as no general rule can be made to embrace all circumstances, there may be irregularities in particular administrations by men not yet divested of their office, either in this or in other churches, which may render them null and void. But as these irregularities must often result from cir- cumstances and situations that cannot be anticipated and pointed out in the rule, they must be left to be judged of by the prudence and wisdom of church Sessions, and the higher judicatories to which they may be IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. 97 referred. In such cases, it may be advisable to administer the ordinance of baptism in a regular manner, where a profane exhibition of the cere- mony may have been attempted. These cases and circumstances, how- ever, are to be inquired into by the church Sessions, and referred to a Presbytery before a final decision. " — Minutes, 1790, p. 26. 2. Romish Baptism. 11 The Committee on the Polity of the Church reported an overture from the Third Presbytery of New York, which is as follows : i Is bap- tism, as administered by the Roman Catholic Church, to be regarded as Christian baptism?' " [Referred to a committee to consider the sub- ject, and report an answer to the next General Assembly.] — Minutes, 1853, p. 342. [The majority and minority of the committee made each a report, which were discussed at great length,] "and the whole subject indefi- nitely postponed." — Minutes, 1854, p. 512. 3. Obligations and Qualifications of Parents. a. [The Synod] " do also exhort all the ministers within our bounds to take due care in the examination of all candidates for baptism, or that offer to dedicate their children to God in that sacred ordinance, that they are persons of a regular life, and have suitable acquaintance with the principles of the Christian religion ; that that seal be not set to a blank, and that such be not admitted to visible Church relation that are manifestly unfit for it." — Minutes, 1735, p. 115. b. " That previously to the administration of baptism, the minister shall inquire into the parent's knowledge of the great and fundamental doctrines of the Gospel, and the regularity of their lives ; and being- satisfied so as to admit them, shall, in public, point out the special duties of the parents, and particularly that they teach their children the doc- trines and precepts of Christianity, contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and comprised in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, which therefore he shall recommend unto them." — Minutes, 1755, p. 267. c. "The following reference from the Synod of Philadelphia was laid before the Assembly : 'As baptism is to be administered to the infants of those who are members of the visible Church (but our Directory leavcs the description of the visible and credible profession of Christian- 7 98 IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. ity vague and indefinite), it is humbly proposed to the Assembly to give some precise direction and definition of such a profession for the informa- tion of its ministers.' In answer to the above reference, the Assembly judged it unnecessary, and perhaps impracticable, to deliver rules more explicit than those contained in the standards of our Church ; but should cases of difficulty arise, they must be decided respectively, according to their own merits, before the proper judicatories/' — Minutes, 1794, p. 91. Parents required to enter into Engagements. d. "The following question, through the Committee of Overtures, was read, viz. : " Whether, besides requiring of parents dedicating their children to God in baptism, an express acknowledgment of the duties of parents, and recommending to them the observance thereof, it should be con- sidered as essential to require that they come under an explicit vow or solemn engagement also to perform those duties? whereupon the Assem- bly- " Resolved, That an answer to this question is contained in the Di- rectory for Public Worship of this Church, under the head of the admin- istration of baptism, which requires an express engagement on the part of the parents." — Minutes, 1794, p. 89. 4. The Subjects of Baptism. a. "The following case of conscience from Donegal Presbytery was overtured, viz. : Whether Christian masters or mistresses ought in duty to have such children baptized as are under their care, though born of parents not in the communion of any Christian Church ? Upon this overture, Synod are of opinion that Christian masters and mistresses, whose religious professions and conduct are such as to give them a right to the ordinance of baptism for their own children, may and ought to dedicate the children of their household to God in that ordinance when they have no scruples of conscience to the contrary." — Records, 1786, p. 527. b. " It was overtured, whether Christian slaves, having children at the entire direction of unchristian masters, and not having it in their power to instruct them in religion, are bound to have them baptized; and whether a Gospel minister in this predicament ought to baptize them? And Synod determined the question in the affirmative." — Records, 1786, p. 527. IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. 99 c. " The committee to which was referred the following question, viz. : ' Ought baptism on the profession and promise of the master to be ad- ministered to the children of slaves V reported, and their report, being amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " 1. That it is the duty of masters, who are members of the Church, to present the children of parents in servitude to the ordinance of bap- tism, provided they are in a situation to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, thus securing to them the rich advantages which the Gospel provides. " 2. That it is the duty of Christ's ministers to inculcate this doctrine, and to baptize all children of this description when presented by their masters/' — Minutes, 1816, p. 617. Age of Infancy undetermined. d. The committee to which was referred the question, " At what age ought children to be considered too old to be baptized on the faith of their parents?" reported the following answer, which, being read, was adopted, viz.: The precise time of life when the state of infancy ceases is not deter- mined in the Word of God, nor by the standards of our Church, and, from the nature of the case, is incapable of being regulated by any uniform rule, but should be left to the judgment of ministers and Ses- sions, to be determined according to the particular circumstances of each case. The Assembly therefore deem it inexpedient to attempt to fix the precise time at which children ought to be considered too old to be baptized on the faith of their parents. — Minutes, 1822, p. 53. 5. Pastoral Care to he exercised over the Baptized. " Whereas, The Book of Discipline states that children born within the pale of the visible Church, and dedicated to God in baptism, are under the inspection and government of the Church, and specifies various important particulars in which that inspection and government should be exercised, as also directs the mode in which they shall be treated if they do not perform the duties of church members; and whereas, there is reason to apprehend that many of our congregations neglect to catechize the children that have been admitted to the sealing ordinance of baptism, and do not exercise suitable discipline over them, therefore — "Resolved, That the different Presbyteries within our bounds arc- 100 IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. hereby directed to inquire of the different Sessions, whether a proper pastoral care be exercised over baptized children in their congregations; that they learn the principles of religion, and walk in newness of life before God; and that said Presbyteries do direct all Sessions that are delinquent in this respect, to attend to it carefully and without delay."— Minutes, 1809, p. 431. To be Instructed as to their Duties. b. "Resolved, That the General Assembly recommend, and they do hereby recommend to the pastors and Sessions of the different churches under their care, to assemble, as often as they may deem necessary dur- ing the year, the baptized children, with their parents, to recommend said children to God in prayer, explain to them the nature and obliga- tions of their baptism, and the relation they sustain to the Church." — Minutes, 1818, p. 691. Catechetical Instruction. c. " The following resolutions on the subject of catechetical instruction were unanimously adopted, viz. : "1. Resolved, That this General Assembly considers the practice of catechetical instruction as well adapted to the prosperity and purity of our Zion. " 2. Resolved, That this Assembly view also with deep regret the neglect, on the part of many of our churches, of this good old practice of our fathers, — a practice which has been attended with such blessed results to the cause of pure and unclefiled religion. "3. Resolved, That the institution of Sabbath-schools does not exo- nerate ministers and parents from the duty of teaching the Shorter Catechism to the children of the Church. " 4. Resolved, That this Assembly earnestly and affectionately recom- mend to all the ministers and ruling elders in its connection to teach diligently the young of their respective congregations the Assembly's Shorter Catechism."— Minutes, 1849, p. 181. G. Discipline of Baptized Children. a. "How far, and in what sense, are persons who have been regu- larly baptized in infancy, and have not partaken of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, subject to the discipline of the Church? IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. 101 " Resolved, That the public standards of this Church contain a suffi- cient answer to the question stated in the above reference. " — Minutes, 1799, p. 171. h. [The Book of the Synod of Kentucky] u contains a reference from said Synod to this Assembly of a case relative to the disciplining of bap- tized persons arrived at maturity, not in communion. "This reference was committed to Dr. Clark, Messrs. Nathan Grier and Picton, who were directed to report to the Assembly on the sub- ject."— Minutes, 1811, p. 468. " The committee . . . brought in their report; which was read, and the subject indefinitely postponed." — Minutes, 1811, p. 475. " Resolved, That Drs. Miller and Romeyn, and Rev. James Richards, be a committee to prepare and report to the next Assembly a full and complete answer to the following overture from the Synod of Kentucky, viz.: " What steps should the Church take with a baptized youth, not in communion, but arrived at the age of maturity, should such youth prove disorderly and contumacious/' — Minutes, 1811, p. 480. " The committee appointed by the last Assembly to report to this As- sembly on the subject of disciplining baptized children, reported, and the report was recommitted to the same committee for revision and pub- lication; and it was 11 Resolved, That the Assembly, without expressing any opinion on the principles it contains, recommend it to the serious consideration of all the Presbyteries and ministers, that in due time a decision may be had on the important subjects discussed in the report." — Minutes, 1812, p. 509. c. [In 1814, the matter came up again, and it was] 11 Resolved, That the whole subject be referred to a committee, to consider and report to the Assembly, what shall appear to them to be the correct method of procedure to be adopted relative thereto, in the cir- cumstances in which it is now before the Assembly; and that Drs. Green, Woodhull, and "Wilson, and Messrs. Caldwell and Connelly, be the committee." — Minutes, 1814, p. 543. "The report on the subject of disciplining baptized children, which had at a former session of this Assembly been laid on the table, was again read, and recommitted to the same committee, with the addition of Drs. Griffin and Blatchford, and Messrs. Blackburn, Fisher, and Haslett."— IB. p. 551. 102 IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. " On motion, "Resolved, That the committee appointed to report to the Assembly a correct method of procedure to be adopted relative to a report made by a former committee, on the subject of disciplining baptized children, be discharged. "And they were accordingly discharged, and the subject was indefi- nitely postponed." — lb. p. 567. d. " A reference from the Presbytery of Fayetteville, on the subject of excommunicating a person who had been baptized, but had not been received into full communion with the Church, was overtured, and was committed to Dr. Miller, Messrs. Finley, Freeman, Cook, and Haslett." — Minutes, 1815, p. 578. " The consideration of the report of the committee to which bad been committed the reference of the Presbytery of Fayetteville, con- cerning the proper construction of the first article of the first chapter of the forms of process, relative to persons who have been baptized, but have not been admitted to the Lord's table, was resumed. After a long discussion of the subject, a motion was made and seconded for an inde- finite postponement. The question being taken, was determined in the affirmative ; and therefore the farther consideration of the subject was indefinitely postponed." — lb. p. 589. 7. Mode of Baptism. The committee to whom were referred Overtures 4 and 5, from the Synod of West Tennessee, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : That two distinct questions are presented by the Synod : 1. " Is it expedient in the present state of the Church for a Presby- terian minister to baptize by immersion in any case? 2. uIs the baptism of the children of non-professing parents to be regarded as valid baptism V In relation to the first inquiry, the Confession of Faith, chap, xxviii, sec. 3; page 121, teaches as follows, viz. : " Dipping of the person into water is not necessary ; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling of water upon the person." Your committee see no cause for adding anything to the doctrine of the Confession on this subject. For a reply to the second inquiry, your committee refer to the Digest, part iv, chap, ii, sec. 1, on page 94, where the judgment of the Assem- bly in relation to it is fully recorded. — Minutes, 1834, p. 433. [See ante, chap, iv, sec. 1, 3.] IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. 103 8. On Baptism on a General Profession of Faith in Christ. " The Committee on the Polity of the Church reported an answer to the following inquiry : " l Is it forbidden by our standards to baptize adult converts upon a general confession of faith in Christ, previous to their being received into a particular church, and assenting to its articles of faith V as fol- lows, viz. : " A profession of faith in Christ and obedience to Him is all that is required in our standards of those who are out of the visible church, in order to their being baptized. (See Con. of Faith, chap, xxviii, sec. 4 ; Larger Cat., quest. 166; Shorter Cat., quest. 95.) Hence, cases may occur in which, as in the case of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, it may be proper to baptize a person who does not expect immediately to connect himself with any particular church. But inasmuch as it was the obvious intent of the Saviour that all His disciples should be asso- ciated in local churches, and inasmuch as we cannot obey one of His commandments, that requiring us to remember Him at his table, without such connection ; therefore, your committee believe that in no ordinary circumstances can a person give good evidence of a readiness to obey Christ in all things, who, having the opportunity, does not connect him- self with some particular branch of the visible body of Christ. In the practice of our Church, and according to her standards, baptism is mani- festly regarded as a part of the general profession of faith in, and obe- dience to, Christ, which constitute his initiation into the visible Church, and into some particular branch of it; and in no ordinary case ought the several parts of this solemn profession to be separated." — Minutes, 1860, p. 244. Section 2. — The Lord's Supper. 1. Administration permitted where there is no organized church. — 2. Not ordina- rily to be administered within the bounds of a congregation without the consent of the minister and Session. 1. Permitted where there is no organized Church. " It was moved that the restriction laid by the last General Assembly on our missionaries, which confines them to administer the ordinance of 104 IV. — THE SACRAMENTS. the Lord's Supper in such places only where there are church officers regularly appointed, be repealed, and it was repealed accordingly." — Minutes, 1798, p. 146. 2. Not ordinarily to be administered within the bounds of a Congrega- tion without consent of the Minister and Session. " The committee to which was referred the appeal of the Kev. R. B. Dobbins, from the decision of the Synod of Kentucky, affirming a de- cision of the Presbytery of Ebenezer, in the cases of the Kev. William L. McCalla, and the Session of the Church of Augusta, reported, and the report being read, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " While the Assembly, as a general principle, disapprove of the admin- istration of the sacraments by one of their ministers within the bounds of a congregation with which he is not connected, without the consent of the minister and Session of said congregation ; yet under the peculiar local circumstances of the people, among which Mr. McCalla occasion- ally administered ordinances, the Assembly cannot decide that he de- serves censure ; therefore, " Resolved, That the decision of the Synod of Kentucky, affirming a decision of the Presbytery of Ebenezer in regard to the complaint of the Rev. Mr. Dobbins, against the Rev. Mr. McCalla, be, and it hereby is, affirmed."— Minutes, 1824, p. 124. CHAPTER V. OF THE COURTS OF THE CHURCH. Section 1. — Of Church Sessions. 1. Quorum of the Session. One elder, if there be but one, with a minister, may form a quorum. — 2. The appointment of a special Session is unconstitutional. — 3. The Session should be represented in Presbytery and Synod. — 4. A Session may not invite a minister to sit as a corresponding member, nor assign him as counsel for the accused. — 5. No one, not a member of the court, may act as counsel. — 6. An elder has in no case a legal right to adjudicate in any other church than that in which he is an elder. — 7. Records of the Session to be an- nually sent up for review. — 8. The Session may not introduce a new Psalmody without the consent of the majority of the congregation. — 9. Where a minister is the accuser, a minister should preside. — 10. The Session cannot be set aside by an act of the church ; nor would such attempted act deprive the church of its right to be represented by its elders in the courts of the Church. 1. Quorum of Sessions. a. " I. The Church Session consists of the pastor or pastors and ruling elders of a particular congregation. "II. Of this judicatory, two elders, if there be as many in the con- gregation, with the pastor, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum." — Form of Government, chap. ix. h. The inquiry, which is in these words, " Can a minister with one elder form a Session capable of transacting judicial business?" is suffi- ciently answered in the Constitution, Form of Government, chap, ix, sec. 2, where it seems to be implied that cases may occur with infant or feeble churches, in which it would be impracticable for a time to have more than one elder, and yet be necessary to perform acts of a judicial character. For such the Constitution provides; but if there be more than one elder, then two at least, with a minister, are necessary to form a Session.— Minutes, 1836, p. 263. 106 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. 2. A Special Session unconstitutional. a. The Presbytery of Miami did appoint a special Session composed of elders belonging to different congregations, for the purpose of trying Mr. Lowrey. and the decision of such a special Session was affirmed by the Synod of Ohio ; therefore — Resolved, That the appeal of Mr. Lowrey be sustained, and it hereby is sustained ; and that all the proceedings in the case be, and they hereby are reversed, on the ground that the appointment of such a special Ses- sion is entirely unconstitutional; and if Mr. Lowrey has done anything offensive, he ought to be tried by the courts that have been instituted by the Constitution of our Church. — Minutes, 1823, p. 92. b. " This Assembly concur in opinion with the last General Assembly, that the special Session appointed by the Presbytery of Miami for the trial of S. Lowrey, was an unconstitutional court, and that all the pro- ceedings of that body in this case, and of the Presbytery of Miami and of the Synod of Ohio, sanctioning the acts of that body, are irregular. And the allegation of the Synod, in their memorial, that this body, though called a Session, was, in reality, no more than a committee of Presbytery, is incorrect; for they are not only denominated a Session, but they performed the acts which belong peculiarly to a Church Session : they sat in judgment upon a member of the Church and an elder, and condemned and suspended him; but no Presbytery has authority, accord- ing to the Constitution of our Church, to delegate to a committee a power to perform such acts as those." — Minutes, 1824, p. 115. 3. Of (lie Session: Duty to be represented in Presbytery and Synod. "The Synod do recommend it to the several Presbyteries belonging to their body to call those Sessions to account that do not send elders to attend upon the Synod and Presbyteries, and to enjoin these Sessions to call those elders to an account that do not attend upon judicatories when sent by them." — Minutes, 1753, p. 256. 4. A Session may not invite a Minister to sit as Correspondent; nor assign him as Counsel for the Accused. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported Overture No. 4 in these words, viz. : THE SESSIONS. 107 " May a Session of a church invite a minister of the Gospel, belonging to the same Presbytery or Synod to which the church belongs, to sit as a corresponding member of said Session ; and when so invited, may such minister, at the request of an accused brother, be assigned as counsel for the accused ? " The committee recommended that both questions be answered in the negative, and the report was adopted." — Minutes, 1851, p. 20. 5. No one not a Member of the Judicatory may act as Counsel. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported Overture No. 5, as follows : " May the Session of a church, at the request of an accused brother, assign as his counsel a minister of the Gospel belonging to the same Presbytery to which the Session belongs ?" The committee answered : " There is no provision for such a case in our Constitution, and though it does not appear to contravene its spirit and design, and might, in special cases, be allowable with advantage, yet a strict interpretation of chap, iv, sec. 21, of the Book of Discipline seems to preclude the employment of any one as counsel who is not a member of the judicatory." The report was adopted. — Minutes, 1851, p. 29. 6. A Ruling Elder has no right to Adjudicate in another Church. " Overture No. 14, viz., the following question from the Presbytery of Salem, l Has a ruling elder, in any case, a legal right to adjudicate in another church than that of which he is an elder V was taken up, and decided in the negative." — Minutes, 1831, p. 324. 7. Session Records to be annually sent up for Review. a. The following resolution was submitted to the Assembly, and after a long discussion, was adopted. " Whereas, It appeared, in the course of the free conversation on the state of religion, that in one of the Presbyteries under the care of the General Assembly, the sessional records of the several church Sessions were not regularly called up and examined every year by the said Pres- bytery, and there is reason to believe that other Presbyteries had con- ducted in the same manner, therefore — 108 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. 11 Resolved, That it bo and it hereby is required of all the Presbyteries within the bounds of the General Assembly annually to call up and examine the sessional records of the several cliurches under their care, as directed in the Book of Discipline. " — Minutes, 1809, p. 429. h. The committee appointed to consider the order of the last General Assembly, respecting the examination of Session books, and also the remonstrance of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, requesting this Assem- bly to review said order, brought in their report, which was read and adopted, and is as follows : " The Assembly, after seriously reviewing the order of the last Assem- bly, and maturely deliberating on the remonstrance of the Presbytery of Philadelphia against it, can by no means rescind the said order, inasmuch as they consider it as founded on the Constitution of our Church, and as properly resulting from the obligation on the highest judicatory of the Church to see that the Constitution be duly regarded j yet, as it is alleged, that insisting on the rigid execution of this order, with respect to some of the church Sessions, would not be for edification, the Assem- bly are by no means disposed to urge any Presbytery to proceed, under this order, beyond what they may consider prudent and useful." — Minutes, 1810, p. 453. [For duties of Session when a church is vacant, see under Election of Pastors, p. 58.] 8. Session may not introduce a new Psalmody, without the Consent of the Congregation. " It being moved to the Synod, whether a church Session hath power to introduce a new version of Psalms into the congregation to which they belong, without the consent of the majority of said congregation ; it was voted in the negative, nemine contradicente.,> — Minutes, 1753, p. 255. 9. Where a Minister is the Accuser, a Minister must Preside. u Ordered, To hear the reference by the Second Philadelphia Presby- tery of Mr. Alexander Alexander's appeal from the judgment of the Session of the Third Presbyterian Church in this city. " After stating the cause and reading the judgment of the Session and the appeal, both parties were fully heard ; and the Synod finding, THE SESSIONS. 109 that as the Session had not a minister of the word to preside through the course of the trial, and that a minister was the accuser of the appel- lant, it was judged it was at least inexpedient to proceed to trial; and upon the whole we think it best, and do remit the matter back to the Presbytery, to be heard and judged of by them cle novo. — Minutes, 1773, p. 447. 10. Deliverance in a Special Case. " The Committee on the Polity of the Church, to whom was referred the overture, i When a church shall dismiss its ruling elders, and deny to its members the right of appeal and complaint, and deny the authority of Presbytery over it, has it a right to be represented in the judicatories of our Church V reported as follows : " Our Church is organized on constitutional principles, with powers and duties appropriate to each branch or part thereof; and, with a gra- dation of subordinate and superior judicatories, designed to preserve unity of doctrine, and orderly discipline, according to the Scriptures. " This Constitution does not recognize a right of revolution, and makes no provision therefor, but treats all such cases simply as breaches of order, and visits them with appropriate constitutional remedies. Any individual church is represented in the Church judicatories constitution- ally, only by the pastor or an elder, one or both; and it can find admis- sion into such judicatories only through such a mode of representation. " The overture supposes three cases: 1st, a dismissal of elders; 2d, a denial of the right of appeal and complaint; and 3d, a denial of the authority of the Presbytery. " Each of these is an unconstitutional act, is utterly null and void, and subjects the offending church to visitation and discipline at the hands of the Presbytery. The Form of Government, chap, x, sec. 8, empowers the Presbytery ' to visit particular churches, for the purpose of inquiring into their state, and redressing the evils that may have arisen in them ; to unite or divide congregations, at the request of the people; or to form or receive new congregations ; and, in general, to order whatever pertains to the spiritual welfare of the churches under their care.' " The above-named acts of insubordination, being void, work no effect; the Session have still the right, and it is their duty, to send one of the elders to the Presbytery and the Synod; and his votes and acts in these 110 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. bodies are the votes and the acts of the church. So, too, the Presby- tery may send any one of such elders to the General Assembly ; and should such church refuse obedience to the acts of the judicatories so constituted, it would be subject to the discipline, in due form, of our ecclesiastical law. Such church has a right to be represented by elders, and it cannot pass by them and substitute a private member as its repre- sentative. A void act of deposition, or dismission of its elders, does not incapacitate the church. In sending one of its dismissed elders to the Presbytery or the Synod, it disaffirms its illegal act, and that is an end of it ) and if it should send a delegate not an elder, he could not be received j and the church would simply be unrepresented (except by the pastor), pro licic vice; but the church is still under the care of the Presbytery, and subject to its government. The bond of union, which was formed by mutual and concurrent consent and act, cannot be dis- solved by an ex parte act of insubordination or revolution, until the other party has acted thereon. The committee, therefore, recommend the fol- lowing answer to the overture : "Resolved, That the acts of insubordination specified in the overture do not, of themselves, infer a forfeiture of the church's right to be represented in the Church judicatories; but such representation must be in the mode, and by the persons, specified in the Constitution of the Church. "The report was adopted." — Minutes, 1860, pp. 260, 261. Section 2. — The Presbytery. Its Members. — 1. Ruling elders, in the absence of their pastors, entitled to a seat. — 2. Ministers without charge are members of the Church courts — 3. But a ruling elder without charge has no seat in any judicatory of the Church. — 4. The Presbytery alone is the judge of the fitness of its members. — 5. It may reject an applicant at its discretion ; but, 6, not without good reasons. — 7. A new rule refused. — S. Rule as to a member of an extinct Presbytery, charged with an offence. The Presbytery to which he applies should receive him, and if charged with an offence, try him. But the Presbytery may refuse to receive him ; in which case he is under the special jurisdiction of the Synod. — 9. Mi- nisters and licentiates, received from other bodies, are required to answer the questions, Form Gov. chaps, xiv, xv. — 10. Members dismissed in good stand- ing by sister Presbyteries ought to be received ; but, 11, it is the right of every Presbytery to satisfy itself of the soundness of the applicant. — 12. Examination made imperative, in every case; but, 13, the ride declared unconstitutional and THE PRESBYTERY. Ill void. — 14. Rule for the reception of foreign ministers. The rule enforced. 15. Modification of the rules refused. IT. Its Jurisdiction. — 1. a. Over members non-resident, to try them. b. Diffi- culty of process does not relieve the Presbytery of responsibility. Discipline by a ■ mission," not recognized. — c. A case transferred to the Presbytery within whose bounds the accused resides — d. Construction of chap, v, sees. 3 and 4, Book of Discipline. — 2. Where a Session cannot act, the Presbytery is the proper court to try ruling elders. — 3. When ministers withdraw irregularly, their name is to be stricken from the roll. Also churches, and church members. — 4. When ministers withdraw partially or entirely from the work of the minis- try, their reasons for so doing are to be recorded, with the approval or disap- proval of the Presbytery. — 5. A minister having left the Presbyterian Church, and wishing to return, must apply to the Presbytery from which he withdrew. — 6. The Assembly refuses leave to prosecute ministers of other Presbyteries, who preach heresy within their bounds. — 7. Jurisdiction over a deposed minister, is in the Presbytery that deposed him. — S. A minister holding a letter of dismis- sion, is a member of the Presbytery, until received by another body. III. Dismission of Members. — 1. The body to which he is dismissed must be specified. — 2. May not dismiss by a " standing committee." — 3. Where a sen- tence is reversed, and process not renewed within a certain time, a member may claim a dismissal in good standing. IV. Boundaries of Presbyteries. — 1. Should have geographical limits. — 2. " Elective affinity" condemned. — 3. Exceptions permitted. — 4. Ministers living out of the bounds of their Presbyteries, to show cause for non-residence; or to be transferred to the Presbytery within whose bounds they reside. — 5. A Pres- bytery may not dismiss, nor receive, a church without the approval of Synod. V. Miscellaneous. — 1. The Presbytery to inspect its members. — 2. A Presby- tery, organized without the act of Synod, recognized. — 3. Duty of minorities, where the majority has withdrawn. — 4. Resolutions excluding slaveholders from the pulpit and from communion unconstitutional, and Presbyteries re- quested to rescind such resolutions. — 5. Church covenants belong to Presby teries and Synods. — 6. Two clerical members not a quorum. I. Its Members. 1. Ruling Elder entitled to a Seat in the absence of the Pastor. " Mr. Edmundson being present as a representative of the congrega- tion of Patuxent, and their minister absent, it was put to the vote whether the said Mr. Edmundson should act here as a representative, notwithstanding the minister's absence, and carried in the affirmative, ncm. con." — Minutes, 1716, p. 42. 2. Ministers xoithout Charge entitled to a Seat. " Are ministers without charges constituent members of our church 112 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. judicatures, and have they an equal voice with settled pastors and ruling elders of congregations in ecclesiastical governments?" " In the judgment of this Assembly, this question is answered affirma- tively, chap, ix, sec. 2, of the Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church, in these words : ' A Presbytery consists of all the ministers and one ruling elder from each congregation within a certain district/ " — Minutes, 1816, p. 615. 3. An Eider loithout Charge is not entitled to a Seat. Resolved, That no ruling elder who has retired from the active ex- ercise of his office in the church to which he belongs, can be admitted as a member of a Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly. This resolution, after some discussion, was adopted by yeas and nays : yeas 76, nays 15. — Minutes, 1835, p. 489. 4. The Presbytery alone must judge of the fitness of its Members. " Your committee doubted the correctness of the order given by the Synod to the Presbytery of Geneva, to reconsider their proceedings on the subject of the admission of the Rev. Shipley Wells, a constituent member of that Presbytery, which order, though it be not appealed from, appears to have given rise to the protest in question. " The Synod of Geneva were beyond doubt, in the opinion of your committee, competent to censure the Presbytery of Geneva for admitting hastily, and on slight evidence, into their body, an unworthy or even a suspicious character. But it is, in the opinion of your committee, equally clear, that the right of deciding on the fitness of admitting Mr. Wells, a constituent member of the Presbytery of Geneva, belonged to the Presbytery itself; and that having admitted him, no matter how improvidently, that their decision was valid and final. The individual admitted became a member in full standing; nor could the Presbytery, though it should reconsider, reverse its own decision, or in anyway sever the member so admitted from their body, except by a regular process. Adopted."— Minutes, 1816, p. 6P2. 5. A Presbytery may reject an Applicant for cause. A complaint and appeal of the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch against certain proceedings of the Presbytery of Ohio in the case of Mr. Birch, THE PRESBYTERY. 113 particularly for refusing to receive him as a member of their body, on the ground of a supposed want of acquaintance with experimental reli- gion, together with a representation of the congregation of Washington, in the bounds of said Presbytery, on the same subject, was brought in by the Committee on Bills and Overtures. Subsequently, " Resolved, That no evidence of censurable procedure in the Presbytery of Ohio, in the case of Mr. Birch, has appeared to this house, inasmuch as there is a discretionary power necessarily lodged in every Presbytery to judge of the qualifications of those whom they receive, especially with respect to experimental religion." — Minutes, 1801, pp. 213, 218. 6. But not without sufficient reasons. a. A complaint was brought in by the Bev. Mr. George Duffield against the Second Philadelphia Presbytery, that they had, by one of their members, obstructed his entrance into a church in this city under their care, to which he had accepted a call, and had also refused to re- ceive him as a member, although he was dismissed from, and recom- mended by, the Presbytery of Donegal, which was read. After having maturely considered this matter, the Synod judge that Mr. Duffield had just cause of complaint against the conduct and judg- ment of the Second Philadelphia Presbytery, who ought to have admit- ted him to membership with them, and allowed him a fair trial; where- fore we now declare him to be minister of the Pine Street or Third Presbyterian congregation in this city, and order that he be put upon the list of the aforesaid Presbytery. — Minutes, 1773, p. 446. l>. Resolved, That the appeal of the Presbytery of Abingdon from the decision of the Synod of Virginia, in the case of the Bev. Bobert Glenn, be dismissed, on the ground that the substantial cause of appeal has been removed by the act of that Presbytery, in their receiving Mr. Glenn, in conformity with the decision of the Synod. The appeal was accordingly dismissed. — Minutes, 1822, p. 55. 7. Assembly refuses to make an alteration in the Booh. The following overture from the Presbytery of Baltimore was received and read, viz., ''That after the 12th article of the 10th chapter of the revised Form of Government, the following be added : XIII. Every 8 114 V. — COURTS OP THE CHURCH. Presbytery shall judge of the qualifications of its own members." On motion, Resolved, That it is inexpedient to grant the request contained in this overture, or to make any new alterations at present in the Book of Discipline. — Minutes, 1821, p. 10. 8. Rule as to a Member of an extinct Presbytery. The committee appointed to consider the overture sent up by the Presbytery of Baltimore, respecting the course proper to be pursued by a Presbytery, when a minister, with a certificate of good standing from a Presbytery which has no longer any existence, applies for admission, but is supposed to be chargeable with some offence subsequently to the date of that certificate, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : That after the most attentive consideration of the question presented in said overture, it appears to them that the proper answer is embraced in the following particulars, viz. : 1. It is well known that the Book of Discipline of our Church expressly provides, that when a minister shall be dismissed by one Presbytery with a view to his joining another, he shall always be considered as remaining under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery which dismissed him, until he actually becomes a member of another. In the case stated in the over- ture, however, as the dismissing Presbytery had become extinct, it was physically impossible to act according to the letter of this rule. In these circumstances, every principle of sound interpretation seems to direct that, in ordinary cases, the Presbytery into which admission is sought should receive the applicant; and, if he be charged with any offence, conduct the process against him. 2. Nevertheless it is the privilege of every Presbytery to judge of the character and situation of those who apply to be admitted into their own body, and unless they are satisfied, to decline receiving the same. A Presbytery, it is true, may make an improper use of this privilege ; in which case the rejected applicant may appeal to the Synod or the Ge- neral Assembly. 3. When any minister dismissed in good standing by an extinct Pres- bytery is charged with an offence subsequently to the date of his dis- mission, the Presbytery to which he applies for admission not only may, if they see cause, decline receiving him ; but if their own situation be THE PRESBYTERY. 115 such that there is no prospect of their being able to conduct process against him in an impartial and efficient manner, ought to decline ad- mitting him into their body. 4. In this case, ministers dismissed by an extinct Presbytery, and not received into any other, are to be considered as under the direction of their proper Synod, and ought to be disposed of as the Synod may order. —Minutes, 1825, pp. 146, 147. 9. How Ministers and Licentiates from corresponding Bodies are to he received. The committee appointed by the General Assembly of 1829, to con- sider and report to the Assembly of 1830 on the manner in which ministers and licentiates are to be received into any of our Presbyteries from ecclesiastical bodies in the United States which correspond with this General Assembly, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : That, in their judgment, every licentiate coming by certificate to any Presbytery in connection with the General Assembly from any portion of a corresponding ecclesiastical body, should be required to answer in the affirmative the constitutional questions, directed by chap, xiv of our Form of Government to be put to our own candidates before they are- licensed ; and that, in like manner, every ordained minister of the Gos- pel, coming from any church in correspondence with the General Assem- bly by certificate of dismission and recommendation, should be required to answer affirmatively the first seven questions directed by chap, xt of our Form of Government, to be put to one of our own licentiates when about to be ordained to the sacred office. The course which is thus recommended by the committee, they believe, has been generally practised by our Presbyteries ; and the impropriety of admitting strangers into our connection on other terms than our own licentiates and ministers is too obvious to require remark. It is the assent of licentiates and ministers to these questions which brings them under the watch and care of the Presbyteries which receive them, and without which they ought not to enjoy the privileges of preachers of the Gospel in our ecclesiastical connection. — Minutes, 1830, p. 287. 11 G V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. 10. Ministers dismissed in good standing should he received on their Testimonials. "Resolved, That a due regard to the order of the Church and the bonds of brotherhood require, in the opinion of this Assembly, that ministers dismissed in good standing by sister Presbyteries should be received by the Presbyteries which they are dismissed to join upon the credit of their constitutional testimonials, unless they shall have forfeited their good standing subsequently to their dismissal." — Minutes, 1834, p. 440. 11. The right of Presbytery to satisfy itself of the soundness of the Applicant. "Resolved, That, in the judgment of this General Assembly, it is the right of every Presbytery to be entirely satisfied of the soundness in the faith and the good character in every respect of those ministers who apply to be admitted into the Presbytery as members, and who bring testimonials of good standing from sister Presbyteries, or from foreign bodies with whom the Presbyterian Church is in correspondence. And if there be any reasonable doubt respecting the proper qualifications of such candidates, notwithstanding their testimonials, it is the right, and may be the duty of such a Presbytery to examine them, or to take such other methods of being satisfied in regard to their suitable character as may be judged proper; and if such satisfaction be not obtained, to decline receiving them. In such case, it shall be the duty of the Pres- bytery rejecting the applicant to make known what it has done to the Presbytery from which he came, with its reasons. It being always understood, that each Presbytery is, in this concern, as in all others, responsible for its acts to the higher judicatories." — Minutes, 1835, p. -485. 12. Examination made imperative in all Cases. ^The report of the Committee on the right of Presbyteries to examine ministers applying for admission, which was adopted this morning, was reconsidered, amended, and adopted, as follows, viz. : "That the constitutional right of every Presbytery to examine all seeking connection with them was settled by the Assembly of 1835. (See Minutes of 1835, p. 27.) And this Assembly now render it impera- THE PRESBYTERY. 117 tive on Presbyteries to examine all who make application for admission into their bodies, at least on experimental religion, didactic and polemic theology, and church government." — Minutes, 1837, p. 429. 13. The above' Rule unconstitutional. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 14, reported the following resolution, which was adopted : " Whereas, It is the inherent right of Presbyteries to expound and apply constitutional rules touching the qualification of their own mem- bers, therefore — "Resolved, That the action of the last General Assembly (p. 429, printed Minutes), making it imperative on the Presbyteries to examine all who make application for admission to their bodies, not excepting ministers coming from other Presbyteries, is null and void." — Minutes, 1838, p. 660. 14. Reception of Foreign Ministers the Rule. [The original rule on this subject may be found in the Minutes for 1735, p. 118. Action was also taken in 1773, p. 448, and 1774, p. 455. In 1784, the same matter forced itself upon the notice of Synod.] " The Synod having reason, by information given since their present meeting, to apprehend the churches under their care in imminent danger from ministers and licensed candidates of unsound principles coming among us, do hereby renew their former injunction to the respective Presbyteries within their bounds, relative to this matter, and do also strictly enjoin on every member of this body, under pain of censure, to be particularly careful in this respect. And the stated clerk of the Synod is hereby directed to furnish each of our Presbyteries with an attested copy of the said injunctions, together with a copy of this minute." — Minutes, 1784, p. 504. [In 1798 (Minutes, p. 148), the Assembly adopted " regulations in- tended to embrace and extend the existing rules." In 1800, it was modified and amended, and is now the rule, viz. :] " The draught of certain regulations respecting the admission of fo- reign ministers and licentiates, reported by the committee appointed for that purpose, was again read, and having been fully considered and amended, was adopted by a large majority, and is as follows, viz. : 118 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. " When any minister or licentiate from Europe shall come into this country, and desire to become connected with the Presbyterian Church in the United States, he may apply to any committee appointed to direct the services of travelling ministers and candidates; which committee shall inspect his credentials, and, by examination or otherwise, endeavor to ascertain his soundness in the faith and experimental acquaintance with religion; his attainments in divinity and literature; his moral and religious character, and approbation of our public standards of doctrine and discipline. If the result shall be such as to encourage further trial, said committee may give him appointments to supply and recommend him to the churches till the next meeting of the Presbytery to which such committee belongs. It shall then become the duty of such minister or licentiate to apply to that Presbytery, or to any other, in whose bounds he may incline to labor ; provided always, that he make his application to the Presbytery at their first meeting after his coming within their bounds ; and also, that immediately on coming within the bounds of any Presbytery, he apply to their committee to judge of his certificate of approbation, and, if they think it expedient, to make him appointments; or, if it shall be more convenient, the application may be made to the Presbytery in the first instance ; but it shall be deemed irregular for any foreign minister or licentiate to preach in any vacant church till he have obtained the approbation of some Presbytery or committee of Presby- tery, in manner aforesaid. " The Presbytery to which such minister or licentiate may apply, shall carefully examine his credentials, and not sustain a mere certificate of good standing, unless corroborated by such private letters, or other col- lateral testimony, as shall fully satisfy them as to the authenticity and sufficiency of his testimonials. After inspecting any evidences of his literary acquirements which may be laid before them, the Presbytery shall enter into a free conversation with him, in order to discover his soundness in the faith and experimental acquaintance with religion. If they shall obtain satisfaction on these several articles, they shall proceed to examine him on the learned languages, the arts, sciences, theology, Church history and government; nor shall they receive him, unless he shall appear to have made such attainments in these several branches as are required of those who receive their education or pass their trials among ourselves. But if, upon the whole, he appears to be a person worthy of encouragement, and who promises usefulness in the Church, they shall receive him as a minister or candidate on probation, he first THE PRESBYTERY. 119 adopting our standards of doctrine and discipline, and promising subjec- tion to the Presbytery in the Lord. During this state of probation he may preach the Gospel where regularly called, either as a stated or oc- casional supply; and if an ordained minister, perform every part of the ministerial functions, except that he may not vote in any judicatory, or accept a call for settlement. "If the foreigner who shall apply to any Presbytery or committee, as aforesaid, be an ordained minister, such committee and Presbytery may, at their discretion, dispense with the special examination on literature in this Act prescribed, provided he shall exhibit satisfactory evidence that he has received such education, and made such progress in lan- guages, arts, and sciences, as are required by the Constitution of our Church as qualifications for the Gospel ministry. But in all other re- spects, the examination shall be the same as in the case of a licentiate. "If from prospects of settlement, or greater usefulness, a minister or licentiate under probation in any Presbytery, shall wish to move into the bounds of another, he shall receive a dismission, containing a certi- ficate of his standing and character, from the Presbytery under whose care he shall have been ; which certificate shall entitle him to the same standing in the Presbytery into whose bounds he shall come, except that from the time of his coming under the care of this latter Presbytery, a whole year shall elapse before they come to a final judgment respecting his reception. " When any foreign minister or licentiate, received on certificate, or pursuant to trials in any Presbytery, shall have resided generally and preached within their bounds and under their direction, for at least one year, they shall cause him to preach before them (if they judge it expe- dient), and taking into consideration, as well the evidence derived from their former trials as that which may arise from his acceptance in the churches, his prudence, gravity, and godly conversation, and from the combined evidence of the whole, determine either to receive him, to reject him, or to hold him under further probation. In case of receiving him at that, or any subsequent period, the Presbytery shall report the same to their Synod at its next meeting, together with all the certificates and other testimony on which they received them ; or, if it shall be more convenient, this report may be made to the General Assembly. The said Assembly or Synod, as the case may be, shall then inquire into the proceedings of the Presbytery in the affair, and if they find them to have been irregular or deficient, they shall recommit them to the Pres- 120 ' V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. bytery, in order to a more regular and perfect process. But if the pro- ceedings had in the Presbytery appear to have been conformable to this regulation, they shall carefully examine all the papers laid before them by the Presbytery, or which shall be exhibited by the party concerned, and considering their credibility and sufficiency, come to a final judg- ment, either to receive him into the Presbyterian body, agreeably to his standing, or to reject him. "In order, however, to facilitate the settlement of foreign ministers as soon as may consist with the purity and order of the Church, it is further ordained, that if the proper Synod or the General Assembly are not to meet within three months after that meeting of a Presbytery at which a foreign minister on probation is expected to be received, the Presbytery may, if they see cause, lay his testimonials before that meet- ing of the Assembly or Synod which shall be held next before said meeting of the Presbytery. If this Assembly or Synod shall approve the testimonials, they shall give the Presbytery such information and direction as the case may require, and remit the same to them for final issue. In all other cases, it shall be deemed irregular for any Synod or General Assembly to receive a foreign minister or licentiate, until he shall have passed his period of probation, and been received and reported by some Presbytery, in manner aforesaid. " No minister or licentiate, after being rejected by one Presbytery, shall be received by another, or if received through mistake or otherwise, he shall be no longer countenanced or employed, after the imposition is discovered. If, however, any minister or licentiate shall think himself aggrieved by the sentence of any Presbytery, he shall have a right to carry the matter by complaint to the proper Synod, or to the next Gene- ral Assembly, giving notice thereof to the Presbytery during the meet- ing at which the sentence was pronounced, or at the meeting next fol- lowing. " These regulations and provisions relative to the reception of foreign ministers and licentiates, are to be considered as coming in place of all that have heretofore been established on this subject; and all judicatures and individuals under the care of the Assembly are to regard them ac- cordingly. "—Minu tes, 1800, pp. 200-202. The Rule enforced, a. "The committee appointed to examine the records of the Synod THE PRESBYTERY. 121 of Albany, reported, and the book was approved to page 177, excepting the case of receiving a foreign licentiate by the Presbytery of St. Law- rence, without laying their proceedings in the case before the Synod or General Assembly." — Minutes, 1822, p. 38. b. Overture No. 4 was taken up, viz., an application from the Pres- bytery of Watertown, for leave to receive Mr. William Lockhead, a foreign licentiate, who, after being under the care of the Presbytery of Champlain for five months, had been dismissed to the Presbytery of "Watertown, and had been under the care of the latter Presbytery since the 9th of February last. The Presbytery of Watertown requests, that the Assembly will allow them to take into the account, for the term of trial, the time which Mr. Lockhead spent on trials in the Presbytery of Champlain. On this request the Assembly resolved, that the standing rule, which requires that the foreign licentiate must spend a year in the Presbytery to which he is dismissed, be not dispensed with." — Minutes, 1830, p. 299. Leave granted to count the Year from the time of his first Reception. c. " The committee appointed on Overture No. 14, from the Presby- tery of Elizabethtown, respecting the case of Mr. John Anderson, a foreign licentiate, who, in October, 1834, was received under the care of the Presbytery of New York, and in April last transferred to the Presbytery of Elizabethtown, — requesting that Mr. Anderson's year of probation may be considered as commencing at the time when he was received by the Presbytery of New York, reported as follows : " After examining all the documents put into their hands respecting the subject, they unanimously recommend that the request of the Pres- bytery of Elizabethtown be granted. This report was accepted and adopted." — Minutes, 1835, p. 470. 15. Modification of the Rules Refused. " The Committee (on Polity) further report, an application from the Fourth Presbytery of New York, for such a modification of the rules in the Digest as will facilitate the reception of ministers from foreign bodies, with whom we are on terms of fraternal correspondence. The committee can see and appreciate the fact, that, in the great changes which have occurred, bringing the ends of the earth near together, in- 122 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. stances of seeming hardship may occur; still, in their judgment, the time has not yet come, when it is wise for this Assembly to introduce the change in our arrangements referred to ; and they therefore recom- mend that no action be taken by the Assembly in the premises/' — Minutes, 1855, p. 26. II. Or its Jurisdiction. 1. Jurisdiction over Members non-resident. a. The Presbytery of New York represented to Synod that one of their members now resided in the bounds of New Brunswick Presby- tery, whose moral character labored under some imputations, and re- quested the advice of the Synod as to which of the Presbyteries should make inquiry into the matter; whereupon the Synod judged it to be the duty of the Presbytery of New York. — Minutes, 1786, p. 495. Difficulty of process does not relieve the Presbytery of responsibility. Discipline by persons not organized under any distinctive form of Church Government not recognized. b. The Third Presbytery of New York, by overture, inquire what order it would be proper for them to take with reference to a member who has been excluded from Christian fellowship by a ministerial Association under the patronage of the American Board of Commissioners for Fo- reign Missions, and dismissed from the service of that Board for immo- rality, and with whom a regular process of discipline by the Presbytery is difficult, on account of his distance from them and from any ecclesias- tical body of our connection. The General Assembly reply, that the ecclesiastical relations of the individual in question evidently remain unchanged by the action of persons not organized under any distinct form of government, and especially not guided by the principles of dis- cipline to which he was subject; and the only correct course for the Presbytery to take, if they regard him as a proper subject of discipline, is to pursue precisely the forms of process given in our Book of Disci- pline, however difficult or protracted the actual process may be. — Mi- nutes, 1856, p. 194. A case transferred to the Presbytery in which the party resides. c. Petitions from the churches at Mount Pleasant and Greensburg, in THE PRESBYTERY. 123 New York, and from five ministers of the Gospel residing in the vicinity of Mr. George Bourne, requesting that Mr. Bourne might be restored to the office of the Gospel ministry, were overtured ; and application on behalf of Mr. Bourne was made by Dr. Ely, that, on the profession of his penitence, he may be restored ; whereupon, it was " Resolved, That the case of Mr. George Bourne be referred to the Presbytery of New York, in whose bounds he now resides ; and it is hereby ordered that the Presbytery of New York be furnished, by the Presbytery of Lexington, with all the documents relative to the deposi- tion of Mr. Bourne, that they receive testimony as to the character and deportment of Mr. Bourne since his deposition, and also the evidences of repentance which Mr. Bourne may furnish ; and it is ordered more- over, that the said Presbytery of New York do proceed to issue the case, and either continue the sentence of deposition or restore him, the said Bourne, to the Gospel ministry, as they may judge proper." — Minutes, 1824, p. 124. The Presbytery within which a Minister resides may examine wit- nesses, and transmit the record, hut may not try him. d. The Judicial Committee also made a statement in the case of the Rev. Horace Belknap, and recommended the adoption of the following resolutions, which were adopted accordingly, viz. : Resolved, 1. That, in the opinion of this Assembly, the resolution of the last General Assembly,* in answer to Overture No. 2, does not apply to the case of the Rev. Horace Belknap, as referred by the Presbytery of Harmony. Resolved, 2. That, in the opinion of this Assembly, the Presbyteries both of Harmony and Steubenville appear to have misconceived the direc- tions as laid down in chapter v, sections 3d and 4th of the Book of Dis- cipline; inasmuch as those rules do not transfer jurisdiction from a Pres- bytery to which a minister belongs to the one within whose bounds he resides, so as to authorize the latter Presbytery to try such minister j but only to examine witnesses in the case, and transmit an authentic record of the testimony to the Presbytery which made the application ; therefore, Resolved, 3. That the Presbytery of Harmony is at liberty to pursue such a course in the case of Mr. Belknap as the circumstances of the case and the good of religion shall, in their opinion, require. — Minutes, 1831, p. 339. * See 3, 6, page 124 ; Reference for Advice from the Presbytery of St. Lawrence. 124 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. 2. The proper Court to try Ruling Elders in a given case. The following question from the Presbytery of Genesee was presented by the Committee of Overtures, viz. : " Common fame accuses two ruling elders of a church [they being the only acting elders] of unchristian conduct, which took place several years ago, but which has lately been made known to the Presbytery with which said church is connected. What is the duty of the Presbytery in the case V Resolved, That the Presbytery is the competent court to try these two elders, and that it is their duty to cite the offending persons before them, and proceed to issue the case. — Minutes, 1825, pp. 142, 144. 3. Ministers withdrawing from Presbytery irregularly, to he stricken from the roll. a. Overture No. 5, viz. : A reference from the Presbytery of Che- nango, asking advice in the case of the Rev. Edward Andrews, a member of their body, who has recently withdrawn and received Episcopal ordi- nation, was taken up and committed to Mr. Crothers, Mr. Weed, and Mr. Farrand.-— Minutes, 1828, p. 239. The committee on the reference from the Chenango Presbytery, in the case of the Rev. Edward Andrews, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : Resolved, as the sense of this Assembly, that though the conduct of Mr. Andrews was disorderly, it be recommended to the Presbytery to do nothing further in the case than simply to strike his name from the list of their members. — Minutes, 1828, p. 240. 6. " The Committee on Overture No. 2, viz., a reference for advice from the Presbytery of St. Lawrence, reported the following resolution as a suitable answer to be given in the case, which was adopted, viz. : " Resolved, That when a minister otherwise in good standing gives notice in form to the Presbytery to which he belongs, that he renounces the fellowship of the Presbyterian Church, or by neglecting to attend the meetings of its judicatories after being dealt with for such neglect, gives evidence that he has done so in fact, his name ought to be struck from the roll of membership, a notice of this procedure communicated to the disowned member, and, if necessary, published to the Church. The congregation under the care of such minister ought to be held as THE PRESBYTERY. 125 still under the care of Presbytery, unless they give evidence that they also have withdrawn, in which case their name ought also to be struck from the list of congregations belonging to the Presbytery." — Minutes, 1830, p. 305. c. Resolved, That it be recommended to majorities of church Sessions and Presbyteries to take no other action in relation to members who have left them to join other ecclesiastical bodies not in connection with us, than to strike their names from the roll. — Minutes, 1839, p. 24. 4. Ministers withdrawing from the work of the Ministry to he ques- tioned as to their reasons. "When ministers have withdrawn, or may hereafter withdraw, wholly or in part, from the work of the ministry, it is enjoined upon the Pres- byteries to which they belong to require of such ministers their reasons for so doing, which reasons are to be put upon record by the Presbytery, with an expression of their approbation or disapprobation of the same." —Minutes, 1834, p. 450. 5. A Minister who has withdrawn must return to his own Presbytery. " Mr. David Austin, who had been formerly a member of the Presby- tery of New York, and had withdrawn from the Pfesbytery and the Presbyterian Church, appeared before the Assembly, and renewed his request of last year, to be again received into ministerial communion and regular standing in the Presbyterian Church. " Mr. Austin, having been fully heard in support of his petition, with- drew ; when the Assembly, after maturely considering the case, — "Resolved, That, as it would be disorderly for this Assembly to restore Mr. Austin to his standing in the Presbyterian Church in the form in which it is sought by him, inasmuch as he withdrew from the Presbytery of New York, against whom he makes no complaint, and to whom of course he ought to apply; so this Assembly, in the course of the discussion had on the subject of Mr. Austin's application, have had before them sufficient evidence that it is inexpedient at present to recommend his reception by any judicature of this Church." — Minutes, 1802, p. 238. 6. Leave to prosecute Heretics within their Bounds refused. Overture No. 13, being a proposition from the Presbytery of West 126 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. Lexington and Louisville, to the Assembly, to authorize them to prose- cute ministers of other Presbyteries who may preach heresy within their bounds, was taken up and read : Whereupon, it was resolved, that the Constitution in sections 2, 3, or 4, of chap, v, of the Book of Discipline, contains sufficient provision on the subject overtured. — Minutes, 1834, p. 476. 7. Jurisdiction over a deposed Minister is in the Presbytery ivJiich deposed him. [The Presbytery of Des Moines deposed Rev. James H. Shields from the ministry. Subsequently, Mr. Shields applied for restoration to the Presbytery of Keokuk, within whose bounds he resided at the time of his application.] The Committee on Polity also reported Paper No. 2. An Overture from the Presbytery of Keokuk, asking if they have jurisdiction over the case of James H. Shields, deposed by the Presbytery of Des Moines. The committee recommended to the Assembly, that the question sub- mitted by the Presbytery of Keokuk be answered in the negative ; and the recommendation was adopted. — Minutes, 1859, p. 18. 8. A Minister, holding a Letter of Dismission, is a Member of the Presbytery dismissing him until received by another Body. [Overture to the Synod of Ohio. When a member of Presbytery has taken a letter to join another Presbytery or association, what relation does he sustain to, and what rights and privileges has he in the Presby- tery from which he received the letter, during the time that intervenes between receiving the letter and uniting with that other Presbytery or consociation ? Answer by the Synod of Ohio. It is often a fact that dismissions are granted during the sessions of a Presbytery, to take effect at its close. This fact decides that in all ordinary cases all the rights and privileges of an individual in a Presbytery cease the moment his request for a dis- mission is granted. He may, however, at any time before he has used it, return his letter, and then claim all his former rights and privileges ; but until he has used his letter, he is amenable to the Presbytery. See Form of Government, chap, x, sec. 1, 2. — Minutes, Synod of Ohio, p. 225.] THE PRESBYTERY. 127 The Committee on the Records of the Synod of Ohio reported, and their report was adopted, recommending the approval of the Records "as far as written, with the following exception : That the answer to the question contained in Paper No. 2, p. 225, should be : " He is a member of the Presbytery until he is received by another body." See I. 8.— Minutes, 1860, p. 239. III. — Dismission of Members. 1. Presbytery must specify the Body to which a Member is dismissed. Resolved, That, whereas it is a fundamental principle of the govern- ment and discipline of the Presbyterian Church, that every minister of the Gospel belonging to it be subject, at all times, to his brethren in the Lord, and accountable to them for the orthodoxy of his principles, and for his moral, religious, and orderly deportment; it is therefore — " Ordered, That every Presbytery under the care of this Assembly, whenever they dismiss a member, be careful particularly to specify with what Presbytery, association, or classis, or other religious body, he is to be associated after his dismission (to which some of the Presbyteries do not appear to have been sufficiently attentive) ) and that every member so dismissed be, in all cases, considered as amenable to the Presbytery which has dismissed him till he shall become connected with the eccle- siastical body which he shall have been directed to join." — Minutes, 1806, p. 351. 2. May not dismiss by a Standing Committee. "The report of the committee on the reference from the Presbytery of Cayuga, relative to the constitutionality of a rule of that body, which had been laid on the table, was taken up. The rule of the Presbytery of Cayuga, referred to the Assembly, is as follows, viz. : The moderator for the time being, and the stated clerk ex officio, were appointed a com- mittee to grant letters of dismission to ministers without charge, and to licentiates and candidates under the care of this Presbytery, to unite with other Presbyteries ; and were directed to report at each stated meeting." In relation to this rule, the following resolution reported by the com- mittee was adopted, viz. : 128 V. — COURTS OF TIIE CHURCH. "Resolved, That the rule hitherto acted upon by the Presbytery of Cayuga is inexpedient and unconstitutional/' — Minutes, 1830, p. 302. 3. Where Sentence has been reversed, and Process is not commenced anew within a certain time, a Member may claim a Dismission in good standing. The committee appointed to prepare a minute expressive of the sense of the Assembly, concerning the appeal of Mr. Joseph E. Bell, reported the following resolutions, which were adopted, viz. : " 1. Resolved, That, in the judgment of the Assembly, Mr. Bell was, and still continues to be, fully amenable to the Presbytery of Concord. "2. That, while the Assembly do not wish to protect the guilty, they do judge that great caution, deliberation, and, as far as may be, the rules of discipline, where ministerial character is impeached, ought to be strictly observed, and that in this case the informality was exceptionable. " 3. That if it be deemed necessary for the good of religion, and the honor of the ministerial character, the Presbytery of Concord are entirely competent to commence a new trial. Or if Mr. Bell shall desire, for his own sake, a new trial, the door is still open. " 4. That in the mean time Mr. Bell's ministerial standing shall be considered regular; and if no process shall be commenced by either party within the space of six months, from the 1st of June next, then Mr. Bell may claim from the Presbytery of Concord a dismission declaring him to be in regular standing." — Minutes, 1828, pp. 240, 241. IV. — Boundaries of Presbyteries. 1. Presbyteries should have Geographical Boundaries. a. "A Presbytery consists of all the ministers and one ruling elder from each congregation, within a certain district." Form of Govern- ment, chap, ix, sec. 2. — Minutes, 1816, p. 615. b. "Resolved, That, except in very extraordinary cases, this Assem- bly are of the opinion that Presbyteries ought to be formed with geo- graphical limits." — Minutes, 1834, p. 441. 2. Elective Affinity condemned. "Resolved, That the erection of Church courts, and especially of THE PRESBYTERY. 129 Presbyteries and Synods, on the principle of ' elective affinity/ that is, judicatories not bounded by geographical limits, but having a chief re- gard in their erection to diversities of doctrinal belief, and of ecclesias- tical policy, is contrary both to the letter and the spirit of our Constitu- tion, and opens a wide door for mischiefs and abuses of the most serious kind. One such Presbytery, if so disposed, might, in process of time, fill the whole Church with unsound and schismatic ministers, especially if the principle were adopted that regular testimonials must of course secure the admission of those who bore them into any other Presbytery. Such a Presbytery, moreover, being without geographical bounds, might enter the limits and disturb the repose of any church into which it might think proper to intrude; and thus divide churches, stir up strife, and promote party spirit and schism, with all their deplorable consequences. Surely a plan of procedure in the Church of God which naturally and almost unavoidably tends to produce such effects as these, ought to be frowned upon, and as soon as possible terminated by the supreme judi- catory of the Church."-— Minutes, 1835, p. 486. 3. Exceptions permitted. a. " The committee appointed to consider the petition of Union Presbytery (Overture No. 3) made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : " The petition of the Presbytery states, that the missionaries of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, laboring among the Cherokee Indians, have organized a number of churches according to the order of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; that these churches have been for the most part taken under care of the Union Presbytery, although some of the churches are within the terri- torial limits of other Presbyteries ; that this measure was adopted on the presumption that no other judicatory of the Church would object to it ; especially as the missionaries and their churches united with the Presbyterian body, on condition that they should be permitted to con- nect themselves with the Presbyteries that might be most agreeable to the natives, and most convenient to the missionaries. On this statement the Union Presbytery founds a petition that the General Assembly 1 would give liberty to the missionaries and churches in the Cherokee nation, to unite to such adjacent Presbyteries as may be most agreeable to themselves.' "Whereupon, 9 130 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. " Resolved, That the request herein made be granted; and the several Presbyteries to which the missionaries and churches aforesaid may unite themselves, are directed to report the names of ministers and number of communicants thus received to each future General Assembly j it being understood that in all other respects the said ministers and churches shall submit to the government and order of the Presbyterian Church." — Minutes, 1826, p. 181. b. " The committee to whom was referred the memorial from the Synod of West Tennessee, complaining of the Assembly of 1826, be- cause they admitted the verbal testimony of a delegate to set aside a written document from the Synod of Tennessee, and on that account, in dividing the Synod, granted them only a part of their request; com- plaining also of the privilege granted by the Assembly to the mission- aries among the Cherokees, as found in the printed Minutes of 1826, pages 21, 24, and 27, and requesting that the privilege there referred to maybe rescinded; made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : " 1. That it does not appear, either from the Minutes of the Assem- bly, or from the memorial, what part, if any, of the request of the Synod of Tennessee was refused to be granted. The Assembly, therefore, can grant no relief till the grievance be specified and understood. " 2. That in regard to the privilege granted to the Cherokee mission- aries to join such Presbyteries as should be most convenient and agree- able to themselves, the Assembly do not perceive any particular griev- ance, either to the missionaries, or to the Synod of West Tennessee ; yet, as it seems to have given some dissatisfaction, and is out of the usual course, therefore, "Resolved, That the aforesaid Act, contained on page 27 of the printed Minutes of 1826, be rescinded, and that the missionaries be, and they hereby are directed, to connect themselves with those Presby- teries within whose territorial bounds they may reside." — Minutes, 1828, pp. 246, 247. c. " The committee to whom was referred the representation of the Presbytery of Union, touching the ecclesiastical connection of the Rev. Messrs. Daniel S. Buttriok and Samuel A. Worcester, missionaries among the Cherokee Indians, with said Presbytery, and stating the grounds on which they request the continuance of said connection, having taken the said document into serious consideration, beg leave respectfully to recommend to this General Assembly the adoption of the following resolution, viz. : THE PRESBYTERY. 131 "Resolved, That, in the opinion of this General Assembly, the pecu- liar circumstances in which the said missionaries are placed, renders the request now under consideration reasonable and proper; and to the end that the object thereof may with all practicable expedition be effectually secured, this General Assembly do hereby ratify and confirm such friendly and amicable arrangement as may hereafter be made between the Presbyteries of Hopewell and Union for this purpose." — Minutes, 1829, p. 259. d. u Overture No. 2, from the Presbytery of Cincinnati, touching the condition of certain churches in Kentucky, seeking connection with us. The committee recommend that, for the present, such churches be al- lowed to connect themselves with the Presbyteries contiguous, most to their convenience. The report was adopted." — Minutes, 1859, p. 17. e. " No. 3. A memorial from Rev. Benjamin Mills and others, of the Synod of Kentucky, with respect to himself and others, formerly members of the Synod of Kentucky, expressive of their attachment to us, and their desire to return to our connection, if, with their views on the subject of slavery, the way may be open to receive them. The committee recommend, that these ministers and churches, and others similarly situated, be referred to the Presbytery of Cincinnati or any other border Presbytery; and that such Presbyteries be authorized so to extend their jurisdiction as to receive any such ministers and churches, situated near their borders, whose principles and practice are found to harmonize with the position of the Church, as expressed and published to the world by former Assemblies." — Minutes, 1859, p. 18. Adopted. 4. Ministers Living out of the Bounds of their Presbyteries. " The committee to whom was referred an overture from. the Synod of Albany, in regard to non-resident members of Presbyteries, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : " In conformity with the overture from the Synod of Albany, the committee would recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the fol- lowing resolution, viz. : "Resolved, That it be enjoined on the Presbyteries to inquire care- fully in regard to any of their members, who may be residing without the bounds of their respective Presbyteries, whether there be sufficient cause for such non-residence; and if not, that measures be taken to 132 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. transfer the relation of such ministers to the Presbyteries in the bounds of which they reside." — Minutes, 1836, p. 272. 5. One Presbytery may not Dismiss a Church to another, loithout the Approbation of Synod. u Resolved, That it is unconstitutional for a Presbytery to dismiss a congregation under their care, and for any other Presbytery to receive the congregation so dismissed, without the approbation of the Synod to which such Presbyteries respectively belong." — Minutes, 1823, p. 91. V. — Miscellaneous Decisions. 1. Presbytery to inquire into the Fidelity of its Members. The Synod does recommend unanimously to all our Presbyteries to take effectual care that each of their ministers are faithful in the dis- charge of their awful trust; and in particular, that they frequently examine, with respect to each of their members, into their life and con- versation, their diligence in their work, and their methods of discharging their ministerial calling; particularly, that each Presbytery do, at least once a year, examine into the manner of each minister's preaching; whether he insists in his ministry upon the great articles of Christianity, and, in the course of his preaching, recommends a crucified Saviour to his hearers as the only foundation of hope, and the absolute necessity of the Omnipotent influences of Divine grace to enable them to accept of this Saviour; whether he do, in the most solemn and affecting manner he can, endeavor to convince his hearers of their lost and miserable state whilst unconverted, and put them upon the diligent use of those means necessary in order to obtaining the sanctifying influences of the Spirit of God ; whether he do, and how he doth, discharge his duties towards the young people and children of his congregation, in a way of catechising and familiar instruction ; whether he do, and in what manner he doth, visit his flock, and instruct them from house to house. And the Synod hereby orders, that a copy of this minute be inserted into the books of each of our Presbyteries, and be read at every of their Presbyterial meetings, and a record of its being read minuted in said THE PRESBYTERY. 133 books at the beginning of every session ; and that there be also an annual record in each Presbytery book of a correspondence with this minute. And in case any minister within our bounds shall be found defective in any of the above-mentioned cases, he shall be subject to the censure of the Presbytery; and if he refuse subjection to such censure, the Pres- bytery are hereby directed to represent his case to the next Synod. And the Synod recommends to each of the ministers within our bounds to be as much in catechetical doctrines as they in prudence may think proper. — Minutes, 1734, p. 111. 2. A Presbytery, organized without the Act of Synod, recognized. Mr. Judd, from the Committee of Elections, made a report in relation to the commissioners from the Presbytery of Hanover, which was con- sidered and adopted, and is as follows : After a full investigation of the facts in reference to the case of the Rev. A. D. Pollock, and Mr. James Caskie, elder, commissioners to this Assembly from the Presbytery of Hanover, the committee have come to the following results, viz. : 1. That, as a majority of the Presbytery of East Hanover had declared their adherence to a body claiming to be the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, which, by its palpable violations of the Constitu- tion of said Church, had forfeited all claim to the appellation, the minority might have retained the name of the Presbytery of East Hanover. 2. Since they forbore to do this from courtesy to their brethren of the majority, and peaceably retired and assumed the name of the Pres- bytery of Hanover, without the agency of Synod, this deviation from the ordinary usages of our Church ought not, in their peculiar circumstances, to invalidate their organization. 3. The committee therefore recommend the recognition by this As- sembly of the Presbytery of Hanover as a constituent part of the Pres- byterian Church in these United States ; the enrolment of the names of said commissioners on the list of its members j and that this Assembly determine the Synodical relations of said Presbytery. — Minutes, 1839, p. 9. 3. Where Majorities have withdrawn, duty of the Minority. a. Resolved, That it be recommended to ministers, where majorities 134 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. have left, to continue their ecclesiastical organizations as before, if in sufficient numbers J and if not, to connect themselves with the ecclesi- astical bodies most convenient to their locality and circumstances which adhere to this General Assembly. — Minutes, 1839, p. 24. b. Also, No. 8, " An inquiry by a commissioner of the Presbytery of Ottawa, whether, if a majority of a Presbytery withdraw from the General Assembly, the remaining members, if sufficient in point of numbers, are to be regarded as the Constitutional Presbytery ?" Answered in the affirmative. — Minutes, 1850, p. 320. 4. Resolutions excluding Slaveholders unconstitutional. " Whereas, It appears from memorials sent up to this Assembly, that several of our Presbyteries have adopted resolutions excluding slave- holders from their pulpits, and from their communion : And whereas, Our Constitution requires that no member of the Presbyterian Church shall be thus disfranchised without a regular trial and conviction : And ichereas, This proceeding is a repetition of the exscinding acts of the New Basis Assembly, against which we have taken our stand as friends of the Constitution j therefore — " Resolved, That the said Presbyteries be requested to rescind such resolutions. " The foregoing resolution was, with one dissenting voice, adopted." —Minutes, 1840, p. 24. 5. Church Covenants belong to Presbyteries and Synods. Overture from the Synod of New York and New Jersey, and from the Presbytery of Pittsburg, " On Church Covenants/' requesting the As- sembly to take order in reference to some uniform mode and formula of receiving members into our churches, [the committee] recommend the following answer : " That it is inexpedient for the Assembly to attempt such a measure, however desirable it is to have uniformity ; but that it more properly belongs to the Presbyteries and Synods. Adopted." — Minutes, 1851, p. 15." 6. Two Clerical Members not a Quorum. The Records of the Synod of Genesee were approved, with the follow- ing exception, viz. : THE SYNOD. 135 " The Synod made two clerical members of Presbytery a quorum for transacting business." — Minutes, 1857, p. 387. Section 3. — Of the Synod. , The Synod is a convention of Bishops and Elders. — 2. Where a Synod has failed to meet on its adjournment, the Moderator may fix the time and place. — 3. Special or called meetings of Synod are constitutional. — 4. The Mode- rator has no power to change the place of meeting. — 5. A Synod may not refuse the members of its Presbyteries. — Nor, 6. Order the erasure of their names from the roll of Presbytery. — 7. The Synod may not act judicially when there is no reference or appeal to it. — 8. The Records are to be sent up annually for review. — 9. The members of an inferior Judicatory may not vote on the approval of their own Minutes. — 10. When exceptions are taken to the records of inferior Judicatories, the exceptions should be stated and the reasons assigned. — 11. Sessions on the Sabbath censured. — 12. The Records should state the body to which a corresponding member belongs. — 13. The Records should state that the meetings were opened and closed with prayer. — 14. The Minutes should be read and approved. — 15. They should be attested by the stated clerk. — 1G. A narrative of the State of Religion should be prepared and recorded. — 17. Names of absentees should be recorded. — 18. Reasons called for ; and absentees not to be suspended without trial. — 19. Formation of the Synods, 1-38. 1. The Synod is a Convention of Bishops and Elders. "As a Presbytery is a convention of the Bishops and Elders within a certain district, so a Synod is the convention of several Presbyteries within a larger district, including at least three Presbyteries. ,; — Form of Government, chap, xi, sec. 1, 1789. Amended, 1804-5, so as to read as at present : " So a Synod is a convention of the Bishops and Elders within a larger district including several Presbyteries." — Minutes, 1804, p. 304. Approved by the Presbyteries. — Minutes, 1805, p. 333. " This amendment goes to make a Synod consist not of Presbyteries, but, as it ought, of Bishops and Elders." — Note, Minutes, 1804, p. 304. 2. Where a Synod has failed to meet on its Adjournment. The Remedy. "As it appeared from the representations of ministers and ciders assembled at Yorktown, the 20th of October, 1795, and signed Robert 136 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. Davidson, that the Synod of Philadelphia did not meet according to its last adjournment, nor since the time to which it was adjourned. On motion, " Resolved, That the Moderator of the Synod of Philadelphia, the Kev. Dr. Robert Davidson, ought to be considered as competent to call a meeting of the same, and that he do accordingly call a meeting, to be held in the Third Presbyterian Church in the city of Philadelphia, on the fourth Wednesday of October next ; and that he give due notice thereof by a circular letter to the Moderators of the several Presbyteries composing the said Synod, whose duty it shall be to acquaint the other members. 11 Resolved, as the opinion of the Assembly, That from the nature of the thing, two or more members of any judicatory, meeting according to adjournment, may adjourn from day to day until a sufficient number at- tend for the transacting of business; and in case a quorum should not attend within a reasonable time, that the Moderator shall be considered as competent to fix any time and place he may judge proper for con- vening the body; and if he be absent, that the members assembled shall represent the matter speedily to him that he may act accordingly." — Minutes, 1796, p. 113. 3. Meetings pro re nata constitutional. a. The Committee of Overtures also reported Overture No. 13. This overture was taken up, and is as follows, viz. : " An answer is requested to the following question, viz., Has the Moderator of a Synod a right to call a meeting of the Synod during the interval of its stated sessions V Resolved, by the Assembly, That this question be answered in the affirmative.— Minute*, 1829, p. 268. b. The Assembly took up the protest and complaint of a minority of the Synod of Virginia, against a decision of said Synod in favor of call- ing meetings of Synod. The complainants and Synod were heard, after which it was resolved that the complaint be not sustained. — Minutes, 1832, p. 368. c. The Committee on the Records of the Synod of Tennessee reported, that after a careful examination of said Records, they find them correct; and the attention of the committee having been called to the report of a committee of the Synod of Tennessee, relating to the constitutionality of a called meeting of said Synod, convened in accordance with a de- THE SYNOD. 137 claratory resolution of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in 1796, and found on page 321 of the Digest published in 1820, after a careful examination of the whole subject, they recommend the follow- ing action in the case : That, in the judgment of this General Assembly, the meeting of the Synod of Tennessee at Knoxville, in said State, on the 9th day of November, was in accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and the Assembly do so declare. The report was adopted. — Minutes, 1855, p. 16. 4. Moderator may not change the Time of Meeting. Records of the Synod of Illinois, approved : " Except in the case of the action of that body, as recorded on p. 415, sustaining the act of the Moderator of the Synod, in changing the time of its annual meeting." — Minutes, 1854, p. 500. 5. Synod may not re/use to receive the Members of its Presbyteries. " The Records of the Synod of Michigan were, on the recommenda- tion of the committee, approved, with the following exception, That on pages 137, 138, 139, 140, the Synod declined to receive two mem- bers, whose names appear on the minutes of two of the Presbyteries ; and that the Synod also directed said Presbyteries to strike the names of said members of Presbytery from their roll : one of the members belonging to the Presbytery of Monroe, the other to the Presbytery of St. Joseph." — Minutes, 1849, p. 176. 6. Nor enjoin the Erasure of their Names. "Overture No. 28. On the doings of the Synod of Michigan, the matter of enjoining the Presbyteries of St. Joseph and Monroe to erase the names of Rev. Marcus Harrison and Rev. A. L. Payson from their rolls, was taken up. It was Resolved, That the action of the Synod in the premises is unconstitutional." — Minutes, 1849, p. 177. 7. Tlie Synod may not act judicially upon Review, when there is no appeal or reference to it. " The Assembly, having maturely considered the appeal of Mr. Davis, from the proceeding of the Synod of the Carolinas in his case — 138 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. "Resolved, That although they highly approve of the zeal of the Synod to preserve the purity and peace of the Church within their bounds, yet they cannot but decide that, in their proceedings in the above case, in deciding that they had a right to try Mr. Davis, when there was no reference or appeal in his case before them, they have not strictly adhered to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church." — Minutes, 1810, p. 448. 8. The Synods to send up their Records annually. a. " Ordered, That the Minutes of the respective Synods be laid yearly before the General x\ssenably, to be by them revised." — Minutes, 1789, p. 7. To report all Changes within their bounds. b. "Resolved, That the respective Synods make yearly reports' to the General Assembly of all the licensures, ordinations, instalments, trans- lations, resignations, deaths, and whatever changes may take place among the members within their bounds." — Minutes, 1789, p. 7. 9. The Members of an inferior Judicatory may not vote on the approval of their own 31inutes. a. "A protest, signed by a number of members of the Synod of Geneva, against a decision of that Synod, excluding the Presbytery of Geneva from voting on the question, Whether their own records should be attested by the Moderator of the Synod, as approved. Your com- mittee were, however, of opinion that the decision of the Synod was con- sonant to the prevalent usage of the judicatures of the Presbyterian Church, as well as to the usage of other analogous bodies in similar cases; and that it ought therefore to be approved." Adopted. — Minutes, 1816, p. 611. b. The records of the Synod of Kentucky approved, except, " That the members of the West Lexington Presbytery voted in approbation of their own proceedings, which is deemed to be irregular." — Minutes, 1821, p. 23. THE SYNOD. 139 10. When Exceptions are taken to the Records of the inferior Court, the Exceptions should be stated, and reasons assigned. a. " The committee appointed to examine the records of the Synod of Pittsburg, reported, and the book was approved, excepting the resolu- tion on page 74, disapproving of the proceedings of a Presbytery without assigning the reason/' — Minutes, 1820, p. 728. b. " The records of the Synod of Ohio were approved, with the excep- tion of a minute on page 243, disapproving of a decision of a Presbytery, and ordering said Presbytery to reconsider that decision, without any reasons being assigned." — Minutes, 1827, p. 202. c. " The Synod of Pennsylvania, in approving the action of a Presby- tery in a judicial case, assigned an entirely unsatisfactory reason, p. 259."— Minute, 1850, p. 314. d. " The records of the Synod of Indiana were approved, excepting that on. page 342, the records of Green castle Presbytery are reported as approved, with exceptions, while these exceptions are not spread upon the Minutes of the Synod, as required by the Form of Government, chap, vii, sec. 1, art. 3." — Minutes, 1857, p. 387. 11. Session on the Sabbath censured. a. The committee appointed to examine the records of the Synod of North Carolina, reported, when the records were approved, with the exception that on page 48 it is recorded that Synod held a session on Sabbath evening. This was the closing meeting, and though it does not seem to have been one of much business, still, in the opinion of the Assembly, it was not proper. — Minutes, 1834, p. 445. b. The records of the Synod of Peoria were approved, with the excep- tion that " on p. 33, there is a record of a business meeting held on Sabbath evening/' — Minutes, 1846, p. 18. 12. The Record shoidd state the Body to which a Corresponding Member belongs. a. "The proceedings of the Synod of Albany approved, with the ex- ception of having invited several ministers to take their scats as corre- sponding members, without describing the ecclesiastical body to which such ministers belong." — Minutes, 1815, p. 578. 140 V. — COURTS OF THE CIIURCH. b. " The records of the Synod of Peoria were approved, with the exception that on page 28, mention is made of a minister being invited to sit as a corresponding member without designating the ecclesiastical body to which he belonged." — Minutes, 1846, p. 18. c. The records of the Synod of Illinois, p. 440, "do not state the ecclesiastical connection of the Rev. Amasa Lord, who was invited to sit as a corresponding member." — Minutes, 1857, p. 387. 13. The Records should state that the Meetings were opened and closed with Prayer. a. The records of the Synod of Pennsylvania approved, except that " there is no evidence from the records that the last meeting of the Synod was opened with prayer." — Minutes, 1850, p. 314. b. " The records of the Synod of Tennessee were approved, with the following exceptions : "1. On p. 34, it appears from the record that the Synod adjourned at the close of the day without prayer. "2. On p. 36,. it is recorded that the Synod was constituted with prayer, it being the second day of the sessions of the Synod." — Minutes, 1854, p. 500. c. The records of the Synod of Kentucky approved, except that "there is no record of prayer in p. 176." — Minutes, ]854, p. 501. d. Records of Synod of Minnesota approved, except " that on p. 54, in the record of the session of Friday, Sept. 30th, 1859, no mention is made of the opening services." — Minutes, 1860, p. 239. e. "The opening minute of each session of the Synod of Cincinnati is defective, in not recording the meeting of the Synod before its being opened with prayer." — Minutes, 1849, p. 177. 14. The Minutes should be read and approved. a. The records of the Synod of Cincinnati approved, except "the omission at the opening of each session to read the Minutes of the pre- vious session, with no evidence in the records that the Minutes were approved by Synod." — Minutes, 1849, p. 177. b. " The records of the Synod of Wabash were approved, with the following exceptions : " 1. On pages 51 and 52, the Synod met and proceeded to business without reading the Minutes of the previous day's session. THE SYNOD. 141 "2. On page 59, the Synod closed its annual sessions and adjourned without reading or approving the Minutes of the clerk. " — Minutes, 1854, p. 500. c. " The records of the Synod of Pennsylvania were approved, except- ing, * that it does not appear from the book that the records have ever been approved by the Synod.' "—Minutes, 1857, p. 387. 15. The Minutes should be attested by the Stated Clerk. a. " The records of the Synod of Tennessee are not attested by the stated clerk "— Minutes, 1854, p. 500. b. "The records of the Synod of Kentucky not approved by the Synod, and some not attested by the stated clerk." — Minutes, 1854, p. 501. 16. A Narrative of the State of Religion should be prepared and recorded. a. The records of the Synod of Illinois were, on the recommendation of the committee, approved, with the following exception, viz. : " At the sessions of Synod in October, 1846, it does not appear from the records, that a narrative of the State of Religion was prepared. Such an omission is considered contrary to the general usage of Synods, and not for the edification of the Church/' — Minutes, 1849, p. 176. b. "The records of the Synod of Illinois were approved, except, 'that they do not contain the narrative on the State of Religion, which was presented by the committee on that subject at the sessions of the Synod in 1854, p. 434.' "— Minutes, 1857, p. 387. 17. Names of Absentees should be recorded. The Records of the Synod of Peoria were approved, except a that, in the roll of the Synod, record is made that no members of the Presby- tery of Belvidere were present; but no record of the names of absen- tees."—Jfmtifet, 1850, p. 314. 18. Absentees must be called to ansiver. "The committee appointed to examine the Records of the Synod of Virginia reported, and the book was approved to page 83, with the ex- 142 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. ception of a resolution found in page 82, in which the Synod determined to discontinue the practice of calling upon their members for the reasons of their absence from its meetings." — Minutes, 1825, p. 140. Absentees not to be disciplined without trial. " The Records of the Synod of the Carolinas were approved to page 28 of the twenty-third sessions of said Synod, with the exception of the resolution to make a minister liable to suspension without trial for three years' absence from Synod, without sending forward his reason for ab- sence. "—Minutes, 1811, p. 468. 19. Erection of the Synods. 1-4. Synods of New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Virginia, and the Carolinas, 1788. — "Your committee beg leave to report that they conceive it will be most conducive to the interests of religion that this Synod be divided into four Synods ; and therefore sub- mit to the Synod the following plan for dividing the Synod of New York and Philadelphia into four distinct Synods, subordinate to a General Assembly, to be constituted out of the whole. " 1st. That one of the said Synods shall consist of the Presbyteries of Dutchess county, Suffolk, New York, and New Brunswick, to be known by the name of TJie Synod of New York and New Jersey. "2d. That another Synod shall consist of the Presbyteries of Phila- delphia, Lewistown, New Castle, Baltimore, and Carlisle, to be known by the name of The Synod of Philadelphia. " 3d. That another Synod shall consist of the Presbyteries of Bed- stone, Hanover, Lexington, and Transylvania, to be known by the name of The Synod of Virginia. u 4th. That another Synod shall consist of the Presbyteries of Abing- don, Orange, and South Carolina, to be known by the name of The Synod of the Carolinas." — Minutes, 1786, p. 523. "1. Resolved unanimously, That this Synod be divided, and it is hereby divided, into four Synods, agreeably to an act made and provided for that purpose in the Sessions of Synod in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six; and that this division shall commence on the dissolution of the present Synod. — Minutes, 1788, p. 547. THE SYNOD. 143 5, 6. The Synods of Pittsburg and Kentucky in 1802. — « The committee appointed on the petition of the Synod of Virginia, praying to be divided into three Synods, reported. The report being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows : "It is the opinion of the committee that the said division ought to be made. They, therefore, submit the following resolutions, viz. : " 1. That the Presbyteries of Hanover, Lexington, and Winchester, constitute a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Virginia; that they hold their first meeting at the Presbyterian church at Lex- ington, in Virginia, on the last Wednesday of September next, and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Dr. James Waddel, or, in case of his absence, by the next senior minister who may be present, and that they afterwards meet on their own adjournments. "2. That the Presbyteries of Redstone, Ohio, and Erie be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Pittsburg ; that they hold their first meeting in the Presbyterian church at Pittsburg, on the last Wednesday of September next, and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. James Power; and, in case of his absence, by the next se- nior minister who may be present, and that they afterwards meet on their own adjournments. "3. That the Presbyteries of Transylvania, West Lexington, and Washington, be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Kentucky ; that their first meeting be held in the Presbyterian church, in the town of Lexington, in Kentucky, on the second Thurs- day in October next, and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. James Welch, and, in case of his absence, by the next senior minister who may be present, and that they afterwards meet on their own adjournments. "4. That the southern boundary of the Synod of Pittsburg be, from the mouth of the Scioto, up the Ohio River to the mouth of the Great Kanawha, thence a line due east unto the top of the Alleghany moun- tains ; and that the western boundary of the said Synod begin at the mouth of the Scioto, and thence up the said river to its source, &c. ; and that the line between the States of Virginia and Kentucky be the boun- dary between those Synods." — Minutes, 1802, p. 250. 7. The Synod of Albany in 1803. — "A communication was re- ceived from the Presbyteries of Albany, Oneida, and Columbia, request- ing, among other things, that the said Presbyteries may be constituted a Synod, by the name of the Synod of Albany. Satisfactory evidence 144 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. was laid before the Assembly that the Synod of New York and New Jersey, to which said Presbyteries belong, has been consulted, and given their consent to the measures proposed ; therefore, " Resolved, That the Presbyteries of Albany, Oneida, and Columbia be, and they hereby are, constituted and formed into a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Albany ; that they hold their first meeting in the Presbyterian church of Albany the first Wednesday of October next, at two o'clock, p. m., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Jedcdiah Chapman, or, in case of his absence, by the next senior minister present, and that they afterwards meet on their own adjourn- ments/'— Minutes, 1803, p. 278. 8. The Synod of Geneva in 1812. — aThe following application from the Synod of Albany was overtured by the Committee of Overtures, that said Synod be divided in the manner following, viz. : " That the Presbyteries of Londonderry, Columbia, Albany, and Onei- da, form the eastern division, and be constituted a Synod, to be called and known by the name of TJie Synod of Albany. 11 That the Presbyteries of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Geneva, form the western division, and be constituted a Synod, to be called and known by the name of The Synod of Geneva. Adopted." — Minutes, 1812, p. 502. 9, 10. The Synods of North Carolina and South Carolina and Georgia, in 1813. — u Resolved, That the said Synod (of the Carolinas) be divided as follows, viz. : " That the Presbyteries of Orange, Concord, and Fayetteville be con- stituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of North Carolina. " That the Presbyteries of South Carolina, Hopewell, and Harmony be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of South Carolina and Georgia." — Minutes, 1813, pp. 526, 527. 11. The Synod of Ohio, in 1814. — "The committee to which were referred the petition of the Presbytery of Lancaster, for the division of the Synod of Kentucky, and a resolution of the Synod on the same subject, reported in favor of the petition; and it was " Resolved by the Assembly, That the Presbytery of Lancaster be separated from the Synod of Pittsburg, and the Presbyteries of Wash- ington and Miami be separated from the Synod of Kentucky, and be THE SYNOD. 145 erected into a new Synod, and called by the name of The Synod of Ohio, to meet at Chillicothe, on the last Thursday of October next; that the Rev. Robert G. Wilson, or, in case of his absence, the senior minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a new moderator be chosen." — Minutes, 1814, p. 547. 12. The Synod of Tennessee, in 1817. — " The committee to whom was referred the petition of the Synod of Kentucky, praying a division of said Synod, reported, and their report being read, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " That, agreeably to the request of the Synod of Kentucky, the Pres- byteries of Union, Shiloh, West Tennessee, and Mississippi, be consti- tuted a Synod, to be known and called by the name of the Synod of Tennessee; that they hold their first session at Nashville, on the first Wednesday of October next ; and that the Rev. James W. Stephenson, or, in case of his absence, the senior minister who may be present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside until a new moderator be chosen." —Minutes, 1817, p. 643. 13. The Synod of Genesee, in 1821. — "The Synod of Geneva requested that said Synod be divided in the following manner, and their request was granted, viz. : " That the Presbyteries of Niagara, Genesee, Rochester, and On- tario be erected into a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Genesee; and that they hold their first meeting at Rochester, on the third Tuesday of September next, at 2 o'clock, p.m., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, D.D., or, in case of his absence, by the senior minister present; and afterwards meet on their own ad- journments."— Minutes, 1821, p. 16. 14. 15. The Synod of New York and New Jersey divided, in 1823. — " Resolved, That, agreeably to the petition of said Synod [of New York and New Jersey], the Presbyteries of New York, Long Island, Hudson, North River, and Second Presbytery of New York, be constituted, and they are hereby constituted a Synod, to be called The Synod of New York ; that they hold their first meeting on the third Tuesday of October next, at 10 o'clock, a.m., in the First Presbyterian Church in the city of New York, and afterwards upon their own ad- journments; that Dr. Rowan, or, in case of his absence, the senior 10 146 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. minister present, open the meeting with a sermon, and preside till a new moderator is chosen. "That the Presbyteries of Jersey, New Brunswick, Newton, and Sus- quehanna be constituted, and they hereby are constituted a Synod, to be called The Synod' of New Jersey ; that they hold their first meeting on the third Tuesday of October next, at 10 o'clock, a.m., in the First Presbyterian Church in Newark, and afterwards on their own adjourn- ments; that Dr. Woodhull, or, in case of his absence, the senior min- ister present, open the meeting with a sermon, and preside till a new moderator is chosen." — Minutes, 1823, p. 71. 16. Synod of Western Reserve, in 1825. — "Resolved, That the Presbyteries of Grand River, Portage, and Huron be, and they hereby are, detached from the Synod of Pittsburg, and constituted a new Synod, to be designated by the name of The Synod of the Western Reserve; that they hold their first meeting at Hudson, on the fourth Tuesday of Sep- tember next, at 11 o'clock, a.m., and that the Rev. Joseph Badger preach the Synodical sermon, and act as moderator till another shall be chosen, or, in case of his failure, then the oldest minister present shall officiate in his place." — Minutes, 1825, p. 145. 17, 18. Synods of West Tennessee and Indiana, in 1826. — " The committee to whom was referred the petition from the Synod .of Tennessee, requesting a division of said Synod, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : "Resolved, That the prayer of the Synod be granted, so far as to constitute the Presbyteries of West Tennessee, Shiloh, Mississippi, and North Alabama, into a Synod, to be denominated The Synod of West Tennessee ; to meet in Huntsville, on the second Wednesday of October next, at 11 o'clock, a.m. ; and that the Rev. Robert Hardin, or, in case of his absence, the senior minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a moderator be chosen and the Synod regularly organized. " The committee to whom was referred the petition from the Presby- tery of Salem, requesting that the Presbyteries of Salem, Madison, Wabash, and Missouri be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Indiana, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : "Resolved, That the prayer of the petition be granted, and that the THE SYNOD. 147 said Synod meet in Yincennes, on the third Wednesday of October next; and that the Rev. William Martin, or, in case of his absence, the senior minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a moderator be chosen and the Synod regularly organized." — Minutes, 1826, p. 179. 19. The Synod of Utica, in 1829. — " Overture No. 3, viz., an ap- plication from the Synod of Albany, for the erection of a new Synod, was taken up ; when it was 11 Resolved, That the request be granted; and, agreeably to the re- quest of the Synod, the Presbyteries of Ogdensburg, Watertown, Oswego, Oneida, and Otsego are hereby constituted a new Synod, to be called The Synod of Utica.' '—Minutes, 1829, p. 260. 20. Synod of Mississippi and South Alabama, in 1829. — "The committee on Overture No. 2, from the Judicial Committee, viz., the complaint and request of the Presbytery of Missisippi, reported, that in consequence of the insufficiency of testimony, they express no opinion respecting the correctness of the complaint; but they recommend that the request be granted, — which is, that the Presbyteries of Mississippi, South Alabama, and Bigby be formed into a new Synod. The report of the committee was adopted ; and the Presbyteries of Mississippi, South Alabama, and Bigby are hereby formed into a new Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Mississippi and South Alabama." — Minutes, 1829, p. 263. 21. Synod of Cincinnati, in 1829. — "Resolved, That a new Synod be constituted, by the name of The Synod of Cincinnati, to consist of the Presbyteries of Chillicothe, Cincinnati, and Miami; and that the line which divides the Presbyteries of Athens, Lancaster, and Columbus, on the east, from the Presbyteries of Chillicothe and Miami, on the west, shall be the dividing line between the Synods of Ohio and Cin- cinnati ; excepting that the portion of the Presbytery of Columbus which lies in the counties of Clarke, Champaign, and Logan, and west of a line running due north from the northeast corner of the county of Logan, to the boundary of the Synod of the Western Reserve, shall be attached to the Presbytery of Miami ; and the Synod of Cincinnati shall hold their first meeting in Lebanon, on the fourth Thursday of October next, at 11 o'clock, a.m., and shall be opened with a sermon by the 148 V. — COURTS OF THE CHURCH. Rev. James Kemper, or, in case of his absence, by the senior minister present, who shall preside until a moderator shall be chosen." — Minutes, 1829, p. 271. 22. Synod of Illinois, in 1831. — "The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 10, viz., an application for the division of the Synod of Indiana, reported in favor of the application; when it was resolved, agreeably to the request of the Synod, that the Presbyteries of Illinois, Kaskaskia, Sangamon, and Missouri, be, and they hereby are, erected into a new Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Illinois." —Minutes, 1831, p. 324. 23. Sfnod of Missouri, in 1832.—" The Presbytery of Missouri re- quested the Synod of Illinois to take measures for the erection of a new Synod ; whereupon the Synod divided the ministers and churches in the State of Missouri into three Presbyteries, viz., the Presbytery of St. Louis, the Presbytery of St. Charles, and the Presbytery of Missouri. The Synod of Illinois pray the General Assembly to erect a new Synod, to be composed of the above-named Presbyteries, and to be called The Synod of Missouri. Granted." — Minutes, 1832, p. 366. 24. Synod of Chesapeake, in 1833. — [The Synod of Chesapeake, consisting of the Presbyteries of the District of Columbia, Baltimore, and East Hanover, was erected in 1833, see Minutes, p. 395, and dis- solved in 1834. See Minutes, 1834, p. 451.] 25. Synod of Michigan, in 1834. — "The Assembly took up Over- ture No. 11, viz. : A petition from the Synod of the Western Reserve to erect the 'Presbyteries of Detroit, Monroe, and St. Joseph, in said Synod, into a new Synod, to be called The Synod of Michigan. " Rt solved, That the petition be granted ; and the said Presbyteries of Detroit, Monroe, and St. Joseph, are hereby erected into a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Mich ijlready decided, contrary to the Confession of Faith of our Church, and the word of God; which doctrines the Assembly feel constrained to pronounce to be of very dangerous tendency; and the Assembly do judge, and do hereby declare, that the preaching or pub- lishing of them, ought to subject the person or persons so doing to be 304 VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. dealt with by their respective Presbyteries, according to the discipline of the Church, relati pp. 448,452,453." of the Church, relative to the propagation of errors."— Min utes, 1810, 6. Case of Rev. Thomas B. Craighead. [On an appeal from the Synod of Kentucky. After speaking of certain irregularities in the conduct both of the Synod and of the appel- lant, the committee say:] " But from matters of form, the General Assembly will now pass to the merits of the case ; and, for the sake of brevity, the first and second charges only shall be brought into view. C" Charge 1. We charge him with denying and vilifying the real agency of the Spirit in regeneration, and in the production of faith and sanctification in general. " And first, they would observe, that there can be no doubt, that the denial of the real agency of the Spirit is a dangerous and fundamental error; and if Mr. Craighead taught such an error, he ought to have been suspended. "The question then is: Do the passages of Mr. Craighead's sermon, referred to in the charge, prove that he did deny the reality of the ope- rations of the Spirit? / " Here, it will be important to remark, that a man cannot fairly be convicted of heresy, for using expressions which may be so interpreted as to involve heretical doctrines, if they may also admit of a more favorable construction : because, no one can tell in what sense an ambiguous expression is used, but the speaker or writer, and he has a right to explain himself; and in such cases, candor requires that a court should favor the accused, by putting on his words the more favorable, rather than the less favorable construction. "Another principle is, that no man can rightly be convicted of heresy by inference or implication ; that is, we must not charge an accused person with holding those consequences which may legitimately flow from his assertions. Many men are grossly inconsistent with themselves; and while it La right, in argument, to overthrow false opinions, by tracing them in their connections and consequences, it is not right to charge any man with an opinion which he disavows. u With these principles in view, the General Assembly proceed to observe, that there is abundant evidence, that Mr. Craighead did deny VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. 305 the immediate agency of the Spirit, but no clear evidence that he denied the real agency of the Spirit. These are very different things, and the proof of the one, does by no means establish the other. Immediate agency or operation, is opposed to mediate. This is a well-known dis- tinction in theology; and a point which has been greatly controverted. The Reformed Church, of which ours is a part, in all their purest times, maintained the doctrine of the immediate operation of the Spirit, not without the word, but distinct from it, and in the order of nature pre- ceding it. Other Protestant churches, never charged with fundamental error, have as uniformly maintained the doctrine of a mediate agency; and those commonly believe, that this operation is not occasional, but uniform, and diversified in its effects, by the difference of resistance with which it meets. Neither the Presbytery nor the Synod appear to_ have attended sufficiently to this distinction. ' They appear to have thought, that a denial of immediate agency was a denial of all real agency. It deserves special regard here, that our Confession takes no notice of these nice distinctions, about the mode in which the Holy Spirit operates. It usually mentions the word and the Spirit together, and the former as the instrument of the latter. And they who believe in the immediate agency of the Spirit do not exclude the instrumentality of the word; they however explain it in a different way from those who hold, that there is no agency of the Spirit, distinct from the word'/ But| this is the more favorable construction ; there is another, which if not more probable, is more obvious. Mr. Craighead may be understood as teaching, that the only real agency of the Spirit was in inspiring the Scriptures, and confirming them by signs and miracles. There is much in his discourse that has this bearing; and undoubtedly this is th^ common impression among the people where it is best known. /nFhis was the idea of the Synod of Kentucky, when they condemned him; and this is, in fact, denying the reality of the operation of the Spirit, in our days : and whether his expressions have been fairly interpreted or not, they are dangerous, and ought to be condemned. In justice to _Mr. Craighead, however, it ought to be remembered, that lie utterly disclaims this meaning, in his defence sent up to this Assembly. And would it be fair to continue to charge upon him opinions which he soTernnTy"clisavows '? Of the sincerity of his disavowal, God is the ludge. The conclusion is, that the first charge, though supported by strong probabilities, is not so conclusively established as to remove all - -1 20 Vm. — DELITI - 3CTRI5E. doubt, because the words adduced in proof, will bear a difFeren: rrom that put on them by the P: IS] •• The evidence in support of the second charge is still less clear and conclusive. The charge is — •■ • We charge him with denying, vilifying, and misrepresenting the - n/ y argument, that Mr. Craighead r.sistent with these doctrines : but agrees" the principle laid down above, he must not be charged with h ; I these consequences, unless he has avcwed them. These passages •:: bis it is true, contain I and offensive things, but th not establish the d 2 . ' ...: . _ 1 In one sing' stance, he seems to deny that eve. 1 ould be referred to the - .■ - - in their connection, may have an 1 1 . . . . . . M _head solemnly decla: :• trine of decrees and el expr " I '>eneral A t clearij and fully 1 by the be their d : the impression^ received from hearing extracts fron: very id they d - g and printing this sermon, did subjeo" :e. 0 M Assembly sermon . in the most favorer."., from th the Keformed Churches, and of onr Church, and are a the error '- ^portance. They I also, .isconrse . n the doctrines which have been the common and uniform : the great majority of the preachers and writers of the Reformed Churches. He mentions the names of a few g the doctrine which he opposes; but b _ have put into the fist writer of our own a : -lurches, since the I The sermon also contains much declamation founds f : and represe: re true and im- portant, so associated with error and absu: :hem in a ridiculous and _ht. •■I deeply impressed with the dences of an i. ~. and an evil tendency in this sermon, and vin. — deuvera ycE= :.- Y :YY:l :L:.: Y rY: YLr: I -:Yi: -: *. : r^m :: :r :; ri:'.:i* Li: sentiments, as to afford reasonable satisfaction to his brethreiY — Jim* __-I24. YTL:- ::■-: ~:-. ::•-.'_-:: i:.-Y :: Y-: r ':-":. 7:^7 ;:' Vr..-: I .-;11; ~ :-:.-;.: Y v:= :: YrcY : n =,-YY;::: :~ 71^:: ::::; ::Y :-:.:■: :v. ;i>. :: r ••:.:•• Lin :: :hz lYYs:^. :":■■: 11 ~!Y .1 Lr L.I Y:::. --l-:-:l:Y Y Y: .:Y_Lc:Y -...- ::s:::-Y " Albert Barmes. "0:. :.' :-:-:.- :>:- Y: :.::!:l :: :!■: S7: 1 ::' 7 LiY i Y: 1:1. ri _- ::Y- ::._■ Liz. :"::- Yr Y>:Y rYYs-.rr. :L: -::■-■- ~- - vi«.Y:.rY Y::>. Y!4 : YYt^. 0-' : ::...:::. 7 :-::>i:i ::"::: S7: : -I -■ ■ : - ■ '. Y-:. ;. 1- ~ ^-7-- "" The following resolution was then offered bj Dr. Miller, viz. :] •• ..-. -:'.-.'. T11: ~LiY :Li« 'iYL-rY A^^:'.t L:.« Y :-:_-;.: z: :~ -r : : rriiive Yi ;::.::::: :: ri^ tL«::ii "lY: -n-LYY :Lt ZUv YY. YLri-s vrii t.Y:-:Y Lt ;Lr St:. Y :: I Li!: YYLY : 7-.-: :Y; Y .-_::: :: :L:- _. - semblj is, that Mr. Barnes, in his notes on the Epistle to the ^mmm, L:s :Y.!iYri ::!:!. :.= l-L'.-YYY :: t:iY:. ;-r ~!:L :l~ '! :i:;-: : :: FiYL ::' Y.- L: — ':^: -:'::.:. '!:::.!.. ::: tY:L Yr ~:Y ::' GY. — .-':- YYY tYY : _\:1 :: ;:Yi:.Y sY. :L~ :vi.::' :: ill:. :: Ai.: :ii ;^::f :-i:::l ;. 7 :L.i:L ii Y:- :::i':j ;:::::_:v :il :':_Y:- :-5i— « ;: ;Lr Bedeemer. The Assembly consider the manner in which Mr. Barnes lis ::i:::T:r::l Y: i i 1 _•:::_• : :.:Y : ■:•::::.•: ::' ;:.: 7 u: ii :• ;:_.iY.:Y. :.; LYLY r-rT'TLrisiYr. ::Y l= :Y:..:-Y : : 7<:rv::-: :L: lYlY :: Y; riiicc _r: :::i.i ::;-_: :L: «Y:.Y.i:i.T :.ii lurY- :: :L- Y— :! :."._:. A:Y although some of the most objectionable statements and expressions ~Y:L :"v::;i i:. Y: fiY.Y: fli:i;i5 ;: ::.r ~::L ::. /::-:!.: L.--. Yir:. either removed, or so for modified or explained as to render them more '.- :::•:: Y,L:-r Tri;L ;u: T~Y.i: :_r-Y.:ir?. s:iii ::.: As~:lY.t :.i-iY:- :.-.•: -.:::. -it.:. [z [-^ z:-::.: :i-;:i;i :".:'„. is :■: ::.:.i:.i: _- r:j :■■_-- ;:.::.- '''•'--= ~Li;L ;:.:::.: L-: r f : : 1. Y I •: 1 -riY ;Y i;:::: :: ;:i:i: :: 2: jYY.i: -■- '— r->. -1- ~:Y1 s:ifi:.LiT _!:_;; i«L i'i: :.::-.- . : . .:. :. :-.^i-." "»> t-.Y. :■: ~:Y:7 sviii :.;:Y:r :Lt r.i:-:---: .:.: ~LiY L..t: -ricv-. i Li^ :.:.:i:;-. ::... :: r: l: - :::-:Y. :l :!:_•: :. :•;"_•: : -:.Yt :L: " ::'.■- and peace of the Church. - - After considerable discussion, the previous question was mowed and ::.r:i: ':.::: ::: ::.•: :. . Y 7:-:!;:.. I 308 VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. lution, offered by Dr. Miller, and was decided in the negative, as fol- lows, viz. : Yeas, 109; Nays, 122 ."—Minutes, 1836, p. 270. [To this action two protests were offered and entered on the Minutes. The following reply of the Assembly to the protests gives the only view, found on the Minutes, of the merits of the case :] " In reply to the two protests of the minority, against the decision of the Assembly in refusing to censure the first edition of Barnes's Notes on the Romans, the Assembly remark : " 1. That by their decision they do not intend to, and do not, in fact, make themselves responsible for all the phraseology of Mr. Barnes; some of which is not sufficiently guarded, and is liable to be misunder- stood; and which we doubt not Mr. Barnes, with reference to his use- fulness and the peace of the Church, will modify so as to prevent, as far as may be, the possibility of misconception. " 2. Much less do the Assembly adopt as doctrines, consistent with our standards, and to be tolerated in our Church, the errors alleged by the prosecutor, as contained in the book on the Romans. It was a question of fact, whether the errors alleged are contained in the book ; and by the laws of exposition, in conscientious exercise of their own rights and duties, the Assembly have come to the conclusion that the book does not teach the errors charged. This judgment of the Assembly is based on this maxim of equity and charity, adopted by the Assembly of 1824, in the case of Craighead, which is as follows, namely : ' A man cannot be fairly convicted of heresy for using expressions which may be so interpreted as to involve heretical doctrines, if they also admit of a more favorable construction. It is not right to charge any man with an opinion which he disavows/ The import of this is, that when language claimed to be heretical admits, without violence, of an orthodox cxposi- fcjnnr and the accused disclaims the alleged error, and claims as his mean- ing the orthodox interpretation, he is entitled to it, and it is to be re- garded as the true intent and import of his words. But in the case of the first edition of the Notes on the Romans, the language is, without violence, reconcilable with an interpretation conformable to our standards; and, therefore, all the changes of phraseology which he has subsequently made, and all his disclaimers before the Assembly, and all his definite and unequivocal declarations of the true intent and meaning of his words in the first edition, arc to be taken as ascertaining his true mean- ing, and forbid the Assembly to condemn the book as teaching great and dangerous errors. YIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. 309 " 3. When the Assembly sustained the appeal of Mr. Barnes, by a majority of thirty-eight; and by a majority of sixty-seven removed the sentence of his suspension, and restored him in good standing to the ministry, it is not competent for the same judicature, by the condemna- tion of the book, to inflict on Mr. Barnes indirectly, but really, a sen- tence of condemnation, as direct in its effects, and as prostrating to his character and usefulness, as if it had been done directly, by refusing to sustain his appeal, and by confirming the sentence of the Synod of Phi- ladelphia; and what this Assembly has declared that it cannot in equity do directly, it cannot, in equiry or consistency, attempt to do indirectly. "4. The proposed condemnation of Mr. Barnes's book, as containing errors materially at variance with the doctrines of our standards, after sustaining his appeal, and restoring him to good standing in the minis- try, would be a direct avowal that great and dangerous errors may be published and maintained with impunity in the Church. For if the book does in fact inculcate such errors, it were wrong to attempt to de- stroy the book and spare the man. If the charges are real, they are not accidental. Therefore, should the Assembly decide the alleged errors of the book to be real, it would, by its past decision, declare that a man suspended for great and pernicious errors, may be released from censure, and restored to an unembarrassed standing in the ministry; a decision to which this Assembly can never give its sanction. " 5. The attempt to condemn Mr. Barnes, by a condemnation of his book, after he had been acquitted on a hearing on charges wholly- founded on the book, is a violation of the fundamental maxim of law, that no man shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offence; and if it were otherwise, and the man might be tried in his person, and tried on his book, the same process of specification and defence is due to per- sonal and public justice. " 6. So far is the Assembly from countenancing the errors alleged in the charges of Dr. Junkin, that they do cordially and ex animo adopt the Confession of our Church, on the points of doctrine in question, according to the obvious and most prevalent interpretation, and do regard it, as a whole, as the best epitome of the doctrines of the Bible ever formed. And this Assembly disavows any desire, and would deprecate any attempt, to change the phraseology of our standards, and would disapprove of any language of light estimation applied to them ; believing that no denomination can prosper whose members permit themselves to 310 VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. speak slightly of its formularies of doctrine; and are ready to unite with their brethren in contending earnestly for the faith of our standards. u 7. The correctness of the preceding positions is confirmed, in the opinion of the Assembly, by a careful analysis of the real meaning of Mr. Barnes under each charge, as ascertained by the language of his book, and the revisions, disclaimers, explanations, and declarations which he has made. " In respect to the first charge, that Mr. Barnes teaches that all sin is voluntary, the context and his own declarations show that he refers to all actual sin merely, in which he affirms the sinner acts under no com- pulsion. " The second charge implies neither heresy nor errors, but relates to the expression of an opinion on a matter, concerning which no definite instruction is contained, either in the Bible or in the Confession of Faith. " In respect to the third charge, Mr. Barnes has not taught that un- regenerate men are able, in the sense alleged, to keep the command- ments, and convert themselves to God. It is an inference of the pro- secutor from the doctrine of natural ability, as taught by Edwards, and of the natural liberty of the will, as taught in the Confession of Faith, chap, ix, sec. 1. On the contrary, he does teach in accordance with our standards, that man, by the fall, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation. " In respect to the fourth charge, that faith is an act of the mind, Mr. Barnes does teach it in accordance with the Confession of Faith and the Bible ; but he does not deny that faith is a fruit of the special influence of the Spirit, and a permanent holy habit of mind, in opposi- tion to a created physical essence. That faith ' is counted for righteous- ness,' is the language of the Bible, and, as used by Mr. Barnes, means, not that faith is the meritorious ground of justification, but only the instrument by which the benefit of Christ's righteousness is appro- priated. " In respect to the fifth charge, Mr. Barnes nowhere denies, much less ' sneers' at the idea that Adam was the covenant and federal head of his posterity. On the contrary, though he emplo}~s not these terms, he docs, in other language, teach the same truths which are taught by this phraseology. "In respect to the sixth and seventh charges, that the sin of Adam is not imputed to his posterity, and that mankind are not guilty or liable VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. 311 to punishment on account of the first sin of Adam, it is to be observed, that it is not taught in the Confession of Faith that the sin of Adam is imputed to his posterity. The imputation of the guilt of Adam's sin, Mr. Barnes affirms, though not as including personal identity and the transfer of moral qualities, both of which are disclaimed by our standard writers, and by the General Assembly. " In respect to the eighth charge, that Christ did not suffer the penalty of the law, as the vicarious substitute of his people, Mr. Barnes only denies the literal infliction of the whole curse, as including remorse of conscience and eternal death • but admits and teaches, that the suffer- ings of Christ, owing to the union of the divine and human natures in the person of the Mediator, were a full equivalent. " In respect to the ninth charge, that the righteousness of Christ is not imputed to his people, Mr. Barnes teaches the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, but not as importing a transfer of Christ's per- sonal righteousness to believers, which is not the doctrine of our Church. And when he says, that there is no sense in which the righteousness of Christ becomes ours, the context and his own declarations show that he simply means to deny a literal transfer of his obedience; which, on the contrary, he teaches is so imputed or set to our account as to become the only meritorious cause or ground of our justification. "In respect to the tenth charge, Mr. Barnes has not taught that justi- fication consists in pardon only; but has taught clearly that it includes the reception of believers into favor, and their treatment as if they had not sinned."— Mnutes, 1836, pp. 287-289. 8. Testimony against certain Disorders and Irregularities. "Whereas, It is represented to the Assembly, that the following dis- orders and irregularities are practised in some portions of the Presby- terian Church, the Assembly, without determining the extent of them, would solemnly warn all in our connection against them. They are as follows, viz. : "1. The formation of Presbyteries without defined and reasonable limits, or Presbyteries covering the same territory, and especially such a formation founded on doctrinal repulsions or affinities, thus introducing schism into the very vitals of the body. "2. The licensing of persons to preach the Gospel, and the ordaining to the office of the ministry such as not only accept of our standards 312 VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. merely for substance of doctrine, and others who are unfit and ought to be excluded for want of qualification, but of many even who openly deny fundamental principles of truth, and preach and publish radical errors, as already set forth. "3. The formation of a great multitude and variety of creeds, which are often incomplete, false, and contradictory of each other, and of our Confession of Faith and the Bible ; but which, even if true, are needless, seeing that the public and authorized standards of the Church are fully sufficient for the purposes for which such formularies were introduced, namely, as public testimonies of our faith and practice, as aids to the teaching of the people truth and righteousness, and as instruments for ascertaining and preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, it being understood that we do not object to the use of a brief abstract of the doctrines of our Confession of Faith in the public reception of private members of the Church. "4. The needless ordination of a multitude of men to the office of Evangelist, and the consequent tendency to a general neglect of the pastoral office; frequent and hurtful changes of pastoral relations; to the multiplication of spurious excitements, and the consequent spread of heresy and fanaticism, — thus weakening and bringing into contempt the ordinary and stated agents and means for the conversion of sinners, and the edification of the body of Christ. " 5. The disuse of the office of Ruling Elder in portions of the Church, and the consequent growth of practices and principles entirely foreign to our system ; thus depriving the pastors of needful assistants in disci- pline, the people of proper guides in Christ, and the churches of suitable representatives in the ecclesiastical tribunals. " 6. The unlimited and irresponsible power assumed by several asso- ciations of men under various names, to exercise authority and influence, direct and indirect, over Presbyteries, as to their field of labor, place of residence, and mode of action in the difficult circumstances of our Church ; thus actually throwing the control of affairs, in large portions of the Church, and sometimes in the General Assembly itself, out of the hands of the Presbyteries into those of single individuals or small committees, located at a distance." — Minutes, 1837, p. 471. 9. Testimony againtt Doctrinal Errors. " As one of the principal objects of the memorialists is to point out certain errors, more or less prevalent in our Church, and to bear tcsti- VIII. — DELIVERANCES OX DOCTRINE. 313 mony against them, your committee are of opinion, that as one great object of the institution of the Church was to be a depository and guar- dian of the truth; and as, by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, it is made the duty of the General Assem- bly to testify against error, therefore — " Resolved, That the testimony of the memorialists concerning doctrine be adopted as the testimony of this General Assembly (with a few verbal alterations), which is as follows : "1. That God would have prevented the existence of sin in our world, but was not able without destroying the moral agency of man ; or that, for aught that appears in the Bible to the contrary, sin is inci- dental to any wise moral system. " 2. That election to eternal life is founded on a foresight of faith and obedience. "3. That we have no more to do with the first sin of Adam than with the sins of any other parent. "4. That infants come into the world as free from moral defilement as was Adam, when he was created. "5. That infants sustain the same relation to the moral government of God in this world as brute animals, and that their sufferings and death are to be accounted for, on the same principles as those of brutes, and not by any means to be considered as penal. " 6. That there is no other original sin than the fact that all the pos- terity of Adam, though by nature innocent, or possessed of no moral character, will always begin to sin when they begin to exercise moral agency ; that original sin does not include a sinful bias of the human mind, and a just exposure to penal suffering; and that there is no evi- dence in Scripture, that infants, in order to salvation, do need redemp- tion by the blood of Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Ghost. "7. That the doctrine of imputation, whether of the guilt of Adam's sin, or of the righteousness of Christ, has no foundation in the word of God, and is both unjust and absurd. "8. That the sufferings and death of Christ were not truly vicarious and penal, but symbolical, governmental, and instructive only. "9. That the impenitent sinner is, by nature, and independently of the renewing influence or almighty energy of the Holy Spirit, in full possession of all the ability necessary to a full compliance with all the commands of God. 314 VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. I "10. That Christ docs not intercede for the elect until after their regeneration. "11. That saving faith is not an effect of the special operation of the Hol}T Spirit, but a mere rational belief of the truth, or assent to the word of God. " 12. That regeneration is the act of the sinner himself, and that it consists in a change of his governing purpose, which he himself must produce, and which is the result, not of any direct influence of the Holy Spirit on the heart, but chiefly of a persuasive exhibition of the truth, analogous to the influence which one man exerts over the mind of ano- ther ; or that regeneration is not an instantaneous act, but a progressive work. "13. That God has done all that he can do for the salvation of all men, and that man himself must do the rest. "14. That God cannot exert such influence on the minds of men, as shall make it certain that they will choose and act in a particular manner without impairing their moral agency. " 15. That the righteousness of Christ is not the sole ground of the sinner's acceptance with God ; and that in no sense does the righteous- ness of Christ become ours. " 1G. That the reason why some differ from others in regard to their reception of the Gospel is, that they make themselves to differ. " Against all these errors, whenever and wherever, and by whomsoever taught, the Assembly would solemnly testify; and would warn all in connection with the Presbyterian Church against them. They would also enjoin it upon all the inferior judicatories to adopt all suitable measures to keep their members pure from opinions so dangerous. Especially does the Assembly earnestly enjoin on all the Presbyteries to guard with great care the door of entrance to the sacred office. Nor can the Assembly regard as consistent with ministerial ordination vows, an unwillingness to discipline according to the rules of the word of God and of our standards, any person already a teacher, who may give cur- rency to the foregoing errors. Yeas, 109; Nays, 6; non liquet, 11." — Minutes, 1837, pp. 4G8, 470. 10. An explication of Doctrines. [The following final article of a protest on the general action of the Assembly in reference to the " Memorial, " was ordered to be placed upon the minutes, viz. :] VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. 315 " We protest finally, because, in view of all the circumstances of the case, we feel that while we were prevented from uniting in the final vote with the majority in their testimony against error, for the reasons above stated, we owe it to ourselves, to our brethren, to the Church, and to the world, to declare and protest, that it is not because we do, directly or indirectly, hold or countenance the errors stated. We are willing to bear our testimony in full against them, and now do so, when, without misapprehension and liability to have our vote misconstrued, we avow our real sentiments, and contrast them with the errors condemned, styling them, as we believe, the true doctrine, in opposition to the erroneous doctrine condemned, as follows, viz. : "First Error. 'That God would have prevented the existence of sin in our world, but was not able, without destroying the moral agency of man j or, that for aught that appears in the Bible to the contrary, sin is incidental to any wise moral system/ " True Doctrine. God permitted the introduction of sin, not because he was unable to prevent it, consistently with the moral freedom of his creatures, but for wise and benevolent reasons which he has not revealed. "Second Error. 'That election to eternal life is founded on a fore- sight of faith and obedience/ " True Doctrine. Election to eternal life is not founded on a foresight of faith and obedience, but is a sovereign act of God's mercy, whereby, according to the council of his own will, he hath chosen some to salva- tion; 'yet so as thereby neither is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established •/ nor does this gracious purpose ever take effect independently of faith and a holy life. " Third Error. 'That we have no more to do with the first sin of Adam than with the sins of any other parent/ " True Doctrine. By a divine constitution, Adam was so the head and representative of the race, that, as a consequence of his trans- gression, all mankind became morally corrupt, and liable to death, temporal and eternal. "Fourth Error. ' That infants come into the world as free from moral defilement as was Adam when he was created/ " True Doctrine. Adam was created in the image of God, endowed with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Infants come into the world, not only destitute of these, but with a nature inclined to evil, and only evil. 31G VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. "Fifth Error. 'That infants sustain the same relation to the moral government of God, in this world, as brute animals, and that their sufferings and death are to be accounted for on the same principles as those of brutes, and not by any means to be considered as penal.' " True Doctrine. Brute animals sustain no such relation to the moral government of God as does the human family. Infants are a part of the human family; and their sufferings and death are to be accounted for, on the ground of their being involved in the general moral ruin of the race induced by the apostacy. " Sixth Error. t That there is no other original sin than the fact, that all the posterity of Adam, though by nature innocent, will always begin to sin when they begin to exercise moral agency; that original sin does not include a sinful bias of the human mind, and a just exposure to penal suffering; and that there is no evidence in Scripture, that infants, in order to salvation, do need redemption by the blood of Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Ghost.' " True Doctrine. Original sin is a natural bias to evil, resulting from the first apostasy, leading invariably and certainly to actual transgression. And all infants, as well as adults, in order to be saved, need redemption by the blood of Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Ghost. "Seventh Error. 'That the doctrine of imputation, whether of the guilt of Adam's sin, or of the righteousness of Christ, has no foundation in the word of God, and is both unjust and absurd.' " True Doctrine. The sin of Adam is not imputed to his posterity in the sense of a literal transfer of personal qualities, acts, and demerit; but by reason of the sin of Adam, in his peculiar relation, the race are treated as if they had sinned. Nor is the righteousness of Christ im- puted to his people in the sense of a literal transfer of personal qualities, acts, and merit; but by reason of his righteousness, in his peculiar rela- tion, they are treated as if they were righteous. " Eighth Error. 'That the sufferings and death of Christ were not truly vicarious and penal, but symbolical, governmental, and instructive only.' " True Dud, -inc. The sufferings and death of Christ were not sym- bolical, governmental, and instructive only, but were truly vicarious, i. c., a substitute for the punishment due to transgressors. And while Christ did not suffer the literal penalty of the law, involving remorse of conscience and the pains of hell, he did offer a sacrifice which infinite wisdom saw to be a lull equivalent. And by virtue of this atonement, VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. 317 overtures of mercy are sincerely made to the race, and salvation secured to all who believe. "JVinth Error. ' That the impenitent sinner is by nature, and inde- pendently of the renewing influence or almighty energy of the Holy Spirit, in full possession of all the ability necessary to a full compliance with all the commands of God.' " True Doctrine. While sinners have all the faculties necessary to a perfect moral agency and a just accountability, such is their love of sin and opposition to God and his law, that, independently of the renewing influence or almighty energy of the Holy Spirit, they never will comply with the commands of God. " Tenth Error. * That Christ does not intercede for the elect until after their regeneration.' u True Doctrine. The intercession of Christ for the elect is previous as well as subsequent to their regeneration, as appears from the follow- ing Scripture, viz. : ' I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.' " Eleventh Error. i That saving faith is not an effect of the operations of the Holy Spirit, but a mere rational belief of the truth or assent to the word of God.' " True Doctrine. Saving faith is an intelligent and cordial assent to the testimony of God concerning his Son, implying reliance on Christ alone for pardon and eternal life ; and in all cases it is an effect of the special operations of the Holy Spirit. " Twelfth Error. ' That regeneration is the act of the sinner himself, and that it consists in change of his governing purpose, which he him- self must produce, and which is the result, not of any direct influence of the Holy Spirit on the heart, but chiefly of a persuasive exhibition of the truth, analogous to the influence which one man exerts over the mind of another; or that regeneration is not an instantaneous act, but a progressive work.' " True Doctrine. Regeneration is a radical change of heart, produced by the special operations of the Holy Spirit, ' determining the sinner to that which is good/ and is in all cases instantaneous. " Thirteenth Error. ' That God has done all that he can do for the salvation of all men, and that man himself must do the rest.' " True Doctrine. While repentance for sin and faith in Christ are indispensable to salvation, all who are saved are indebted from first to 318 VIII. — DELIVERANCES ON DOCTRINE. last to the grace and Spirit of God. And the reason that God does not save all, is not that he wants the power to do it, but that in his wi&dom he does not see fit to exert that power further than he actually does. "Fourteenth Error. 'That God cannot exert such influence on the minds of men, as shall make it certain that they will choose and act in a particular manner, without impairing their moral agency/ " True Doctrine. While the liberty of the will is not impaired, nor the established connection betwixt means and end broken by any action of God on the mind, he can influence it according to his pleasure, and does effectually determine it to good in all cases of true conversion. "Fifteenth Error. 'That the righteousness of Christ is not the sole ground of the sinner's acceptance with God; and that in no sense does the righteousness of Christ become ours.' " True Doctrine. All believers are justified, not on the ground of personal merit, but solely on the ground of the obedience and death, or, in other words, the righteousness of Christ. And while that righteous- ness does not become theirs, in the sense of a literal transfer of personal qualities and merit; yet, from respect to it, God can and does treat them as if they were righteous. "Sixteenth Error. ( That the reason why some differ from others in regard to their reception of the Gospel is, that they make themselves to differ/ " True Doctrine. While all such as reject the Gospel of Christ do it, not by coercion, but freely — and all who embrace it do it, not by coercion, but freely — the reason why some differ from others is that God has made them to differ. " George Duffield, F. W. Graves, "E. W. Gilbert, Obadiah Woodruff, "Thomas Brown, N. C. Clark, "Bliss Burnap, Robert Stuart, "N. S. S. Beman, Nahum Gould, " E. Cheever, Absalom Peters, " E. Seymour, Alexander Camfbell." "George Painter, —Minutes, 1837, pp. 484-186. CHAPTER IX. ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. Section 1. — On Domestic Missions. 1. The earliest missionary appointments temporary. — 2. Missionaries appointed to itinerate for some months. — 3. Ministers sent out to organize churches, ordain elders, administer the ordinances, and instruct the people. — 4. Candidates sent out on missionary duty. — 5. Plan of missions adopted by the Assembly. — 6. Operation of the plan. — 7. Leave granted in special cases to the Synods to pro- secute their own missionary work. — 8. The work resumed by the Assembly. — 0. Collections ordered. They may not be prohibited by a church Session. — 10. The Assembly refuse to exempt a Presbytery from contributing to its funds; as, also, to appropriate their own funds. — 11. Instructions of the missionaries. Form of commission. — 12. Kind of men required as missionaries, and their duties. — 13. "Standing Committee on Missions;*' its duties. — 14. Its powers enlarged, and its name changed to "The Board of Missions." — 15. Recom- mendations to raise funds, and to furnish men. — 16. Powers of the Board en- larged and defined. — 17. Proposal to unite with the American Home Missionary Society. Any change in the Assembly's mode of conducting missions inexpe- dient.— 18. The Board is not the judge of the orthodoxy or morality of a mi- nister.— 19. Action of the Assemblies, '1837, 1838, 1849, with regard to the American Home Missionary Society. — 20. A " Standing Committee on Home Missions" appointed. — 21. History of the subsequent relation to and intercourse with the American Home Missionary Society. Committee of Conference. 1. The earliest Missionary A])poin(ments} temporary. " A representation being made by some of our members of the earnest desire of some Protestant dissenting families in Virginia, together with a comfortable prospect of the increase of our interest there, the Synod have appointed that Mr. Hugh Conn, Mr. John Orme, and Mr. William Stewart, do each of them severally visit said people, and preach four 320 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. Sabbaths to them, between this and the next Synod/' — Minutes, 1722, p. 74. " Mr. Hugh Conn, John Orme, and William Stewart, fulfilled their appointments with respect to Virginia." — Minutes, 1723, p. 76. [The same year the same appointments were again made. Vide Minutes, passim.] 2. Itinerant Missionaries appointed, temporary. " Ordered, That Messrs. McWhorter, Kirkpatrick, and Latta, take a journey to Virginia and Carolina, as soon as they can, this summer or ensuing fall, and spend some months in those parts. "The Synod, further considering the destitute condition of Hanover, and the uncertainty of their being supplied, if supplies are left to their own discretion respecting the time of their going to Virginia, do order that Mr. Kirkpatrick prepare for his journey, so as to be at Hanover the third Sabbath of July, at the furthest, and supply there for some time, according to the order of that Presbytery; that Mr. McWhorter be at Hanover the first of September ; that Mr. Latta be there the first of November, at the furthest; and that the Presbyteries of Philadelphia and New Brunswick take care that these gentlemen fulfil this appoint- ment, and neither prescribe nor allow them employment in our bounds, so as to disappoint this our good intention." — Minutes, 1759, p. 293. [Appointments of this kind are found on the. Minutes of almost every year.] 3. Ministers sent to organize OJiurches, ordain Elders, &c. " The Synod, more particularly considering the state of many congre- gations to the southward, and particularly North Carolina, and the great importance of having those congregations properly organized, appoint the Rev. Messrs. Elihu Spencer and Alexander McWhorter to go as our missionaries for that purpose; that they form societies, help them in adjusting their bounds, ordain elders, administer sealing ordinances, instruct the people in discipline, and finally direct them in their after- conduct; particularly in what manner they shall proceed to obtain the stated ministry, and whatever else may appear useful or necessary for those churches, and the future settlement of the Gospel among them. And also, that they assure those people wherever they go, that this DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 321 Synod has their interest much at heart, and will neglect no opportu- nities of affording them proper candidates and supplies to the utmost of our power. " Ordered, That the clerk give said missionaries an attested copy of this minute, and proper testimonials, signed by the moderator and clerk. "And that these brethren may not suffer by so long and expensive a journey, the Synod agree to defray their expenses, and make them a proper acknowledgment for the damages they may sustain in their do- mestic affairs ; and for this purpose a collection is ordered through our bounds, and each Presbytery required to see it be duly observed. " — Minutes, 1764, p. 340. [These gentlemen being pastors, Synod made arrangements for the supply of their pulpits in their absence.] 4. Candidates sent on Missionary Service. a. "The Synod appoint Messrs. Enoch Green and William Tennent Jr., to go as soon as they conveniently can, so as they defer it no longer than next Qctober, to supply six months under the direction of Hanover Presbytery."— Minutes, 1762, p. 320. b. " The Synod find that many of their candidates do not attend their meetings, and for this reason many of their appointments are not ful- filled. They judge that candidates should constantly attend their re- spective Presbyteries, and, as often as they can conveniently, they should attend our Synods. 11 They therefore recommend it to all our Presbyteries to propose one or more of their candidates, as persons that they think proper to be sent to preach to our frontier settlements ; and that they let these candidates know that they intend to propose them as such to the Synod, that so our Synodical appointments may be more punctually fulfilled, and that no candidate, without very weighty reasons, presume to break our appoint- ments."— Minutes, 1763, p. 325. [Such appointments occur thenceforward with great frequency.] [On the formation of the General Assembly, the subject of missions became one of the first subjects of action.] 5. Plan of Missions adopted. " The Committee of Bills and Overtures overture, that the state of the frontier settlements should be taken into consideration, and mission- 21 oTl IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. aries sent to them, to form them into congregations, ordain elders, admi- nister the sacraments, and direct them to the best measures for obtaining the Gospel ministry regularly among them." " The committee [Drs. Allison and S. S. Smith] appointed to devise measures to carry the mission to the frontiers into execution, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : 11 Resolved, That each of the Synods be, and are hereby requested to recommend to the General Assembly, at their next meeting, two mem- bers, well qualified, to be employed in missions on our frontiers, for the purpose of organizing churches, administering ordinances, ordaining elders, collecting information concerning the religious state of those parts, and proposing the best means of establishing a Gospel ministry among the people. " And in order to provide means for defraying the necessary expenses of the mission, it is strictly enjoined on the several Presbyteries, to have collections made during the present year, in the several congregations under our care, and forwarded to Isaac Snowden, Esq., the Treasurer of the General Assembly, with all convenient speed." — Minutes, 1789, p. 10. 6. Operation of the Plan. a. "Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Allison, Mr. Ker, Mr. Hanna, and Mr. Cham- bers were appointed a committee to prepare certain directions necessary for the missionaries of the Assembly, in fulfilling the design of their mission, and to specify the compensation that it will be proper to make them for their services, and to make report to-morrow morning." — Minutes, 1790, p. 23. h. "The Committee of Missions brought in their report, which was read and approved, and is as follows, viz. : " The Rev. Messrs. Nathan Ker and Joshua Hart were appointed missionaries on the frontier settlements of New York and Pennsylvania, to the west branch of the Susquehanna, for at least three months, from nn early day in June, to preach the Gospel, administer other ordinances, organize churches, ordain elders, collect every useful information they can about the religious state of those parts, and lay before the Assembly the result of their inquiries respecting the most effectual means of esta- blishing the Gospel ministry among the people; together with the probable proportion of the different denominations, and the number of our vacancies, — carefully distinguishing those who are able and willing DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 323 to support a minister from such as are of a different description. It was at the same time " Ordered, That the Treasurer advance to the missionaries fifty dollars each; and agreed that they shall receive for their services one hundred dollars each, including what may be received by them on their tour, and the sum advanced before their departure, and of this they are to render an account at their return." — Minutes, 1790, p. 26. 7. Leave granted the Synods in special Cases, to prosecute their own Missionary work. a. [Leave was granted the Synod of the Carolinas " to manage the matter of sending missionaries to places destitute of the Gospel" within their bounds, — they reporting annually to the Assembly, an account of their proceedings, moneys raised, &c] — Minutes, 1791, p. 38 j 1792, p. 59.] " Resolved, That the Synod of the Carolinas be authorized and re- quested to continue and conduct, with their wonted zeal and diligence, the missionary business on their frontiers and elsewhere at discretion, and report to next Assembly/' — Minutes, 1803, p. 265. b. [The Synod of Virginia also had liberty to conduct their own missions. Minutes, 1791, p. 44, 45; 1793, p. 67, &c. This right they proposed to resign (Minutes, 1807, p. 377); but the Assembly de- clined. Minutes, 1807, p. 380.] 8. The work resumed by the Assembly. "An overture was received from the Synod of the Carolinas, re- questing the General Assembly to take upon them the direction of the missionary business within their bounds. This overture being read, it was "Resolved, That the request of the Synod be granted." — Minutes, 1812, p. 508. 9. Collections ordered. They may not be prohibited by a Church Session. a. " Ordered, That every minister, according to our former agree- ment, propose the collection for the fund to his congregation, and as it is a synodical appointment, it is inconsistent with our Church govern- 324 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. ment to be under the check or prohibition of a church session ; they indeed may give or withhold their charity, but may not prevent a minister to propose it publicly, according to our appointment. Ordered, likewise, That every Presbytery take care of the conduct of their members, how they observe this agreement previous to their coming to the Synod, and that they gather the collection from absent members." — Minutes, 1755, p. 215. b. " Whereas, it appears that some of the congregations under the care of this Assembly, though duly informed of the injunction made at our last sessions respecting the raising of contributions for the support of missionaries to the frontiers of the country, have not complied with the same, the Assembly, therefore, thought proper to continue the above-mentioned order, and do hereby enjoin it on all the Presbyteries to give particular attention that every congregation raise the specified contribution ; and that all the contributions be sent forward, as soon as possible, to the Treasurer of the General Assembly/' — Minutes, 1790, p. 24. 10. The Assembly refuse to exempt a Presbytery from Contributing to its Funds, as also leave to Appropriate their own Funds. a. " The Assembly took into consideration that part of the communi- cation from the Presbytery of Oneida, wherein they pray that the churches under the care of that Presbytery may be exempted from pecuniary contributions to the funds of the Assembly. On motion, it was " Resolved, That the request be not granted." — Minutes, 1803, p. 279. b. " The committee to whom was referred the request of the Presby- tery of Oneida, that they be permitted to appropriate their own funds collected for missionary purposes, submitted the following resolution, which was adopted : "Resolved, That the Presbytery of Oneida be again referred to the plan proposed by the Board of Missions, and approved by this Assembly, with instructions to conform to the same on the subject of their re- quest."— Minu tes, 1820, p. 733. 11. Instructions of the Missionaries ; Form of Commission. "The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, now sitting at Carlisle, reposing confidence in your DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 325 piety, prudence, and abilities for the important business, do hereby appoint you one of their missionaries. " In discharge of the trust committed to you, much must be left to your discretion. But the General Assembly, viewing with concern the state of our frontiers and other settlements, destitute of the regular administration of the worship and ordinances of God, and desirous to do all in their power to extend the blessings to be derived from the means of grace, confidently expect that you will faithfully preach the Gospel, administer its ordinances, organize churches, and ordain elders; doing all these things according to the word of God, and the standards of our Church, contained in our Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms, the Government and Discipline, and Directory for the Worship of God : commending you to the grace and protection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we wish abundant success to your mission. " Of your diligence wherein, of the state of religion, and of society, of the most probable means of establishing the Gospel in these parts, with every useful and necessary information, you will give an account to the next General Assembly. Attested, -j I Clerks of Assembly. Signed, Moderator. — Minutes, 1795, p. 103. 12. Kind of Men required as Missionaries, and their Duties. " The Committee on Missions beg leave to report, that they ought to be conducted by men of ability, piety, zeal, prudence, and popular talents. That missionaries should preach the most important doctrines of grace during the short period which they can afford to stay in a particular place. That they organize churches where opportunity offers, and administer ordinances. And that they catechize and instruct from house to house, as far as practicable, when they remain for any length of time in a settlement. That they refrain from all political and party discus- sions of any kind, and, with the self-denial of their Master, be wholly devoted to their ministry, and exemplary in their lives and conversation. That, in keeping their journals, they distinctly record the subjects on which they preach, and the apparent effect on their hearers." — Minutes, 1798, p. 150. [See also Minutes, 1799, pp. 183, 184.] !26 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. 13. Standing Committee of Missions appointed ; its Duties. 11 1. Resolved, That a committee be chosen annually by the General Assembly, to be denominated The Standing Committee of Missions. That the committee shall consist of seven members, of whom four shall be clergymen and three laymen ; that a majority of this committee shall be a quorum to do business; that it shall be the duty of this committee to collect, during the recess of the Assembly, all the information in their power relative to the concerns of missions and missionaries ; to digest this information, and report thereon at each meeting of the Assembly; /to designate the places where, and to specify the periods during which, the missionaries should be employed ; to correspond with them if neces- sary, and with all other persons on missionary business ; to nominate missionaries to the Assembly, and report the number which the funds will permit to be employed ; to hear the reports of the missionaries, and make a statement thereon to the Assembly, relative to the diligence, fidelity, and success of the missionaries, the sums due to each, and such parts of their reports as it may be proper for the Assembly to hear in detail; to ascertain annually whether any money remains with the trustees of the College of New Jersey which ought to be used for mis- sionary purposes, agreeably to the last will of James Leslie, deceased ; that they also engage a suitable person annually to preach a missionary sermon, on the Monday evening next after the opening of the General Assembly, at which a collection shall be made for the support of mis- sions ; and superintend generally, under the direction of the Assembly, the missionary business. " 2. Resolved, That although this standing committee shall be elected annually, yet each committee shall continue in office till the end of the sessions of that Assembly which succeeds the one by which the said committee was chosen. " 3. Resolved, That this Standing Committee of Missions, in addition to the duties above specified,. shall be, and they hereby are, empowered to direct the trustees of the General Assembly, during the recess of the Assembly, to issue warrants for any sums of money which may become due, in consequence of contracts, appropriations, or assignments of duty made by the Assembly, and for which orders may not have been issued by the Assembly; and on this subject the committee shall report annually to the Assembly."— Minutes, 1802, pp. 257, 258. "4. Resolved, That it be again solemnly enjoined on all the Pres- DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 327 byteries and Synods within the bounds of the General Assembly on no account to interfere with the instructions given by the Committee of Missions to missionaries." — Minutes, 1809, p. 427. 14. Standing Committee enlarged in its Powers, and its style changed to "The Board of Missions." " The committee appointed to consider whether the missionary busi- ness cannot be carried on with more efficacy, and to greater extent, reported ; and their report, being amended, was adopted, and is as fol- lows, viz. : " For the purpose of enlarging the sphere of our missionary operations, then, and infusing new vigor into the cause, your committee would respectfully recommend a change of the style, and enlargement of the powers, of the Standing Committee of Missions. If, instead of con- tinuing to this body the character of a committee, bound, in all cases, to act according to the instructions of the General Assembly, and under the necessity of receiving its sanction to give validity to all the measures which it may propose, the Committee of Missions were erected into a board, with full powers to transact all the business of the missionary cause, only requiring the board to report annually to the General Assem- bly, it would then be able to carry on the missionary business with all the vigor and unity of design that would be found in a society originated for that purpose, and, at the same time, would enjoy all the benefit that the counsel and advice of the General Assembly could afford. With these views of the subject, it is respectfully recommended — " 1. That the style of the committee be changed for that of The Board of Missions, acting under the authority of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. " 2. That the Board of Missions be enlarged by the addition of the Rev. John B. Romeyn, D.D., Samuel Miller, D.D., and Messrs. Samuel Bayard, Robert Ralston, Robert Lenox, John R. B. Rodgers, John E. Caldwell, Divie Bethune, and Zechariah Lewis. " 3. That in addition to the powers already granted to the Committee of Missions, the Board of Missions be authorized to appoint missiona- ries whenever they may deem it proper; to make such advances to missionaries as maybe judged necessary ; and to pay balances due to 328 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. missionaries who have fulfilled their missions, whenever, in their judg- ment, the particular circumstances of the missionaries may require it. " 4. That the Board be authorized and directed to take measures for establishing throughout our churches auxiliary missionary societies ; and that the General Assembly recommend to their people the establishment of such societies, to aid the funds and extend the operations of the Board. " 5. That the members of the Board of Missions be annually chosen by the Assembly, and that they continue in office until the rising of the next General Assembly, when they are to be succeeded by the persons chosen for the current year." — Minutes, 1816, p. 633. 15. Recommendation to raise Funds, and to supply Waste Places in the New States in advance. a. "1. Resolved, That the report of the Board of Missions be ac- cepted and approved. "2. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to all the congrega- tions under the care of the Assembly to send annual and liberal contri- butions to aid the Board in their future operations ; but this recommen- dation shall not involve in censure any congregation belonging to the Synods to whom the General Assembly has given permission to manage their own missionary concerns, who shall think themselves unable to contribute to the funds of the Board of Missions. "3. Resolved, That the Assembly highly approve the sentiments ex- pressed by the Board, with respect to the new States in the western and southern parts of our country, and to the importance of supplying them with the preaching of the Gospel, that their character, which is now forming, may be formed under the influence of religion." — Minutes, 1823, p. 76. b. " Resolved, That it be recommended, and it is hereby earnestly re- commended to all the churches under our care, to take up and forward one annual missionary collection for this purpose, and that Presbyteries take order on the subject." — Minutes, 1827, p. 216. 16. Enlargement of Powers. a. " Resolved, That the Board of Missions, in addition to the powers already granted to them, be authorized to manage, appoint, and direct DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 329 the whole concerns and business of the Assembly's missions definitively, and report annually their doings to the Assembly. "Resolved, That the Board be authorized to appoint, if they think proper, an executive committee of their own number, to carry into effect the details of their plan ; and that they also be authorized to appoint and employ an agent or agents at their discretion/' — Minutes, 1827, p. 217. [In 1828, an overture was brought in for the reorganization of the Board.] "The committee reported as follows, viz.: The committee consider the matter contained in this overture of the first importance to the interests of the Church and the world, and they believe that they cannot better discharge the duties intrusted to them, than to lay the overture, as it now stands, before the General Assembly for their con- sideration."— Minutes, p. 234. [While the subject was under discussion] "a communication was re- ceived from the Executive Committee of the American Home Mission- ary Society, announcing the appointment of Rev. James M. Matthews, D.D., Rev. Absalom Peters, and Knowles Taylor, Esq., a committee of that body to communicate to the Assembly the views of said Executive Committee in relation to the subject of the overture, now before the Assembly, for a reorganization of the Board of Missions of the General Assembly. • "Dr. Herron, Mr. Hardin, and Mr. Holmes were appointed a com- mittee to confer with the committee from the American Home Mission- ary Society; and it was resolved to suspend the business of reorganizing the Board of Missions until said committee shall report." — Minutes, 1828, p. 236. [The subject was discussed at great length, and then "indefinitely postponed." Against this result a protest was offered, and a committee of conference appointed.] h. " The Committee of Conference reported, that, after mature delibe- ration, they recommend the following resolutions, which were adopted, viz. : " Resolved, That the Board of Missions already have the power to establish missions, not only among the destitute in our own country, or any other country, but also among the heathen in any part of the world; to select, appoint, and commission missionaries, to determine their sala- ries, and to settle and pay their accounts ; that they have full authority to correspond with any other body on the subject of missions; to ap- 330 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. point an executive committee, and an efficient agent or agents to manage their missionary concerns; to take measures to form auxiliary societies, on such terms as they may deem proper; to procure funds; and, in general, to manage the missionary operations of the General Assembly. " It is therefore submitted to the discretion of the Board of Missions, to consider whether it is expedient for them to carry into effect the full powers which they possess. " Resolved, That an addition of seven laymen be made to the present number of the Board of Missions." — Minutes, 1828, p. 244. 17. Proposal to unite icith the American Home Missionary Society. a. "Agreeably to the order of the day, the Assembly took up Over- ture No. 10, viz., a request of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, that the General Assembly would unite with the American Home Missionary Society in the appointment of one Board of Agency, to manage the mis- sionary concerns of both Boards in the Western country. After some discussion, this subject was committed to Dr. Green, Dr. McAuley, Mr. Russell, Mr. Slack, and Mr. Beckwith, to confer with delegates, which the Assembly are informed have been appointed by the Home Mission- ary Society, on the request of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, and report to the Assembly as soon as practicable/' — Minutes, 1830, pp. 298, 299. " The committee to whom was committed Overture No. 10, reported the following resolution, viz. : " Resolved, That it is expedient for the Board of Missions of the General Assembly and the Board of the Home Missionary Society to conduct their missionary operations in the West through a common Board of Agency in that part of the country. " This report was accepted, and the committee discharged. "A motion was then made to dismiss the whole subject; and, after considerable discussion, this motion was carried in the affirmative, and the subject was accordingly dismissed. " — Minutes, 1830, p. 301. h. [The same subject came up next year. The Assembly having re- fused by yeas and nays, 87 to 109, to reappoint the committee, a com- promise committee was appointed, who reported as follows :] "1. In view of existing evils, resulting from the separate action of the Board of Missions of the General Assembly, and the American Home Missionary Society, the General Assembly recommend to the Synods of Ohio, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Tennessee, In- DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 331 diana, and Illinois, and the Presbyteries connected with the same, to correspond with each other, and endeavor to agree upon some plan of conducting domestic missions in the Western States, and report the result of their correspondence to the next General Assembly : it being understood that the brethren of the West be left to their freedom to form any organization which in their judgment may best promote the cause of missions in these States, and also, that all the Synods and Pres- byteries in the valley of the Mississippi may be embraced in this corre- spondence, provided they desire it. " Resolved by this Assembly, That the present Board of Missions be reappointed." — Minutes, 1831, p. 337. Cha nge Inexpedien t. c. "The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 1, viz., sun- dry documents on the subject of missions, made the following report, which was unanimously adopted, viz. : " Resolved, That, under existing circumstances, it is deemed inexpe- dient to propose any change in the Assembly's mode of conducting mis- sions."— Minutes, 1832, p. 364. 18. The Board has no Power to Judge of the Orthodoxy, or Morality of a Minister who is in Good Standing in Ms own Presbytery. " The committee to whom was recommitted the report on Overture No. 9, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : " In answer to the questions propounded by the Presbyteries of Union and French Broad, the Assembly would say, that though they do not recognize in the Board of Missions the authority to sit in judgment upon the orthodoxy or morality of any minister who is in good standing in his own Presbytery, yet, from the necessity of the case, they must exercise their own sound discretion upon the expediency or inexpediency of appointing or withholding an appointment from any applicant, holding themselves amenable to the General Assembly for all their official acts." —Minute*, 1830, p. 290. 19. The American Home Missionary Society. Action of the Assemblies of 1837, 1838-1849. a. [In 1837, the Assembly adopted a resolution, 124 to 8G, declaring 332 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. the operations of the American Home Missionary Society to be " ex- ceedingly injurious to the peace and purity of the Presbyterian Church," and "recommend accordingly that they should cease to operate within any of our churches/' — Minutes, 1837, p. 442. h. The Assembly of 1838 rescinded the above resolution, and adopted the following, viz. :] u Resolved, That the General Assembly recognize, with devout grati- tude to God, the eminent usefulness of those societies [the American Home Missionary and Education] to the Church and the world, and cordially commend them to the continued confidence and increasing patronage of our churches/' — Minutes, 1838, p. 649. c. [The " Board of Missions," remaining under the control of the " Old School" party, refused to report to the Assembly. Minutes, 1838, p. 655. Next year the following resolution was adopted, viz. :] "Resolved, That we recommend to all our churches the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions, the American Home Missionary Society, and the American Education Society, as the most suitable channels, under present circumstances, through which they can dispense their charities in aiding the propagation of the Gospel among the heathen, and in our own country, and for training up young men for the Gospel ministry; without, however, wishing to restrict the liberty of individuals to use their own discretion in this matter." — Minutes, 1839, p. 24. d. [In 1840, the Assembly renewed their recommendations of these and several other voluntary societies] "as every way worthy of patronage and support ; and as affording safe, convenient, and, perhaps, the best channels through which their contributions may reach the objects con- templated by those societies respectively." — Minutes, 1840, p. 21. 20. A " Standing Committee on Home Missions" appointed. 11 Resolved, That a committee of five, from the Western Synods, be appointed to consult and correspond on this and the other subjects embraced in this paper; and to present a detailed report to the next General Assembly embodying the different plans tried by the Presby- teries which have proved most successful, and presenting such recom- mendations and suggestions as the whole subject may seem to require. [See Appendix, Minutes, 1847, p. 152.] "The Rev. Messrs. Thornton A. Mills, A. T. Norton, John M. DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 333 Dickey, Henry Little, C. P. Wing, and T. Cleland, D.D., were appointed a l Standing Committee on Home Missions/ under the foregoing resolu- tion/'— Minutes, 1847, p. 143. [This committee reported a series of resolutions, which, after much discussion, were adopted. See Minutes, 1849, p. 178.] 21. History of, subsequent relation to, and Intercourse with the American Home Missionary Society. [See also chap, x, sec. 1, on Church Extension.] a. " A committee, consisting of five, viz., Rev. George Dufiield, D.D., N. S. S. Beman, D.D., Rev. Thornton A. Mills, Robert W. Patterson, and Hon. John L. Mason, is hereby appointed to confer with the Exe- cutive Committee of the American Home Missionary Society, expressing to it the kind feelings and confidence of the General Assembly and the churches it represents, and requesting its co-operation in this plan (church extension), as far as its principles will admit; and also requesting a statement of the principles on which its appropriations are made to the churches of the several denominations of Christians who support it : the results of which conference shall be reported to the next General Assembly/'— Minutes, 1852, p. 173. b. [The committee reported. See chap, x, sec. 1. Minutes, 1853, p. 340; also, Minutes, 1854, p. 514. In 1857, a committee of nine (Drs. George L. Prentiss, J. F. Stearns, Thos. Brainerd, Win. C. Wisner, D. Howe Allen, Rev. H. Curtis, Timothy Hill, and Messrs. Samuel H. Perkins, and Cyrus P. Smith) were appointed "to confer with the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary Society, in reference to our relations with that society." Minutes, p. 409. The next year, 1858, the committee reported ; their report, with other docu- ments, were referred to a special committee, who report as follows :] " The special committee on the documents relating to the Committee of Conference with the American Home Missionary Society, recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : " 1. That the Committee of Conference with the American Home Missionary Society be continued, and consist of the following members : Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., Rev. Thomas Brainerd, D.D., Rev. William C. Wisner, D.D., Rev. D. Howe Allen, D.D., Rev. Harvey Curtis, D.D., Rev. A. Augustus Wood, D.D. (in the place of Rev. George L. Prentiss, D.D., resigned), Rev. Thompson Bird, Mr. Cyrus 334 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. P. Smith, and Mr. Norman "White, and that four of their number con- stitute a quorum. "2. That this committee report to the next General Assembly upon our general relations with the American Home Missionary Society; upon its appointment of agents and missionaries; upon the number of our churches and ministers aided by it; upon the amount contributed by our churches to its funds; and upon any other points of interest connected with our home missionary work ; that we may come to a more full com- prehension of our duties, and be aroused to greater zeal and liberality. "3. That this committee, as far as is practicable, procure from our Presbyteries information as to home evangelization ; and that our Pres- byteries give diligent heed to this work, as far as is practicable, raising money to be expended within their own bounds, and seeing to it that annual collections for home missions be made in all their churches. " — Minutes, 1858, p. 604. [The report of the committee of 1858, with other papers, were referred to the Standing Committee on Church Extension, who reported as follows :] c. " The Committee on Church Extension beg leave to report on the papers referred to them relating to church extension. " The annual report of the permanent committee impresses us, more deeply than ever, with the indispensableness and vast importance of the work with which they are charged ; and contains gratifying evidence of its enlargement, and of the rapidly growing interest that is enlisted in it. The contributions to their treasury are seventy per cent in advance of those of the previous year, and two hundred and fifty per cent in advance of those of the year prior to that; and, while the missionaries and ex- ploring agents employed have been considerably multiplied, the openings and calls for the service they perform, urgently demanding immediate attention, far exceed the means in the hands of the committee, and earnestly appeal to our churches, to place this cause on a par with the most prominent objects of their pecuniary benevolence. Our own country is the field for which American Christians are especially re- sponsible, and for which they should feel especially concerned, in ful- filling the command to evangelize the world; and the teaching of the Gospel, by the living pastor and preacher, is the chief instrumentality by which the duty is to be discharged. The denomination of Christians, represented by this General Assembly, has hitherto principally employed the American Home Missionary Society, as its agency for the prosecu- tion of domestic missions. The organization, from which that society DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 335 proceeded, was formed in the bounds, and by the members of our Church ; and its origin, and the capital of various kinds which it has accumulated, make it impossible, as a matter of feelings of interest, and of justice, that we should abandon it to those whom we have received as partners in it. We can leave it, only on the dissolution of the firm, and the setting up of its members in new establishments. But, while this is true, the number and magnitude of the cases, for which the American Home Missionary Society cannot or does not provide, make it imperative upon us, largely to swell our contributions to the church extension scheme, so that its operations may correspond to the demands upon it, without the incurring of a farthing of debt. The purpose of the Permanent Committee, to equalize their appropriations and receipts, deserves cordial approbation ; and the Standing Committee respectfully propose that the Assembly should be understood as recognizing this principle, for the guidance of the Permanent Committee, in complying with the recommendations made in a subsequent part of this report. " So important are all the departments of labor assigned to the Per- manent Committee, that it is almost impossible to give the precedence to either. The Standing Committee, however, have been particularly im- pressed with the necessity and value of the work of exploring new and destitute fields, and organizing churches on them. It cannot be dis- pensed with. To neglect or inefficiently conduct it, is unfaithfulness to our trust. Its results are immediate, as well as abundant and large. An exploring agent, for example, entered Kansas, about six months since, and during the sessions of this Assembly we have received the Presbytery of Kansas into our connection. The committee recom- mend that this branch of the Church extension work be prosecuted with quickened energy and zeal ; and they would designate Nebraska, California, and Oregon, as fields for which exploring agents should be commissioned forthwith, if the requisite funds can be procured. The peculiar circumstances of Missouri commend it to us. The fast increas- ing portion of its people, in sympathy with the spirit of our Church, and accordant with its position on matters of controlling movement and inte- rest, makes the summons irresistible to help her. The near approach of the settlement of titles to land in California, the dubiousness of which has thus far hindered Church extension there, by hindering church erection, opens the way for our building fund, and so gives a free course for the advancement of our Church ; while the geographical position and natural resources of Nebraska and Oregon, render certain the 336 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. gathering of a vast population, the laying of the foundations of society there is a work in which love to God and man requires us to take part " The Presbyteries of Alton, Bloomington, and Chicago complain of the action of the American Home Missionary Society, in withholding appropriations from churches connected with Presbyteries that employ exploring agents without the commission of the American Home Mis- sionary Society ; and from such as are connected with Presbyteries, the churches of which do not contribute, to the full measure of their ability, to the treasury of the American Home Missionary Society. The fol- lowing resolutions of the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary Society have been published in a letter from the pen of one of the Secretaries : " ' A communication having been received by the Presbytery of Alton, inclosing a minute adopted by that body at its late meeting, in reference to the terms of co-operation, — " ' Resolved, 1. That the Presbytery be informed that the following principles govern the Society in co-operating with auxiliaries and eccle- siastical bodies, and this Committee will be happy to co-operate with the Presbytery on the same terms, viz. : " ( 1st. That the missionaries laboring within the bounds of an auxili- ary or ecclesiastical body be commissioned by this Society, and be governed in their labors by its principles. " ' 2d. That the funds raised on the field be applied to cancel the pledges contained in the commissions, and be acknowledged by the So- ciety as contributed to its treasury. "'3d. That the churches on the field co-operate cordially with the Society in the raising of funds, and contribute yearly to its treasury, according to the full measure of their ability. "'Resolved, 2. That this committee continue to regard the work of exploring and occupying new fields of labor, as one of great importance; and, by sustaining general exploring agents and other itinerant laborers, having missionary circuits more or less extensive, as circumstances may require, they are enabled to reach every portion of the field, and carry forward with harmony and efficiency every department of the missionary work.' " The General Assembly can never approve of these resolutions, if they are to be interpreted as, "1. Denying the right of our Presbyteries, in our present relations DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 337 to the American Home Missionary Society, to appoint, solely on their own authority, one or more exploring missionaries within their bounds; or as, "2. Asserting it as a sufficient reason why the Society should with- hold aid from the feeble churches of a Presbytery, that other churches of such Presbytery contribute the whole, or a portion, of their home missionary funds elsewhere than to the treasury of that Society. " Churches in the condition of those just referred to, ought not to be left to suffer, and perhaps to perish ; and, with a view to them, and also to churches situated like those in Missouri, the powers and duties of the Church Extension Committee ought to be expanded. It has hitherto devolved upon them, 1. To employ agents for purposes of exploration; 2. To aid churches in the chartered limits of cities and large towns; 3. To plant Presbyterian churches in places where sister denominations had not previously occupied the ground; and, 4. To answer applications that require prompt and immediate replies, and that will not admit of the delay incident to requests preferred in other directions. " In view of the new classes of exceptional cases to which they have referred, the committee recommend that the province of the Permanent Committee be still further enlarged, so that they may be authorized to provide for churches that can receive adequate aid from no other source. And to meet the increased draft that must thus be made upon their treasury, it is desirable that additional force should be given to their agency for collecting funds. "The report of the Committee of Conference with the American Home Missionary Society has been referred to this committee, and the following preamble and resolution are recommended for the adoption of the General Assembly. " Whereas, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, represented in this General Assembly, has hitherto prosecuted the work of domestic missions, principally through the agency of the American Home Missionary Society; and whereas, complaints have been made to the General Assembly, from year to year, and with increasing earnest- ness, of the mode in which that agency has been conducted, particu- larly in the Western and Northwestern States and Territories ; there- fore, " Resolved, That a commission of the General Assembly is hereby raised, consisting of Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., Rev. A. Augustus Wrood, D.D., Rev. Philemon H. Fowler, D.D., Rev. Thos. Brainerd, D.D.r 22 338 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. Rev. Robert W. Patterson, D.D., Rev. Harvey Curtis, D.D., Rev. D. Howe Allen, D.D., Jesse W. Benedict, Esq., Mr. Norman White, Mr. James B. Pinneo, and Hon. William Jessup (any four of them, at a meeting properly called, to constitute a quorum), to ascertain, by a thorough investigation, the facts in the case, and to procure such other information as may be in their power, relating to the history of our con- nection with the work of home missions; and our present relations to it; also, to learn the principles and modes of the administration of the American Home Missionary Society over the entire field of its opera- tions ; and to submit the whole, well authenticated, to the next General Assembly.' — Minutes, 1859, pp. 40-43. Report of the Committee, 1860. d. " The report of the Special Committee on Home Missions, after further discussion, and prayer for Divine guidance, was adopted without dissent, and is as follows : " The committee to whom was referred the general subject of home missions, together with the report of the Commission appointed by the General Assembly at Wilmington, to make investigation respecting the same, submit, and recommend for adoption, the following paper : " 1. We regard the statements and representations made in the re- port of the commission as essentially correct and just. And we believe that this lucid and faithful exposition of facts and principles, if brought before our churches and the public at large, would remove many mis- apprehensions, and do an important service to the cause of truth. It is therefore ordered, that at least 5000 copies of the report be printed, under the direction of the stated clerk of the Assembly, for general circulation. " 2. We deeply regret that our relations to the American Home Mis- sionary Society seem to grow more and more complicated and embarrass- ing. We see no prospect of any such effectual removal of the difficulties which have sprung up between that society and our Church as will fully re-establish the harmonious and beneficent co-operation in the Home Missionary work, which was so happily maintained in former years. All endeavors to effect a satisfactory adjustment of the matters of difference between us and the Executive Committee of the American Home Mis- sionary Society have proved fruitless. And the position which has been assumed in relation to our church extension operations, and the action DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 339 of the General Assembly, by the leading Congregational associations with which we are in correspondence, indicates a deep and settled feeling on their part which appears to foretoken a speedy dissolution of the copart- nership in home missions, unless we shall consent to abandon a great work, which we believe Divine Providence has set before us, and shall retrace steps which we have taken under a most solemn conviction of our duty to God and to his Church. "3. It is with us no longer an open question, whether we should continue to prosecute our church extension work, so as to supply any lack of service that may exist on our field, according to our own judg- ment and ability. In maintaining this position, we are guilty of no breach of good faith towards the American Home Missionary Society. For we have never expressly, nor by remote implication, bound our- selves to make that society the exclusive agency of our Church in the home missionary work. " In pursuing our church extension work, we feel that we are only discharging an imperative duty which the Great Head of the Church has laid upon us. The necessity for this work is becoming increasingly urgent, in consequence of new circumstances over which we have no control ; and we must go forward, and not backward, in the prosecution of it. " 4. While we deem it incumbent on our Church to maintain firmly the principles and policy regarding this subject, which have been here- tofore adopted and acted upon by the General Assembly, we earnestly desire to effect a good understanding with our Congregational brethren. We have no disposition to take any advantage of them in our co-opera- tion with them ; nor do we assert any right or liberty for ourselves which we do not freely accord to them. " We have earnestly desired continued co-operation with our brethren in the work of home missions, provided it could be carried forward in consistency with the proper liberty of our churches, Presbyteries, and higher judicatories, and in fraternal confidence. But, if a separation must take place, we trust that it may be effected in Christian love, and solely with a view to the greater peace and efficiency of both denomi- nations. " And, that we may do all in our power to secure a wise and Christian adjustment of the difficulties by which we are encompassed, in relation to this subject, the General Assembly hereby appoint a committee of ten, to meet, in a fraternal conference, a committee of Congregational brethren (should such a committee be appointed), consisting of two 340 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. members from each of the Congregational bodies with which this General Assembly is in correspondence, namely : The General Association of Connecticut, the General Association of Massachusetts, the General Convention of Vermont, the General Association of New Hampshire, and the General Conference of Maine. To carry into effect this arrange- ment, the Committee of Conference are hereby instructed to address a communication to each of the bodies already named, inviting them to appoint a like committee to meet with the committee of this General Assembly.* " 5. It shall be the duty of the committee of the Assembly, herein provided for, to use their utmost endeavors to secure such an under- standing between us and our Congregational brethren, in regard to our co-operation with them in the work of home missions, as may conduct to an equitable and final settlement of this whole question. " It shall also be the duty of this committee to make a full report to the next General Assembly, and to recommend to that body such plans and measures pertaining to the home missionary work as they may deem wise and necessary. " 6. We would lay no restrictions whatever on our Presbyteries or churches, as to the exercise of their liberty, in choosing for themselves, through what agency they shall bestow their contributions for the pro- motion of the domestic missionary work. But we would earnestly urge them to do all in their power for the furtherance of this great cause, either through the American Home Missionary Society or the Church Extension Committee, or both, or through some other agency; and to suffer no feeling of suspense, as to the channels through which they arc to send forth the waters of life, to dry up the fountains of their Christian beneficence. u Resolved, That four of the Committee of Conference appointed by the above report be a quorum ; and that they be authorized to fill their own vacancies." — Minutes, 18G0, pp. 252, 254. " The committee, appointed to nominate the Committee of Conference with a similar committee to be appointed by the General Associations of New England, made the following nominations : Rev. Albert Barnes, Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, B.B., Rev. Robert W. Patterson, B.B., Rev. Thornton A. Mills, Rev. Edwin Hall, D.D., Rev. Asa B. Smith, D.B., Rev. B. Howe Allen, B.B., Rev. Samuel T. Scelye, Hon. William Jes- sup, LL.B., and Walter S. Griffith. * These boilie? respectively refused to appoint committees. EDUCATION FOR THE MINISTRY. 341 " In regard to the distribution of the five thousand copies of the report of the commission, the committee recommend that the stated clerk be instructed to place one thousand copies at the disposal of the Committee of Conference, and to send the remainder to the stated clerks of the several Presbyteries, dividing them in proportion to the number of com- municants in each Presbytery. "The report was adopted." — Minutes, 1860, p. 260. [On this subject, see also Church Extension.] Section 2. — On Education for the Ministry. 1. Early efforts by the Synod and Assembly. — 2. The Board of Education esta- blished. Passes into the hands of the " Old School"' party at the division. — 0. Other action. American Education Society commended. Action leading to the establishment of the Permanent Committee on Education. 1. Early Efforts. [The subject of education for the ministry early attracted the atten- tion of the General Presbytery and Synod (Minutes, 1783, p. 106 ; 1751, p. 246), and the churches were urged to aid pious youth in their course of study. Out of these efforts to supply the lack of candidates grew Princeton College. In 1806, the Assembly adopted a report, recom- mending to the Presbyteries to use their utmost endeavors to increase the number of candidates, and to give such assistance as they need. (Minutes, 1806, p. 366.) The Presbyteries were annually called on to report what they had done in the matter. In 1819, the Assembly resolved to establish a General Board of Education.] 2. Tlie Board of Education established ; its Constitution. a. "The committee appointed to draught a Constitution for establish- ing a General Board of Education, agreeably to the resolutions adopted by the Assembly on the subject, reported one, which being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : " I. There shall be a General Board of Education, known by the name of The Board of Education, under the care of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. "II. The board shall consist of thirty-six members; of whom there shall be twenty ministers and sixteen elders, one minister and one elder 342 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. to be chosen from each Synod, and the remainder from Philadelphia, and from a distance convenient to it. Seven members, including the President or Vice-President, shall be a quorum to transact business. "III. The whole number of members shall be divided into four classes, one-fourth to be annually elected. " IV. The election of the members of the board shall be made by nomination and ballot by the General Assembly. " V. The officers shall be a president, three vice-presidents, a record- ing and a corresponding secretary, and a treasurer, to be annually elected by the board. " VI. The objects of this board shall be — "1. To recognize such Presbyteries and other associations as may form themselves into education societies, as auxiliary to the general board. " 2. To assist such Presbyteries and associations in educating pious youth for the Gospel ministry, both in their academical and theological course. "3. To assign according to their best discretion, to the several aux- iliary societies, a just proportion of the whole disposable funds under their control. "4. To concert and execute such measures as they shall judge to be proper for increasing their funds, and promoting the general object. " VII. No young man shall be patronized or assisted by any auxiliary society, unless he shall produce a testimonial of his hopeful piety and talents from some Presbytery under whose care he shall have been taken. " VIII. Auxiliary societies may make such arrangements and selection of a seminary for the young men under their patronage, as, in their opinion, shall be most eligible for the prosecuting of their education, whether classical or theological. " IX. The auxiliary societies shall send to the board all the surplus funds in their hands which shall not be necessary for the accommodation of those immediately depending on them for support. "X. Every auxiliary society shall annually forward a report of their proceedings to the board, sufficiently early to enable the board, whose duty it shall be, to report to the General Assembly. "XL The board shall have power to make such by-laws to regulate their own proceedings, and effectually to accomplish the great objects of their appointment, as shall not be inconsistent with this Constitution. "XII. The board may propose to the General Assembly, from time FOREIGN MISSIONS. 343 to time, such plans as they may consider useful and necessary for the success of this institution, to be recommended to the several societies or churches, as the Assembly may think proper. "XIII. No addition or amendment to the provisions of this Consti- tution shall be made, unless by the consent of two-thirds of the members of the General Assembly present at any of their sessions; of which notice shall be given at least one day previous. " — Minutes, 1819, pp. 714, 715. [This board, in 1838, passed into the hands of the "Old School" party.] 3. Other Action of the Assembly. American Education Society commended. [The American Education Society was recommended by the Assem- bly. 1838, p. 649; 1839, p. 24; 1840, p. 21. In 1852, the subject came up in connection with the general matter of church extension. The Assembly adopted an extended report, which ultimately led to the formation of the Permanent Committee on Education for the Ministry. See Minutes, 1852, p. 170. In 1853, the subject came up again, and was referred to a committee of five, to digest a plan and report to the next Assembly. — Minutes, 1853, p. 320. See chap, x, sec. 5.] Section 3. — On Foreign Missions. 1. Earliest effort to evangelize the heathen. — 2. First missionary appointment of the Synod. — 3. Minute on the Indian Mission. — 4. The Assembly declines to form a board of missions co-operative with the American Board. — 5. The United Missionary Society formed. Amalgamation with the American Board. The American Board commended. 1. Earliest Efforts to Evangelize the Heathen. " The exigencies of the great affair of propagating the Gospel among the heathen being represented unto the Synod, the Synod, in order to promote so important and valuable a design, do enjoin all their members to appoint a collection, in their several congregations, once every year, to be applied for that purpose ; and that the money raised by such col- lections, be yearly sent to the Synod/'— Minutes, 1751, p. 246. [In 1756 (Minutes, p. 266), " Mr. Gilbert Tennent reported that he 344 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. had lately received a bill for two hundred pounds sterling, generously given for the propagation of the Gospel among the Indians, and to be under the direction of this Synod." A committee was appointed " to draw up a plan for the application of the money contributed in Great Britain for the use of the Indians."] 2. First Missionary Appointed. John Brainerd. a. "Upon application made to this Synod, they agreed to allow the interest of the money under their direction for the propagation of the Gospel among the Indians, unto Mr. Brainerd, a missionary to the Indians, in order to assist him in laboring among them for this year." — Minutes, 1756, p. 273. h. " Mr. Brainerd applied to the Synod for their advice whether it was his duty to leave his present charge at Newark, and resume his mission to the Indians. " Arguments on both sides were fully heard. u Though the Synod are tenderly affected with the case of Newark congregation, yet in consideration of the great importance of the Indian mission, they do unanimously advise Mr. Brainerd to resume it. " The Synod do further agree to give him the interest of the Indian fund for this year, in order to his more comfortable subsistence." Minutes, 1759, p. 294. 3. Minute on the Indian Mission. " Mr. Brainerd has received the greater part of the interest of the Indian fund, according to the vote of the Synod. "It is known to many in the bounds of this Synod, that some ministers, moved with an holy zeal to promote the kingdom of Christ among the Indian tribes, applied to the society in Scotland for propa- gating Christian knowledge, and obtained a grant of a certain sum of money yearly, to support two missionaries to promote the conversion of the savage nations; they employed Mr. David Brainerd, whose praise is in the churches of Christ, and whose endeavors were blessed with re- markable success in this great work of bringing the Indians to the knowledge of Christ. " It pleased God soon to remove him from his useful labor on earth to the joys of his heavenly kingdom. As the name of Brainerd was dear to these poor tribes, his brother was chosen to succeed him in the mission, in which station he continued for seven or eight years j but, as FOREIGN MISSIONS. 345 the prospect of a troublesome war made the mission dangerous and dis- agreeable, the commissioners who employed him dismissed him from his care of the Indians, and he was employed to preach the Gospel at Newark. "At an Indian treaty, the province of New Jersey bought all the small tracts of land that the Indians claimed in different parts of the government; and, that they might still encourage the native inhabitants to reside among them in their own country, they bought and bestowed on the remnant of these people about four thousand acres of land, which they gladly accepted; and, as many of them were converted to Christianity, they earnestly requested that Mr. Brainerd might be granted to them again as a Gospel minister. " The annuity which the society in Scotland had allowed to the missionary, was stopped upon Mr. Brainerd's dismission, though there was and is hope of procuring it again. Mr. Brainerd was requested by the governor and commissioners of Jersey to undertake the Indian mission. He applied to the Synod for advice, and though he had a very comfortable settlement at Newark, yet the Synod, through an earnest desire to promote the kingdom of Christ among these poor Indians, advised him to give up these temporal advantages, and settle as a missionary among those poor Indians, with which advice he readily and generously complied. But as there is no provision yet made to support him, and to answer many and various expenses in preaching to, and settling schools among these people, the Synod think themselves obliged to use all lawful endeavors to support said mission, and have now at their Synodical meeting agreed to contribute themselves, and to make application to the congregations in the bounds of this Synod, for a general collection to promote this pious and good design ; and to order that a collection for this purpose be made in every congregation under the care of this Synod, and that the respective collections be sent by the moderators of the Presbyteries before the beginning of September, to Mr. Jonathan Sergeant, near Princeton, who is to receive it and pay it to the correspondents of the Indian mission, to be by them used for this purpose. " Ordered, That a copy of this minute be taken by the moderators of such Presbyteries as are present, and sent to such as are absent." — Minutes, 17G0, p. 299. [For other efforts, see Minutes, 17G3, p. 324; 1767, p. 375; 17GS, p. 380; 1802, p. 238; 180G, p. 361, 365; 1805, p. 331, &c] 346 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. 4. Answer of the Assembly to the American Board, declining to Form a Board, of Foreign Missions. u The committee to which was referred a letter addressed to the mo- derator, by the secretary of the ' American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions/ reported, and the report being read, was adopted, and is as follows : " That having had under consideration the important and interesting vote of the American Board of Commissioners, by which they submit to the Assembly 'the expediency of forming an institution similar to theirs, between which and them may be such a co-operation as shall promote the great object of missions amongst unevangelized nations/ it appears proper to state — " 1. That it is a matter of sincere joy in their apprehension, to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and the souls of men, a joy in which the committee doubt not that the Assembly has a lively participation, that the brethren of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- sions have, by the exertions they have used, and the success of those exertions, demonstrated that the Churches of America are desirous to embark with their Protestant brethren in Europe in the holy enterprise of evangelizing the heathen. " 2. That as the churches under the care of the Assembly rejoice in the foreign missions organized and about to be organized by the Ameri- can Board of Commissioners, so, as opportunity favors, they ought to aid them, as they have, in a measure, already aided them, by contributions to their funds, and by every other facility which they could offer to so commendable an undertaking. "3. That as the business of foreign missions may probably be best managed under the direction of a single Board, so the numerous and extensive engagements of the Assembly, in regard to domestic missions, renders it extremely inconvenient, at this time, to take a part in foreign missions. And the Assembly, it is apprehended, may rather decline these missions, inasmuch as the committee are informed that missionary societies have lately been instituted in several places within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church, which make foreign missions a particular object of their attention." — Minutes, 1812, p. 515. FOREIGN MISSIONS. 347 5. The " United Foreign Missionary Society" formed, and amalga- mated with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- sions. a. [In 1817, the " United Foreign Missionary Society" was formed and approved by the Assembly. It embraced "the Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed, Associate Reformed, and all other Churches which may choose to join them." Minutes, 1817, p. 657. This society reported to the Assembly, and was recommended by it from year to year, until 1826, when it was united with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.] h. " The report of the committee on a communication from a com- mittee of the Managers of the United Foreign Missionary Society was taken up, and, after mature deliberation, it was "Resolved, That the General Assembly do consent to the amalgama- tion of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and the United Foreign Missionary Society. " Resolved further, That this General Assembly recommend the Ame- rican Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to the favorable notice and Christian support of the Church and people under our care." —Minutes, 1826, p. 175. Committee of Conference. a. "The committee on Overture No. 6, viz., 'A memorial on the sub- ject of Foreign Missions/ made a report, which being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : 11 Resolved, That a committee of three be elected to attend the next annual meeting of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and confer with that body in respect to measures to be adopted for enlisting the energies of the Presbyterian Church more extensively in the cause of missions to the heathen ; and that said committee report the results of this conference, and their views on the whole subject, to the next General Assembly." — Minutes, 1831, p. 328. b. "The report of the committee who were appointed by the last As- sembly to attend the Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and confer with that body, &c, was taken up, and after some discussion the following resolution was adopted, viz. : " Resolved, That while the Assembly would express no opinion in re- lation to the principles contained in the report, they cordially recommend 348 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to the affec- tion and patronage of their churches." — Minutes, 1832, p. 370. c. [In 1831, the Western Foreign Missionary Society was formed by the Synod of Pittsburg, and offered to the Assembly. Minutes, 1835, p. 488. The transfer was refused by the Assembly. Minutes, 1836, p. 278. In 1837, " The Board of Foreign Missions" was organized by the Assembly, and is now in possession of the "Old School" Assembly. Since the division, the General Assembly has continued to approve and to co-operate with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Minutes, passim. See chap, x, sec. 6.] Section 4. — On the Bible. 1. Gratuitous distribution. Aitkin's edition. — 2. Collins's edition. Ostervald's Notes commended. — 3. The American Bible Society. The Bible to be given to every family, and to the whole world. — 4. The common version commended, and a " new version" deprecated. — 5. Co-operation with the Society urged. 1. Gratuitous Distribution. Aitkin's Edition. u The Synod, taking into consideration the situation of many people under their care, who, through the indigence of their circumstances, are not able to purchase Bibles, and are in danger of perishing for lack of knowledge — " Ordered, That every member of this body shall use his utmost in- fluence in the congregation under his inspection, and in the vacancies contiguous to them, to raise contributions for the purchasing of Bibles, to be distributed among such poor persons ; and that Drs. Sproat and Ewing, a-nd Mr. Dufneld, be a committee to receive such contributions, to purchase Bibles therewith, and send them to the several members of this Synod, who, in conjunction with their respective Sessions, shall dis- tribute them. And as Mr. Aitkin, from laudable motives, and with great expense, hath undertaken and executed an elegant impression of the Holy Scriptures, which, on account of the importation of Bibles from Europe, will be very injurious to his temporal circumstances, Synod further agree that the above committee shall purchase Bibles of the said impression and no other, and earnestly recommend it to all to purchase such in preference to any other. " — Minutes, 1783, p. 500; also, 1781, p. 503; 1785, p. 506. THE BIBLE. 349 2. Collins' s Edition. Ostervald's Notes recommended. [" Mr. Collins, printer to the State of New Jersey," proposing to issue an edition, the Assembly appointed a committee to procure subscrip- tions.] " The General Assembly also confirm the appointment made by the Synod of New York and New Jersey, that Dr. John Witherspoon, Dr. Samuel S. Smith, and Mr. James F. Armstrong, be a committee to concur with any such committee as may be appointed, whether from any other denomination, or from any other Synod of our denomination, to revise and correct the proof-sheets, and, if necessary, to fix upon the most correct edition of the Scriptures to be recommended to the printer, from which to make his impression ; and that the said committee be or- dered to agree with the printer, that Ostervald's Notes, if not incon- sistent with the views of other denominations of Christians engaged in this undertaking, be printed with it, in such manner as may best pro- mote the publication. " The General Assembly, desirous to spread the knowledge of eternal life contained in the Holy Scriptures, earnestly recommend to all the congregations under their care to encourage this undertaking.'' — Minutes, 1789, pp. 12, 13. [Also 1790, p. 25; 1791, p. 41.] 3. American Bible Society. a. " The General Assembly record with gratification and heartfelt pleasure the information they have received of the formation of an American Bible Society, a few days since, in the city of New York ; and from the unanimity manifested by all denominations of Christians on that occasion, the fervor of zeal displayed, and eagerness manifested by the numerous and highly respectable delegation which attended, to combine their exertions in promotiug the best interests of their fellow- men, by furnishing them with the word of life, they cannot but believe that it is the work of God j that it will stand, and prove a rich blessing to those who may enjoy the fruits of its exertions." — Minutes, 181G, p. G20. The Bible to be (jiven to every Family in our Land. b. u On motion, it was — " Resolved unanimously, That the General Assembly view with pecu- liar satisfaction the measure recently proposed by the American Bible 350 . IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. Society, to supply every destitute family in the United States with a copy of the Bible in the course of two years ; and that it be cordially recommended to the Presbyteries, individual ministers, and churches, connected with the Assembly, to use their endeavors to carry the above measure, in reliance on the blessing of the Almighty, into full and pros- perous effect." — Minutes, 1829, p. 269. The Bible to be given to the whole World. c. " The committee recommend the following resolutions for the adoption of the Assembly, viz. : " 1. It is the duty of the people of God to give the Bible to every family and dweller upon earth, in the earliest period of time in which it is possible to do it. " 2. Resolved, That, in the judgment of the General Assembly, the Church of Christ is, under God, able to give the Word of God in a com- paratively short time, and much shorter than is ordinarily supposed, to the whole world; and that, from the peculiar position and resources of the American, and especially of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, our responsibility in this momentous service is, beyond all other people, great and pressing. " 3. Resolved, That inasmuch as the fixing of a definite period has some important benefits connected with it, and as, in the judgment of the General Assembly, the period agreed upon is sufficiently long, it be recommended to all the churches under the care of this Assembly, and respectfully proposed to all the sister churches in correspondence with our own, to follow the noble example, and unite in the important resolution, of the Society of Virginia, viz. : To endeavor to give the Bible to the whole world, in a period of not more than twenty years. "Adopted.'*— Minutes, 1835, p. 483. Recommendation to fix a Month for Annual Collections. d. "1. Believing, as this Assembly does, in the great Protestant doctrine that the Bible is indispensable to the well-being of the State and the Church, of families and individuals, therefore — 11 Resolved, That it becomes one of the clearest of duties to promote the diffusion of this sacred volume as extensively as possible. "2. As the history of Bible society organizations in the present cen- THE BIBLE. 351 tury shows, that, through their instrumentality, an unparalleled increase of translations and distributions has been effected ; that the best of all books has thus become the lowest of all in price, is kept clear from sectarian perversions, and is primarily and mainly furnished to the destitute, therefore — "Resolved, That this mode of preparing and circulating the Word of God has the hearty approbation of this General Assembly. "3. As the American Bible Society has co-operating branches and auxiliaries in most parts of the country, designed and calculated to facilitate the supply of our own population with the Scriptures, there- fore— "Resolved, That the churches and congregations be invited to co- operate with these local organizations, and render them efficient in fur- nishing destitute families, Sunday schools, and all who need, with Bibles and Testaments. " 4. As the parent society, by the growth of new States and Terri- tories, by the revolutions of Europe, and by the progress of missions in Mahommedan and Pagan countries, is now called upon annually for a much larger amount of means than it can furnish towards preparing and circulating the Scriptures (having a deficiency of nearly $30,000 the past year), therefore — "Resolved, That it be considered the duty of our respective charges, where circumstances will permit, to assign a month in each year when a collection shall be taken up, whether a Bible agent be present or not, in furtherance of this important object. " Adopted."— Minutes, 1849, pp. 179, 180. 4. Common Version commended , and a New Version deprecated. " Your committee report an overture from the Synod of Missouri, respecting the common version of the Bible. The said memorial sets forth the fact that strenuous efforts have been made for years, and are now made, especially in the West, to destroy confidence in, and set aside, our common and most excellent version of the Bible, as very defective and sectarian, and to introduce a new one. "The memorial, moreover, sets forth, that we, as Presbyterians, have been misrepresented, and the idea conveyed that some of our ministers favor this scheme. Our silence on the subject has resulted in making 352 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. the impression, among some of our people, that the common version of the Bible is not worthy of confidence ; therefore — "Resolved, 1. That we have unshaken confidence in our common ver- sion, and a firm belief that a better one, on the whole, for common use cannot be had. " Resolved, 2. That we deprecate the incalculable evils that would inevitably result from such an attempt, by any denomination or denomi- nations, to introduce a new version, destroying, as it would, confidence in our common version, ejecting it from our schools, opening the way for conflicting, sectarian versions, and sadly wounding and marring our beautiful Protestantism. " Resolved, 3. That, in the judgment of this Assembly, not one of our judicatories, and not one minister, approves of, or sympathizes with, this injudicious sectarian movement. " Resolved, 4. That all our ministers be careful, in expounding the word publicly, so to expound as to inspire and sustain confidence in our excellent version as truly the Word of God : believing, as we do, that the honest-hearted inquirer searching after the truth, with a teachable spirit, will find it. " Adopted."— Minutes, 1855, p. 28. 5. Co-operation urged. u The following preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted : " As the American Bible Society resolved, at its late anniversary, that, with Divine aid and the co-operation of its friends, it would endeavor, as early as practicable, to supply every destitute family in our country with the Bible, therefore — " Resolved, That this General Assembly, now convened, have great satisfaction in expressing their warm approval of the undertaking; and to secure its accomplishment, would not only pledge their own exertions, but invite the pastors and churches here represented to lend their assist- ance in carrying it forward, particularly in their connection, respectively with the local auxiliaries, the main channels through which the sacred "Word is to reach those who are without it." — Minutes, 185G, p. 197. RELIGIOUS BOOKS AND TRACTS. 353 Section 5.— On Religious Books and Tracts. 1. Religious books and tracts distributed gratuitously. — 2. Formation of tract societies commended. — 3. American Sunday-School Union approved. — 1. The " American" societies endorsed. 1. Religious Books, Tracts, &c, distributed Gratuitously. a. u The Synod finding the money collected some years ago for defray- ing the expense attending the missions appointed on our frontiers is nearly expended, agree to have a collection this year through their bounds upon the same plan with the former. And, as it is judged it might be useful to extend this public charity to purchase such religious books as the Synod may approve of, to be given to poor congregations, the following members are appointed to consider this matter, and bring in an overture to be subjected to the Synod as soon as they conveniently can, viz. : Messrs. McWhorter, Montgomery, and Ogden." — Minutes, 1772, p. 428. b. " The committee appointed last Friday to draw up an overture with respect to the general collection and the distribution of books, brought one in, which, after correction, is as follows : " 1. That the Synod recommend a general collection in all the churches under their care. " 2. That the Synod write a pastoral letter, in which they shall return thanks to their several congregations for their former generosity, and solicit their future favors. "3. That the Synod particularly desire the charity of the public for those purposes, viz. : For defraying the expenses of sending missionaries to the frontiers, and such other places as are unable to support the Gospel ; for purchasing useful books to distribute in said places under the direction of committees to be appointed for that purpose ; for propa- gating Christian knowledge among the Indians ; and for such other pious uses as may occur from time to time. " The following books were proposed and agreed to be procured and distributed, viz. : Bibles, Westminster Confessions of Faith, small edition of Vincent's Catechism, Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion, A Compassionate Address to the Christian World, Allein's Alarm to the Unconverted, Dr. Watt's Divine Songs for Children, and the Assembly's Catechism. 23 354 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. " And for the purpose of procuring and distributing those books we appoint for a committee at Philadelphia, Dr. Alison, Mr. Sproat, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Bayard, and Mr. Jonathan Smith; and at New York, Dr. ftodgers, Mr. Treat, Mr. McWhortcr, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. V. B. Liv- ingston, and Mr. Bobert Ogden. And the committees are restricted not to lay out this year above ten pounds proclamation currency each for the purposes aforesaid. But if any well-disposed person will send the com- mittees books or pamphlets which they judge will answer the intention of the Synod to promote Christian knowledge, they are desired to distribute these also." — Minutes, 1772, p. 429. c. " For the purpose of procuring books to bestow on the poor : in Philadelphia, Dr. Francis Alison, Mr. Sproat, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. John Bayard, and Mr. Jonathan Smith ; and in New York, Dr. Bodgers, Mr. Treat, Mr. McWhorter, Mr. Caldwell, and Mr. Noel are appointed as committees, and that they do not exceed the sum of twenty pounds proclamation currency, to be laid out by each committee, and that they draw on the treasurer for this sum." — Minutes, 1773, p. 441. d. u The committees appointed last Synod to purchase books and dis- tribute them among the poor on the frontiers, report, that they have complied with the order, and disposed of the whole of the sum allowed at New York, and the whole also of the sum allowed at Philadelphia, except one pound seven shillings and eight pence, but as the committee at Philadelphia have not yet received an account of any distribution made by the persons to whose care they have committed them on the frontiers, the Synod direct them to inquire as soon as possible into that matter, and use their best endeavors to have said distribution made (if not already done), and procure what information they can, of the success attending said distribution, and make report at next meeting of Synod." —Minutes, 1774, p. 452. See also, 1794, p. 93, &c. e. "That there be made a purchase of as many cheap and pious books as a due regard to the other objects of the Assembly's funds will admit, with the view of distributing them, not only along the frontiers of these States, but also among the poorer classes of people, and the blacks, or wherever it is thought useful ; which books shall be given away, or lent, at the discretion of the distributor. And that there be received from Mr. Robert Aitken, toward the discharge of his debt, books to such amount as shall appear proper to the Trustees of the Assembly, who are hereby requested to take proper measures for the distribution of the same." — Minutes, 1801, p. 229. [See also, 1802, p. 259 ; 1803, p. 268 ; 1805, p. 346 ; 1806, p. 361, &o.] RELIGIOUS BOOKS AND TRACTS. 355 2. Formation of Tract Societies recommended. The committee appointed to report on the establishment of a society for procuring and distributing religious tracts, reported the following resolution, and it was adopted : "Resolved, That whereas it appears to this Assembly, that great and increasing good has accrued to the Church of Christ, by the distribution of small, cheap religious tracts; it is hereby earnestly recommended that each Synod take measures for establishing as many religious tract societies within their bounds, by association of one or more Presbyteries, as may be most convenient for this purpose; and that such societies may adopt such plan for carrying into effect the object of this resolution, as may be most conducive in their judgment to this end." — Minutes, 1809, p. 429. [See chap, x, sec. 3, on Publication.] 3. American Sunday- School Union. a. u The committee to whom was referred the communication from the American Sunday-School Union, recommended the following resolution, which was adopted, viz. : "Resolved, That the General Assembly do cordially approve of the design and operations of the American Sunday-School Union ; and they do earnestly recommend to all the ministers and churches under their care, to employ their vigorous and continued exertions in the establish- ment and support of Sabbath-schools." — Minutes, 1826, p. 181. h. [On memorial of the Sunday-School Union, stating their purpose, by Divine aid, to establish a Sunday-school, where practicable, in every destitute place in the valley of the Mississippi, the Assembly] " Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the pastors and sessions of all our churches and congregations, to present this subject to their people, and solicit their prayers and labors, and contributions, to aid the society in the accomplishment of this important work." — Minutes, 1830, p. 297. 4. The "American Societies" commended. " That the Assembly recommend to all the congregations connected with this body, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 356 IX. ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. Missions, the American Bible Society, the American Education Society, the American Home Missionary Society, the American Tract Society, and the American Sunday-School Union, as institutions every way worthy of patronage and support; and as affording safe, convenient, and perhaps the best channels through which their contributions may reach the objects contemplated respectively by these societies." — Minutes, 1840, p. 21. Section 6. — On African Colonization. ]. First notice of the scheme; recommended. — 2. Collections on the Fourth of July recommended. — 3. Recognition of Liberian independence urged. 1. First Notice. a. " The Assembly notice with pleasure the general attention and exertion to alleviate the condition of the people of color in almost all parts of the country. A society for the colonization of free people of this description is formed, and is patronized by the first characters of our nation." — Minutes, 1817, p. 651. American Colonization Society recommended. b. "We recommend to all our people to patronize and encourage the Society lately formed for colonizing in Africa, the land of their ancestors, the free people of color in our country. We hope that much good may result from the plans and efforts of this Society. And while we exceed- ingly rejoice to have witnessed its origin and organization among the holders of slaves, as giving an unequivocal pledge of their desires to deliver themselves and their country from the calamity of slavery, we hope that those portions of the American Union whose inhabitants are, by a gracious Providence, more favorably circumstanced, will cordially, and liberally, and earnestly co-operate with their brethren in bringing about the great end contemplated." — Minutes, 1818, p. 693. c. u The following overture was submitted to the Assembly, which being read and amended, was adopted, viz. : " The objects and plans of the American Society for colonizing the free people of color of the United States, having been stated to the General Assembly, and the same having been considered and discussed, the Assembly — AFRICAN COLONIZATION. 357 "Resolved, That, in their opinion, the plan of the society is benevolent in its design, and, if properly supported, and judiciously and vigorously prosecuted, calculated to be extensively useful to this country and to Africa. " The situation of the people of color in this country has frequently attracted the attention of this Assembly. In the distinctive and indeli- ble marks of their color, and the prejudices of the people, an insuperable obstacle has been placed to the execution of any plan for elevating their character, and placing them on a footing with their brethren of the same common family. In restoring them to the land of their fathers, the Assembly hope that the way may be opened, not only for the accom- plishment of that object, but for introducing civilization and the Gospel to the benighted nations of Africa. " From the information and statements received, the Assembly believe that the proposed colony in Africa may be made a powerful auxiliary in the efforts which are making to abolish the iniquitous traffic in slaves carried on in Africa, and happily calculated to lay the foundation of a gradual emancipation of slaves in our own country, in a legal and con- stitutional manner, and without violating the rights or injuring the feelings of our Southern brethren. " With these views, the Assembly feel it a duty to recommend the American Society for colonizing the free people of color of the United States to the patronage and attention of the churches under their care, and to benevolent individuals throughout the Union." — Minutes, 1819, p. 710. 2. Collections on Fourth of July recommended. "Resolved, That this Assembly recommend to the churches under their care to patronize the objects of the American Colonization Society, and particularly that they take up collections in aid of its funds on the Fourth of July next, or on the Sabbath immediately preceding or suc- ceeding that day, and whenever such course may be thought expedient to give their assistance, in such manner as may be most conducive to the interests of the general cause." — 3Iinutes, 1825, p. 154. [See also 182G, p. 180; 1831, p. 332; 1832, p. 365; 1833, p. 411.] 3. Recognition of Liberian Independence urged. u The following resolutions were presented and unanimously adopted : 358 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. "The committee appointed to draft a minute and resolutions relative to colonization, and the desirableness of a recognition of the republic of Liberia by the Government of the United States, report as follows : "The enterprise of colonization has been before the American people about forty years, and has been thoroughly discussed. Whatever diver- sity of views may prevail as to its capacity or incapacity, its effect or lack of effect upon the subject of a final abolition of slavery, your committee believe that very little diversity exists as to the fact that a great practi- cal blessing to Africa, and a real social and civil benefit to the emigrant colonists, have resulted from the establishment of the republic of Liberia. By it, the colored man, removed from those impediments which, in this land, hindered the full and immediate development of his capabilities for self-government, has been enabled at once, on a theatre to which the eyes of the civilized world are turned, to demonstrate them beyond the power of disputation, and thus to exert a mighty moral influence for the benefit and elevation of his race. By it, schools, churches, the Christian Sabbath, regulated government, freedom, have been set up upon the shores of a barbarous, despotic, superstitious continent, and are sending abroad their benign influences from year to year in an ever-increasing measure. " Thirty years after the organization of the first Colonization Society, the colony of Liberia, yet feeble, was compelled to set forth its Declara- tion of Rights, and to assume the constitutional organization of an independent republic. This event, which marks an era in the history of Africa and her children, occurred in 1846; since which period, with a rapidity which has exceeded the anticipation of the most sanguine minds, this new nation has been steadily acquiring strength and re- spectability. " The nations of Europe answered the appeal of this rising State, and cordially encouraged it by liberal treaties and an open recognition. We regret to say that our own Government has not hitherto afforded to it the same moral support. A strange anomaly is seen in the fact, that the great republic of the North, looked to for sympathy and support by all people struggling for liberty, fails to afford sympathy or acknowledg- ment to a sister republic, whose origin, whose similarity of form, and whose successful attempt at self-government, it should seem, would make the claim almost imperative. "In view of such facts and considerations, the committee recommend the following resolutions to be adopted as the sense of this Assembly : SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE. 359 " 1. That the original project of colonization, so far as it proposed to introduce civilization, free government, and Christianity among the people of Africa, merits, as it has already received, the cordial approba- tion and friendly sympathy of the Presbyterian Church. " 2. That, as Christians and Americans, we look with delight upon the success already achieved in the rescue of more than five hundred miles of seacoast from the manifold crimes and miserie's which the slave trade inflicted upon it, and in the successful organization and adminis- tration of republican government by the emigrants to Liberia, thus triumphantly vindicating their capacity for the highest duties of society. " 3. That, in view of the origin of the people of Liberia, of the entire correspondence of their laws and Constitution with our own, and of their rapidly growing commerce and greatness, their republic has peculiar claims, both of justice and policy, for an open recognition by the Ameri- can Government; and that we sincerely regret that the empires of France and Brazil, and the monarchies of England, and Russia, and Belgium, have been permitted to anticipate the action of our country. " 4. That whenever colored emigrants, already free, or offered liberty by their masters at the South, on the condition of their emigrating, solicit aid to reach Liberia, we cordially recommend them to the sym- pathies and assistance of the churches under our care." — Minutes, 1853, pp. 329, 330. Section 7. — On Systematic Beneficence. 1. The plan endorsed, and urged upon the churches. — 2. The American System- atic Beneficence Society recommended. "The report of the Committee on Benevolent Societies was adopted, viz. : "1. This Assembly would recognize, with devout gratitude to God, the success that has attended the labors of most of our great national societies during the last year; that notwithstanding the unprecedented commercial embarrassments by which the year has been distinguished, most of these societies have been enabled to prosecute their work, and, with few exceptions, to meet and sustain all their responsibilities. "The Assembly have in these facts an additional proof that some at least of these contributions to this cause are made from principle, and 360 IX. — ON MODES OF EVANGELIZATION. that Christians are ready, to some extent, to make sacrifices in the cause of Christ. "2. That the Assembly recognize with pain the fact, that while some have done so nobly and so well, yet the number of contributors to the cause, compared with the whole number in our communion, is lamenta- bly small, the largest portion, by far, of our communicants withhold- ing their contributions altogether. a3. That it be recommended to our Synods, Presbyteries, and church Sessions to devise, if possible, some method by which a more general application shall be made to every member of the Church ; so that our whole Church may be engaged to take a part in the glorious enterprise of reclaiming the world to Christ. "4. That it be commended to the attention of pastors and stated preachers in our Church to consider well if more cannot be done by them in the advocacy of benevolent action, and in the collection of funds, than has hitherto been attempted ; the Assembly being fully satisfied that no person can be so well qualified to judge what are the best means to be employed in any given case as the pastor of the congregation. a 5 # * * * " 6. That this Assembly are fully satisfied that neither of these enter- prises is in a condition at present to dispense with the employment of agents, yet they are fully satisfied that a much smaller number would be demanded, and those employed enabled to extend their labors, each to a much larger field, if a portion of the labor in collecting funds could be performed by collectors, male and female, appointed in each congre- gation for the purpose. They therefore recommend to pastors, Sessions, and friends of the cause generally, such organizations in the respective congregations as shall bring the leading enterprises of benevolence before every member of the Church, without the personal application of an agent every year." — Minutes, 1840, pp. 21, 22. "American Systematic Beneficence Society" commended. "Resolved, 1. That the subject of systematic beneficence be earnestly commended to the attention and action of our churches. "2. That 'The American Systematic Beneficence' Society, already organized in Philadelphia, be commended to the co-operation of all our Synods, Presbyteries, and Sessions." — Minutes, 1856, pp. 195,196. CHAPTER X. THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "Resolved, That the committees appointed at the opening of each Assembly be called Standing Committees, and those outside of the As- sembly, Permanent Committees." — Minutes, 1856, p. 192. Section 1. — Preliminary Action. 1. Reports of committees in 1849 and 1850, looking to raising up ministers, ga- thering and organizing churches, and building church edifices. — 2. A full report on Church extension. The American Home Missionary Society recommended. Each Presbytery to appoint a standing committee on Church extension, and to take the oversight of the work within their own bounds. The Home Missionary Society requested not to require the official sanction of any of its agents to a Pres- byterial application. Exploring missionaries encouraged. Committee of Con- ference with the American Home Missionary Society. — 3. Report of the Com- mittee of Conference. 1. Preliminary Action. " The committee to whom was referred the report of the committee of the last Assembly on Home Missions, reported the following resolu- tions, which, after much discussion, were adopted : " 1. Resolved, That the Providence of God, as indicated in the won- derful improvements of the age, in the commotions of the Old World, the influx of foreigners, and the unparalleled increase of population in our extensive and extending country, calls for the entire consecration and most self-denying and efficient action of the Christian mini-try. " 2. That the friends of Christ are called upon to use all wise and Christian means to raise up ministers, and meet the emergencies of coining years. 362 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "3. That our Presbyteries are admonished to secure, so far as possi- ble, a good supply for all the feeble churches under their care, and to gather congregations and organize churches in the towns and settlements in which it may be practicable; either by employing a permanent mis- sionary agent, or by such other means as the circumstances and neces- sities of these destitute fields demand. "4. That those ministers who preach to two or more congregations should use their best endeavors to induce the elders of the churches to hold Sabbath-schools, in connection with some form of religious wor- ship, at a regular hour every Sabbath-day, when their ministers cannot be present. " 5. That we should make efforts to induce the children of immigrants to attend our Sabbath-schools, and the adults, our congregations; and when they are converted, to join our churches, or to organize churches of their own in connection with us ; that, as soon as possible, they may be Americanized in their language and feelings, and become evangelical in their religion. " 6. That every congregation which has no church edifice should, without unnecessary delay, build themselves a suitable house of worship; that generally this should be done by their own exertions, or by such aid only as can be secured in their own vicinity. " But if, in any case, a church or churches of a district of country really need assistance from abroad, then the strong ought to help bear the burdens of the weak ; and, in all such cases, those asking aid should bear such testimonials from the Synods to which they belong that the benefactors may know that their charities will be well bestowed." — Minutes, 1849, p. 178. Church Extension. a. "The following resolutions were then adopted on the subject of home missions : "1. "Resolved, That in the last command of Christ to his disciples we recognize a command obligatory on our branch of the Church, to preach the Gospel and establish religious institutions throughout the entire extent of our national domain, as far, and as fast, as that domain becomes inhabited. " 2. Resolved, That our Presbyteries be recommended to take such action within their respective bounds that, either by themselves, or by PRELIMINARY ACTION. 363 the aid of the Home Missionary Society, new churches may be organized wherever circumstances will permit, and the stated preaching of the Gospel be supplied in churches now destitute, as speedily as possible." — Minutes, 1850, p. 315. Church Erection. b. 3. " Resolved, That it be recommended to all our churches to strive earnestly to render our religious institutions permanent, by the erection of church edifices, and the settlement of pastors, whenever this can be done ; and in this work the older and wealthier churches ought to co- operate with the younger and feebler." — Ibid. Education. c. "4. Resolved, That the searching out and bringing forward of young men, of hopeful piety and talent, as candidates for the Gospel ministry, is an integral and essential part of the missionary enterprise, and, as such, demands the constant vigilance and untiring efforts of the ministers and elders of our churches in all parts of the land." — Ibid. 2. A full Report on the general subject of Church Extension. "The whole subject [of Church extension] was accordingly referred to a special committee, consisting of the Rev. Thornton A. Mills, Rev. Nathan S. S. Beman, D.D., Rev. Frederick A. Ross, Rev. Artemas Bullard, D.D., Rev. Asa D. Smith, D.D., Rev. D. Howe Allen, D.D., Rev. James B. Townsend, Rev. Samuel W. Fisher, and Rev. Robert W. Patterson; four of whom to form a quorum." — Minutes, 1851, p. 29. [The report of the committee was the next year presented, amended, and adopted, viz. :] "To promote more extensively the work of domestic missions, the General Assembly hereby adopts the following arrangement : " 1. The American Home Missionary Society is hereby recommended to the Presbyteries as the agency through which, as heretofore, the work of domestic missions shall be done j and the Presbyteries and Synods are requested to adopt, as far as they may deem proper in their circum- stances, the following or similar arrangements : "2. Each Presbytery shall elect a Standing Committee on Church 364 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. Extension to serve one year, and continue in office till successors are appointed, who shall, under its direction, attend to the general interests of this work within its bounds. "3. Each Presbytery shall see that, by its own ministers or other suitable agency, the claims of home missions shall be presented annually to each of its churches, and that proper efforts are made to bring their liberality into free and becoming exercise towards this cause ; these contributions to be paid into the treasury of the American Home Mis- sionary Society, or any of its auxiliaries, and to be raised with as little expense to that Society as possible. "4. Each Presbytery shall recommend all applications for aid from any of its churches ; and shall be careful to see that the amount asked for is the lowest which will fairly answer the purpose. And it is recom- mended, that the appropriations sought be diminished from year to year, if it can be safely done, that the churches may be brought to a self-sus- taining standard as soon as possible. " 5. The American Home Missionary Society is hereby requested to arrange its system of appropriations, so that applications made by any Presbytery for its churches shall not require the official sanction of any agent of that Society. It is not intended, however, by this recommen- dation, to abridge the right of the Society to obtain information as to such applications, or to use its full discretion as to granting them in whole or in part. " 6. Each Presbytery, whose circumstances as to territory, churches, and numbers demand it, is recommended to appoint an itinerant mis- sionary within its bounds. Or each Synod, where it is best that two or more, or all, of its Presbyteries shall be united in this work, is recom- mended to appoint such a missionary, whose duty it shall be to act as a travelling evangelist, after the scriptural pattern, to explore destitute fields ; to prepare the way for the formation of new churches by the Presbyteries; to seek for ministers to take charge of them; to assist and direct in building houses of worship in destitute places; and in all other suitable ways, under the direction of Presbyterial or Synodical committees, promote the work of Church extension. " 7. Each Synod shall appoint yearly a Church Extension Cemmittee, whose duty it shall be to take the supervision of any agencies which shall be established, to arrange and carry out some plan to aid in the erection of churches in destitute places, to conduct the home missionary business of the Synod generally, and make a full report at each meeting. PRELIMINARY ACTION. 365 " 8. Each Synod shall require a yearly collection from its churches, to assist, by loan or gift, feeble churches to erect houses of worship in destitute places ; which funds shall be distributed by the Synod's com- mittee among those churches which may apply for it, according to their necessities. And the older and abler Synods of the Church are earnestly recommended to contribute of their abundance to aid the feebler Synods in this work. "9. Each Synod is hereby charged with the review of the course of its Presbyteries in the duties now assigned them; and is further re- quired to report to the General Assembly, through its Standing Com- mittee, its proceedings up to the first of April in each year. " 10. Each Presbytery is further required, in addition to its statistical report and narrative, to forward yearly to the General Assembly a full report of its various arrangements for Church extension, stating the number of its ministers, and the particular manner in which they are employed; the number of its churches, and how they are supplied; the gross amount of funds collected in its bounds for home missions and church erection ; the amount received by its churches from the Ameri- can Home Missionary Society, or any similar institution; the number of houses of worship, with their probable value, and whether they are free from debt; the number of new churches organized, and new houses of worship erected; what itinerant arrangements have been adopted for preaching the Gospel; what and how much agency has been employed; together with all such other facts and suggestions as will show from year to year what has been accomplished, and what may need to be under- taken to bring all the churches to a proper degree of effort to promote the kingdom of Christ. " 11. The stated clerk is required, in due time previous to the meet- ing of each General Assembly, to notify the stated clerks of the Synods and Presbyteries, by a circular letter, of the foregoing requirement as to reports. " 12. There shall hereafter be appointed, with the other standing com- mittees of the General Assembly, one on Church extension, to whom shall be committed, at an early period of their sessions, the Synodical and Presbyterial reports on the subject, whose duty it shall be to present a condensed view of them to the Assembly, with such further proposi- tions to promote this work as they may deem desirable. This standing committee shall be required to report as soon as a faithful discharge of its duties will permit. 366 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. " 13. A committee, consisting of five, is hereby appointed to confer with the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary So- ciety, expressing to it the kind feelings and confidence of the General Assembly and the churches it represents, and requesting its co-operation in this plan, as for as its principles will admit ; and also requesting a statement of the principles on which its appropriations are made to the churches of the several denominations of Christians who support it; the results of which conference shall be reported to the next General As- sembly. "The Rev. George Duffield, D.D., Rev. Philemon H. Fowler, and Hon. Daniel Haines were appointed a committee to nominate the com- mittee of five contemplated in the 13th article; and on the nomination of the committee the following persons were appointed, viz., Rev. George Duffield,D.D., Rev. Nathan S. S. Beman, D.D., Rev. Thornton A. Mills, Rev. Robert W. Patterson, and Hon. John L. Mason." — Minutes, 1852, pp. 171-173. 3. Report of the Committee of Conference with the American Home 3fissi.onari/ Society, 1853. " The Committee of Conference with the American Home Missionary Society report as follows : " That they have been much gratified in receiving the assurance, from this correspondence, and from personal conference with the Rev. D. B. Coe, one of the Secretaries of the American Home Missionary Society, that said Society has no disposition to interfere in anywise with the ecclesiastical functions of the Synods and Presbyteries, but rather, in just so far as it can, consistent with its organization and principles as a voluntary association, to blend its agency with theirs in the promotion of the one great common object, the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. The Missionary Committee of each Presbytery is recognized by the So- ciety as the appropriate body to certify the wants of any particular church seeking aid, the standing of the minister and his prospects of usefulness, and to endorse and recommend the application. " The Society utterly disclaims any purpose of permitting its agents to interfere with the ecclesiastical relations of the churches, or to over- rule the recommendations of the Presbyterial Missionary Committees, or the intention to make any discrimination in the appropriations in favor of one denomination and against another. THE CHURCH EXTENSION COMMITTEE. 367 " The long connection -which has existed between our churches and the American Home Missionary Society, as the receiving and disbursing agent of the churches in carrying forward their domestic missionary work, the efficiency with which the Society has performed its duties, and the general impartiality and fidelity with which it has discharged its important and sometimes difficult trust, force upon us the conviction that our home missionary work can be more successfully prosecuted, in existing circumstances, under our present arrangements, than by any new organization. " At the same time, we are fully satisfied that the rules of the Society, well designed, and undoubtedly wise and beneficial in their general working, do, nevertheless, sometimes prevent the extension of the Gospel under its auspices, in many of our new and rapidly-growing cities and towns of the West, in cases where the importance of the work, and the incalculable good which might result therefrom, demand some aid. "We are aware, also, that the recent revival of denominational zeal which has occurred, will render the continued co-operation of different sister deno- minations in the missionary work much more delicate and difficult than heretofore, and may occasion injustice to be done through subordinate agents, without intention to do so on the part of the Executive Com- mittee of the Society. Mutual forbearance, however, and that charity which the apostle commends to his Corinthian brethren, and that fear of God which will lead one to suffer rather than inflict a wrong, may, we believe, enable the co-operating parties to continue thus their joint labors happily and successfully, cultivating, also, thereby, the most diffi- cult graces, by often exercising them." — Minutes, 1853, pp. 340, 341. Section 2. — The Church Extension Committee. 1. The powers and duties of the Assembly in regard to home missions. Com- mittee on Church Extension established ; located in Philadelphia. Powers only such as are conferred by the Assembly. The functions of the committee desig- nated. Intention to interfere with the American Home Missionary Society dis- avowed. Number of the committee, classes, and term of office. Five a quorum. The committee has power to fill its vacancies in the recess of the Assembly. — 2. Intent of the appointment of the committee, not to change the co-operative policy of the Church, but to supplement existing agencies. — 3. The committee authorized to use their own discretion in cases where prompt action is required. — 4. The powers and duties of the committee enumerated and enlarged. Au- 368 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. thorized to provide for churches which can receive aid from no other source. — 5. The committee instructed to prosecute their work with all energy. Feeble churches to ask the least sum possible. General contributions urged in all the churches not aided by the American Home Missionary Society. — 6. The Board of Missions has no authority to sit in judgment upon the orthodoxy or morality of a minister in good standing in his own Presbytery. — 7. The committee can make no discrimination between churches having the same standing under the Constitution. — 8. Rules of the committee. 1. TJie Report of the Standing Committee. The Church Extension Committee established. " The Assembly resumed the consideration of the report of the Com- mittee on Church Extension , relative to the overtures on the subject of home missions, when, after full discussion, it was adopted, and is as follows : " The Committee on Church Extension, to whom was referred the overtures and memorials on the subject of home missions from the Third and Fourth Presbyteries of Philadelphia, the Synod of Iowa, and the Presbyteries of Chicago and Iowa City, respectfully report : That their attention has been especially directed to those cases of home missionary effort which are excluded by the rules of the American Home Missionary Society. Such are, for example, the employment of Synodical, Presby- terial, and generally of exploring or itinerant Presbyterian Missionaries, and the planting of Presbyterian churches in advance of all others in towns and neighborhoods, and the founding of churches within the chartered limits of cities and large villages. "The Form of Government of our Church, chapter xviii, expressly authorizes the inferior judicatories to apply to the General Assembly for missionary assistance, and in express terms authorizes the Assembly to send missionaries to any part of the Church. The principles of our Presbyterianism, applicable to this subject, are, that the Church is one ; that, in accordance with this idea, the stronger parts of the Church must assist the weaker, and that the reservoir into which the surplus shall flow to be equalized and distributed, is the General Assembly. It is obvious that the details of the reception and distribution of funds for this object cannot be arranged by the whole body of the Assembly, but that the Assembly must employ some agency for this purpose; and our opinion is, that it is entirely free to choose any agency whatever. Of course, it may operate through a voluntary association like the American THE CHURCH EXTENSION COMMITTEE. 369 Home Missionary Society; but your committee do not conceive that its use of that society for specific purposes either gives that society a right to control the whole subject of Church extension for our denomination, or releases the General Assembly from its own obligation to do so. The older and richer Synods, indeed, do not feel so much the pressure of this necessity, as they are able to afford the needed supplementary aid from their own resources ; but it is urged upon us from the more new and destitute portions of our Church, that our interests are grievously suffering, because neither the American Home Missionary Society nor any other agency meets their wants in certain respects, such as those which have been already mentioned j and their appeal in this behalf is made just where the Constitution of our Church directs that it should be made, — to the General Assembly itself. " This being obviously, therefore, a case which cannot be reached so effectually by any action of the inferior judicatories, your committee connot see how the Assembly can refuse to exercise, in regard to it, that power of ' superintendence of the concerns of the whole Church/ ex- pressly confided to it by the Constitution. They therefore recommend the following action : , Name, Powers, and Functions of the Committee. a. "Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly hereby establishes a standing committee, to be called TJie Church Extension Committee, a majority of whom shall reside in or near the city of Philadelphia. This committee shall have no other powers than those conferred by the As- sembly; and the functions now assigned to them are those of employing Presbyterial, Synodical, and other Presbyterian itinerant or exploring agents, and affording aid in such exceptional cases as those already mentioned, and also the receiving and disbursing of funds for these objects. Intention to interfere v:ith the American Home Missionary Society disavowed. b. "2. That, in recommending this course of action, the General As- sembly distinctly declare that it is not their intention thus to establish an ecclesiastical board, or to interfere with the proper functions of the American Home Missionary Society, but, as heretofore, they recommend 24 370 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. that society to the confidence and co-operation of the churches under their care. Numher, Classes, and Term of Office, of the Committee. c. "3. That the Standing Committee on Church Extension, now con- stituted, shall consist of fifteen members, to be chosen by the Assembly in such manner as the Assembly may direct, and the committee shall, at its first meeting, divide itself into three equal parts, to serve respectively one, two, and three years ; but the same persons shall be re-eligible at the pleasure of the Assembly." Quorum; Power to fill Vacancies in the Recess of the Assembly. d. "4. Five members of the committee shall be a quorum; but in order to elect any salaried officer of the committee, or to increase or diminish the salary of the same, a majority of the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. The committee shall have power to fill any vacancies occurring while the Assembly is not in session, and they shall make an annual report to the Assembly of all their proceed- ings."— Minutes, 1855, pp. 20-22. 2. Intent of the Appointment of. the Committee. u In establishing the Committee on Church Extension, the General Assembly distinctly declared, that it was not their intention to change the co-operative policy of our Church on the subject of home missions, but merely to provide a supplementary agency to attend to the cases needing assistance, which could not be met in consistency with the rules of the American Home Missionary Society. The committee clearly apprehend the object of their appointment, and correctly defined it in a document put forth in August last; and this Assembly commend the strict and prudent adherence of the committee to the principles therein contained. There is nothing in the original appointment of the com- mittee, when properly understood, nor in its action, to excite the fears which have been expressed by corresponding bodies, that our Church has started on a crusade to propagate sectarianism." — Minutes, 1856, pp. 219, 220. THE CHURCH EXTENSION COMMITTEE. 371 3. The Committee to use its discretion in Cases requiring prompt Action. "Resolved, That while this Assembly would make no change in the general basis of our operations in the department of Church extension, yet, in view of the fact that, as experience shows, great and perplexing delays are found to result in many cases from a literal and rigid adhe- rence to the restrictions under which the Committee on Church Exten- sion have acted hitherto, they are hereby authorized to exercise their discretion in relation to such applications for aid as may seem to require prompt and immediate action." — Minutes, 1857, p. 409. 4. Powers of the Committee enlarged. u Churches in the condition of those just referred to (from whom aid has been withheld by the Home Missionary Society), ought not to be left to suffer, and perhaps to perish ; and with a view to them, and also to churches situated like those in Missouri, the powers and duties of the Church Extension Committee ought to be expanded. It has hitherto devolved upon them : 1. To employ agents for purposes of exploration ; 2. To aid churches in the chartered limits of cities and large towns; 3. To plant Presbyterian churches in places where sister denominations had not previously occupied the ground ; and 4. To answer applications that require prompt and immediate replies, and that will not admit of the delay incident to requests preferred in other directions. " In view of the new classes of exceptional cases to which they have referred, the committee recommend that the province of the Permanent Committee be still further enlarged, so that they may be authorized to . provide for churches that can receive adequate aid from no other source. And to meet the increased draught that must thus be made upon their treasury, it is desirable that additional force be given to their agency for collecting funds. " Adopted."-— Minutes, 1859, p. 43. 5. Committee instructed to prosecute their Work icith energy. 11 The report of the Permanent Committee affords encouraging proof of progress in the work of church extension. This work is steadily growing on the hands of the committee, and is carried forward by them with wisdom and efficiency. An increase of about fifty per cent, in the 372 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. receipts of the committee within the past year shows that this cause is taking a deep hold on the hearts of our people. The importance of the exploring agencies that are employed by the committee can hardly be overestimated. New and wide fields are opening, that must not be neglected by our Church. The number of our feeble churches that can receive aid only from this Church Extension Committee is, from special causes, rapidly increasing. These churches must not be suffered to die, or be driven to other denominations for support, as the condition of their continued existence. The present condition of our home mission- ary affairs multiplies, and will multiply, the demands for the efficient prosecution of our Church extension enterprise. The coming year will be one of great importance in the history of this work. A large increase upon the present receipts of the committee will be urgently needed. " In view of the whole case, we recommend the adoption of the fol- lowing resolutions : "Resolved, 1. That the report of the Church Extension Committee be approved, and that the committee are hereby instructed to prosecute their work with all the energy that they can command. "2. That we urge our feeble churches that make application to the committee for aid to use their utmost endeavors to help themselves, and to ask the committee for the smallest amount with which they can adequately support their ministers. " 3. That we request all the churches in our connection, that are not aided by the American Home Missionary Society, to take up collections at an early day for the Church extension cause." — Minutes, 1860, p. 255. 6. The Board of Missions has no authority to sit in Judgment upon the Orthodoxy or Morality of a Minister in good standing in his own Presbyter?/. " In answer to the questions propounded by the Presbyteries of Union and French Broad, the Assembly would say, that, though they do not recognize in the Board of Missions the authority to sit in judgment upon the orthodoxy or morality of any minister who is in good standing in his own Presbytery, yet, from the necessity of the case, they must exercise their own sound discretion upon the expediency or inexpediency of appointing or withholding an appointment from any applicant, holding THE CHURCH EXTENSION COMMITTEE. 373 themselves amenable to the General Assembly for all their official acts." ■— Minutes, 1830, p. 290. 7. The Committee can make no discriminations between Churches having the same standing under the Constitution. " The Standing Committee on Church Extension, to whom was re- ferred the resolution proposing that the General Assembly should in- struct the Church Extension Committee to offer no assistance to any church that has in its communion one or more slaveholders, reported as follows : " 1. The Permanent Committee on Church Extension is appointed to act for the whole Church, being an organ of the General Assembly, which represents the whole Church, and we can see no defensible prin- ciple on which such a committee could make discriminations, on moral grounds, between churches that are recognized as having the same ecclesiastical standing under our common Constitution. "2. The position of our Church is well understood to be one of opposition to the spirit and the system of slavery; and we have no reason to believe that any churches connected with us are using their influence to sustain and fortify that institution. " 3. If it be true that any members of churches in our connection hold slaves under mistaken views of their duty towards them, we do not see that this affords any sufficient reason for withholding from them the Bread of Life, and such enlightened teachings as we believe our minis- try are qualified and disposed to impart, in relation to all the great prin- ciples of Christian duty. We sympathize with all Christian endeavors to remove imperfection and sin from the Church of Christ; but we think this end is to be accomplished not by withdrawing the Gospel from those who need it, but by affectionate and prayerful efforts to apply the principles of our holy religion to the heart and conscience of every Christian who is willing to receive instruction. "4. The Church Extension Committee are fully aware of the ground which our Church occupies with reference to this subject, and we have confidence that they will conscientiously discharge their duty with an enlightened regard to the promotion of righteousness and holiness in the Church, and in the world. " Adopted."— Minutes, 18G0, p. 258. 374 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. 8. Rules of the Church Extension Committee. "1. Quarterly meetings of the committee shall be held alternately in the cities of Philadelphia and New York, on the third Tuesdays of April, July, October, and January, at one o'clock p. m., at which meetings alone the more important business not requiring haste shall be trans- acted ; such as the appointing of officers, determining the policy of the committee, adopting rules or changing them, and agreeing upon the an- nual report to the General Assembly. Beside the quarterly meetings, there shall be held monthly meetings, excepting in those months in which the quarterly meetings occur, at the Presbyterian House in Phi- ladelphia, at which meetings all ordinary executive business, not reserved as above, may be transacted. The chairman may convene the committee at any other time by causing suitable notice to be given. The necessary travelling expenses of the ministerial members of the committee shall be paid by the treasurer. "2. A secretary and a treasurer shall be chosen annually, by nomina- tion and ballot. " 3. While the secretary shall be careful not to interfere with the col- lections made for the American Home Missionary Society or its auxilia- ries, yet it is understood that the claims of the committee are to be so presented to individuals and churches, as to secure adequate funds to carry out all the objects designed by the General Assembly in its appoint- ment. " 4. The ordinary mode of operation of the committee will be through the Synods or Presbyteries of our Church, upon the following plan : Each Synod or Presbytery which thinks proper to do so, may appoint a Com- mittee on Church Extension, where such a committee does not already exist, composed of members so situated that they can readily meet. When cases occur such as come within the range of our appointment, the Synodical or Presbyterial Committee will recommend the field, or church, or minister, as the case may be, and in general co-operate with this committee in regard to this class of domestic missionary operations. It will be understood, however, in cases where the Synod or Presbytery has not acted, that churches or ministers may address the committee directly. " 5. Synods or Presbyteries co-operating with the committee will either send to it all their funds collected for the class of cases appropriate to the committee, and the appointments be made by it; or they may raise CHURCH ERECTION. 375 their own funds and make appointments to be confirmed by this com- mittee, arid pay over to it their surplus. " 6. Applications should always be specific. They should state such particulars as the following : The circumstances which make the case one proper for the action of this committee, and not for that of the Ame- rican Home Missionary Society; the extent and location of the field; the name of the agent or missionary ; if a church or congregation, its name and location ; the number of communicants ; the average number of attendants on public worship; the state of the country and population, and prospects of the field ; the denominations and size of congregations immediately contiguous; the total amount of salary which they can raise for the given time, or which can be raised in the Synod or Presby- tery; and every other particular calculated to throw light upon the case. "7. All co-operating committees will make an annual report to the committee, and all agents or missionaries receiving from it the whole or a part of their support, will niuke a quarterly report. The annual re- ports shall be forwarded in time to be received by the second Tuesday of April in each year, and the quarterly reports by the second Tuesdays of July, October, and January." Section 3. — Committee on Church Erection. 1. Initiatory measures. — 2. The committee appointed; its number, classification, and duties. — 3. The church erection plan of the Assembly. — 4. The charter accepted by the Assembly. The fund transferred to the trustees. The Synods enjoined to appoint committees of Church extension. — 5. The fund completed. — 6. The trustees authorized to require church edifices to be kept insured, at their discretion. — 7. Rigid adherence to the plan required. Amendment of art. xiv, sec. 3. — 8. Appropriations not to be made, when there is no organized con- gregation. The trustees are the sole custodians of the fund. The Assembly refuse to alter the plan. — 9. Act of incorporation of the Trustees of the Church Erection Fund. — 10. By-laws of the trustees. — 11. Rules and regulations for the use of applicants for aid from the fund. 1. Initiatory Measures. "Resolved, That it be recommended to our churches to strive earnestly to render our religious institutions permanent, by the erection of church edifices and the settlement of pastors, whenever this can be done; and in this work the older and wealthier churches ought to co-operate w'\i\\ the younger and feebler." — Minutes, 1850, p. 315. 376 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. 2. Committee appointed ; its Duties, <$cc. [The Committee on "Church Extension" reported, reciting certain statistical facts, and recommending the following action. Adopted.] u Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly, relying on the assisting grace of God and the hearty co-operation of his people, will undertake to raise, within the present year, the sum of $100,000, which shall con- stitute a permanent fund to aid feeble congregations in erecting houses of worship. "Resolved, 2. That, in the furtherance of this object, the Assembly do now elect, by ballot, and annually hereafter, a Church Erection Com- mittee, to be composed of ten members, one-half of whom shall be min- isters, six to reside in or near the city of New York, and four in or near the city of Philadelphia, — including the stated and permanent clerks and the treasurer of the Assembly, with power to fill their own vacan- cies; said committee to employ, at their discretion, a corresponding secretary, who shall be paid a suitable salary, together with his travelling expenses. "Resolved, 3. This Church Erection Committee shall meet in the city of New York, on the second Wednesday of June next, and thereafter, on their own adjournment, in the cities of Philadelphia and New York alternately, at least once in three months, their necessary taavelling ex- penses being defrayed. "Resolved, 4. The General Assembly hereby authorize said committee to take such measures as to them may seem best to bring the claims of this great object before our churches, so as to secure as soon as possible the fund above named ; said committee to be authorized, also, to renew the appeal annually to our churches, in order to make up any deficiency which may exist in the first simultaneous subscriptions to complete the fund, or which may arise thereafter ; it being the purpose of the Assem- bly to raise and maintain a permanent fund of $100,000, for the pur- poses herein specified. " Resolved, 5. The General Assembly recommend that a collection or subscription be taken in all our churches in behalf of this object, on the second Sabbath of November next; and that the money thus raised be forwarded to Anthony P. Halsey, Esq., the treasurer of the General As- sembly, or to his successor duly appointed, to be held in trust for the use, and subject to the order, of the above-named committee. "Resolved, G. The stated clerks of the several Presbyteries shall con- stitute a committee of correspondence for their respective Presbyteries, CHURCH ERECTION. 377 with the Church Erection Committee ; communicating all needed infor- mation in respect to the state and wants of their churches; and the Church Erection Committee, thus informed, shall report to the General Assembly, from year to year, the facts as they exist in respect to the relative wants of the different Synods, and also, the amount and condi- tion of the fund under their direction, and their opinion of the proper apportionment of the same ; whereupon the Assembly shall determine the amount to which each Synod shall be entitled for the year next en- suing. And thus, at each successive Assembly, the committee shall report as aforesaid ; and, further, they shall report a full statement of all moneys loaned or donated from the fund, and the securities taken therefor. And the Assembly shall direct, as before, the distribution of said fund among the Synods in our connection. " Resolved, 7. Each Synod, through its Committee on Church Exten- sion, of which the stated clerk of the Synod shall be ex-officio secretary, shall draw on the Church Erection Committee for such portion of the fund as has been allotted to it, in such sums as it shall, from time to time, loan or donate to particular churches within its bounds. But no draft shall be made by any Synod for any portion of the fund allotted to it, until, where the money is loaned, each particular loan shall have been definitely agreed upon, and sufficient security in bond and mortgage or personal notes shall have been duly executed and placed in the hands of the stated clerk of said Synod, who shall with his draft transmit a state- ment of the loan thus made and the security taken ; nor shall any draft be made until such accompanying statement, satisfactory to the com- mittee, shall have been received. " Provided, That the Church Extension Committee of each Synod, when, in their estimation, the circumstances of the case demand it, may also donate to feeble churches within their bounds, or remit on previous loans, such sums as they shall judge proper; not to exceed, however, in the aggregate, a sum equal to one-fourth part of the amount appor- tioned to said Synod for the current year. And the Church Erection Committee shall pay the drafts for such donations in the same manner as for the loans above authorized. All moneys thus donated or remitted to be secured on the house, in case of a change in the ecclesiastical rela- tions of the church thus aided. " Provided further, That all churches, to whom moneys are thus do- nated or remitted, shall take an annual collection in behalf of the Church Erection Fund, at least until they shall have thus repaid the amount 378 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. which was granted them. No interest shall ever be demanded for any mone}Ts loaned to congregations from this fund, until by the terms of the loan the principal has become due." — Minutes, 1853, pp. 317, 318. 3. Church Erection Plan. "The Church Erection Committee, appointed by the General Assembly of 1853, after a full consideration of the trust committed to them, beg leave to report the following plan for the proper control and manage- ment of the Church Erection Fund : " Preamble. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, now holding its sessions in the city of Phila- delphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, having, through the liberality of the congregations connected with this body, established a fund for the purpose of aiding feeble congregations in erecting houses of worship, do hereby adopt the following plan, under which this fund shall be held, administered, and used : " Art. 1. This fund having been committed to the General Assembly as a special trust, no part of it as now established, nor any additions which may hereafter be made to it, shall ever be used for any other purpose, than that of aiding feeble congregations in connection with the General Assembly in erecting houses of worship ; except so much as may be absolutely necessary to defray the expenses incident to the administration of this plan. " Art. 2. The custody, care, and management of this fund, and of all securities of every kind belonging to it, or growing out of it, together with all claims, dues, and property that may at any time pertain to it, and all additions that may hereafter be made to it by donations, bequests, or otherwise, shall be committed to a board of trustees, to be called ' The Trustees of the Church Erection Fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Churdh in the United States of America.' The board shall consist of nine members, four of them being ministers and five of them elders, in connection with some Presbytery or church under the care of the General Assembly, who shall reside in the city of New York, or its immediate vicinity, and whom the General Assembly shall elect by ballot, on B nomination to be made at least one day before such elec- tion. The trustees shall continue in office until the election and induc- tion of their successors. The certificate of the stated clerk of the General Assembly shall be necessary, to entitle a trustee to take his seat CHURCH ERECTION. 379 as a member of the board, which certificate it shall be his duty to furnish as soon as practicable after the election. " The trustees first elected shall arrange themselves into three equal classes. The term of office of the first class shall expire in one year from their election; that of the second class in two years; and that of the third class in three years. After the first election, the General Assembly shall annually elect three trustees, to supply the place of the class whose term is about to expire, to hold their office for three years, the same persons always being re-eligible; and each General Assembly shall also by election supply any vacancy in the board, caused by death, resignation, or otherwise. If any trustee shall, during the term for which he is elected, cease to be connected with a Presbytery or church under the care of the General Assembly, he shall thereby cease to be a member of the board; and the vacancy shall be reported to the next General Assembly. "Art. 3. The first meeting of the board shall be held on the second Tuesday of June next, in the city of New York, at such place and hour as the stated clerk of the General Assembly may appoint, who shall preside until the board is organized by the choice of its president. "Art. 4. The board shall make their own by-laws. They shall annually, at their first meeting after the adjournment of the General Assembly, elect one of their number president of the board; and shall appoint a secretary, and a treasurer who shall give security to the board for the faithful performance of his duties. They shall keep complete books of record and account, in which shall be recorded all their pro- ceedings, and the true state at all times of all matters relating to this fund; which records and accounts, or any part of them, shall at all times be open to the inspection of any committee appointed by the General Assembly for this purpose. They shall also keep full and correct copies and files of all the correspondence which may be conducted or received by them, or in their name ; and shall annually pres'ent to the General Assembly, not later than the third day of its sessions, a full written report of their proceedings and of the state of the fund, together with any suggestions or recommendations which they may deem necessary or suitable. The General Assembly shall annually appoint a committee of three of its members, to audit the accounts and to examine the securities of the board, and report at the next General Assembly. " Art. 5. The board are hereby directed, either by procuring a special act of the Legislature of the State of Xew York, or in accordance with the 380 -THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. existing statutes of said State, to incorporate themselves, and their suc- cessors in office, always to be elected as aforesaid, into a body corporate and politic, invested with all such legal powers, as may be necessary to enable them to hold and administer this fund, in conformity with the provisions of this plan. " Art. 6. The board are directed, as far as practicable, to keep at interest, on sufficient security, payable on call or short notice, any portion of the fund that may not be appropriated by the General Assembly; or, if appropriated, may not be in use in the Synods. " Art. 7. The board shall prepare blank forms of all such legal and other papers as may be required in the proper distribution and manage- ment of the fund ; and they shall furnish a sufficient quantity of such forms to the Committee on Church Extension of each Synod ; the forms so prepared and furnished, and none others, shall be used in all matters and transactions relating to the fund, to which they may be applicable. They shall designate such legal advisers within the bounds of each Synod, as by a correspondence with the Church Extension Committees of the Synods may be found desirable, to examine all certificates of title, and all conveyances and other documents connected with the loan or donation of any part of this fund, including a careful investigation in regard to the legal incorporation of the boards of trustees of the congre- gations concerned; and they shall further have power to appoint an agent in each Synod, and to require that all payments of money that may become due to this fund shall be made to such agent. " Art. 8. The fund thus established is, in the first instance, hereby appropriated to be used within the bounds of the respective Synods, in the following proportions : " Synod of Albany, 2.5 per ct. " Synod of Ohio, 3 E Cincinnati, 3 " k Pennsylvania, 3 Genesee, 3 « " Peoria, 7 Geneva, 3 « u Susquehanna, 3 Illinois, 6 " " Tennessee, 4 Indiana, 5 (( « Utica, 2.5 Iowa, 5 u it Virginia, 3.5 Kentucky, 2.5 " " Wabash, 5 Michigan, s " " Western Reserve, 5 .Mississippi, 2.5 « u West Pennsylvania ,3 Missouri, 2.f> « « West Tennessee, 3 New York and New Jersey, 15 If CHURCH ERECTION. 381 "Art. 9. Each General Assembly shall determine the proportion to be appropriated within the bounds of the respective Synods, of any part of the fund that the board may have received since the meeting of the preceding General Assembly, by the payment of loans, gifts, legacies, or otherwise; and every such appropriation, without reference to any previous one, shall be made by the General Assembly in view of the relative wants and necessities of the Synods at the time. " Art. 10. If any Synod shall deem it inexpedient to aid their feeble churches in accordance with the provisions of this plan ; or shall fail to elect a Committee on Church Extension, to act in conjunction with the board, as herein provided j or shall notify the board that any portion of the amount hereby appropriated to be used within their bounds, or of any amount that may be hereafter so appropriated, is not needed j then, in each of these cases, the General Assembly may, at their discretion, appropriate the portion of the fund, or any surplus amount, assigned to such Synod, to other Synods in the same manner as is provided for in the preceding article. "Art. 11. In order to be entitled to the use of any portion of the fund, each Synod connected with the General Assembly shall annually elect a Committee on Church Extension, consisting of at least five mem- bers. The stated clerk of the Synod shall, immediately after the election of said committee, transmit to the president or secretary of the board his certificate of such election, giving the name and residence of each member. " Art. 12. All applications for aid from the fund shall be made, in the first instance, to the Committee on Church Extension of the Synod to which the applicants belong, or within whose bounds they are situated. Every such application shall be in writing, and shall particularly state : the location of the house or site for its erection ; the number of families or persons attached to the congregation, or that propose to unite in build- ing a house of worship ; the description of the house which they propose to build, with its estimated and probable cost, or the description and cost of the house and lot owned by the congregation ; the amount of reliable subscriptions which have been obtained, and how much has been paid thereon ; the amount of available means possessed by the congregation, if any ; whether the congregation is in debt, and if so, to what amount, and when the same becomes due ; and also any other facts which may aid the committee of the Synod in judging of the application. This application shall be accompanied by the certificate of one of the legal 382 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. advisers of the board, that the title to the lot on which the house is built or to be built is vested in said congregation, and is free from all legal incumbrance and liability. "Art. 13. If the committee of the Synod, to whom application for aid has been made as above provided, shall, after a careful examination into the condition and prospects of the congregation so applying, be satisfied that such congregation have done all that should reasonably be expected of them, and that, with the aid which can be afforded from this fund, they can build or possess a house of worship adapted to their wants, and be free from other indebtedness than that to this fund ; then the committee shall sign a certificate addressed to the board, stating the application, and that they have examined and approve of it; and also stating the amount which it is proper to loan or donate to the congrega- tion. This certificate, together with a copy of the application made to the committee of the Synod, shall be transmitted to the board. On the receipt of this certificate and application, the board shall, as soon as practicable, if the application is in due form, forward the necessary papers, to be executed by the trustees of the congregation, and to be approved by their legal adviser, or some other attorney proposed by the congregation and accepted by the board. When the papers, so executed, approved, and properly recorded, are returned to the board, they shall authorize the treasurer of the trustees of the congregation, or any other person duly appointed by them for this purpose, to draw on the treasurer of the board for the amount thus provided for and secured. " Art. 14. The Board shall not in any case loan or donate any por- tion of the fund to any congregation, unless such congregation own, in fee simple and free from all legal incumbrance, the lot on which their house of worship is situated, or on which they propose to build ; nor shall any loan or donation be made for the payment of any debt, except that which may have been contracted within one year previous, in erecting a house of worship. "The amount loaned to any congregation shall never be more than one-third of the amount contributed for the house and lot, nor exceed the sum of five hundred dollars ; nor shall the amount given to any congregation as a donation be in any case more than two hundred dol- lars, or exceed one-fourth of the amount contributed for their house and lot ; nor shall a loan and a donation be made to the same congregation. The donations within the boundaries of any Synod shall never be more than one-fourth of the amount appropriated to that Synod. CHURCH ERECTION. 383 "All loans shall be made on the following conditions: " 1. The principal shall be paid in four equal annual instalments, the first instalment becoming due in three years from the date of the loan. "2. If all the instalments are punctually paid, no interest will be re- quired on any part of the loan. " 3. In default of the payment of any instalment, interest shall be required on the whole loan unpaid, from the time of such default, until such instalment, with all the interest that may thus accrue, shall be paid* " The conditions of all donations from this fund shall be, that, in case the church or congregation shall cease to be connected with the General Assembly, or their corporate existence shall cease, or their house of wor- ship be alienated, except for the building or purchase of a better house of worship, they shall refund to the Board the amount which they have so received, with interest from the time of receiving it; and further, that every congregation receiving a donation shall annually make a col- lection in aid of the fund, transmitting the same to the treasurer, until the amount so collected and paid over shall equal the sum received as a donation. " The fulfilment of the above conditions, in respect to both loans and donations, shall in all cases be secured by the bond of the trustees of the congregation, and a mortgage on their house and lot, made in favor of the Board ; which bond and mortgage, duly executed and recorded, shall always be placed in the possession of the Board, before any money is paid over to the congregation. " Art. 15. The Board shall not make a loan or donation to any con- gregation, until the full sum of one hundred thousand dollars shall have been actually paid to the treasurer of the General Assembly. When this amount has been received, the treasurer of the General Assembly is hereby directed to pay over the whole amount to the treasurer of this fund, upon the written order of the Board, signed by its President and Secretary. " Art. 16. In accepting this trust and adopting this plan, the General Assembly hereby declares, that the first article shall admit of no altera- tion or amendment; and that no change shall be made in any other part * "And in case any church or congregation receiving a loan shall afterwards withdraw from the General Assembly, the whole amount unpaid shall at once become due." — ^Intendment, Minutes, 1S5S, p. 586. 384 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. of the plan by any future General Assembly, except by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the members whose names have been entered upon the roll. " The following resolutions were also adopted : " Resolved , 1. That this General Assembly express its full approba- tion of the action of the last Assembly, for raising the sum of one hun- dred thousand dollars, as a permanent fund for church erection. "Resolved, 2. That efficient measures should now be taken to make up the deficiency of this fund, in the shortest time practicable, — say, by the first day of October next. "Resolved, 3. That the trustees, who are to be appointed to take charge of this whole business, be instructed to make an early and earnest appeal to those churches — more than one-half of our whole number — who have contributed nothing to this fund, asking their co-operation in this labor of love; that they solicit additional assistance from those who have afforded but slender aid ; and that they state our remaining wants to those whose liberality has already abounded." — Minutes, 1854, pp. 493-498. 4. Approval of the Charter, &c. " The committee to whom was referred the report of the trustees of the Church Erection Fund, having had the matters therein contained under consideration, present the following report : "1. The Charter. u The trustees having, according to the direction of the last General Assembly, obtained from the Legislature of the State of New York an act of incorporation, and having accepted the same, which act they have reported to this General Assembly; therefore, "Resolved, That this General Assembly approve said act of incorpo- ration, and the acceptance thereof by the trustees. "2. Election of Trustees. " The term of service of the following trustees, Walter S. Griffith, William E. Dodge, and Oliver II. Lee, having expired, the committee nominate them as suitable persons for re-election for three years, accord- ing to the provisions of the plan for the management and distribution CHURCH ERECTION. 385 of the Fund ; and recommend that the election be held on Friday morn- ing, immediately after the opening of the Assembly. "3. Transfer of the Fund, 1855. " At the close of the last General Assembly, the Board not being in- corporated, or even organized, the amount of the fund then collected was properly left in the custody of the treasurer of the Assembly ; but the Board now being fully organized, and having a legal existence, it appears to the committee desirable and proper that the custody of the fund, as far as completed, should be committed to those who are respon- sible, for its future management, and they therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolution : " Resolved, That the closing sentence of the 15th article of the Plan for Distribution be altered to read as follows : ' The treasurer of the General Assembly is hereby directed to transfer the moneys and securi- ties belonging to the Church Erection Fund, in his hands, to the treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly's Church Erection Fund, upon the written order of the Board, signed by its president and secretary/ "4. Thanks to the Treasurer. "Resolved, That the thanks of the General Assembly are hereby ten- dered to Anthony P. Halsey, Esq., its treasurer, for the accommodating, patient, and faithful attention that he has bestowed on the reception and the management of the Church Erection Fund, while it has been in his hands; and that the stated clerk communicate this resolution to Mr. Halsey. "5. Auditing Committee. "Resolved, That the Auditing Committee appointed by the last Gene- ral Assembly be reappointed for the coming year. " 6. Change of the, Plan. " In reply to the memorial of the Presbytery of Kalamazoo, request- ing a change in the conditions of the 12th and 14th sections of the Plan of Distribution, the committee recommend the adoption of the fol- lowing resolution : "Resolved, That, upon a careful examination, it will be found that 25 386 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. the Plan contains no conditions or requirements not necessary to the permanence and perpetuity of the fund ; and that essentially to modify or change the conditions of distribution would jeopard its perpetuity. "7. Premature Distribution of the Fund. "In reply to the suggestion of the Presbytery of Ithaca, that the dis- tribution of the fund should be commence^ before the amount originally contemplated is paid in, the committee recommend the adoption of the following resolution : "Resolved, That good faith towards many of the contributors to the fund, and a becoming regard to consistency on the part of the Assembly in its reiterated declaration of its purposes and pledges on this subject, alike forbid any distribution till the whole sum is completed. "8. Injunction to the Synods. "Resolved, That the Synods be enjoined to give particular attention to Article 11 of the Plan of Distribution, requiring the appointment of Committees of Church Extension, and the transmission of the names and residences of the members to the board of trustees/' — Minutes, 1855, pp. 23, 24. 5. The Fund completed. 11 The Trustees of the Church Erection Fund made their annual report, which was read and accepted. "Resolved, That the General Assembly will now proceed to provide for the deficit reported in the Church Erection Fund, by the personal pledges of individuals present, to the amount of that deficit. " In accordance with the above resolution, the Assembly received pledges from several individuals, members and others, to the full amount of £2900; and the fund of 8100,000 for church erection was thus com- pleted.''— Mia utes, 1856, p. 190. 6. Trusted authorized to require the Cliurches mortgaged to he kept Insured. "'To render the security for loans in all cases satisfactory, the trustees are hereby authorized to require that the churches on which they take mortgages shall be kept insured, whenever they may deem this precau- tion necessary." — Minutes, 1867, p. 386. CHURCH ERECTION. 387 7. Rigid Adherence to the Plan required. Section 3, Article 14, amended. "Resolved, 1. That while we regard the whole course of the trustees, during the past year, as worthy of our approval, we especially approve, in their disbursement of the Church Erection Fund, their rigid adhe- rence to that portion of the Assembly's plan which restricts the board from loaning or donating any portion of the fund to any congregation, unless such congregation own in fee simple and free from incumbrance the lot on which their house of worship is already, or is to be, erected. And we would recommend a rigid adherence to this feature of the plan for the future, regarding such a course as especially adapted to secure an increasing confidence in the Assembly's plan, and increasing dona- tions from its friends. 11 Resolved, 2. That the following words be added to the first para- graph in section third of the fourteenth article of the Plan, namely : ' And in case any church or congregation receiving a loan shall after- wards withdraw from the General Assembly, the whole amount unpaid shall at once become due.' " — Minutes, 1858, p. 585. 8. Appropriations cannot be made where there is no Church organiza- tion. The Trustees are the sole Custodians of the Fund. " The second special report of the trustees relates to a proposal, that the trustees should appoint agents for the collection of money to assist churches, in certain cases, beyond the amount allowed by the existing regulations of the Fund j and also to a proposal, that these regulations should be so altered as to permit appropriations to communities, in special circumstances, where no church had been organized. The terms of the charter forbid a compliance with the last; and the repeated and widely-published statements, while the Church Erection Fund was in the process of collection, that the scheme was to check, if not arrest, appeals for help in building houses of worship, dissuade us from acced- ing to the first. "Various overtures have been referred to this committee. The Pres- bytery of Iowa City prays, that the trustees of the Church Erection Fund may appoint agents for the collection of funds in the cases de- scribed in the second special report ; and the Presbyteries of Iowa City, Keokuk, and Knox, pray that a day may be appointed for a general 388 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. collection, to assist churches beyond the amount allowed by the existing regulations of the Church Erection Fund. The committee recommend the answer given to these petitions, in form or substance, in the second special report of the trustees. "The Presbytery of Iowa City renews the prayer, that grants may be allowed, in some extraordinary cases, where no church has been yet constituted ; to which the committee recommend the reply in the second special report of the trustees. " The Presbyteries of Winona, Iowa City, and Knox, pray that the portions of the Church Erection Fund allotted to the different Synods, may be paid over to the Synodical Committees for distribution at their discretion. And the Presbytery of Kansas prays that 83000 may be paid over to it, to be distributed at its discretion ; or, if this be declined, that the money be remitted to the Synod to which that Presbytery may be attached, for distribution at the discretion of the Synodical Com- mittee. " The charter constitutes the trustees the sole custodians and managers of the Church Erection Fund ; and the committee recommend this as the answer to these petitions of the Presbyteries. " The Synod of Iowa pray that the trustees of the Church Erection Fund may be clothed with discretionary power to grant to congregations in cities and large towns loans as large, if necessary, as $1000; and donations as large, if necessary, as 8400. "While it has seemed, to a majority of the committee, desirable, in itself considered, that appropriations of the amount now named should be allowable in certain extraordinary cases, there are too many con- siderations presenting the proposed alteration as of questionable expe- diency, and too many brethren whose experience and observation of the workings of the scheme entitle their judgment to respect, clear and decided in their convictions against it, to justify our venturing upon it at the present time ; and the committee cordially agree in recommending that the existing rates of grants be adhered to, until a further trial shall make it more obvious, whether they should be retained or changed, and secure greater unanimity in regard to them. " The trustees of the Synod of Iowa pray that 8100, with interest from 1855, transmitted, as they state, by mistake, to the Church Erec- tion Fund of the General Assembly, should be returned to them. It appears, however, from the records of the Synod of Iowa, that that body sanctioned the act of the chairman of its Church Erection Committee CHURCH ERECTION*. in transmitting the said 8100 to the trustees of the Assembly's fund, in payment of the assessment made upon its churches for the purposes of this fund • and the committee therefore recommend that the trustees of the Synod of Iowa be referred to the Synod of Iowa, and to the churches under its care for the sum they ask of the Assembly/' — Minutes, 1859, pp. 26, 27. 9. An Act to Incorporate the Trustees of the Church Erection Fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Cliurch in the United States of America, passed March 31, 1855. " The people of the State of Xew York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows : "1. Samuel T. Spear, Asa D. Smith, Edwin F. Hatfield, James TV. McLane, Walter S. Griffith, Oliver H. Lee, Norman White, William E. Dodge, and Stephen H. Thayer (designated for the purpose by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, which met in Phila- delphia, in May, 1854), and their successors in office, are hereby con- stituted a body corporate and politic, by the name of - The Trustees of the Church Erection Fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America/ for the purpose of aiding feeble congregations in connection with the said General Assembly in erecting houses of worship, and by that name, they and their successors shall and may have perpetual succession. Provided, that no money shall be furnished by said corporation for the erection of any house of worship in any State or Territory, in which there shall exist at the time a law for the incorporation of religious societies, the title to which is not held by a religious corporation under and according to the laws of the respective States or Territories in which such places of worship are located. Provided also, that the title shall in no instance be vested in any priest, bishop, or other ecclesiastic. " 2. The said corporation shall possess the general powers, and be subject to fche provisions, contained in title 3 of chapter 18 of the first part of the Revised Statutes, so far as the same are applicable and have not been repealed or modified. "3. The management and disposition of the affairs and funds of said corporation shall be vested in the individuals named in the first section of this act, and their successors in office, who shall remain in office for such period, and be displaced and succeeded by others, to be elected at 390 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. such time and in such manner as the said General Assembly shall direct and appoint ; and such election shall be made, and the said fund shall be held and administered, invested and disposed of, for the purposes aforesaid, in conformity with the provisions of the plan adopted by the said General xVssembly. "4. The said corporation shall in law be capable of taking, receiving and holding any real or personal estate, which has been or may hereafter be given, devised, or bequeathed to them for the purposes of their in- corporation, or which shall accrue from the use of said fund j but the said corporation shall not take and hold real and personal estate above the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. " 5. This act shall take effect immediately. State of New York, Secretary's Office. I have compared the preceding with the original law on file in this office, and I do hereby certify that the same is a correct trans- [l. s.] cript therefrom, and of the whole of such original. Given under my hand and seal of office, at the city of Albany, this second day of April, 1855. A. G. Johnson, Deputy Secretary of State. 10. By-Laws adopted by the Trustees of the Church Erection Fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, May, 1855. "I. Five members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. " II. The Board shall meet annually on the third Wednesday of June, when, if a quorum is present, they shall proceed to elect from their number a president and a vice-president. They shall also appoint -a secretary and treasurer. The Board shall also meet on the third Wednes- day of September, December, and March. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the president, or, in his absence or inability to act, by the vice-president, or by the secretary, at the written request of three members of the Board. If no quorum shall be present at the time fixed for the annual or other regular meeting of the Board, the members present shall adjourn from time to time until a quorum shall be present. " III. The Board, at its annual meeting, shall appoint three standing committees, viz. : CHURCH ERECTION. 391 "1st. A Committee of Finance, who shall take the oversight and direction of all the financial affairs of the Board, and direct the treasurer in the discharge of his duties. No money shall be paid out or invested by the treasurer without the written authority of the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall not authorize any loan or donation to be made to any congregation until they have before them the certificate of the Committee on Applications, as hereinafter provided for. " 2d. A Committee on Applications, to whom shall be referred all applications for loans or donations from the Fund, with the securities offered and the vouchers and correspondence accompanying the same. It shall be their duty to certify in writing to the Finance Committee, that they have carefully examined the same, and that the applications and securities are according to the provisions of the Plan of the Assem- bly. It shall also be the duty of the committee to recommend to the Board such persons as legal advisers within the bounds of the Synods as, after correspondence with the Church Extension Committees of the Synods, they shall approve, to make the examinations of title provided for in Art. 8 of the Plan; and generally to secure a strict compliance with the Plan of the Assembly and the Charter of the Board, with respect to loans and donations from the Fund. And " 3d. A Committee on Correspondence, whose duty it shall be to take the oversight and direction of all the correspondence of the Board, except that pertaining to the duties of the other standing committees, and to supervise the reports and all communications to the General Assembly or other religious or public bodies. " IV. The standing committees shall be subject to the direction of the Board ; they shall each keep a book of minutes, in which all their proceedings shall be recorded, which shall be laid before the Board at each meeting. "V. The Board, at their regular meeting in March of each year, shall fix the amount of salaries to be paid the secretary and treasurer, and the sums so fixed shall not be changed during the year next ensuing. " VI. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to take the custody of the funds and securities belonging to the Board, and to hold, invest, and pay over the same, as he shall be directed from time to time by the Board or by the Finance Committee. He shall keep complete books of account of all matters pertaining to the Fund, and shall furnish to the Board at each regular meeting, and at any other time when directed by the Board or by the Finance Committee to do so, a full and methodical statement 392 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. in writing of the amount of the Fund ; the amount not in use in the Synods, how invested, on what security, and at what rate of interest ; the amount in use in each Synod, by what congregations and when due; the amount loaned or donated since the last previous meeting of the Board; in what Synods and to what congregations. He shall have the custody of the corporate seal, and shall keep all the books, securities, and valuable papers, belonging to the Board, in a fireproof safe, to be provided by them for the purpose. He shall be subject at all times in the discharge of his duties to the direction of the Board or of the Finance Committee, and shall hold his office during the pleasure of the Board. u VII. No money belonging to this Fund shall be drawn, except upon the check of the treasurer, countersigned by the chairman of the Fi- nance Committee. "VIII. It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep the minutes of the Board and of all the standing committees, to correspond in the name of the Board as he shall be directed to do by the Board or by the standing or special committees, and to attend to such other duties as the Board shall prescribe. He shall hold his office during the pleasure of the Board. " IX. All reports made to the Board by any of its committees or offi- cers shall be in writing, and, unless otherwise ordered, shall be entered at length on the minutes. " X. At all meetings of the Board, the following order shall be ob- served : "1. Prayer. " 2. Reading the minutes of the last meeting. "3. Report of the treasurer. " 4. Reports of the standing committees. " 5. Reports of special committees. "6. Unfinished business. " 7. New business. " 8. Concluding prayer. " XL In case of the absence of the president and vice-president, the Board shall elect a president pro tern. " XII. The Board at any meeting may fill any vacancy that shall occur in the officers or standing committees of the Board ; provided, that notice of such vacancy shall be given when the meeting is called. " XIII. All elections shall be by ballot. CHURCH ERECTION. 393 " XIV. These by-laws shall not be changed, except by a vote of two- thirds of all the members of the Board. Previous notice of any proposed change shall be given in writing to each member of the Board." . 11. Rules and Regulations for the Use of Applicants for Aid from the Church Erection Fund, as required by the Assembly's Plan. " 1. All applications for aid must first be made to the Synodical Com- mittee on Church Extension. " 2. All such applications must be made in the forms prepared by the trustees of the Fund, and placed by them in the hands of the chairman of the Synodical Committee. " 3. The Synodical Committee will designate to applicants for aid what lawyer they shall employ to fill up and sign the certificate on the last page of the form used in making the application. " 4. The expense incurred in obtaining this certificate must be borne by the applicants. "5. The congregation applying for aid must own in fee simple, and free from all legal incumbrance, the lot on which their house stands, or on which it is to be erected. " 6. Each congregation, in order to be aided from this Fund, must be free from all other indebtedness than that to this Fund. " 7. Each congregation must first do what they can to erect a house of worship, before applying for help. " 8. As the amount apportioned by the General Assembly to each Synod is not large, and as it is desirable to aid as many feeble congrega- tions as possible, all applicants should keep this fact in view in fixing the amount asked for "9. No congregation can receive more than one-third of the amount actually paid by them for their house and lot. " 10. No loan or donation can be made for the payment of any debt, except that which may have been contracted in erecting their house, and within one year previous to the time of making their application. " 11. No donation can be made to any congregation of more than two hundred dollars; nor can it in any case exceed one-fourth of the amount actually paid by them for their house and lot. " 12. A loan and donation can not be made to the same congregation." 394 X. — TIIE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. Section 4. — The Publication Committee. 1. Preliminary history. — 2. The "Doctrinal Tract" Committee appointed. Lo- cated at Philadelphia. Its duties and powers. Unanimous consent required before any book or tract is published. Empowered to fill its own vacancies. — 3. The committee enlarged to eleven. Rule requiring unanimous consent changed to three-fourths. — 4. The committee further enlarged to fifteen, nine of, whom to reside at or near Philadelphia. Five a quorum. The consent of a majority required to the publication of anything issued by the committee. The committee divided into three classes of five each. Names. — 5. Name changed to " Publication Committee." — 6. Negotiations respecting the Church Psalmist. The committee are authorized to apply for, and accept, an act of incorpora- tion.— 7. The committee authorized to issue works of a general evangelical character, in addition to strictly doctrinal works. The trustees of the House authorized and directed to act as trustees of the Publication Committee. The Psalmist recommended. An appendix to be added. — 8. Churches permitted to receive the publications of the committee to the amount of half their collections. 9. A working capital of twenty-five thousand dollars urged. The committee authorized to employ an agent. — 10. Presbyterial depositories recommended. 1. Preliminary Action. [In 1846, an overture on the subject of u Doctrinal Tracts" was re- ferred to a committee of two from each Synod, Rev. H. A. Rowland chairman. Minutes, 1846, p. 11. "The Rev. H. A. Rowland, from the Committee on ' Doctrinal Tracts/ presented a report, which was ac- cepted and put on the docket." lb. p. 19. Subsequently, "the whole subject was referred to a committee, consisting of Messrs. William Pat- ton, D.D., T. H. Skinner, D.D., E. F. Hatfield, and H. A. Rowland, to act in the premises, and report at the meeting of the Assembly in Cincinnati." lb. p. 38. The committee made a report, which was re- ferred to a new committee, Messrs. Hatfield, Cox, Mason, Stowe, and Parker, with instructions to report to the next Assembly. Minutes, 1847, p. 145. This committee seem to have made no report. In 1850, on an overture, the subject was referred to a select committee, consisting of Rev. J. C. Stiles, D.D., J. B. Townsend, J. Holmes Agnew, and F. A. Ross, with Elders Abner Bryant and George Kellogg, to report to the next Assembly. Minutes, 1850, p. 309. No further action appears until 1852, when " the Assembly proceeded to consider the third section of the report on Church extension," viz , in relation to doctrinal tracts. The report was adopted, and is as follows, viz. :] — Minutes, 1852, p. 175. TIJE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. 395 2. The Committee appointed ; its Powers and Duties. a. " To promote the diffusion of those truths which distinguish us as a Church, the General Assembly adopts the' following arrangement : " 1. There is hereby established at Philadelphia a standing committee of nine persons, whose duty it shall be to superintend the publication of a series of tracts explanatory of the doctrines, government, and mission- ary policy of the Presbyterian Church, as the General Assembly shall from time to time direct. One-third of this committee shall serve for one year, one-third for two years, and the remaining third for three years. The election, to fill the places of those whose terms expire, to be held at each meeting of the General Assembly. "2. This committee shall elect a secretary and treasurer, the former of whom shall receive such a salary per annum, as shall be agreed upon by the committee ; and shall be the editor of the tracts published ) and also, as far as may be necessary, the soliciting agent for such an amount of funds as may be required to carry out the objects for which this com- mittee is appointed. "3. It shall be the duty of this committee to meet at Philadelphia, and, after due organization, to take measures to procure the preparation and publication, in cheap, neat, and substantial form, of a series of Tracts for the purposes above stated. No tract to be published, which does not receive the unanimous approbation of the committee. "4. This committee shall, if consistent with the interests of the Assembly, enter into a contract with some publisher or publishers to assume, for a time, the publication of such tracts as may be furnished them, at certain rates, which shall be agreed upon in writing. And if no such arrangement can be profitably and satisfactorily made, then the said committee shall, by solicitation from the churches, proceed to pro- vide a sufficient fund for their publication in behalf of the Assembly. " 5. This committee shall make a full report of its proceedings to the General Assembly, at each annual meeting. " The following persons were appointed the committee to superintend the preparation and publication of doctrinal tracts, viz. : llev. Thomas Brainerd, D.J)., llev. Albert Barnes, and Mr. S. T. Bodine, for one year; llev. E. W. Gilbert, D.D., Rev. Thomas II. Skinner, D.D., and Bey. George Duffield, Jr., for two years; Rev. Asa D. Smith, D.D., Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., and lion. William Darling, for three years. 396 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "Resolved, That the committee have power to fill their own vacan- cies/'— Minutes, 1852, p. 176. b. " In regard to the publication of the annual reports, we would state, that each permanent committee now publishes and circulates, to a considerable extent, its own report, and bears the expense; that our religious weeklies insert synopses of them free of charge ; and that the only satisfactory change, at present practicable or desirable, seems to be, that the several committees, each bearing its own expense as now, intrust the printing of their reports to the Publication Committee; and that the latter print them in uniform style, with their own imprimatur. The reports will then be in shape, both for easy circulation, and also for binding and preservation. This change in the publication of the annual reports of our permanent committees we recommend." — Minutes, 1859, p. 37. 3. Committee enlarged. Rule modified so as to require the assent of three- fourths to the Publication of any Book or Tract. a The committee to whom was referred the report of the Standing Committee for the preparation and publication of doctrinal tracts, re- ported the following resolutions, which were adopted : " 1. That the Rev. Thomas Brainerd, D.D., Rev. Albert Barnes, and Mr. Samuel T. Bodine, whose term of service on the committee has expired, be re-elected. " 2. That the Rev. George Chandler and Samuel H. Perkins, Esq., of Philadelphia, be added to the committee. "3. That the rule requiring the unanimous consent of the committee for the publication of any book or tract, be so modified, that a majority of three-fourths only shall be required. "4. That the committee be authorized to take such measures as they may deem advisable, to secure the necessary funds for the erection of a house of publication. u 5. That it be earnestly recommended to all our churches to take up collections, annually or otherwise, in aid of the publishing fund under the control of this committee. " 6. That we suggest to the Publication Committee the desirableness of issuing, as soon as practicable, a few tracts which shall clearly and distinctly exhibit our peculiar views of doctrine, government, and mis- sionary policy, with a view to answer the calumnies against us, and show THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. 397 our true position in the Church and in the world." — Minutes, 1853, p. 330. 4. Committee enlarged. Quorum. Nothing to be Published without the Assent of a Majority of the Committee. a. "The committee to whom was referred the report on doctrinal tracts, and also the overture from the Presbytery of Philadelphia 4th, on the subject of a Presbyterian publication house, report, that they concur cordially in the expressions of the report on the subject of the press, and its great importance as an organ of usefulness; also, on the desirableness of a religious literature suitable to the wants of our de- nomination ; and congratulate the Assembly on the prospect that this want will be supplied by the future efficiency of this committee. " Your committee, moreover, fully concur in the views of the report, as to the inexpediency of ourselves entering upon the business of print- ing, and the superior advantages of doing the work by the agency of existing printing establishments. " Your committee further recommend, that the Publication Committee be enlarged to the number of fifteen, nine of whom shall reside in the city of Philadelphia, or vicinity ; that of this number, five shall consti- tute a quorum for ordinary business, whose sittings shall be in the city of Philadelphia ; but nothing shall be authorized for publication, issued, or endorsed by said committee, except by a majority of its members. All publications to issue simultaneously in the two cities of Xew York and Philadelphia, with the imprimatur of the committee. Adopted." — Minutes, 1854, p. 508. Committee divided into Three Classes, one Class to go out of Office Yearly. b. " The members of the Publication Committee, whose term of office expires at this time, are the Rev. Thomas H. Skinner and George Duffield, Jr. In addition to these, the committee recommend the appointment of thirteen others; and that this committee arrange them- selves at their first meeting into three classes, five going out of office yearly. Adopted. " — Minutes, 1854, p. 508. c. " The committee to nominate members of the Doctrinal Tract Com- mittee made the following report, which was adopted. 398 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "Publication Committee: Rev. A. Barnes, Rev. N. S. S. Beman, D.D., LL.D., Rev. Win. Eagleton, D.D., Rev. Thos. Brainerd, D.D., Rev. Asa D. Smith, D.D., Rev. S. H. Gridley, Rev. A. H. H. Boyd, D.D., Rev. S. T. Spear, D.D., Rev. Geo. Duffield, Jr., Rev. H. Darling, Rev. J. Jenkins, and Messrs. S. H. Perkins, S. T. Bodine, C. S. Warts', and E. S. Whelen/'— Minutes, 1854, p. 510. 5. Name changed to " The Presbyterian Publication Committee" "Resolved, That the name of the Doctrinal Tract Committee of the General Assembly, be changed to •' The Presbyterian Publication Com- mittee.' "—31inutes, 1855, p. 13. 6. The Church Psalmist to be secured for the Assembly. a. "The Assembly took from the docket the report of the Committee on Church Psalmody, and the following substitute was adopted : "Resolved, 1. That the Publication Committee confer with the pro- prietors of the Church Psalmist, and secure, if possible, the transfer, on reasonable terms, of the copyright of said book to the General Assembly, and that the committee have full powers to close arrangements binding on the Assembly. "Resolved, 2. That, in case of failure, said committee report to the next General Assembly, and at the same time recommend to that body the course which they deem it most advisable to pursue in the premises." —.Minutes, 1855, p. 32. The Committee authorized to negotiate for the Church Pscdmist ; also, to apply for an Act of Incorporation. b. " The committee to whom was referred the annual reports of the Publication Committee, and of 'the Trustees of the Presbyterian House/ respectfully report : " That they recommend the approval of these reports and the course of action which has been pursued by these bodies the past year. Your committee believe that there is an important field to be occupied by the Publication Committee, without interference with the societies whose object is to supply a more general evangelical literature. It is neces- sary, also, that the 'committee should have a house in which their ope- THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. rations may be carried on, and which may be used for other purposes connected with our Church. "It appears from the reports, that three objects are now particularly engaging the attention of the Publication Committee and the Board of Trustees, viz. : the necessary arrangements for a uniform psalm and hymn book for the whole Church ; the endowment of the committee with a suitable capital for carrying on its operations ; and the raising of funds to complete the payment for the Presbyterian House, agreeably to the plan adopted by the General Assembly in 1854. These objects strike your committee as reasonable and important, and, in view of the whole case, they recommend the following resolutions, viz. : 11 Resolved, 1. That the reports of the Presbyterian Publication Com- mittee, and of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian House, be ap- proved, and that extracts from the same be published in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Assembly, at the discretion of the stated clerk. "2. That in view of the wants of these institutions; for the purpose of securing uniformity in Church psalmody; of endowing the Publica- tion Committee, and paying the balance of the sum required for the purchase of the Presbyterian House, agreeably to the plan agreed upon by the General Assembly of 1854; it be and hereby is recommended to all the churches under our care, to take up a simultaneous collection on the first Sabbath of December next; and that an eifort be made at that time to raise the sum of thirty thousand dollars for these objects; one- half of which is to be appropriated to the Publication Committee, for the two objects first mentioned, and the other one-half to the trustees of the Presbyterian House, for the last object mentioned ; and that, in case less than the sum mentioned be raised by said collection, it be equally divided between the two bodies for the respective purposes men- tioned. "3. In order to preserve uniformity in Church psalmody, that the Publication Committee be authorized to negotiate with the compilers and publishers of the Church Psalmist, and to purchase that book, if this can be done on reasonable terms; but, if such terms cannot be ob- tained, then that they be instructed to inquire whether a new book of psalms and hymns may not be compiled, which shall meet all our wants, and to report to the next General Assembly. "4. That the Publication Committee is hereby authorized to apply to the Legislature of Pennsylvania to obtain a charter to enable them more perfectly to carry on their operations, and to accept the same when granted. 400 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "5. That the following persons, whose term of office in the Publica- tion Committee now expires, an hereby re-elected for three years, viz. : Rev. S. H. Gridley, D.J)., Rev. A. H. H. Boyd, D.D., Rev. Samuel T. Spear, D.D., Rev. George Duffield, Jr., Rev. Henry Darling. "Adopted."— Minutes, 1856, pp. 214,215. 7. The Press to be employed. Works of a general Evangelical Character to he published. a. " Resolved, That the power of the press, in promoting true piety and a wide-spread intelligence among our population, is an instrumen- tality appointed of God, and now put into our hands, to be employed for the advancement of the general interests of religion, and for the pros- perity of our own denomination. "Resolved, That the Publication Committee be encouraged to publish not only such works as may present the peculiarities of our branch of the Christian Church in doctrine and practice, but, from time to time, such works of an evangelical character as may be profitable to the Church at large." — Minutes, 1857, p. 410. The Trustees of the Presbyterian House authorized and directed to act as Trustees of the Publication Committee. b. " Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, that ( The Trustees of the Presbyte- rian House' be, and they hereby are, authorized and directed to act, in their corporate capacity as trustees of the Permanent Committee of this Assembly, called 'The Presbyterian Publication Committee,' as fully, and in the same manner, as if 'The Presbyterian Publication Committee' were themselves constituted a corporation by the same authority which incorporated ' The Trustees of the Presbyterian House.' — Ibid. p. 410. Church Psalmist commended. An Appendix to be added. A Booh of Tunes to be prepared. " Resolved, That we recognize, with gratitude to God, the completion of the labors of the Publication Committee, by which the Assembly is furnished with a book of psalmody which they can call their own, the profits of which will materially aid the funds of the Church in the pub- THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. 401 lication cause ; and the Assembly hereby recommend to the pastors and the churches that they use all reasonable diligence in promoting uni- formity, by the introduction of this book. "Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Publica- tion Committee, to prepare a book of tunes adapted to the Church Psalmist, and that this committee be instructed to consult and corre- spond with pastors and leaders of choirs in the churches, as to the par- ticular tunes most in use and most popular in the congregations; and that this committee report to the next General Assembly. "Resolved, That the preparation of an appendix to the Church Psalmist, of such hymns as may be necessary to make the work com- plete, be committed to N. S. S. Beman, D.D., Rev. Albert Barnes, and S. "W. Fisher, D.D., and that this committee report to the next General Assembly." — Ibid. 411. "Resolved, That the committee appointed by the last General Assem- bly to prepare an arrangement of the Book of Psalms for chanting, a specimen of which is presented with their report, be directed, in the completion of their work, for the sake of bringing the book into as small compass as possible, to leave out the titles of the psalms, and all com- ments upon the text, and only arrange the words to the music ; and in publishing the work, the copy of an English print, accompanying the report, is commended as a model." — Ibid., pp. 410, 411. Adjustment of Claims of the Publisher of the Parish Psalmody. d. "Resolved, That, as the publisher of the ' Parish Psalmody/ in a memorial made to the Assembly, seems to suppose that he has some pecuniary claim upon the Assembly, though the Permanent Committee of Publication, to whom this subject has been referred, have decided that there is no just claim, yet, as a Christian method of answering the memorial and settling the question in dispute, the whole subject be referred to a committee, to report to the next General Assembly in respect to this claim ; of which committee one shall be appointed by said publisher, one by the Permanent Committee of Publication, and the third by these two. "Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts of the Publication Com-, mittee, and of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian House, which have been presented duly audited, be approved." — Ibid., p. 411. 26 402 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. Collections enjoined. Sermon. e. "Resolved, That it be enjoined upon all our churches to make an annual collection for the Publication cause, in the month of October. " Resolved, That an annual sermon be preached before the General Assembly, on the subject of Publication, and that for the next year Rev. Albert Barnes be the preacher, and Rev. Henry B. Smith, D.D., be the alternate." — Ibid,, p. 411. 8. Churches permitted to receive Publications to the amount of one-Jialf their Collections. " Resolved, That all churches making this annual collection be per- mitted, if they so elect, to order for their own use any publications of the committee to the amount of one-half their respective collections." — Minutes, 1859, p. 39. 9. Report of the Standing Committee; a Working Capital recom- mended ; authorized to employ an Agent. " The Standing Committee of Publication respectfully report : " It is a matter of satisfaction to notice, from year to year, the indica- tion of advance, slow but sure, in this important department of the Church's activity. u The Presbyterian Publication Committee, in their report (which, with the treasurer's account and vouchers, has been carefully considered by us), furnish evidence that they have been faithful stewards of the very limited resources placed at their control. " They have added to their list of publications a number of tracts and volumes which promise to be useful ; among which is the long-needed Tune Book, literally, as it is named, i Eclectic' of the melodies widely familiar in our congregations. This, with the admirable Church Psalm- ist, will contribute to promote a uniformity in the service of song of our beloved Zion. These new publications, as their report remarks, must i add moral, as well as material strength' to the Publication cause. " The sales of the year furnish a grateful indication of the growth of this scheme. The amount, for a period of eleven months included in the report, exceeds 815,000, being an advance of 60 per cent, over that of last year, and of 200 per cent, over that of the year previous. 11 The donations, likewise, are represented under the respectable figure THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. 403 of $8095 81 ; though an abatement from the satisfaction of this item must be had, in view of the fact that it is mainly the result of a special appeal to the churches of Philadelphia, which have before done so much for the cause ; and, consequently, it docs not express the interest felt by the body at large. " The present capital of the Publication Committee may, perhaps, be estimated as high as $15,000; which, considering the newness of the scheme, and the difficulties under which it has been prosecuted, is cer- tainly honorable to the energy and management of the brethren who have had it in hand, if not particularly creditable to the liberality of the denomination at large. " But, while we recognize this advance, we must not ignore the fact thai the publication enterprise is yet in its infancy and weakness, and needs the fostering help of the churches. " The Publication Committee, in discharging the trust laid upon them, painfully realize the need of resources greatly beyond what have yet been supplied them. Indeed, in order to sustain the scheme, to keep it alive by meeting the demands of its natural growth, the brethren who compose that committee are compelled to lie under a heavy personal pecuniary responsibility, to which they ought not for one day to be sub- jected. " The only relief for this weakness and inconvenience is the formation of a working capital, in some measure proportioned to the aims of the General Assemblies which have established and continued the Publica- tion Committee. And, until individuals of wealth may be inclined adequately to endow this enterprise, we must look to the annual and continued collections from our churches to raise it gradually to a position of ability, in which it may wield the power for good that was contem- plated in its organization. " This committee therefore recommend : 1. That the Publication Committee be endowed with a working capital of not less than twenty- five thousand dollars; 2. That the General Assembly earnestly request all their churches to make a special contribution for this object in the month of October next; and 3. That the Publication Committee be authorized, in their discretion, to employ an agent for the furtherance of this design. " It appears from the report before us, that less than one-half the number of our churches have done anything for the publication cause; a fact which plainly and painfully suggests the want of instruction on 404 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. the relations of this cause to our denominational interests, as -well as the promotion of sound doctrine and godliness among the people. The com- mittee would, therefore recommend, 4. That the Assembly earnestly request the pastors to preach to their congregations on this subject, in connection with the call for a contribution in October. . . . " The General Assembly last year ordered that churches making col- lections for the publication cause should be allowed to receive one-half the amount of their contributions in publications of the committee. This provision it is thought desirable should be renewed and brought to the attention of the churches/' . . . 10. Presbyterial Depositories recommended. u The suggestion is an important one, that in Synods or Presbyteries a small amount of capital might be invested in the committee's publica- tions; and these put into the hands of some suitable person, in a central position, for sale. The receipts from sales, being reinvested from time to time, a perpetual stock would be maintained. "The report was adopted."— Minutes, 1860, pp. 246-248. Section 6. — Trustees of the Presbyterian House. 1. Preliminary action and acceptance of the House conditionally authorized. Legal Position of the Assembly. — 2. The trustees. — 3. The charter. The Board of Trust enlarged to ten, — five ministers and five laymen. Duties and powers of the trustees. — 4. The charter. — 5. The trustees under the charter. — 6. The legal title secured. 1. Preliminary Action. [The first action of the General Assembly on the subject of a publica- tion house, appears in the minutes for 1853, under date Monday, May 30. A committee having been appointed to consider the report of the Standing Committee for the Preparation and Publication of Doctrinal Tracts (now the Presbyterian Publication Committee), report, inter alia, as follows, and their report was adopted :] u 4. That the committee [the Doctrinal Tract Committee] be author- ized to take such measures as they may deem advisable, to secure the necessary funds for the erection of a house of publication." — Minutes, 1853, p. 330. TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE. 405 [Under date Monday, May 22, 1854, the Committee of Bills and Overtures report :] " Overture No. 2. On a Presbyterian Publication House. The com- mittee recommend the acceptance of the overture, and its reference to a special committee, to report to this Assembly." Adopted. [Same date :] " The Assembly voted to hear statements from John A. Brown, Esq., of this city [Philadelphia], in reference to the Presby- terian Publication House, when the thanks of the Assembly were ten- dered to Mr. Brown for the information imparted." [Same date :] " The unfinished business of the morning, — the con- sideration of the report of the Standing Committee on the Publication of Doctrinal Tracts, — was resumed ; when it was "Resolved, That the report just read be referred to a select com- mittee of nine, with directions to consider the whole subject of the publication of books and tracts by authority of the General Assembly, and also Overture No. 2, upon the Presbyterian Publication House." [Under date Friday, May 26 :] " The Committee on the Polity of the Church, to whom was referred the report on the subject of the legal powers, claims, and liabilities of the General Assembly, submitted the following report : "1. Whereas, we regard the rights of this body as complete under the charter of 1799, therefore no action is required in respect to a new charter. " 2. [Relates to the Trustees of the Church Erection Fund.] "3. It is recommended that, provided this General Assembly appoint a Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Publication House, or for any other specific purpose, in the city of Philadelphia, that that board obtain a special act of incorporation under the laws of this State ; and that a committee of three members of the legal profession be appointed, to whom the subject shall be committed, with instructions to examine and determine the question, whether a general provision in said charter or act of incorporation, like that provided for in the preceding article, will, in respect to all the interests of the Church, be safe and expedient; and if they so judge, to secure its insertion. " The report was adopted, and Messrs. Samuel H. Perkins, Henry J. Williams, and Hon. William Darling were appointed the committee." [The " provision" referred to in the " preceding article," is in the following words : " A general provision authorizing them to hold in 406 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. trust for this Assembly any property committed to them by donations, bequests, or otherwise/'] — Minutes, 1854, pp. 502, 503. [The report of the committee of three legal gentlemen is contained in the First Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian House to the General Assembly, May 21, 1855.] u By the fourth section of the act of incorporation, the trustees and their successors have power to execute any trusts that may be confided to them. This section was submitted to the committee of three members of the legal profession, appointed by the last General Assembly. They thought it both safe and expedient, with respect to all the interests of the Church, and its insertion was accordingly secured as recommended." — Minutes, 1855, pp. 52, 53. Acceptance of the House conditionally authorized. u The committee finally recommend, that the Assembly take its pos- session of the house in Philadelphia, referred to in the overture from the Presbytery of Philadelphia 4th, as a House of Publication, on the terms and conditions, as to the price and payments, following, viz. : " The General Assembly will authorize the conditional acceptance of the property, so soon as $12,500 shall have been pledged by responsible persons, connected with the churches of Philadelphia; and, when this pledge has thus been made, suitable measures shall be authorized to raise a like sum of $12,500 ; and the balance — say $20,000 — shall be left on mortgage, to be liquidated by a sinking-fund arising from the annual proceeds of the House. When the measures to complete the purchase have been perfected, the Assembly will take the property un- conditionally ; and, to the end that the legal measures may be taken to perfect the title prior to the next meeting of the Assembly, five trustees of the House of Publication shall be elected, who shall be authorized to obtain an act of incorporation. " — Minutes, 1854, p. 508. 2. Trustees. " The committee to nominate members of the Doctrinal Tract Com- mittee and Trustees for the Presbyterian Publication House, made the following report, which was adopted : u Trustees of the Presbyterian Publication House : Messrs. J. A. Brown, S. II. Perkins, 0. B. Wnrta, M. W. Baldwin, and J. C. Farr."— Minutes, 1854, p. 510. TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE. 407 3. The Charter accepted. Board of Trust enlarged ; Duties and Powers. "The committee to whom was referred the report of the trustees of the Presbyterian House, and of the Publication Committee, have con- sidered the same, and report the following preamble and resolutions, for the adoption of the Assembly, namely : " Whereas, the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania, by an act approved by the Governor, April 21, 1855, incorporated 'The Trustees of the Presbyterian House/ in Philadelphia, who are by said act to be elected by this body, therefore " Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America : 1. That the said charter be, and the same is hereby accepted ; and that the trustees, created by said act of incorporation, be directed to perform all the duties required by their appointment. 11 Resolved j 2. That the said trustees be directed to give such official notification to the proper authorities of the State of Pennsylvania, as may be necessary, of the ^acceptance of the charter by the General Assembly. "Resolved, 3. That the Assembly do now elect ten trustees, under this charter, five of whom shall be ministers, and five laymen, all of whom shall be connected with some Presbytery or church under the care of the General Assembly. "Resolved, 4. That the first meeting of the trustees shall be at such time and place as shall be fixed by the trustee first elected, or in case of his inability to act, the trustee next elected, who shall act as chairman, until the board is constituted by the election of a president and secre- tary. "Resolved, 5. That the trustees, at their first meeting, be directed to divide themselves into two portions, and in such manner that there shall always be in the board five ministers and five laymen. "Resolved, G. That, in electing these trustees, a nomination shall be made in the Assembly, and that the election shall be by ballot on the day following that on which the nomination is made. "Resolved, 7. That these trustees be directed to keep an accurate record of all their proceedings, and report the same annually to the Assembly. "Resolved, 8. That these trustees be directed to take such measures 408 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. for raising the amount pledged by the last Assembly, for the purchase of the ' Presbyterian House/ as they may deem expedient and proper. "Resolved, 12. That the trustees of the Presbyterian House be directed to report to the next Assembly a plan of rules and regulations for the government of said trustees in the discharge of their duties. "Nominations for trustees of the Presbyterian House were made; the election to take place to-morrow." — Minutes, 1855, pp. 26, 27. 4. TJie Charter. " AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE. " Whereas, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, which held its sessions in the first Presbyte- rian Church, on "Washington Square, in the city of Philadelphia, in May, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, did ap- point John A. Brown, Samuel H. Perkins, Charles S. Wurts, Matthew W. Baldwin, and John C. Farr, trustees of the Presbyterian Publication House, and recommended that the said Board obtain an act of incorpo- ration under the laws of this State, and that the said act should contain a general provision, authorizing the said trustees to hold in trust for said Assembly any property committed to them by donations, bequests, or otherwise ; " And whereas, several gentlemen in the city of Philadelphia, feeling the necessity of some suitable place for the business of the societies and churches connected with the said Assembly, purchased a property for that purpose, which they are desirous of conveying to the said trustees ; " And whereas, the said trustees will labor under serious disadvan- tages, as to receiving and holding the title of said property, as well as any that may be committed to them by donations, bequests, or otherwise, in trust for said Assembly ; therefore, "Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That John A. Brown, Samuel H. Perkins, Charles S. Wurts, Matthew W. Baldwin, and John C. Parr, citizens of the United States and of this Commonwealth, and their successors, are hereby constituted and declared to be a body politic and corporate, by the name of ' The Trustees of the Presbyterian House;' and as such shall have perpetual succession, and be able to TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE. 409 sue and be sued, and to purchase and receive, take and hold, to them and their successors forever, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, goods, money, and chattels, and all kinds of property and estate, which may be devised, or bequeathed, or given to them, or to the said Assembly for them, and the same to sell, alien, demise, and convey; also to make a common seal, and the same to alter and renew at their pleasure ; and also to make such rules, by-laws, and ordinances, as may be needful for the government of said corporation, and not inconsistent with the Con- stitution and laws of the United States and of this State : Provided ahvays, That the clear yearly income of the real estate held by the said corporation shall not at any time exceed the sum of five thousand dol- lars. " Sec. 2. That the trustees above named shall hold their office till the first day of June, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five, and until their successors are duly qualified to take their places, who shall be chosen by the said Assembly and their successors, who may, at any annual meeting, increase the number of said trustees to ten, if in their judgment the interest of the churches under their care require it. 11 Sec. 3. That the said Assembly and their successors shall, at their annual meeting in each and every year, wherever held, elect at least five trustees, who shall hold their office for one year, and until their succes- sors are elected and qualified : Provided, That the said corporators shall be citizens of Pennsylvania. " Sec. 4. That the trustees hereby incorporated, and their successors, shall, subject to the direction of the said Assembly and their successors, have full power to manage all funds, property, and effects committed to their care by gift, purchase, bequest, or otherwise, and to execute any trusts confided to them by the said General Assembly or their successors, in such manner as shall be deemed most advantageous, and not contrary to law, or the intention of the donor or testator. "Sec. 5. That the act, entitled 'An act to incorporate the trustees of the Constitutional Presbyterian Publication House,' approved the thirteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, be, and the same is, hereby repealed. "Henry K. Stronc, " Speaker of the House of Representatives. "Wm. 31. Hiester, " Speaker of the Senate. 410 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. " Approved the twenty-first day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. "James Pollock." — Minutes, 1855, pp. 53, 54. 5. The Trustees. " As trustees of the Presbyterian House, the following individuals were elected : John A. Brown, M. W. Baldwin, Charles S. Wurts, Samuel H. Perkins, John C. Farr, Rev. Albert Barnes, Bev. Thomas Brainerd, D.D., Rev. Benjamin J. Wallace, Bev. Henry Darling, and Rev. David H. Riddle, D.D."— Minutes, 1855, p. 29. 6. The Legal Title secured through the Liberality of John A. Brown, Esq. "Resolved, That the General Assembly notice with pleasure the manifestation of promptness and liberality in the president of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian House, John A. Brown, Esq., of Phila- delphia, who, by a munificent donation, has secured to the trustees the legal title of the Presbyterian House." — Minutes, 1857, p. 410. Section 6. — The Education Committee. ] . Formation of the Permanent Committee. Located in New York. Consisting of fifteen, seven of whom must reside in or near New York. Five constitute a quorum. Classes and term of office. Duties of the committee. The Synods and Presbyteries urged to co-operate. Plans of co-operation. — 2. Organization and report of the committee. Plan for aiding beneficiaries, adopted. — 3. The plan of the committee endorsed and commended. The charter approved and accepted. Candidates to retain thei r Church and Presbyterial relations unchanged during their studies. The act of incorporation. — 4. The plan again commended. No student ought to receive from educational funds a larger appropriation than is contemplated by the plan of the Assembly. The endowment of scholarships urged. — 5. The committee instructed to continue their work, and to revise the plan and submit it to the Presbyteries. 1. Formation of the Permanent Committee. [In 1854, the committee reported a plan, which was adopted, and which will be found substantially merged in the following action of 1856. See Minutes, 1854, pp. 506, 507.] THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 411 11 The special committee, to whom was referred the report of the Per- manent Committee on the education of young men for the Gospel minis- try, presented a report, which was adopted, and is as follows : " The committee to whom was referred the reports of the Committee on Education, and of the several education societies co-operating with this Assembly, respectfully report, that, having carefully considered the resolutions proposed by the Committee on Education, they would recom- mend their adoption by the Assembly, with divers alterations and addi- tions, in the following form : "Resolved, 1. That a committee of fifteen ministers and members of the Presbyterian Church, of whom five shall be laymen, shall be ap- pointed by the General Assembly, to be called The Permanent Com- mittee on Education for the Ministry; seven at least of whom shall reside in or near the city of New York, which shall be the seat of its operations. Five members of this committee shall constitute a quorum; but for the election of a secretary of education, or for action upon his salary, a majority shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. "Resolved, 2. This committee, as thus constituted, shall divide itself into three equal classes, — the first, second, and third, — whose terms of office shall expire respectively in one, two, and three years. The Gene- ral Assembly shall annually elect, after its first organization, five members of this committee for three years, to fill such vacancies. It shall also fill any vacancy which may have occurred in the other classes. The com- mittee shall have power to fill any vacancies occurring in the interval between the sessions of two Assemblies, for such an interval. "Resolved, 3. The duties of the Assembly's committee shall be, to superintend the whole cause of education in behalf of the Assembly ; to appoint a general secretary; to determine his salary and direct his move- ments; and also a treasurer, to take charge of the funds which may be collected and paid into the treasury, for the purposes of education ; to devise and adopt such principles, rules, and regulations, in reference to aiding candidates for the ministry, as they shall deem proper and feasi- ble ; to receive and disburse funds raised within the bounds of the Pres- byterian Church or elsewhere, and, when so directed by the donors, to invest funds for the purposes of ministerial education; to take the general oversight of such beneficiaries as receive assistance directly from the treasury of the committee; to make a full annual report of all that has been done, so far as they can learn, throughout the Church in behalf of education for the ministry; — in a word, to do all that is proper and neces- 412 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. sary to the development of an educational spirit and activity throughout the Church, and the successful prosecution of this great and important cause of Christian benevolence. "Resolved, 4. It shall be the duty of the secretary of Education to visit, as far as may be, the Synods, Presbyteries, and churches throughout our bounds, for the purpose of awakening the interest and concentrating the energies of the whole Church ; to visit the colleges and seminaries where young men, aided by the Permanent Committee, are pursuing their studies, for the purpose of counsel and encouragement, and for the purpose of presenting to young men the claims of the ministry upon them ; to present the cause to the churches and collect funds as directed by the Assembly's committee; and to make a quarterly report, in writing, of his labors to the said committee. " Resolved, 5. The treasurer of the committee shall render quarterly accounts of all moneys received and disbursed ; and he shall pay out no moneys, unless thus directed by a written order of the committee, which order or orders shall constitute his vouchers. "Resolved, 6. The Synods, Presbyteries, and churches are earnestly requested to co-operate with the Assembly's committee in a work of such urgent and inestimable importance; to correspond with them on all points, where mutual sympathy and action are necessary to bring up the cause to its legitimate position in the prayers and efforts of God's people; to search out candidates for the ministry within their respective bounds, and to raise funds necessary for their support while in a course of pre- paration for the sacred office. It is particularly urged upon them to take up an annual collection in behalf of the education cause, which, if not required within their own bounds, may be transmitted to the trea- sury of the Assembly's committee, to be used for the support of such beneficiaries as may be under their patronage. " Resolved, 7. Synods, Presbyteries, and churches may, at their own election, carry forward educational operations within their bounds, through their own agencies and local organizations, and assist their younr^ men directly from their own funds, and according to their own rules and regulations, or operate through the Assembly's committee, con- tributing their funds to the general treasury, and placing their candidates under the patronage and supervision of the said committee. Where the former of these methods is adopted, it is very desirable that a yearly report be made to the Permanent Committee, in order that the combined THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 413 results of the whole cause may appear in the committee's annual report to the General Assembly. "Resolved, 8. The Permanent Committee shall be empowered to make such arrangements with the Central American Education Society at New York, and the Philadelphia Education Society at Philadelphia, as shall insure, if possible, the harmonious co-operation of these societies in the work of educating men for the Gospel ministry. "Resolved, 9. It is recommended that the young men aided by the Assembly's committee, be ordinarily placed as soon as possible under the care of Presbyteries ; and that in all ordinary cases they be licensed, if convenient, by the Presbyteries to which they naturally belong. [See Form of Government, chap, xiv, sec. 2.] "Resolved, 10. That it be recommended that the annual collection in aid of education for the ministry be taken up on the Sabbath succeed- ing the day of prayer for colleges; and it is also recommended that an appropriate sermon be preached on the occasion of that collection. "Resolved, 11. That the Presbyteries be directed to report to the General Assembly the amounts contributed by the several churches under their care, in aid of the education of young men for the ministry, and that the said sums be placed in a separate column in the statistical minutes of the Assembly. " The following were appointed the Education Committee, in accord- ance with the above resolutions : Rev. John J. Owen, D.D., Rev. George L. Prentiss, D.D., Rev. Asa D. Smith, D.D., Mr. Jesse W. Benedict, Mr. Anson G. Phelps, Mr. Joseph B. Sheffield, Mr. Walter S. Griffith, Mr. William A. Booth, Rev. John Jenkins, Rev. George Duffield, Jr., Hon. William Darling, Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., Rev. Henry Smith, D.D., Rev. Harvey Curtis, and Hon. William Jessup, LL.D." — — Minutes, 185G, pp. 222-224. 2. Organization and Report of Committee. Plan for aiding Beneficiaries. " The Standing Committee, to whom was referred the report of the Permanent Committee on Education for the Ministry, respectfully report, recommending the adoption of the following resolutions : "Resolved, 1. The General Assembly recognizes, with gratitude to God, the organization of the Permanent Committee on Education for the Ministry, and the appointment of a General Secretary, Rev. Thornton A. 414 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. Mills, D.D., who has entered on the duties of his office; also, the fact that the report of the committee presents and enforces the foundation principles of this work, especially in its relation to churches and Pres- byteries. "Resolved, 2. The Assembly, deeply impressed with the importance of a plan of action which shall develop the resources of the whole Church, and bring each section of the Church to the work of training its own ministry, adopts the arrangement recommended in the report of the Permanent Committee, with some additions and alterations, in the fol- lowing form : " 1. It is the duty of the Church, in obedience to the Saviour's last command to preach the Gospel to every creature, to give constant and becoming attention to the increase of the ministry. " 2. The Presbyterian Church, in its congregations, Sessions, Presby- teries, Synods, and General Assembly, possesses a superior system of means for conducting this work in a most successful manner. "3. It is particularly desirable that each Presbytery should make the subject of the ministry a topic of serious consideration in its stated meet- ings, at least once every year, and adopt arrangements to have presented to the churches, through their own ministers as far as possible, the wants of our Church, our country, and the world, in this respect; to press on young men their duty to give themselves to this work ; on parents their obligation to dedicate their children to it, and train them for it; and on individual churches their privilege and duty to see that all their sons, who give promise of suitable qualifications for the ministry, are sought out and encouraged to enter it; to make adequate provision for the education of all such as are in circumstances to need their aid, and who show by their characters and improvement that they are worthy of it ; and to see that in each church an annual collection is made in behalf of this cause. "4. It is important that the claims of the Christian ministry on pious young men, in a course of education, should be publicly presented once every year in all the colleges within our bounds ; and it is recommended that the general secretary, in connection with the officers in these insti- tutions, secure the performance of this service. "5. While the General Assembly does not design to interfere with the action of separate churches and Presbyteries, or the combined action of a number of them in their sy nodical capacity, it decidedly recom- mends its Permanent Committee as the bond of union and medium of THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 415 co-operation in this work; and it is hereby urged upon each Presbytery and Synod, whether co-operating or not with that committee, to forward, through its stated clerk, to said Permanent Committee, at some time in the month of April in each year, a full report of its doings, in reply to such questions as may be proposed to it ; and the information so given shall be embodied in the annual report of the committee to the General Assembly. "6. Each Presbytery, designing to co-operate with the Permanent Committee, shall appoint annually a Standing Committee on Education for the Ministry, whose duty it shall be to examine and recommend, in the vacation of the Presbytery, such young men as require assistance from the funds at the disposal of the Permanent Committee; and to exercise over them such pastoral supervision as may be possible, while they are prosecuting their studies. And all such committees are hereby enjoined, to give strict attention to the rules prescribed by the Perma- nent Committee, in any recommendation which they may make, so as to avert dishonor from this enterprise of the Church, and avoid the waste and misapplication of its funds. " 7. Every Presbytery, co-operating with the Permanent Committee by presenting the subject to its churches annually, and taking collections to be paid to the general treasury, shall be entitled, as far as the means placed at the disposal of that committee will allow, to receive aid for all candidates for the ministry under its care, however much the appropria- tions to them may exceed the contributions of such Presbytery. "8. It is recommended to all the churches so to arrange their contri- butions to benevolent operations, that the uniform time for that in behalf of education for the ministry shall be the Sabbath preceding, or succeed- ing the last Thursday in February of each year, the day of the Annual Concert of Prayer for Colleges. " 9. As it is desirable that this cause should assume a prominent and permanent place in the contributions of the churches, it is recommended, to fhose whom Providence has favored with means, to endow temporary scholarships, by the contribution of the requisite sum each year to assist a student through his theological course j or the contribution of such a sum each year to assist one through his literary and theological course ; or by the establishment of permanent scholarships by donations or lega- cies, under the management of the Permanent Committee j and, to afford facility and security in doing this, the Permanent Committee are hereby directed to apply to the Legislature of the State of New York for a suitable 416 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. act of incorporation. And, until such act is obtained, individuals designing permanent gifts or legacies, are requested to place them in the legal charge of the trustees of the Presbyterian House in Phila- delphia, for the use of the Permanent Committee on Education for the •Ministry. " 10. The General Assembly would not claim any authority over the institutions where our ministry are educated ; but it is hereby requested of the Faculties of the Union and Auburn Theological Seminaries in New York, of Lane Seminary near Cincinnati, and Maryville Seminary in Tennessee, and of any other similar institutions hereafter established, to furnish the General Assembly each year, through its Permanent Com- mittee on Education for the Ministry, with a written statement of their condition, advantages, and prospects, the names of their professors, the ordinary yearly expenses, and any other matters of general interest to the Church, to be read to the Assembly, and published as an appendix to the annual report of the said committee; and the general secretary is hereby charged with the duty of presenting this request annually to said Faculties, in time to receive their written reports before the meet- ing of the General Assembly. "Resolved, 3. This General Assembly approves the rules adopted by the Permanent Committee, for aiding young men in their preparatory studies for the ministry, with some alterations, as fitted to prevent the introduction of incompetent and unworthy men to this office, and at the same time to afford suitable encouragement to those whose piety and talents give promise of usefulness. When auy alterations are made in these rules, the Permanent Committee are requested to report the same to the General Assembly. "Plan for aiding Beneficiaries. "1. Each applicant for assistance shall present a certificate of recom- mendation from a Presbytery (or its Standing Committee on Education), stating that he has been in the communion of the Church at leasttme year, and that he has been carefully examined as to his experimental piety, his motives for desiring the sacred office, his attachment to the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, his general habits, his prudence, his talents, his studies, his gifts for public speaking, his need of assist- ance, his disposition to do all in his power to sustain himself, and his willingness to observe the rules of the committee. Such certificate must also state, whether the candidate is in his academic, collegiate, or theo- THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 417 logical course, and the amount requisite to carry him through the first year. a 2. While it is highly desirable, that all who receive assistance should be under the supervision of the Presbyteries to which they would natu- rally belong, and should be recommended by them, yet if, owing to the present position of the education cause, or other important reasons, a Presbyterial certificate cannot be obtained, it may, at the option of the Permanent Committee, be substituted by a certificate of the same import, from any examining committee, appointed by them for such purposes, at any educational institution where the student is pursuing his course. "3. The amount granted to any applicant shall not, unless in very peculiar circumstances, exceed one hundred dollars for the academic, one hundred and twenty dollars for the collegiate, and one hundred and forty for the theological course per annum, to be paid in quarterly in- stalments upon the return of schedules to be filled up by the student and his instructors, and the approbation of the same by the Permanent Committee. " 4. Each applicant shall give a receipt or acknowledgment to the treasurer, for the amount which from time to time he may receive, promising to repay the same with interest, if he fail to enter upon the work of the ministry within a reasonable time, or turn aside to any secular pursuit ; unless the Presbytery to which he belongs shall certify, that there are good reasons for his relinquishing the active duties of the office, and recommend the cancelling of the obligation. " 5. Individuals receiving aid shall be under the pastoral supervision of the Presbyteries recommending them, and also of the general secretary of the Permanent Committee ; and will be expected to undergo renewed examinations on passing from one grade of their general course to another. " 6. No payment shall be made in advance. " 7. As the appropriations of the committee are made on the principle of helping those who help themselves, and are insufficient for the entire support of a student, it is expected, that the student and his friends will make all proper exertions to assist in defraying the expenses of his edu- cation. u 8. Each student aided is required to pursue a thorough course of study preparatory to a three years' course of theological studies, unless the Permanent Committee, and the Presbytery under whose care he is, in the exercise of a wise discretion, shall decide that his circumstances require that his studies shall be abbreviated. 27 418 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "9. When any student shall find it necessary to relinquish study for a time, to teach, or otherwise increase his means of support, he shall first obtain the consent of the Permanent Committee ; and, if he shall not be absent from study more than three months, his appropriations will be continued ; but if longer, they will be discontinued, or continued in part, according to circumstances. " 10. When a student has ceased, for a period longer than a year, to receive assistance from the committee, he shall be required to produce new testimonials before his name can be restored to the roll. " 11. When the oflicial relation between a student and the committee ceases, or is about to cease, he is required to notify the general secretary of the fact, stating the reason. "12. The reception of an appropriation, by a student, shall be con- sidered as expressing a promise, to comply with all the rules and regu- lations of the committee. "13. If at any time there be discovered in any student such defect in capacity, diligence, prudence, and especially in piety, as would render his introduction into the ministry a doubtful measure, it shall be con- sidered the sacred duty of the committee to withdraw their appropria- tions. Students shall also cease to receive assistance, when their health shall become such as to unfit them for study, and for the work of the ministry; when they are manifestly improvident, and contract debts without reasonable prospects of payment ; when they marry ; when they receive the assistance of any other educational committee; when they fail to make the regular returns ; or cease, by change of circumstances, to need aid. " 14. As all intellectual acquisitions are comparatively of little value without the cultivation of piety, it is expected and required of every candidate, to pay special attention to the practical duties of religion ; such as reading the Scriptures, secret prayer and meditation ; to attend upon religious meetings on the Sabbath, and during the week; to endeavor to promote the salvation of others; and to exhibit at all times a pious and consistent example. " Resolved, 4. While the Assembly feels the importance of a thorough organization of the Church, for the accomplishment of the work of ministerial education, it is at the same time deeply convinced that suc- cess will not attend the enterprise, unless the earnest efforts of its friends are united with prayer to God, that, by the abundant outpouring of the THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 419 Spirit, the life of the Church may be made more vigorous, and large numbers of the youth of our land be converted to Christ. " Resolved, 5. The General Assembly recommends the observance of the last Thursday in February as a day of prayer for the blessing of God on our various institutions of learning. 11 Resolved, 6. That the election to fill the vacancies in the Permanent Committee be the first order of the day for Friday morning, and that the election be by ballot. "Resolved, 7. That the report of the Permanent Committee be pub- lished under their direction, and circulated through all the churches. " The same committee reported the following resolution, which was adopted : "Resolved, That the memorial of the Presbytery of Iowa City, on the subject of Christian education, asking the General Assembly, through its Permanent Committee on Education for the Ministry, to aid in erect- ing academies and collegiate institutions, be referred to that committee, with instructions to consider and extend aid at their discretion during the year; and to report to the next General Assembly." — Minutes, 1857, pp. 388-392. 3. Injunctions of the Assembly o/1858. The Charter approved and accepted. u Resolved, That this Assembly find, in the practical workings of the plan for ministerial education inaugurated by the last General Assembly, reason to regard it with increasing confidence, and consider it eminently wise, and admirably adapted to develop the zeal and activity of the whole Church in this department of her duty. "Resolved, That in laying the foundation for this work in a living Christianity of the body, and devolving the execution of it on individual churches and Presbyteries, the Assembly has proposed the most evan- gelical and effective method of accomplishing the enterprise. "Resolved, That while the responsibility of performing this part of her mission rests on Christian parents, and the individual members and elders of the Church, it also presses with peculiar weight on ministers ; and from a becoming spirit and example in their daily labor, and a faithful and frequent presentation to Christian parents and youth of their obligations of covenanted consecration, the happiest results may be rea- sonably expected. 420 X. — TIIE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "Resolved, That it is deeply to be lamented that the Saviour's com- mand, ' Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth la- borers into his harvest/ has so extensively passed from the minds and hearts of his people, and that this Assembly admonish all its ministers and churches of this neglect, and earnestly exhort them to give atten- tion to it in their private, domestic, social, and public devotions, and that they especially remember it at the monthly concert, as well as at the annual concert of prayer for educational institutions, on the last Thurs- day of February. u Resolved j That inasmuch as a large number of Presbyteries have dis- regarded the urgent recommendation of the last Assembly to forward full reports of their action in reference to ministerial education, this Assem- bly readopts that recommendation, considering a faithful compliance with it essential to a successful enlistment of the whole Church in this im- portant enterprise. "Resolved, That it is highly desirable that the subject of the increase of the ministry should be annually presented to the churches on the Sab- bath preceding or succeeding the annual concert of prayer for colleges, and that contributions be made on one of the Sabbaths above named, when it will not interfere with or disturb systematic arrangements already adopted. 11 Resolved, That it is the conviction of this Assembly that a large and useful increase of the ministry cannot be secured without constant vigilance on the part of the Presbyteries in the introduction of men into the sacred office, in arrangements to direct their efforts and facilitate their settlement, and in holding them to a just responsibility in the dis- charge of their work, and also without a disposition on the part of the churches to furnish it with an adequate and equitable support. " Resolved, That the Assembly recommend, as a general principle, that candidates for the ministry, especially those who are connected with churches under the care of our newer and smaller Presbyteries, retain their church and Presbyterial relations unchanged during the progress of their studies. "Resolved, That the Permanent Committee be directed to publish this annual report, or such portions of it as they may deem advisable." "Act of Incorporation. "An Act to incorporate the Permanent Committee on Education for the Ministry, of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 421 u The people of the State of Xew York, as represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows : "Sec. 1. John J. Owen, Asa D. Smith, George L. Prentiss, William A. Booth, Joseph B. Sheffield, Jesse W. Benedict, Walter S. Griffith, Anson G. Phelps, William Hogarth, Jonathan F. Stearns, Henry Smith, Harvey Curtis, John Jenkins, William Darling, and William Jessup (designated for the purpose by the General Assembly of the Presbyte- rian Church, which met in Cleveland, Ohio, in May, eighteen hundred and fifty-seven), and their successors in office, are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic, by the name of l The Permanent Committee on Education for the Ministry of the General Assembly of the Presby- terian Church in the United States of America ;' whose duty it shall be to superintend the whole cause of education in behalf of the said General Assembly, as said General Assembly may from time to time direct ; also to receive, take charge of, and disburse any property or funds which at any time, and from time to time, may be intrusted to said General As- sembly, or said Permanent Committee, for educational purposes. " Sec. 2. The said corporation shall possess the general powers, and be subject to the provisions contained in title three, of chapter eighteen of the first part of the Kevised Statutes, so far as the same are applica- ble, and have not been repealed or modified. "'Sec. 3. The management and disposition of the affairs and funds of said corporation shall be vested in the individuals named in the first sec- tion of this act, and their successors in office, who shall remain in office for such period, and be displaced and succeeded by others, to be elected at such time and in such manner as the said General Assembly shall direct and appoint. " Sec. 4. The said corporation shall in law be capable of taking, re- ceiving, and holding any real or personal estate which has been or may hereafter be given, devised, or bequeathed to it, or to said General As- sembly, for the purposes aforesaid, or which may accrue from the use of the same ; but the said corporation shall not take and hold real and personal estate above the sum of two hundred thousand dollars. " Sec. 5. This act shall take effect immediately. " Passed April 17, 1858." " Approval by the General Assembly. "Resolved, That the Assembly approve of the act of incorporation obtained by the Permanent Committee of Education, from the L< 422 X. — TIIE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. ture of New York, and of its acceptance by that committee ; and that said committee thus incorporated, is hereby cordially and confidently recommended to such persons as may be disposed to devote property to ministerial education, as a safe and responsible agency for its investment and disbursement." — Minutes, 1858, pp. 597, 598. 4. Report and Resolutions of 1859. Endowment of Scholarships urged. " The committee, therefore, recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions : " 1. That the Assembly has undiminished confidence in the plan for promoting the increase of the ministry, adopted by the Assembly of 1857 ; the more it is examined, and the better it is understood, the more worthy of confidence does it appear. "2. That, though the Permanent Committee and their secretary have encountered many embarrassments, in the incipiency of their enterprise, yet, in the judgment of the Assembly, they are doing a great work; and we heartily concur with the two Assemblies last past, in commending them to the favor of the churches. "3. That the ultimate result towards which we should aim, is the universal adoption of this plan, as soon as practicable, and that it be commended to the favorable notice of all our Presbyteries ; and further, that all local societies within our bounds, whose existence seems neces- sary for the time being, be requested, as far as possible, to adjust them- selves to it. "4. That, in the judgment of this Assembly, no student ought to receive from educational funds a larger appropriation than is contem- plated in the plan of the General Assembly; and that ministers, and professors in colleges and seminaries, be requested to discountenance all partiality, and scrupulously adhere to the Assembly's plan in this regard. " 5. That, for this purpose, all Presbyteries and colleges and theolo- gical seminaries be requested to send to the Permanent Committee the names of all students under their care who receive aid, with the amount apportioned by them. " 6. That, in order to facilitate the connection of the Permanent Com- mittee with every part of the Church, every Synod be requested to ap- point a corresponding member, as a medium of communication between the Committee and the Presbyteries, pastors, and churches. u 7. That the common mode of raising funds for this cause is, at pre- THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 423 sent, a necessity; but that the perfection of the work, in the judgment of the Assembly, is the endowment of scholarships, held in trust by the Assembly's Committee under its charter; and that anything short of this is liable to affect injuriously the churches and the young men who receive their benefactions. M 8. That we cannot disguise the fact, that no plans or rules can com- pensate for the want of a livelier interest on this subject in all our churches ; which interest would obviate all our difficulties, and silence all complaints in all parts of the Church. "9. That the Permanent Committee be requested to appeal to the churches to make immediate and special efforts to replenish the general treasury for education ; and that they be urged to contribute both for present exigencies and wants, and also for a permanent endowment, that the support of applicants may not depend upon the scanty and uncertain contributions of the Church. " 10. That it is the opinion of this Assembly, that 835,000, which is but little more than twenty-five cents for each member in our churches, is the very least amount that our Church, or its members, ought to be content to raise for this cause during the coming year." . . . — Minutes, 1859, p. 34-36. 5. Committee to revise the Plan, and submit it to tlie Presbyteries. " Resolved, 1. That the Permanent Committee continue their work as heretofore ; and that they be instructed, at an early day, to revise the present plan of the Assembly, and submit the revised plan to the Pres- byteries, with the earnest request that they express their views and wishes concerning it to the Permanent Committee previous to the meet- ing of the next Assembly; and that Piev. Albert Barnes, D. Howe Allen, D.D., Ezra A. Huntington, D.D., and Henry B. Smith, D.D., be appointed to confer with said committee concerning the revision of the plan. " Resolved, 2. That this Assembly are gratified to learn that the Per- manent Committee have begun to aid students from their own treasury; and that the churches be earnestly requested to replenish that treasury, that the work may go on in a manner worthy of the cause and of the Church at laige."-— Minutes, 1860, p. 246. 424 X. — TIIE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. Section T. — The Committee on Foreign Missions. 1. Origin of the committee. The Permanent Committee established. — 2. The committee enlarged to twelve, and divided into three classes. — 3. Duties of the committee. — 4. Formation of Foreign Presbyteries encouraged. The Synod of New York and New Jersey empowered to form and receive such Presbyteries. — 5. Report of 1860. The jubilee year. 1. Origin of the Committee. Permanent Committee established. [In 1850, the subject of " erection of Presbyteries in foreign lands," was referred to a select committee, to report next year. Minutes, 1850, p. 320. This committee having failed to report, was discharged, and the subject recommitted to a new committee. Minutes, 1851, p. 10. Committee continued, 1852, p. 173; 1853, p. 342. In 1854, the com- mittee reported, viz. :] " The correspondence with ministers in connection with our Church on foreign missionary ground, laboring under the direction of the Ame- rican Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, has been carried out according to the instructions of the General Assembly. " More than twenty responses have been received, in answer to the committee's circular. These communications are characterized by a thoughtful discrimination, a spirit of sincere regard for our Church, and a desire to secure harmonious and successful action in the prosecution of the missionary work. " From a careful review of this correspondence, and a consideration of the whole subject, your committee would recommend, "1. That this Assembly regard it as inexpedient to take any measures, at present, for organizing Presbyteries or churches on foreign missionary ground. u 2. That an annual correspondence be recommended to be kept up between our foreign missionaries and the Presbyteries to which they respectively belong. "3. That, inasmuch as it has hitherto been found to be impracticable to form distinctive Presbyterian organizations among the converted heathen, and inasmuch as the obstacles which have hitherto existed may possibly be removed by farther conference with our foreign missionaries and with the Prudential Committee of the A. B. C. F. M., a Standing Committee of live ministers shall be appointed, who shall take charge of COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. 425 this whole subject, correspond further with our missionaries and the Prudential Committee above referred to, and report to the Assembly from year to year. "The report was adopted; and Rev. Joel Parker, D.D., Rev. James W. McLane, D.D., Rev. David 0. Allen, D.D., Rev. Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D., and Rev. Henry Darling, were appointed the Standing Committee provided for in this report." — Minutes, 1854, p. 511. 2. The Committee Enlarged and Divided into Tliree Classes. "Resolved, That Rev. Albert Barnes, and Messrs. John A. Brown, TV. E. Dodge, Treadwell Ketchum, Jesse TV. Benedict, David Hoadley, and Walter S. Griffith, be added to the Permanent Committee on Foreign Missions, and that they be requested to divide the committee into three classes, one of which shall be elected annually by the Assem- bly."— Minutes, 1856, p. 212. 3. Duties of the Committee. " The committee to whom was referred the report of the Permanent Committee on Foreign Missions, together with a resolution and memorial on the same subject, recommend the following : " 1. That the report of the Permanent Committee be approved. And we are grateful to God for the efficiency and harmony with which we have been enabled to prosecute the great work of foreign missions through the medium of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. " 2. That, in addition to the duties already devolved upon this com- mittee, it be made their further duty to ascertain, as far as possible, to what extent the churches in connection with the General Assembly are engaged in the work of foreign missions, and report the same to the next General Assembly. And that these missionary operations in which our churches are engaged, be made the subject of an annual report to the Assembly by this committee. " In which reports, they shall spread before the Assembly such in- formation as is calculated to excite and deepen an interest in this subject, and foster and develop the spirit of missions ; giving the number of foreign missionaries of our Church who are in the field, the number of candidates for this work, the amount of annual contributions, so far as 426 X. — TIIE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. practicable, and the degree of interest which is manifested in this cause throughout our churches; together with the measure of success that has attended missionary effort; and communicate any information which they can gain, that may stimulate and develop foreign missionary enter- prise. " 3. That the Presbyteries, through their stated clerks, or a committee appointed for that purpose, furnish to the Permanent Committee «on Foreign Missions all the information on this subject that maybe sought or they be able to furnish. And further, that the Presbyteries and Synods give special attention to this subject, adopting such measures as may rouse the spirit of missions among the churches." — Minutes, 1858, pp. 595, 596. 4. Report and Resolutions of the Assembly. Formation of Foreign Presbyteries encouraged. The Synod of Xew York and New Jersey empowered to form and receive such Presbyteries. " The unfinished business of the last session was then taken up, being the consideration of the report on Foreign Missions ; which, having been amended, was adopted, and is as follows : " Your committee having taken into consideration the report of the Permanent Committee on Foreign Missions, and the overtures, Synodical and Presbyterial, bearing upon this part of our ecclesiastical work, which have been referred to your committee, respectfully submit the following report, and recommend its adoption by the General Assembly : "1. The Assembly owe it to the Permanent Committee, to record their thanks for the lucid and deeply interesting narrative which they have furnished, in the report now submitted, of the past and present connection of our Church with the great Christian work of Foreign Missions : "2. It is highly desirable that said report be printed and widely cir- culated among the members of our churches; and also that our pastors present to their congregations, at the monthly concert of prayer for Foreign Minions, the facts contained therein, as eminently calculated to induce thankfulness for that part which, in the providence of God, we have been permitted to take in this work in the past, as well as to incite us to more earnest zeal and labor as to the share which we may be hereafter called to assume in carrying the Gospel to the ends of the earth. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. 427 "3. It is desirable, also, that said report be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of the General Assembly, so that there may exist, in an official form, a permanent record of the interesting facts which have been thus brought under the notice of this body. "The following overtures or memorials on the subject of Foreign Missions have been forwarded to this Assembly : " 1st. From the Synod of Minnesota, praying the Assembly to decide such measures as, in their wisdom, may seem fit, for the purpose of securing a closer ecclesiastical relation of our Foreign Missionaries with the General Assembly, and of securing also direct reports from these brethren to our Assemblies, Synods, and Presbyteries; as tending, in the estimation of the memorialists, to a larger development of the mis- sionary spirit in our beloved Church. "2d. From the Presbytery of Newark, expressing their unanimous conviction of the expediency of instructing the Permanent Committee on Foreign Missions to concert measures with the Prudential Committee of the A. B. C. F. M., for the formation of Presbyteries on its foreign field, whenever such a step may be deemed practicable. " 3d. From the Presbytery of Philadelphia Third, stating that one of their members, a missionary in the foreign field, having been recom- mended by his Presbytery to propose to his Presbyterian brethren in the same mission, that they should form themselves into a Presbytery, declined, with his brethren, to do so, upon the understanding that it was the business of the Prudential Committee of the Board to arrange the ecclesiastical organizations of missionaries and mission churches in foreign lands; thereupon praying the Assembly to consider this subject; and expressing the conviction, that our churches are deficient in mis- sionary spirit; that our young men are not coming forward to offer them- selves as missionaries; and that, though actuated by no sectarian feeling, they are convinced that a proper missionary spirit cannot be created, or kept alive, without our having, in some way, a closer relation to our missionaries, and without, in some way, bringing home to our churches the feeling that this is our own work. " This overture further reminds the General Assembly, that, after contributing millions of money, we have not a solitary mission church, or but one, in the entire foreign field; and respectfully suggests, without venturing to dictate, that a portion of the foreign field be set apart, to be occupied exclusively by missionaries of our Church, that every diffi- culty in the way of a homogeneous ecclesiastical organization may be removed. 428 X.— THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. "4th. From the Presbytery of Greencastle, recommending to the General Assembly to secure to our churches the direct control of our ministers laboring in foreign lands, as to their ecclesiastical relations. " The Assembly, having considered these overtures and memorials, further resolve : "1. That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States have reason to rejoice in God that they have been per- mitted to share, with their brethren of other denominations, the high privilege of bringing into efficiency the noblest of all the missionary institutions of our country; and that, in both funds and men, our churches have supplied so considerable a proportion of the expenditure which has been incurred in founding and sustaining, in the Turkish Empire, in Hindostan, in Ceylon, and elsewhere, missions and labors which have reflected so bright an honor upon American Christianity. "2. That we rejoice in the successes which the Great Head of the Church continues to vouchsafe to the operations of the American Board in the varied and difficult fields which, in the providence of God, it is called to occupy; and fervently desire that its future career may be 'as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day/ " 3. That we deeply sympathize with the Board in its present pecu- niary embarrassments, and commend the cause of missions, as conducted by it, to enlarged self-denying liberalities on the part of our churches. "4. That the time has now come when, in order to a more thorough development of that missionary spirit which should pervade every portion of the Christian Church, the prayers of the memorialists, now enume- rated, demand not only consideration, but action. These prayers ask not, in any instance, for a cessation from the co-operative principle in conducting this work, but simply for a closer connection with it, by means of the formation of Presbyteries in foreign lands, wherever num- bers and circumstances will allow of such a course. In the judgment of this body, this request consists, not only with the highest reason, but with the broadest charity ; for the Assembly cannot forget the fact, that, after long years of connection with the foreign missionary department of evangelistic labor, we have at this time but one Presbyterian church of our connection in the foreign field. "The Presbyterian Church have had too great a share in laying the foundations of the American Hoard, and in building up its noble super- structure, to be willing, except for the most imperative reasons, to sever the tie which binds them, the one to the other. If they can do so with COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. 429 fidelity to their brethren abroad and to their churches at home, the Assembly will joyfully perpetuate their co-operation with brethren with whom it has been so long, so honorably, and so successfully associated, in advancing throughout the world the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. They will sacrifice everything for this but the salvation of souls, and the edification and general prosperity of that portion of the Church over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers. But the General Assembly record it as their deliberate judgment, that it is due to the interests of our Church, and to its vital connection with our foreign work, "1. That it should be distinctly understood, here and abroad, that the Board, its Prudential Committee, and officers, interpose no obstacles in the way of the formation of foreign Presbyteries. " 2. That the appointments of missionaries should be so disposed, wherever it is wise and practicable, as to facilitate the formation of such Presbyteries. "3. That there should be a free correspondence of our missionaries with the Permanent Committee of the General Assembly. " 4. That less than this the Assembly cannot declare ; because less than this would not lead our churches to identify themselves with the operations and successes of the Board, and to manifest that interest and zeal in its welfare and prosperity which are requisite for the perpetuity among ourselves of the true missionary spirit. " 5. That, in recording this their judgment, the General Assembly feel encouraged by the fact, that the Prudential Committee of the American Board have frequently professed their desire and purpose not to interfere with the ecclesiastical bias of the missionaries, or with the attempt of any one or more of them to form Presbyteries and Presby- terian churches on their fields of labor. Accepting these professions in good faith, the Assembly desire such an understanding with the Board as shall lead to the realization of all which is sought for by the before- mentioned Synod and Presbyteries, and demanded by the convictions of our whole Church. " 6. That this General Assembly are further encouraged, by informa- tion which has reached them from reliable sources, that our missionary brethren, in some portions of the work, are directing their thoughts and aims towards the perpetuation, in foreign countries, of our excellent Presbyterian polity. " 7. That it is regarded by the General Assembly as both desirable 430 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. and important, that our brethren who are laboring in the foreign field correspond with the Permanent Committee on the subject of their labors; and that said committee be requested to prepare, from year to year, such a report of our foreign work as shall be calculated to quicken the zeal of our people in prayers and labors for the conversion of the whole world to Christ ; such report to be submitted to the General Assembly. "8. The General Assembly hereby appoint Rev. Albert Barnes, Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., Rev. Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D., Rev. John Jenkins, Mr. Matthew W. Baldwin, and Hon. William Strong, a special committee to attend the next meeting of the A. B. C. F. M., to be held in Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday of October next, for the purpose of conveying to the Board the Assembly's views as herein expressed, and of conferring with it, or with any committee which it may appoint, as to the best mode by which these results may be most wisely and prudently secured ; as well as to confer in regard to the localities where our mis- sionaries can be most conveniently and speedily concentrated. "9. That this report be printed in circular form, and transmitted to each of our foreign missionaries, with the recommendation to such mis- sionaries that they proceed to form themselves into Presbyteries when- ever and wherever, in their judgment, it is practicable and expedient. " 10. That the candidates for the missionary work, going out from our body, be recommended to give their attention to those fields where Presbyteries are or may be formed. "11. The General Assembly hereby empower the Synod of New York and New Jersey to form and receive foreign Presbyteries whenever con- stitutionally requested so to do by our foreign missionaries. "The committee have also had under consideration the report of the General Assembly's Permanent Committee on Foreign Missions, respect- ing a certain memorial referred to them by the last General Assembly, signed by Rev. George Duffield, D.D., and others, on the desirableness of our instituting missionary operations in Mexico and in Central and Southern America ; also a second memorial, forwarded to this General nbly by the same parties, on the same subject; in respect to which — "The committee respectfully submit the following report, and recom- mend its adoption by the General Assembly: "1. That the Amenably regard the proposal of the memorialists as entitled to both consideration and respect. " 2. That in the present attitude of our work abroad, it is inexpedient COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. 431 for this General Assembly to initiate any new and independent foreign missionary undertaking. " Because it is due to our missionary brethren in fields already occu- pied, that all our available men be commissioned to those parts of the world, in which it is deemed important to facilitate the formation of Presbyteries, and thus to increase the efficiency of particular missions. "3. That it is yet due to the memorialists, and to the important sub- ject which they thus bring to the notice of the Assembly, that it be held over for advisement for another year; and, for this purpose, the report of the Permanent Committee is referred back, together with the present memorial, to said committee; who are hereby requested to re- consider their report, to make further inquiries respecting the field indi- cated, and to report to the next General Assembly/' — Minutes, 1859, pp. 21-25. 5. Report of Standing Committee, 1860. The Jubilee Year. "The command, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature/ is not surpassed for distinctness and impressiveness by any saying of our Lord Jesus Christ. No one, that pretends to love the Master, can be indifferent to this direction. Nor does it pertain alone to individual believers. It embraces every church in its organic character. Every denomination of Christians must see to it that its name is identified with the cause of foreign missions. It would be fatal to the hope of any professed disciple of the Son of God, to have no sympathy with the suffering Redeemer in his desire to save a perishing world. It is disgraceful to any company of believers not to recognize, somewhere in their system, the obligation resting upon them to take part, at whatever cost and sacrifice, in the conquest of the world to the dominion of the Cross. It may not be necessary that there should be as many distinct organizations, for sending out and sustaining mission- aries upon the foreign field, as there are separate denominations ; but if, upon careful investigation, it be thought that in this way the strength and efficiency of any portion of the people of God can thus be more completely developed, then no considerations of a worldly policy should be allowed, for a moment, to hinder the formation of a new missionary society. We are not called upon to convert the heathen, but we are bound, as individuals, as churches, and as a distinct branch of the Church of Jesus Christ, to do all in our power to preach the Gospel to 432 X. — THE PERMANENT COMMITTEES. every creature. We are debtors, made so by the command of Jesus, 'both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise;' so, as much as in us is, we must be ready to preach the Gospel, not only to them that are at Rome, but to the crowded population of China and India,, to the scattered inhabitants of Polynesia, and to the roving hordes in our own wilderness. " The practical question at present is, whether, as a denomination, we can continue to work with the American Board, or whether the time has come to initiate a system, under which we can more rapidly and fully develop the strength and spirit of our people. "The General Assembly finds an answer to this question in the report of its Permanent Committee, just presented, and that of the Committee of Conference with the American Board ; which reports are to be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes, after so much of the first report as relates to the Presbyterial character of the churches of the Ahmednuggur Mission be modified, as the Permanent Committee now desire, to corre- spond to the facts in the case j and, after the paragraph be stricken out, relating to the communication of a missionary to a Presbytery, and the memorial of the Presbytery to the Assembly. "The attention of the churches is called to certain particulars in this elaborate and excellent report of the Permanent Committee : "1. The urging upon Presbyteries of the importance of securing a more perfect system, in respect to contributions for missionary purposes, and especially the necessity of reporting such collections, not in a spirit of boasting, but in order that full and correct statistics of our benevolent operations may be secured. "2. The correspondence from the Dacotah, the Madura, and the African missions is worthy of notice, from the excellence of these com- munications and the important information which they convey; but more especially as constituting the beginning of an interchange of letters between the General Assembly and its absent and distant members, who are preaching the Gospel among the heathen. "3. That portion of the report which is in reply to the memorial for the establishment of missions in Mexico, and Central or Southern America, may be accepted as the proper reply to the resolution of the Presbytery of Detroit, and a memorial signed by George Duffield and H. Kendall, submitted to the Standing Committee; as it argues at length the impracticability of attempting to establish separate and independent missions at the present time. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. 433 "It is only necessary to say, in respect to the report of the Special Committee of Conference with the American Board, that everything sought by our committee, or desired by the General Assembly, was cordially assented to; and we rely upon the good faith of the Prudential Committee to carry out their own declaration, ' that both " reason" and " charity" demand the facilitation of such organizations' (that is, foreign Presbyteries), ' whenever circumstances and a due regard to the great objects of this board will allow j' and, in view of the offer of the Pru- dential Committee, it is resolved, that the General Assembly will gladly welcome the annual delegation sent to confer with them by the American Board. " The Assembly wish to be understood, as expressing their undimin- ished confidence in the noble institution with which they have been so long associated in the work of evangelizing the world, and their desire still to co-operate with their brethren of another denomination in spread- ing the news of salvation to the ends of the earth. Especially on this 'Julilee year,' would the Assembly enjoin upon all its churches to lend most liberal aid, in furthering a result so desirable as that which is sought, viz., to bring the board to its next anniversary free from debt, and prepared to begin with increased ardor and energy its second half century, in the glorious work of bringing all mankind into subjection to Christ."— Minutes, 1860, pp. 256-258. 28 CHAPTER XI. CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 1. To correspond with foreign churches, belongs to the Assembly. — 2. The Assem- bly grants permission to correspond with local bodies. — 3. Proposals to correspond with the New England churches. — 4. Plan of correspondence with the General Association of Connecticut. — 5. The right to vote asked by the Assembly and conceded. — 6. Conference on complaint of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. — 7. For either body to receive a candidate, licentiate, or minister from the other, without regular testimonials and dismission, is irregular. — S. Correspondence with the General Convention of Vermont. Regulations same as with the General Association of Connecticut. — 9. With the General Association of New Hampshire. — 10. With the General Association of Massachusetts. — 11. With the General Conference of Maine. — 12. With the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island. The correspondence discontinued by the Consociation. — 13. The Assembly requests that the right to vote be given up. — 14. Replies of the Asso- ciations. New Hampshire agrees; Vermont refers the matter to a committee; Massachusetts declines. — 15. The rule as to receiving candidates, licentiates, and ministers urged upon the Associations of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. — 16. Reply of the Association of Massachusetts. The right to vote given up. The rule referred to the district associations. — 17. Minute on correspondence with the New England churches. — IS. Correspondence with the German Reformed Synod of North America. — 19. With the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. — 20. With the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — 21. With the Presbyterian and Congregational Convention of Wiscon- sin.— 22. With the General Association of New York. Further proceedings. The correspondence continued. The Association requested to couch its com- munications in courteous language. The right to review proceedings, rebuke or reprove, disavowed and denied. — 23. The terms of correspondence defined. — 24. Correspondence with the Union of the Evangelical Churches of France. — 25. With the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, and with the General Synod of the As- ciate Reformed Church. Terms of correspondence. — 26. Com- pensation of delegates to corresponding bodies. 1. To correspond icitli Foreign Churches belongs to the Assembly. "The committee appointed to examine the llecords of the Synod of XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 435 Tennessee reported, and the Records were approved, with the exception of a proposal to establish a plan of intercourse between said Synod and the Cumberland Presbyterians ; of which proposal the Assembly disap- prove, on the ground that it belongs to the Assembly to correspond with foreign churches, on such terms as may be agreed upon by the Assembly and the corresponding body." — Minutes, 1827, p. 219. 2. The Assembly grants Permission to correspond with Local Bodies. a. " Resolved, That while this Assembly would not interfere authori- tatively with the lower judicatories in the exercise of their prerogative, they would recommend that no ministers should be invited to sit as cor- respondents who do not belong to some body in correspondence with this AfHembly."— Minutes, 1843, p. 23. b. " The report of the committee in reference to correspondence with the Methodist Episcopal Conferences, which had been put upon the docket, was taken up, and the following resolution was adopted, viz. : " Whereas, the communication of the Oneida Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church solicits only a correspondence between themselves and the Synod of New York and New Jersey, and not with the Presbyterian Church generally • and whereas the Synod has referred the matter to the Assembly, without submitting any specific proposition or plan for such correspondence : therefore, u Resolved, That the communication be referred back to the Synod, to adopt such measures as they may deem proper, in pursuance of the request for a correspondence of the local bodies." — Minutes, 1850, pp. 323, 324. c. " Overture, ' Is it orderly for our Presbyteries and Synods to in- vite ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church to sit as corresponding members V which was answered by the Assembly unanimously in the affirmative." — Minutes, 1849, p. 174. 3. Proposals for Correspondence with the New England Churches. [In 176G, the General Synod adopted an overture "to endeavor to obtain some correspondence between this Synod and the Consociated Churches of Connecticut." A committee was appointed to meet the delegates from Connecticut. Minutes, 17G6, p. 3G4. A convention of the delegates was held at Elizabethtown, November 5, 17GG. Its min- 436 XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. utes were laid before the Synod, " seriously considered, and amended/' Delegates were appointed to attend at New Haven September 10, " there finally, on the part of this body, to complete the plan of union/' Minutes, 1767, p. 374. Under this plan, the Convention met alter- nately in New Jersey and Connecticut, until 1776, when the war inter- rupted it. In 1700, the General Assembly invited a renewal of the intercourse ; " Resolved, that the ministers of the Congregational churches of New England be invited to renew their annual Convention with the clergy of the Presbyterian Church." Minutes, 1790, p. 29. A committee was appointed under the above resolution, and on their report, the next year, another committee was appointed, to meet at New Haven " such ministers of the New England churches as may be there present." Minutes, 1791, p. 33.] 4. Plan of Correspondence with the General Association of Connecticut. " The minutes of the Convention of the Committees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and of the General Association of the State of Connecticut, were taken into con- sideration, an extract of which is as follows, viz. : " Considering the importance of union and harmony in the Christian Church, and the duty incumbent on all its pastors and members to assist each other in promoting, as far as possible, the general interests of the Redeemer's kingdom ; and considering, further, that Divine Providence appears to be now opening the door for pursuing these valuable objects with a happy prospect of success; this Convention are of opinion that it will be conducive to these important purposes that a standing committee of correspondence be appointed in each body, whose duty it shall be, by frequent letters, to communicate to each other whatever may be mutually useful to the churches under their care, and to the general interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. That each body should, from time to time, appoint a committee, consisting of three members, who shall have a right to sit in the other's general meeting, and make such communications as shall be directed by their respective constituents, and deliberate on such matters as shall come before the body, but shall have no right to vote. That effectual measures be mutually taken to prevent injuries to the re- spective churches from Irregular and unauthorized preachers. To pro- mote this end, the Convention judge it expedient that every preacher travelling from the limits of one of these churches into those of the XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 437 other, shall be furnished with recent testimonials of his regular standing and good character as a preacher, signed by the moderator of the Pres- bytery or Association in which he received his license; or, if a minister, of his good standing and character, as such, from the moderator of the Presbytery or Association where he last resided ; and that he shall, previously to his travelling as a preacher into distant parts, further re- ceive a recommendation from one member at least of a standing com- mittee, to be hereafter appointed by each body, certifying his good qualifications as a preacher. Also, that the names of this standing com- mittee shall be mutually communicated. And also, that every preacher, travelling and recommended as above, and submitting to the stated rules of the respective churches, shall be received as an authorized preacher of the Gospel, and cheerfully taken under the patronage of the Presby- tery or Association within whose bounds he shall find employment as a preacher. And that the proceedings of the respective bodies on this report be communicated to our brethren of the Congregational and Pres- byterian Churches throughout the States. " Upon mature deliberation, the Assembly unanimously and cordially approved of the said plan ; and to carry the same into effect, appointed the Rev. Drs. John Rodgers, John Witherspoon, and Ashbel Green, to be a committee of correspondence, agreeably to the said plan. And it is moreover agreed, that this Assembly will send delegates to sit and consult with the General Association of Connecticut, and receive their delegates to sit in this Assembly, agreeably to another article of the plan, as soon as due information shall be received that it is adopted on the part of the General Association of Connecticut." [A standing committee was appointed] " to certify the good qualifica- tions of the preachers travelling to officiate in the bounds of the Associa- tion of the State of Connecticut. " And it was moreover agreed, that any preacher travelling as afore- said, shall have at least the name of one of the committee who shall belong to the Synod from whose bounds he came." — Minutes, 1792, pp. 52, 53. [" The convention was ratified by the General Association of Connec- ticut, and Dr. Jonathan Edwards and Rev. Matthias Burnet took their seats in the Assembly."] — Minutes, 1793, p. 64. 5. The rigid to Vote asked and conceded. u The Assembly proposed to the Association, ' That the delegates 438 XI CORRESPONDENCE WITII OTHER CHURCHES. from these bodies respectively shall have a right, not only to sit and deliberate, but also to vote, in all questions which may be determined by either of them.' " Minutes, 1794, p. 80. The proposition was acceded to by the Association. — Minutes, 1795, p. 96. 6. Conference on Complaint of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. " Overture No. 10 was taken up, viz. : A reference from the Presby- tery of Philadelphia, relative to the ordination of Mr. John Chambers by the Association of the Western District of New Haven county, Con- necticut. The papers on this business were read; after which the sub- ject was discussed at considerable length/' — Minutes, 1826, p. 172. " The Assembly resumed the consideration of the reference from the Presbytery of Philadelphia in relation to the ordination of Mr. Chambers. After further discussion of the subject at considerable length, the follow- ing resolution was adopted, viz. : "Resolved, That a committee of this Assembly, consisting of three, be appointed to attend at the meeting of the General Association of Con- necticut, to be convened at Stamford in June next, to meet a similar committee of that Association, if said Association shall be pleased to appoint one, for the purpose of conferring on the grievance of which the Presbytery of Philadelphia complain ; and of inquiring whether any, and if any, what further articles, or alteration of the present terms of inter- course between the Presbyterian Church in the United States and the members of the Congregational Churches in Connecticut, may be expe- dient for the better promotion of the purity, peace, and Christian discipline of the churches connected with the two bodies; which further articles or alterations of the present terms of intercourse, if any shall be proposed by the joint committee, shall be submitted to the General Association of Connecticut, and to the General Assembly of 1827, for adoption or rejection/' — Minutes, 1826, p. 175. [The Commission met in New York, August 1, 1826.] 7. For either Body to receive a Candidate, Licentiate, or Minister, from the other, without regular Testimonials and Dismission, an infraction of the Plan. '•' From the commission and instructions of the committee from the General Association of Connecticut, it appeared that they had no power XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 439 * to do anything in relation to the case of the ordination of Mr. Chambers ; but that they were appointed only on that part of the communication which respects the terms of intercourse between the General Assembly and the General Association of Connecticut. " After mature deliberation, it was unanimously — "Resolved, That the two following rules be proposed to the General Assembly and the General Association of Connecticut, for the future regulation of their intercourse with each other, viz. : " 1. That it shall be deemed irregular and unfriendly for any Presby- tery or Association within the bounds of the corresponding churches, to receive any candidate for licensure, licentiate, or ordained minister, into connection with either, without regular 'testimonials, and a regular dis- mission from the Presbytery or Association from which the said candi- date, licentiate, or minister may come. "2. That the delegates commissioned respectively by the correspond- ing churches to attend the highest body of each be hereafter empow- ered, agreeably to the original plan of correspondence between the two churches, to sit and deliberate only, but not to vote. "The above report was accepted; and the two resolutions recom- mended by the joint committee were adopted by the Assembly/' — Minutes, 1827, pp. 199, 200. 8. With the General Convention of Vermont. a. " A communication to this General Assembly from the General Convention of the regular ministers of the Gospel in the State of Ver- mont, proposing the formation of a plan of ministerial intercourse between them and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, was brought in and read." — Minutes, 1802, p. 238. h. u The committee appointed on the communication from the Con- vention of the regular ministers of the Gospel of the State of Vermont, reported. The report being considered and amended, was adopted, and is as follows : " Your committee are of opinion that, although this Assembly have not received any answer to the request of last Assembly, proposed to the Convention of Vermont, yet the Assembly have received satisfactory information on the subjects alluded to, both from their own delegates to the General Association of Connecticut of last year, and also from the 440 XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. representatives of that body in the present Assembly. The committee therefore submit the following plan of union and intercourse between the said Convention and the General Assembly, viz. : "1. Each body shall send one or two delegates to meet and sit with the other at the stated sessions of each body respectively. "2. The delegate or delegates from each respectively shall have the privilege of joining in the discussions and deliberations of the body as freely and fully as their own members. " 3. That the union and intercourse may be full and complete between the said bodies, the delegate or delegates from each respectively, shall not only sit and deliberate, but also act and vote ; which articles comprise the great principles of the union between the General Assembly and the General Association of Connecticut. " — Minutes, 1803, p. 279. "Ratified by the Convention/'— Minutes, 1804, p. 297. Regulations same as with the Association- of Connecticut. c. "Resolved, That the delegate appointed to represent this Assembly at the next meeting of the Convention of Vermont be, and he hereby is authorized to propose and agree upon the same regulations which have been agreed to be observed by this Assembly and the General Associa- tion of Connecticut, in relation to the credentials requisite for such ministers as may come within the bounds of this Assembly or the Con- vention of Vermont, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel." — Minutes, 1809, p. 422. [See pp. 436, 437.] [The proposal "■ was agreed to with great unanimity" by the Conven- tion.]— Minutes, 1810, p. 436. 9. With the General Association of New Hampshire. "A proposal from the General Association of New Hampshire was made by the Rev. William F. Rowland and the Rev. John H. Church, commissioners appointed for that purpose, for a union between them and this Assembly similar to that subsisting between the General Associa- tion of Connecticut and this Assembly. The certificate of their appoint- ment, and the papers accompanying it, were read. "Resolved, That said union be formed. "And it accordingly was formed." — Minutes, 1810, p. 435. XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 441 10. With the General Association of Massachusetts. " A proposal from the General Association of Massachusetts proper, was made by the Rev. Joseph Lyman, D.D., and the Rev. Samuel Worcester, delegates appointed for that purpose, for the establishment of a union between them and this Assembly, similar to that subsisting between the Association of Massachusetts proper and the Associations of Connecticut and New Hampshire. The certificate of their appoint- ment, and the articles of union with said Association were read. "The articles of said union are as follows : " 1. The General Association of Connecticut and the General Associa- tion of Massachusetts proper, shall annually appoint each two delegates to the other. " 2. The delegates shall be admitted in each body to the same rights of sitting, debating, and voting with their own members respectively. " 3. It shall be understood that the articles of agreement and con- nection between the two bodies, may be at any time varied by their own consent. "The same articles were adopted in their connection with the Associa- tion of New Hampshire. " The delegates stated that the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly was adopted as the basis of their union, and by answering several questions proposed to them, fully satisfied the Assembly relative to the standard of their faith, and the object of their Association; whereupon, "Resolved, unanimously, That said Union be formed." — Minutes, 1811, p. 462. 11. With the General Conference of Maine. " The Rev. Benjamin Tappan, and William Ladd, Esq., appeared in the Assembly, and produced commissions as delegates from the General Conference of the State of Maine. "The committee appointed to confer with the delegates from the General Conference of the State of Maine, made the following report, which was adopted, viz. : " That after obtaining all the information which they deemed requi- site, respecting the body proposing this connection, they have agreed to recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following 442 XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. articles of correspondence, which the above named delegates douJ)t not will be readily acceded to on the part of the General Conference. " 1. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the General Conference of Maine, shall each appoint one or two delegates to attend these bodies respectively; and in case two are appointed, one may be a layman; for the purpose of communicating to each other whatever may be mutually useful to the churches under their care, and conducive to Christian harmony and co-operation, and to the general interest of the Redeemer's kingdom. "2. These delegates shall have the privilege of proposing such measures as they may deem important or desirable, and of delivering their opinions on any questions under discussion, but shall have no vote in the decisions of the bodies respectively to which they shall be delegated. "3. It shall be deemed irregular for any Presbytery, Conference, or Association within the bounds of the corresponding churches, to receive any candidate for licensure, licentiate, or ordained minister, into connec- tion with either, without regular testimonials, and a regular dismission from the Presbytery, Conference, or Association from which the said candidate, licentiate, or minister may come. "4. Each of the bodies forming these articles of correspondence shall appoint a committee for certifying the good standing of ministers travel- ling from the one to the other. The names of the persons composing these committees respectively, shall be mutually communicated by the two bodies ; and it shall not be considered as a matter of offence if a licentiate or ordained minister, from either body, travelling without a certificate of regular standing, from one or more members of said com- mittee, shall not be received or treated as such. " 5. It shall be understood that these articles of agreement and cor- respondence between the two bodies may be, at any time, modified by mutual consent, or terminated, when either body shall decide and announce that they are no longer considered as answering the great purposes intended to be promoted by them, and that their termination is desired."— Minutes, 1828, pp. 227, 228. " The delegate from the General Conference of Maine, reported that said Conference has adopted the articles of union and correspondence proposed by the last General Assembly, with the exception of the third article, in place of which, they propose the following, viz. : While the General Conference of Maine has not, nor does it claim any ecclesiastical XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 443 jurisdiction over the particular Conferences, Associations, Councils, or churches in its connection, it cheerfully unites with the General Assem- bly in the expression of the opinion, that it is irregular for any ordained minister, licentiate, candidate for licensure, or church member, to be received into ecclesiastical connection within the limits of one of the corresponding bodies, from the other, without due testimonials." [Ac- cepted.]— Minutes, 1829, p. 255. 12. With the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island. " The Rev. Isaac Lewis appeared in the General Assembly, and made application on behalf of the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island, for a correspondence with the General Assembly on the same terms with the other Congregational bodies of New England, in correspondence with this body. This subject was referred to Dr. Miller, Mr. Squier, and Mr. Armstrong. "The committee reported that, after making careful inquiry of the delegate concerning the faith, order, and present state of the churches forming the body which he represents, they would respectfully recom- mend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions, viz. : "1. That the proposal of the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island be complied with ; and that a plan of correspondence between that body and the General Assembly be, and the same hereby is adopted, on the same terms which regulate the correspondence between the General Assembly and the other Congregational bodies of New England. "2. That there be an annual interchange of one delegate from each to the other respectively. "3. That the Rev. Isaac Lewis, the bearer of this proposal from the Consociation of Rhode Island, be invited to take his seat in the General Assembly as the representative of that body. "The report was adopted."— Minutes, 1831, pp. 319, 320. [In 1856, the Consociation resolved to discontinue the correspondence. See Minutes, 1857, p. 426, Appendix.] 13. Alteration ashed for as to the Right to Vote. "The committee appointed to draught a memorial to the General Associations of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the General Convention of Vermont, in regard to some changes which the Assembly 444 XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITn OTHER CHURCHES. have deemed necessary to be made in the plan of correspondence and intercourse between the said ecclesiastical bodies and the Assembly, reported the following memorial in the form of an address to the afore- said ecclesiastical bodies, which was adopted, and ordered to be signed by the moderator, viz. : " The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, to the General Associations of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the General Convention of Vermont. " Christian brethren, beloved in the Lord. " It appears that, in the plan of intercourse between the Congregational churches of New England, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, an' article was adopted, which is now believed to be inconsistent with a sound construction of the Constitution of the latter church. This article, it is due to truth and candor to remark, was proposed by the Presbyterian Church, without any overture from the Congregational churches, and in regard to which, they did nothing more than accede to the proposition submitted to them. The article to which we allude, relates to the powers granted to the delegates of the corresponding churches, to vote as well as to deliberate on the various subjects that may come before the representatives of these churches respectively. The right of voting in the General Assembly, cannot, it is believed, be constitutionally granted to any, but to the commissioners appointed by the Presbyteries, whose representatives compose that Assembly. " We have therefore respectfully to request, that the plan of inter- course between you and us may be so modified, as that the delegates to each body may hereafter be empowered to sit and deliberate only, but not to vote. It is believed that the modification here contemplated, if it shall be consented to on your part, will not only place the Assembly on constitutional ground, but, by placing your Association on the same footing with other religious communities with which we hold a friendly correspondence, will destroy the appearance of an invidious distinction which now exists, and thus be calculated to promote extensively that mutual friendship and harmony which it is desirable to maintain and perpetuate, among all who love the truth as it is in Jesus. " With Christian salutations. " Signed in behalf of the General Assembly, "Francis Herron, Moderator.'' —Minutes, 1827, p. 213. XI. CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 445 14. Replies of the Associations. " From the report of the delegate to New Hampshire and Vermont, it appeared that the memorial of the last Assembly to these bodies was laid before each of them ; and that the General Association of New Hampshire have adopted the proposition in the memorial, viz., that the delegates from each body to the other should hereafter sit and deliberate only, but not vote ; and that the General Convention of Vermont had committed the subject to a committee, which are to report to the next Convention. "From the Minutes of the General Association of Massachusetts, presented to the Assembly, it appears that that body have respectfully declined adopting the alteration proposed in the memorial of the Assem- bly. "—Minutes, 1828, p. 229. 15. Adoption of the Ride os to receiving Candidates urged upon the Associations. a. "The committee appointed to consider and report on the pro- priety of proposing to the General Associations of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the General Convention of Vermont, the adoption of the first of the two rules proposed by the last Assembly to the General Associa- tion of Connecticut, reported, that they view the adoption of said rule as necessary to the peaceful and harmonious correspondence of the bodies concerned ; and would therefore recommend that the delegates appointed this year to the Associations and Conventions above named be instructed to present the rule referred to to their consideration. "The above report was adopted. " The rule referred to is as follows, viz. : " That it shall be deemed irregular and unfriendly for any Presbytery or Association, within the bounds of the corresponding churches, to receive any candidate for licensure, licentiate, or ordained minister, into connection with either, without regular testimonials, and a regular dis- mission from the Presbytery or Association from which the said candidate, licentiate, or minister, may come." — Minutes, 1828, p. 233. h. " The committee to whom was referred a motion on the subject of correspondence with the General Association of Massachusetts, made a report, which, being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : 446 XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. " Resolved, That the delegates to the General Association of Massa- chusetts be instructed to inform that Association, that while this General Assembly do most cordially accept and approve the expression of their sentiments, with regard to candidates, licentiates, and ministers under censure for heresy or immorality, they do also most respectfully and affectionately represent to the Association, that they deem it highly im- portant that it should be considered irregular that any candidate, licen- tiate, or minister, whose credentials are withheld on account of the violation of ecclesiastical order, should be received by either of the cor- responding bodies." — Minutes, 1829, p. 274. 16. Reply of the Association of Massachusetts. " The two following resolutions, adopted by the General Association of Massachusetts, and contained in the report of the delegates to that body, were approved by this Assembly, and ordered to be entered on the Minutes, viz. : "Resolved, 1. That this Association, having learned that the existing rule of intercourse with the General Assembly, so far as it respects the right of voting in the legislative and judicial proceedings of that body, transcends the power vested in it, do waive their accustomed privilege of voting by their delegates in said body in such proceedings ; desiring that as much of the same reciprocal intercourse, which has for a series of years so pleasantly existed between said bodies, may continue, as shall not conflict with the fundamental principles of their organization. "2. That this Association regret that their proceedings, on the sub- ject of receiving licentiates and candidates, &c, at the last meeting of the General Association, were not entirely satisfactory to the General Assembly. On the broad ground of heresy and immorality, they have no hesitancy in expressing their opinion, that it would be irregular for either body to receive licentiates, candidates, and ministers, without the usual certificates and recommendations; but as views of Christian minis- ters on the subject of ecclesiastical order may honestly differ, and as this Association has no control, cither legislative or judicial, over the respec- tive Associations of which it is composed, they can only refer the resolu- tions of the Assembly on this subject to the particular consideration of their district Associations, with the fullest confidence that on questions of ' ecclesiastical order,' as well as on every other subject, they will be disposed to meet the views and promote the interests of our highly re- XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 447 4 spected and beloved brethren of the Presbyterian Church." — Minutes, 1830, p. 283. 17. Minute on the Correspondence icith the New England Churches. "Resolved, That this General Assembly see no cause either to termi- nate or modify the plan of correspondence with the Associations of our Congregational brethren in New England. That correspondence has been long established. It is believed to have been productive of mutual benefit. It is now divested of the voting power, which alone could be considered as infringing the Constitution of our Church, by in- troducing persons clothed with the character of plenary members of the Assembly. It stands at present substantially on the same footing with the visits of our brethren from the Congregational Union of England and Wales; and in the present age of enlarged counsel and of combined effort for the conversion of the world, ought by no means to be abolished. Besides, the Assembly are persuaded, that amidst the unceasing and growing intercourse between the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, it is desirable to have that intercourse regulated by compact, and, of course, that it would be desirable to introduce terms of corre- spondence, even if they did not already exist." — Minutes, 1835, p. 487. 18. With the German Reformed Cliurch. "Resolved, That Dr. Ely, Rev. Timothy Alden, and the Rev. John M. Duncan, be a committee to confer with a committee from the General Synod of the Reformed German Church of North America, if such a committee should be appointed by that body, on the subject of a connec- tion by correspondence between the two Churches, and to make a report to the next General Assembly." — Minutes, 1823, p. 87. " The consideration of the report on a correspondence with the Ger- man Reformed Synod was resumed. " After mature deliberation, it was " Resolved, That the General Assembly will agree to an ecclesiastical correspondence with the German Reformed Synod of North America, on the following principles, viz. : " First. The Churches are to remain separate and independent. " Second. The German Reformed Synod, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, shall each appoint one minister and one 448 XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. elder, with an alternate of each, or two ministers, with their alternates, as either may wish, to sit in these judicatories respectively, with the privilege of deliberating on all subjects that may come before them. "The Rev. Robert Cathcart, D.D., and the Rev. Alexander Boyd were appointed a committee to lay the above articles of correspondence before the German Reformed Synod at their next meeting, and when adopted by that body, the correspondence shall be considered as estab- lished."— Minutes, 1824, p. 102. "Adopted by the Synod."— Minutes, 1825, p. 135. 19. With the Evangelical Lutheran Church. "The Committee on Correspondence with Foreign Bodies made a report on the subject of correspondence with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, recommending that a delegate be appointed to attend their next meeting, and also to open a correspondence with them." [Adopted, page 22.]— Minutes, 1843, pp. 20, 22. " The Committee on Church Polity presented the following report, which was adopted, viz. : " The Assembly have received with great pleasure the Rev. H. N". Pohlman, D.D., a delegate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and fully reciprocate the kind sentiments contained in the minutes of the last meeting of their Synod ; and do, on the principles of action between the Assembly and other corresponding bodies, cordially adopt, and recom- mend for adoption by our inferior judicatories, the plan of correspond- ence proposed by the delegate, and unanimously adopted by the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church." — Minutes, 1846, pp. 16, 17. 20. With the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. "The committee appointed by the last Assembly, on the subject of a correspondence with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, presented a report, which was accepted, and the following article, agreed upon by the committee of the two bodies, was unanimously adopted : "The General Assembly of each church shall appoint and receive delegates from the General Assembly of the other church, who shall be possessed of all the powers and privileges of other members of such Assemblies, except that of voting." — Minutes, 1849, p. 184. XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 449 * 21. With the Presbyterian and Congregational Convention of Wisconsin. "On recommendation of the Committee of Correspondence with Foreign Bodies, it was — 11 Resolved, That delegates be appointed to attend the Presbyterian and Congregational Convention of Wisconsin." — Minutes, 1843, p. 22. 22. With the General Association of New York. a. u It was unanimously — "Resolved, That a delegate be appointed to attend the next meeting of the General Association of New York." — Minutes, 1849, p. 171. b. " The Committee on the Polity of the Church made a report on the subject of correspondence with the General Association of New York, as follows : " That, from the position in which that body, and a large portion of the Presbyterian Church, are placed, in respect to each other, it is natural that a spirit of rivalry should exist between them ; and that this should engender a spirit of proselytism, which appears to have been manifested, in a degree, in some of the past action of the Association, which, we hope, will not be persisted in on their part, and which, we trust, will never characterize the action of our Church. We are brethren of the same family, have the same Lord, the same faith, the same baptism, and the same great ends in view, and should live together in the strictest bonds of holy fellowship and union; striving together for the advance- ment of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Whether an individual church chooses to administer the discipline in the Presby- terian or Congregational way, is comparatively a matter of minor concern. Let each be persuaded in his own mind, and not interfere with the rights of his brother. " We recommend that the correspondence be continued, and hope that it may be so conducted as to prove mutually satisfactory, and pro- motive of the interests of the kingdom of our dear Redeemer. "The report was adopted." — Minutes, 1851, p. 22. c. " The committee upon the communication from the delegate of the New York Association made their report, which, after amendment, was adopted, and is as follows : " Whereas, The General Association of New York, at their meeting 29 450 XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. in Madrid, held August 23d, 1854, by resolution forwarded to this body, have addressed us in a discourteous and objectionable manner; therefore — 11 Resolved, That the Assembly would respectfully request that the future communications of the Association to us be couched in courteous language/' — Minutes, 1855, p. 35. The Right to Review Proceedings, Reprove, or Rebuke, disavowed and denied. d. " The Committee on the Correspondence between the General As- sembly and the General Association of New York presented a report, which, having been read, was adopted, and is as follows : " The committee, to whom was referred the question of the ecclesias- tical relations of this Assembly with the General Association of New York, report : "That they understand that our Congregational brethren of New York, by their resolution communicated to the General Assembly at St. Louis, and by the statements of their delegate on the floor of this Assembly, affirm, that one of the reasons for continuing their correspon- dence with this Assembly is, that they may reprove and rebuke them for not doing what is deemed a proper duty, or for doing what may by the Association be deemed improper. " To such a position the committee can give no assent. The frater- nal intercourse and interchange of delegates are for entirely different purposes. They have not been, and cannot be, maintained upon such grounds. We correspond for the purpose of co-operating in the great work in which we are mutually engaged. The modus operandi belongs exclusively to each. What may or may not be done by either body, in the prosecution of its legitimate business, and in carrying forward its own work, not affecting the rights and interests of the others, is not a subject of censure or rebuke ; and the holding of such correspondence, with a view to the exercise of such censure, is a manifest breach of that comity which' is indispensable to the proper intercourse of two ecclesiastical bodies of equal standing. " Your committee therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolution : " Resolved, That our delegate to that Association, while expressing the wishes of this Assembly to maintain Christian and fraternal fellow- XI. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 451 ship, and the free interchange of a correspondence with our Congrega- tional brethren, be instructed to state to our brethren that we can admit no right of theirs, by virtue of that correspondence, to review our pro- ceedings, or to reprove or rebuke us for what we may or may not do. " We do not claim or propose the exercise of any such right on the part of this Assembly."— Minutes, 1856, p. 212. . [Since 1855, no delegate has been appointed by the Assembly.] 23. The Terms of Correspondence. " Whereas, Several of the Associations in correspondence with this body, have requested the views of this Assembly on the terms of cor- respondence, especially in regard to the right of reproof and rebuke, therefore — "Resolved, That the General Assembly have never intended to refuse to corresponding bodies any rights or privileges which are compatible with true delicacy, courtesy, and Christian charity; in the light of which, this body respectfully requests all corresponding bodies to interpret all past acts of the Assembly." — Minutes, 1857, p. 408. 24. With the Union of the Evangelical Churches of France. " The committee, to whom was referred the communication from the Union of the Evangelical Churches of France, presented a report, recom- mending the draft of a reply to their letter, and several resolutions, which were adopted, and are as follows : "Resolved, 1. That this General Assembly do hereby cordially assent to the request of the brethren of the Union of the 'Evangelical Churches of France, to enter into correspondence with them." — Minutes, 1854, p. 510. 25. With the "Reformed" and "Associate Reformed" Churches. a. "The Rev. Andrew W. Black, D.D., presented his credentials as a delegate from the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America; his name was entered on the roll, and the Assembly proceeded to hear his statements, and the terms of correspondence pro- posed by the General Synod; which were referred to the Committee on the Polity of the Church. 452 XI. CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES. "The same committee were directed to inquire into the expediency of entering into correspondence with the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. " — Minutes, 1857, p. 386. h. " The Committee on the' Polity of the Church, to whom was re- ferred the terms of correspondence with the General Synod of the Re- formed Presbyterian Church in North America, made a report, which was adopted, and is as follows : " The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, shall each appoint a minister with an alter- nate, to sit in the highest judicatories respectively, with the privilege of deliberating on all subjects coming before them, and of making sugges- tions on matters affecting the interests of both bodies mutually, or per- taining to the several interests of religion, but not of voting. (i The ministers, members, and judicatories of these churches, treating each other with Christian respect, shall always recognize the validity of each other's acts and ordinances consonant to the word of God ', it being understood, that any ecclesiastical judicatory belonging to either body- may examine persons, or review cases of discipline, on points at present peculiar or distinctive to themselves respectively. u The same committee also recommended that a correspondence on the same terms be opened with the General Synod of the Associate Re- formed Presbyterian Church in the United States, and that a delegate and alternate be appointed to attend their next meeting. "Their report was adopted/' — Minutes, 1857, p. 394. 26. Expenses of Delegates to Corresponding Bodies. a. " Resolved, That the delegates to the General Association of Con- necticut be allowed two dollars per day, during their attendance with the Association, and at the rate of two dollars for every forty miles in going and returning ; which suras the treasurer is hereby ordered to pay out of the funds of the Assembly." — Minutes, 1796, p. 108. [This was made general as correspondence was opened with other churches. Minutes, 1811, p. 470, &c.] h. " The rule on the compensation of delegates to corresponding bodies (see Digest of 1820, p. 308, as above) was amended, by adding to it the words, 'not exceeding their necessary travelling expenses." — Minutes, 1849, p. 172. CHAPTER XII. THE PLAN OF UNION AND THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. Section 1. — The Plan of Union. 1. Original proposition by the General Association of Connecticut. — 2. Plan di- gested and adopted by the General Assembly. — 3. Resolution declaring any change inexpedient and undesirable. — 4. Resolutions to request the Association to consent to annul the Plan of Union. — 5. The Plan of Union declared to be abrogated. 1. Original Proposition hy the Association of Connecticut. "A communication was read from the General Association of the State of Connecticut, appointing a committee to confer with a committee of the Presbyterian Church, to consider the measures proper to be adopted by the General Association and the General Assembly, for establishing an uniform system of Church government, between the inhabitants of the new settlements, who are attached to the Presbyterian form of government, and those who prefer the Congregational form. u Ordered, That said communication lie on the table." [It was as follows :] "The Rev. John Smalley, Levi Hart, and Samuel Blatchford, are hereby appointed a committee of this General Association, to confer with a committee to be appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyte- rian Church, if they see cause to appoint such committee, to consider the measures proper to be adopted both by this Association and the said Assembly, to prevent alienation, to promote harmony, and to establish, as far as possible, an uniform system of Church government, between those inhabitants of the new settlements who arc attached to the Pres- byterian form of Church government, and those who are attached to the Congregational form, and to make report to this Association. Any two of the said committee are hereby empowered to act. 454 XII. — PLAN OF UNION. "Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing proposals be transmitted to the said General Assembly, and that they be respectfully requested by the moderator of this General Association to concur in the measure now proposed. " By order of the committee. " Nathan Williams, Chairman. " A true copy. " Attest : Wm. Lyman, Assistant Scribe. " —Minutes, 1801, p. 212. 2. Plan adopted by the General Assembly. " The Rev. Drs. Edwards, McKnight, and Woodhull, the Rev. Mr. Blatchforcl, and Mr. Hutton, were appointed a committee to consider and digest a plan of government for the churches in the new settlements, agreeably to the proposals of the General Association of Connecticut, and report the same as soon as convenient." " The report of the committee appointed to consider and digest a plan of government for the churches in the new settlements was taken up and considered, and, after mature deliberation on the same, approved, as follows : " Regulations adopted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, and by the General Association of the State of Connecticut (provided said Association agree to them), with a view to prevent alienation, and to promote union and harmony in those new settlements which are composed of inhabitants from these bodies : "1. It is strictly enjoined on all their missionaries to the new settle- ments, to endeavor, by all proper means, to promote mutual forbearance and a spirit of accommodation between those inhabitants of the new set- tlements who hold the Presbyterian, and those who hold the Congrega- tional form of Church government. "2. If in the new settlements any church of the Congregational order shall settle a minister of the Presbyterian order, that church may, if they choose, still conduct their discipline according to Congregational principles, settling their difficulties among themselves, or by a council mutually agreed upon for that purpose. But if any difficulty shall exist between the minister and the church, or any member of it, it shall be referred to the Presbytery to which the minister shall belong, provided both parties agree to it; if not, to a council, consisting of an equal number of Presbyterians and Congregationalists, agreed upon by both parties. 4 XII. — PLAN OF UNION. 455 "3. If a Presbyterian church shall settle a minister of Congregational principles, that church may still conduct their discipline according to Presbyterian principles, excepting that if a difficulty arise between him and his church, or any member of it, the cause shall be tried by the Association to which the said minister shall belong, provided both parties agree to it ; otherwise by a council, one-half Congregationalists and the other Presbyterians, mutually agreed upon by the parties. " 4. If any congregation consist partly of those who hold the Congre- gational form of discipline, and partly of those who hold the Presbyte- rian form, we recommend to both parties that this be no obstruction to their uniting in one church and settling a minister; and that in this case the church choose a standing committee from the communicants of said church, whose business it shall be to call to account every member of the church who shall conduct himself inconsistently with the laws of Christianity, and to give judgment on such conduct. That if the per- son condemned by their judgment be a Presbyterian, he shall have liberty to appeal to the Presbytery; if he be a Congregationalist, he shall have liberty to appeal to the body of the male communicants of the church. In the former case, the determination of the Presbytery shall be final, unless the church shall consent to a further appeal to the Synod, or to the General Assembly ; and in the latter case, if the party con- demned shall wish for a trial by a mutual council, the cause shall be referred to such a council. And provided the said standing committee of any church shall depute one of themselves to attend the Presbytery, he may have the same right to sit and act in the Presbytery as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church."— Minnies, 1801, pp. 221, 224, 225. "Unanimously adopted by the Association." — Minutes, 1802, p. 237. 3. Inexpedient and undesirable to interfere with the Plan. 11 Resolved, That it is deemed inexpedient and undesirable to abrogate or interfere with the Plan of Union between Presbyterians and Congre- gationalists in the new settlements, adopted in 180 1." — Minutes, 1834, p. 440. 4. Resolutions to request the Association to consent to annul the " Plan of Union." " Resolved, That this Assembly deem it no longer desirable that churches should be formed in our Presbyterian connection agreeably to 456 XII. — PLAN OF UNION the Plan adopted by the Assembly and the General Association of Con- necticut, in 1801. Therefore, "Resolved, That our brethren of the General Association of Connec- ticut be, and they hereby are, respectfully requested to consent that said Plan shall be, from and after the next meeting of that Association, de- clared to be annulled. And "Resolved, That the annulling of said Plan shall not in anywise inter- fere with the existence and lawful operations of churches which have been already formed on this Plan." — Minutes, 1835, p. 486. 5. The Plan of Union declared to be Abrogated. [See Sec. 2, 1, below.] Section 2. — The Exscinding Acts of 1837. 1. The "Plan of Union" declared to be abrogated, on the ground of its unconstitu- tionality.— 2. Protest against the abrogation of the Plan. — 3. Answer to the protest. — 4. Resolutions to cite to the bar of the Assembly such inferior judica- tures as are charged by common fame with irregularities. — 5. Protest against the foregoing resolutions. — 6. Answer to the protest. — 7. Proposal to inquire into the expediency of a voluntary division of the Presbyterian Church. — 8. Com- mittee of ten appointed. — 9. Report of the committee of the majority. — 10. Report of the committee of the minority. — 11. The Synod of the Western Re- serve declared to be no longer a part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. — 12. The Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee declared out of the ecclesiastical connection with the Presbyterian Church. — 13. Protest of the commissioners of the Synod of the Western Reserve. — 14. Answer to the pro- test.— 15. Protest of the commissioners of the Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee. — 16. Answer to the protest. — 17. Dissolution of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. — 18. Protest against the dissolution. — 19. Answer to the protest. 1. Plan of Union declared to be Abrogated. " The Assembly proceeded to the order of the day, viz., that part of the report of the Committee on Overture No. 1, which relates to the 'Plan of Union/ adopted in 1801. " The report was read and adopted, in part, as follows, viz. : "In regard to the relation existing between the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, the committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : " 1. That between these two branches of the American Church, there 4 ABROGATED. 457 ought, in the judgment of this Assembly, to be maintained sentiments of mutual respect and esteem, and for that purpose no reasonable efforts should be omitted to preserve a perfectly good understanding between these branches of the Church of Christ. "2. That it is expedient to continue the plan of friendly intercourse, between this Church and the Congregational Churches of New England, as it now exists." — Minutes, 1837, p. 419. " 3. But as the ' Plan of Union' adopted for the new settlements, in 1801, was originally an unconstitutional act on the part of that Assem- bly— these important standing rules having never been submitted to the Presbyteries — and as they were totally destitute of authority as proceed- ing from the General Association of Connecticut, which is invested with no power to legislate in such cases, and especially to enact laws to regu- late churches not within her limits ; and as much confusion and irregu- larity have arisen from this unnatural and unconstitutional system of union, therefore it is resolved, that the Act of the Assembly of 1801, entitled ' A Plan of Union/ be, and the same is hereby abrogated." [Yeas, 143; nays, 110.]— Ibid. p. 421. 2. Protest against the Abrogation. "The undersigned, members of the General Assembly, respectfully present the following protest against the resolution of said Assembly, adopted on the 23d ult., abrogating the Act of the General Assembly of 1801, entitled t A Plan of Union,' &c, and for the following reasons, viz. : "1. Because the said act is declared, in the resolution complained of, to have been unconstitutional. The utmost that can be said on this subject is, that it is an act neither specifically provided for, nor pro- hibited, in the Constitution. It cannot, therefore, be affirmed to be contrary to the Constitution. " The Constitution provides, that before any constitutional rules pro- posed by the General Assembly to be established, shall be obligatory on all the churches, the approval of them by a majority of Presbyteries must be first obtained. (Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 6.) The act of the Assembly adopting the Plan of Union, it is admitted, was not previously transmitted to the Presbyteries for their approval. It does not therefore follow, however, that that act was unconstitutional ; because the provisions of the Plan of Union were, neither in fact, nor ever re- garded by any of the Presbyteries as ' constitutional rales,' ' to be obliga- tory on all the churches.' They were the mere terms of an agreement, or treat}', between the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church 458 XII. — PLAN OP UNION and the General Association of Connecticut, and through that Associa- tion with all the churches which have been formed according to the terms of that treaty. "In the act of the Assembly adopting that Plan of Union, the General Assembly being constitutionally ' the bond of union, peace, correspon- dence, and mutual confidence, among all our churches' (Form of Govern- ment, chap, xii, sec. 4), merely exercised its legitimate functions, agreeably to the Constitution (Form of Government, chap, i, sec. 2), in declaring 'the terms of admission into the communiori of the Presby- terian Church, proper to be required on the frontier settlements, and in this light the entire Presbyterian Church has so regarded this Plan of Union from its adoption up to the present time, when the abrogation of it is publicly declared by the advocates of the measure to be necessary for the acquisition and perpetuation of power to accomplish the ends avowed and sought by the minority of the last General Assembly, and prosecuted by means of a convention, called at their instance, and holding its sessions cotemporaneously with those of the Assembly. For the following facts are undeniable, viz. : 1. That the Plan of Union now de- clared to be unconstitutional was formed twenty years before the adoption of the present Constitution of the Presbyterian Church. 2. That this Plan, at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, was in full and efficient operation, and of acknowledged authority as common law in the Church. 3. That it had been recognized and respected in numerous precedents, in the doings of the General Assembly, from year to year; and 4. That for sixteen years since the adoption of this Constitution, it has been regarded of equal authority with any act what- ever to which the General Assembly is constitutionally competent. " Had the Plan of Union, and the act of the General Assembly adopting it, been regarded as unconstitutional and null, as being either an assumption of power not granted, or a trespass on the rights of Pres- byteries, some remonstrance or objection to the imposition of constitu- tional rules for. the government of all the churches, not legitimately enacted, would have been heard from some quarter before the lapse of one- third of a century. Had the Plan of Union been thought illegal, or had it been designed or desired by the Presbyteries in 1821, when the Constitution was revised, amended, and adopted by them a second time, to frustrate or resist the operation of this Plan, unquestionably either the revised and amended Constitution would have embodied in it some provision against it, or some attempt at least would have been made to that effect. The truth is that the Plan of Union adopted by the General Assembly was felt to be morally binding, as a solemn agreement or treaty duly ratified by the power constitutionally competent to do so, and by no means the enactment of constitutional rules, to be ( obligatory on all the churches' for their government. "It is to no purpose, in our opinion, to allege the unconstitutionality of the Plan of Union, by pleading, that for a church to be regarded as a Presbyterian church, it must, according to our Constitution, be organ- 4 ABROGATED. 459 ized with ruling elders, while that Plan provides for the organization of churches, in certain cases, without such officers ; because the Plan of Union designedly contemplates a process which the Assembly was con- stitutionally competent to prescribe, and which the entire Church had approved, by which churches on the frontier settlements may be organ- ized, partially, at first, on the Presbyterian ground, and be gradually brought fully on to it ; and because, if the provisions of the Constitution, prescribing the full form of organization proper for a Presbyterian church, must in every case be minutely and completely observed, and any deviation from it should vitiate the organization, then must those numerous churches among us in which there are no deacons be, for the same reason, pronounced unconstitutional. " The attempt, too, to prove the unconstitutionality of the act of the Assembly adopting the Plan of Union, by attributing to the provisions of that Plan the character of constitutional rules obligatory on all the churches, and by objecting that the Presbyteries had not been previously consulted, strikes as directly, and is as conclusive, against the plans adopted for the organization and government of the Theological Semi- naries at Princeton and Alleghany, of the Boards of Education and of Missions, and for the union and perpetuated existence of the Presby- teries belonging to the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, who*were admitted into communion with the Presbyterian Church by the terms of a Plan of Union agreed upon between that Synod and the General Assembly; for the provisions of these plans have never been transmitted to the Presbyteries for their approval. If, therefore, the Plan of Union with the General Association of Connecticut is to be abrogated because of alleged unconstitutionality on these grounds, so must be the rules and regulations and the whole organization and government of the theological seminaries of the General Assembly, and also the act of the Assembly by which the Presbyteries of the Associate Reformed Synod were united with the Presbyterian Church of these United States, and by which the General Assembly became possessed of the valuable theological library known as the Mason library, now in Princeton, and formerly belonging to the Associate Reformed Synod. " 2. We protest against the resolution referred to, because the Plan of Union adopted by the General Assembly of 1801, was designed to suppress and prevent schismatical contentions, and for the promotion of charity, or, in the language of the Plan itself, 'with a view to prevent alienation and promote union and harmony/ which, through a long series of years, it has been efficient in doing, and has proved both itself efficacious to do and the wisdom of the Assembly in its projection and adoption ; both which ends the General Assembly is constitutionally competent to design, and for which it' is invested with ample authority by the Constitution (Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 5), and held responsible by the great Head of the Church. "3. We protest against the resolution referred to, because it declares the said Plan of Union to have been ' totally destitute of authority as 460 xn. — PLAN OP UNION proceeding from the General Association of Connecticut, which is in- vested with no power to legislate in such cases/ Even on the assump- tion that the said Association was invested with no such power — which, it seems to us, both indecorous and irrelevant for this General Assembly to assert as a reason for the resolution adopted — we cannot doubt that that Association had full power to agree to the stipulations of a treaty or contract proposed by the General Assembly, and urged on the accep- tance of the General Association; and especially when it is considered, that, by acceding to the said stipulations, the said Association relin- quished whatever right it had to the direction and regulation of the members of its own churches in the new settlements, and allowed and influenced them to increase, both the numbers and the pecuniary and spiritual strength of the Presbyterian Church. And even if the Plan referred to had not authority in so far as it emanated from the General Association of Connecticut, which we by no means admit, it was unques- tionably binding on the General Assembly, by virtue of its own engage- ment, to fulfil its own obligations; and after numerous churches had been formed under their own care, the obligations of the Plan appear to us to have been common to the General Assembly, the General Associa- tion of Connecticut, and the churches, Presbyteries, and Synods formed in pursuance and in the faith of it, and that no one of these bodies could lawfully abrogate it without the consent of all the others. Our opinion therefore is, that the resolution of this General Assembly, abrogating the said Plan of Union, so far as it was intended to affect churches already formed under its provisions, is a breach of faith, and wholly void and of no effect ; that all such churches have a right to continue their organiza- tion on the conditions of the said Plan ; and that it is the duty of the Presbyteries, the Synods, and all future General Assemblies, to protect them in that right, until they shall voluntarily, under the kind and conciliatory influence of the aforesaid bodies, adopt the Presbyterian organization in full, as many of them have already done, and others, we are happy to learn, will probably soon do, if allowed to exercise their choice, unrestrained by the attempted exercise of assumed authority. "4. We protest against the said resolution, because it denominates the Plan of Union unnatural, as well as unconstitutional, and attributes to it much confusion and irregularity ; whereas, it appears to us to have been a most natural, wise, and benevolent plan for promoting the unity, increase, and purity of the Church in our new settlements, and that its operation for thirty-six years, with but such occasional irregularities as may occur under any system of government, has, on the whole, been pro- ductive of benign and happy effects; in view of which, this General Assembly and the whole Church ought to cherish sincere and devout gratitude to God. " 5. We protest against the said resolution, because the mode in which it was brought before the Assembly appears to us to have been exceedingly exceptionable, it having been in substance proposed in the memorial of a convention, of whose alleged cause and objects, and of 4 ABROGATED. 461 most of whose declarations, because unaccompanied with satisfactory proof, we wholly disapprove, and which memorial, as coming from such a body, we think this Assembly ought not to have received and enter- tained, especially when it was found to contain representations of the state of the Church, in our opinion not justified by fact, and of very injurious tendency. Another objection to the mode in which the said resolution was brought before the Assembly is, that a majority of the committee to whom the memorial was referred, and who reported the resolution against which we protest, were members of the convention presenting the memorial. " 6. We protest, because, against the earnest remonstrances of many who are best acquainted with the happy effects of the Plan of Union, the debate on the subject was arrested by an impatient call for the pre- vious question, more than eighty of the members voting for it having been members of the convention in whose name the said memorial was presented. The Assembly was thus forced to a decision without any proper evidence of the existence of the alleged irregularities, and before the subject of errors in doctrine had been discussed in the Assembly, notwithstanding the memorialists had declared that they 'complain and testify' against said Plan of Union ' chiefly because of their sincere belief, that the doctrinal purity of our ancient Confession of Faith is endangered, and not because of any preference for a particular system of mere Church government and discipline.' " For these reasons, the undersigned enter this their solemn protest. "Philadelphia, June 1st, 1837. " John P. Cleaveland, William Jessup, Baxter Dickinson, Absalom Peters, Henry Brown, Horace Bushnell, Harmon Kingsbury, Timothy Stillman, David Porter, E. W. Gilbert, Darius 0. Gris- wold, John B. Richardson, James B. Shaw, Washington Thatcher, Thomas Brown, Thomas Lounsbury, Nahum Gould, Abner IIol- lister, Ephraim Cutler, William Fuller, Gardner Hayden, Robert Stuart, Silas West, Marcus Smith, John L. Grant, John Gridley, Nathaniel C. Clark, Yarnum Noyes, Dudley Williams, George Spaulding, John Seward, Edwin Holt, Alanson Saunders, Jona- than Cone, J. M. Rowland, J. W. McCullough, Dewey Whitney, H. S. Walbridge, Horace Hunt, Samuel Reed, Rufus Nutting, Zina Whittlesey, James R. Gibson, Bennet Roberts, Joseph it. Breck, Enoch Kingsbury, James Boyd, Eldad Barber, David Schenck, Ira Pettibone, Lewis H. Loss, Jonathan Hovey, J. B. Preston, Ambrose White, Wilfred Hall, John S. Martin, George Painter, Benjamin Woodbury, Burr Bradley, Ira M. Wead, P. W. Warriner, T. D. Southworth, Adam Miller, Jacob Faris, Alexander Campbell, N. S. S. Beman, H. H. Hayes, Henry Brewster, N. E. Johnson, Solomon Stevens, Daniel Sayre, Wil- liam C. Wisner, Isaac J. Rice, Felix Tracy, Bliss Burnap, E. Cheever, E. Seymour, Obadiah Woodruff, Frederick W. Graves, James I. Ostrom, Philip C. Hay, Jacob Gideon, David B. Ayres, 462 XII. — PLAN OF UNION S. W. May, Ammi Doubleday, Robert Aikman, William Roy, Thomas McAuley, John Leonard, Calvin Cutler, Merit Harmon, F. A. McCorkle, James W. Phillips, George E. Delavan, James A. Carnahan, Obadiah N. Bush, John McSween, George Duffield, S. Benjamin, John Crawford, Fayette Shipherd, Thomas Wil- liams, R. Campbell." — Minutes, 1837, pp. 454-458. 3. Answer to this Protest. "The committee to whom that subject was referred, beg leave to present the following answer to the protest against the resolution abro- gating ( the Plan of Union/ and request that both be placed on your minutes : " The reasons of protest are numbered from one to six. No. 1 is the principal, and therefore we prefer leaving it to the last, and commencing with No. 2. 'We protest/ say the minority, 'against the resolution referred to, because the Plan of Union adopted by the General Assembly of 1801, was designed to suppress and prevent schismatical contentions, and for the promotion of charity, or, in the language of the Plan itself, ' with a view to prevent alienation and promote union and harmony/ " To this a sufficient answer is found in the broad and undeniable fact, that ' the Plan of Union' has been a principal means of dividing the Church and this General Assembly into two parties, and been the main source of those schisms which for many years have distracted our Zion. Whilst it is admitted, that in some instances it may have beneficially affected certain localities, it has laid the deep foundation of lasting con- fusion, and opened wide the flood-gates of error and fanaticism. For proof of this, we have only to refer to the recorded votes of the last and the present General Assemblies, from which it abundantly appears, that the representatives of churches formed on this Plan have always opposed the Boards of Education and Missions, and the efforts toward reform, and the suppression of errors and of schismatical contentions. "No. 3. 'Because it declares the said Plan of Union to have been totally destitute of authority, as proceeding from the General Association of Connecticut, which is invested with no power to legislate in such cases/ " In reply to this, let it be remarked, 1st, that the protesters seeming to admit that the General Association of Connecticut had no power and authority to bind their churches, yet insist that the General Assembly could make a treaty or covenant that should be binding on the other side ; and the brethren, in arguing the case, did insist on the ' Plan' being of the nature of a covenant (although no such term is contained in it), and yet one of the parties to this covenant had no authority to make a contract and to make it obligatory on their churches. That is, a contract, treaty, or covenant can exist and be and continue forever, binding in right and in law upon one party, whilst the other party, t ABROGATED. 463 having no power or authority to bind themselves and those for whom they plead its benefits, never could be bound. That is, a treaty or cove- nant may exist without a mutual obligation ! "2dly. The protesters, without distinctly affirming it again, seem willing that the reader of their protest should believe that the General Association of Connecticut had power to bind their churches — that their acts participate of the nature of ecclesiastical authority. ' By acceding to said stipulations' (say they), ' the said Association relinquished what- ever right it had to the direction and regulation of the members of its own churches in the new settlements/ Now these remonstrants know perfectly well, that the General Association of Connecticut never had, never claimed, and never exercised any right at all ' to the direction and regulation of the members of its own churches/ even in Connecticut itself, much less ' in the new settlements/ The ' right' of counsel and advice is the utmost stretch of their power and authority. And this General Assembly might give counsel and advice to the churches of Connecticut, and, should it be founded in truth, it is just as binding upon those churches as the counsels of their own General Association, i. e., it comes divested entirely of all ecclesiastical authority. " Sdly. The resolution of abrogation is alleged to be ' a breach of faith, and wholly void and of no effect/ This is begging the question : it goes on the assumption, that faith was plighted of right, and the treaty, so called, lawfully constituted; which we have supposed to be the very point in question. "No. 4. 'Because it denominates the Plan of Union unnatural as well as unconstitutional, and attributes to it much confusion and irregu- larity.' A sufficient answer to this is found in the preceding ; to which may be added a single remark as to the irregularity, viz., that upon inquiry of brethren who came in upon this ' Plan/ it appeared from their own showing, to the abundant conviction of this General Assembly, that there were some members on this floor, deliberating and voting on the very resolutions in question, who had never adopted the Confession of Faith of this Church. "No. 5. The fifth reason of protest is, that the resolution was con- cocted and brought before the Assembly by members of this body who had previously consulted, in the form of a convention, and memorialized this body on the subject : and that a majority of the committee to whom the memorial was referred were members of the convention. " As to the former, let it suffice to say, that it is the right of every freeman and the duty of every Christian, before entering upon any great and important measure, to ' ponder the path of his feet/ because ' in the multitude of counsellors there is safety/ How the name ' conven- tion/ any more than the name 'caucus/ should utterly vitiate their counsel, it may be difficult to discern. " As to the latter, it may be remarked, that in all deliberative bodies, the principle is settled, that large committees ought to be selected in proportion to the respective party views that may be entertained on the 464 XII. — PLAN OF UNION subject committed. The -wisdom of the rule is obvious to common sense, and the moderator of this Assembly simply carried out the rule in this case. " No. 6. The sixth reason of protest is, ' because the debate on the subject was arrested by an impatient call for the previous question. The Assembly was thus forced to a decision without any proper evidence of the existence of the alleged irregularities, and before the subject of errors in doctrine had been decided on in the Assembly/ " Here remark, first, the call for the previous question was not im- patient,— it was asked for and seconded by a majority of the house, not in the spirit of violence and unjust oppression of the minority; and, secondly, there was no unreasonable curtailment of debate. The resolu- tion was discussed two whole days, — a period of time perhaps more ex- tended than was ever before allotted or allowed by any General Assembly to any single naked resolution. And, thirdly, the brethren of the minority occupied the floor more than one-half of the time. And on another resolution, where the discussion was arrested by the previous question, it was just at the close of two long speeches by the minority, and after they had consumed more than five hours in debate ; whereas, the majority had not occupied the floor two hours and a half. So utterly groundless is the insinuation that a cruel and unjust use has been made of the previous question. " ' The Assembly was thus forced/ say the protesters — the Assembly was forced ! 'Forced' by whom? Undoubtedly, by itself — 'forced' to do just as it wished to do — 'forced' to decide by a strong vote on a subject which had been discussed two whole days ! Strange coercion this ! ! "But, fourthly, the resolution in question was passed before the doctrinal errors were condemned. This is true. But it is also true, that ' the Assembly was thus forced,' by the opposition of the minority, to pass by the doctrinal discussion, because they could not have it in the order recommended by their committee. Certain alleged errors were offered by the minority, which they refused to have put in their proper place, but insisted on having first of all a decision upon them as amend- ments ; which attempt, had it been successful, would have precluded their discussion, except upon a vote of reconsideration, which requires two-thirds : and thus the majority would have been completely, as to these alleged errors, in the power of the minority. Hence they were laid on the table, to be taken up at a future time. We now proceed to " No. 1. The principal reason of protest is in these words, viz. : " Be- cause the said act is declared, in the resolution complained of, to have been unconstitutional.' M In opposition to the resolution declaring the Plan of Union uncon- stitutional, it would appear most reasonable that the protesters should affirm its constitutionality, i. e., that the Constitution covers and provides for it. This ground, however, the protesters have not ventured to take. On the contrary, they explicitly admit, that the Constitution makes no 4 ABROGATED. 465 provision for said act — ' it is,' say they, ' neither specifically provided for, nor prohibited in the Constitution.' " A remark or two will show that in this they have abandoned the ground. For, 1. The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, like that of our National Union, is a constitution of specific powers, granted by the Presbyteries, the fountains of power, to the Synods and the General Assembly. 2. No powers, not specifically granted, can lawfully be inferred and assumed by the General Assembly, but only such as are indispensably necessary to carry into effect those which are specifically granted. 3. Therefore the burden of proof lies upon those who affirm that the Assembly had power to enact this < Plan of Union.' They admit that there is no specific grant of such power; they are bound then to prove that its exercise was indispensably necessary, in order to carry out some other power specifically granted. Now we search in vain for any such proof in the protest. There is, we believe, but a single effort of the kind. This effort is made in view of two distinct and distant clauses in our book. (Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 4.) The General Assembly ' shall constitute the bond of union, peace, correspondence, and mutual confidence among all our churches.' But surely here is no power granted to constitute a bond of union with churches of another denomination. It has exclusive reference to 'all our churches,' and yet the protesters refer to this as authority for forming a union with a de- nomination not holding the same form of government. " An equally unsuccessful attempt is made upon chap, i, sec. 2, where the book affirms, that ' any Christian Church, or union or association of churches, is entitled to declare the terms of admission into its com- munion.' And the protesters assert here, that the General Assembly exercised this power in forming ' the Plan of Union,' and so declared 1 the terms of admission into the communion of the Presbyterian Church, proper to be required in the frontier settlements.' "On this statement two remarks seem requisite : first, the settling of the terms of communion, we had thought, was the highest act of power — an act beyond the reach of the General Assembly itself — an act which the Constitution itself provides, shall be done only by a majority of the Presbyteries. When, we ask, did the "Presbyterian Church < declare the terms of admission into its communion?' Most assuredly, when the Constitution was adopted. And yet the protesters in this case aver, that the ' Plan of Union' is a declaration of the terms of admission into our communion ! Could they affirm more directly its unconstitutionality? " The other remark is, that the Plan of Union itself does not prescribe the terms of admission into the communion of the Presbyterian Church. It prescribes the manner in which Congregationalists may remain out of this Church, and yet exercise a controlling and governing influence over its ecclesiastical judicatories. " In the entire absence of all proof, that the power exercised in form- ing the Plan of Union, was indispensably necessary to carry out a power specifically granted, and in the face of their own admission, that such 30 466 XII. PLAN OF UNION power is not specifically given to the General Assembly, we conclude, that the act in question was without any authority, and must be null and void. " The next thing worthy of notice, is the criticism on the phrases 1 constitutional rules,' and ' obligatory on all the churches.' This Plan of Union, it is argued, is not of the nature of constitutional rules, obligatory on all the churches, and therefore it was not necessary that it should have been sent down, and have received the sanction of a majority of the Presbyteries. In presenting this argument, the protesters admit, that if the Plan did embrace constitutional rules, the Assembly had no power to enact it. The book (Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 6) declares : ' Before any overtures or regulations proposed by the Assembly to be established as constitutional rules, shall be obligatory on the churches, it shall be necessary to transmit them to all the Presbyteries, and to receive the returns of at least a majority of them in writing, approving thereof.' " This was not done with the Plan ; and the only question before us is, whether it is an alteration of the Constitution ? This Assembly affirms that it is a radical and thorough change of the entire system. On which remark — " 1. Our book describes four church courts, viz., the Church Session, the Presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly. And (chap, ix) it defines ' the Church Session to consist of the pastor or pastors and ruling elders of a particular congregation/ and intrusts to these, as permanent officers, the government of that church. But the Plan of Union provides for no such thing. It expressly dispenses with the Church Session, and leaves the government in the hands of the people, or of a temporary committee. " Again, chap, x, sec. 2 : ' A Presbytery consists of all the ministers and one ruling elder from each congregation within a certain district/ But the Plan of Union abrogates this provision. It does not merely pass it by, but absolutely repeals and nullifies it. According to the Plan, a Presbytery may have committee-men less or more in it, and may have not a single elder. The book farther states, that ' Every congregation (i. e. of Presbyterians as before described) which has a stated pastor, has a right to be represented by one elder; and every collegiate church (i. e. a church with two or more ministers) by two or more elders, in proportion to the number of pastors.' Here it is perfectly obvious, that the principle of equal representation in Presbytery is aimed at. The same is true of a Synod (chapter xi) : 'The ratio of the representation of elders in the Synod is the same as in the Presbytery.' That is, every congregation, governed by its own Session, shall be represented in Pres- bytery and Synod. But the Plan provides for Congregational committee- men, sitting and acting and voting in Presbytery, although it also pro- yidi 9 that the congregation he represents shall not be under the govern- ment of the Presbytery, and no appeal can be taken from it to the Presbytery, even by a minister, unless the church agree to it. Thus # ABROGATED. 467 the power of government is in the hands of men over whom that govern- ment does not extend. It is surely not necessary to proceed farther, to show that the Plan is an abrogation of the fundamental principles of the Presbyterian system. And yet the protesters say it does not contain constitutional rules. No, verily, but it is a mass of unconstitutional usurpations, resulting from an overstretch of power. By the criticism of the protest, it is denied that the Plan contains constitutional rules; whereas, in the first sentence of the instrument itself, it is called ' A plan of government for the churches in the new settlements/ And the second sentence runs thus : ' Regulations adopted by the General As- sembly/ &c. Now, if regulations are not rules, language has lost its meaning; and if regulations containing 'a plan of government for the churches/ are not intended to be binding, and do not touch the Consti- tution, we are utterly at a loss to see how rules and regulations could be expressed. The article in question has been called ' a Plan of Union/ 'a contract/ 'a covenant/ none of which phrases is found in the document itself. It declares itself to be ' regulations/ containing ' a plan of go- vernment for the churches/ Now the General Assembly never had the power to establish ' regulations' and a new 'plan of government/ the Plan is therefore null and void. " But, we are told, these governmental regulations were not binding on all the churches. Were they not, indeed? Have they not given rise to heterogeneous bodies, who have come up here and bound us al- most to our undoing ? Have they not bound with green withes and new cords this body and its Boards of Education and Missions ? Have they not well-nigh shorn us of the locks of our strength, and forbidden us to go forth into the field of missionary conflict against the foes of our God and King ? Surely, these protesters will not say the regulations are not binding upon all the churches. "But, again, we are told in the protest, they are of long standing and have acquired the force of common law. Does long use constitute law ? Then it would follow that concubinage and polygamy exist of moral right. "Again, we are told, that this 'plan of government' was in existence twenty years prior to the last adoption *of our Constitution ; and the in- ference is, that therefore it is binding, and was viewed as a contract to be kept in good faith. The fair inferences, however, from the fact, ought to be, that this 'plan of government' was not submitted to our Presby- teries by the General Assembly, and is therefore not binding; and that this neglect was owing to the circumstance that it was then little known, and its evils were not all developed. "Again, we arc told in the protest, in reference to this new 'plan of government/ that its omission of elders, being expressly provided for and designed, does not ' vitiate the organization ; for then must nume- rous churches among us, in which there are no deacons, be for the same reason pronounced unconstitutional/ And we are free to confess that, if the Constitution made the deacon a ruling officer in the Church, he 468 xn. — PLAN OF UNION must be found in our ecclesiastical courts, and his absence would nullify their constitutional existence. This, however, is not the case. The deacon's office in the New Testament, and in our book, is limited to 1 serving tables.' The argument, therefore, is lame, and shows its east- ern birth. " Again, the protest affirms that the argument against this l plan of government for the churches/ because it was not submitted to the Pres- byteries, strikes equally against the Theological Seminaries, the Boards of Education and of Missions, and also against the admission of the Presbyteries of the Associate Reformed Synod into this Church. "Let us touch these in their order; and first, the Theological Semi- naries. Here, again, if our protesters can show that these Seminaries are,, in the language of our book, l constitutional rules, obligatory on the churches/ or even, in the language of their favorite Plan, ' regulations/ and ' a plan of government for the churches in the new settlements/ we will give up the argument, and Princeton and the Western seminaries and all. But if, as every one knows, the constitutions and regulations of these seminaries have nothing to do with the government of the churches, any more than the private regulations of a private clergyman for his private class of students, then is this argument null and void from the beginning. As to the power in the Assembly to organize a seminary, it may be found in the book (Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 5), under the general power ' of superintending the concerns of the whole Church/ none of which concerns is of more vital importance than that of providing an efficient ministry. Also to them belongs the power of ' promoting charity, truth, and holiness, through all the churches under their care/ Now, the training of a pious and orthodox ministry is the most effectual mode of accomplishing this work, and clearly places Theological Seminaries within the Assembly's power. "The same remarks are relevant and true, in reference to the Board of Education. " As to the Board of Missions, ' the superintending of the concerns of the whole Church' cannot be carried out without missions; and the Form of Government, chap, xviii, expressly provides for them, and grants to the Assembly power over this very business. It reads thus : ' The General Assembly may, of their own knowledge, send missions to any part to plant churches or to supply vacancies : and, for this purpose, may direct any Presbytery to ordain evangelists or ministers, without relation to any particular churches.' How utterly unreasonable, then, for the protesters to deny the Assembly's power to institute a Board of Missions ! " As to the Mason Library and the Associate Reformed Churches, it may be necessary only to remark, that the two Presbyteries of New York and of Philadelphia — the only parts which came into this Presbyterian Church — were, from their beginning, Presbyterian, according to the strictest order; holding the same identical Westminster Confession of Faith and Presbyterian Form of Church Government. It is therefore « ABROGATED. 469 difficult to perceive how the admission, by the General Assembly, of strict and rigid Presbyterians into their connection could be either extra or unconstitutional. The act of their admission did not create 1 regulations/ and ' a plan of government for the churches/ as did ' the Plan' in question. It was not 'an overture or regulation for establish- ing constitutional rules, obligatory on the churches/ and therefore its transmission to all the Presbyteries was not necessary. " Finally, the unconstitutionality of the 'plan of government for the churches in the new settlements/ abrogated by this resolution, is fur- ther demonstrated by reference to Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 1, which says, ' The General Assembly is the highest judicatory of the Presbyterian Church. It shall represent, in one body, all the particular churches of this denomination/ and, subsequently, it defines the ratio of representation. Now, it has been proved, on the open floor of this General Assembly, by the protesters themselves, that the Synod of the "Western Reserve, which was formed on this 'plan of government/ and which contains one hundred anM thirty-nine particular churches, has only from twenty-four to thirty Presbyterian churches in it ; and yet that Synod claims a right to twenty representatives here ! Whom do these twenty represent? Certainly not 'particular churches of this denomina- tion/ as our book says. No, but Congregational churches, which, by the terms of our book, and the whole representative spirit of our system, have no right to be represented here, and to judge and vote here, under a Constitution which they deny to be binding upon themselves. With no greater impropriety would unnaturalized foreigners claim the right of franchise in our country, and of eligibility to office in our legislatures, our supreme judicial tribunals, and the executive departments of our States and the nation. Besides, it has been shown by themselves here, that this • plan of government' has been here violated, by those claiming privileges under it, sending men to the Assembly who had never adopted our Constitution. " We therefore conclude that the reasonings of the protesters is falla- cious; the 'plan of government' adopted in 1801 is, and ever has been, unconstitutional ; and therefore this General Assembly ought to declare, as it has done in the resolution protested against, that it is, from the be- ginning, null and void." — Minutes, 1837, pp. 458-164. 4. Resolutions to cite to the Bar of the Assembly such Inferior Judica- tories as are charged by Common Fame icith Irregularities. "1. Resolved, That the proper steps be now taken to cite to the bar of the next Assembly such inferior judicatories as are charged by com- mon fame with irregularities. " 2. That a special committee be now appointed to ascertain what inferior judicatories are thus charged by common fame, prepare charges 470 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. and specifications against them, and to digest a suitable plan of procedure in the matter; and that said committee be requested to report as soon as practicable. "3. That as citations on the foregoing Plan is the commencement of a process involving the right of membership in the Assembly, there- fore— "Resolved, That, agreeably to a principle laid down, chap, v, sec. 9, of the Form of Government, the members of said judicatories be excluded from a seat in the next Assembly until their case shall be decided. " Adopted by yeas 128, nays 12*2 ."—Minutes, 1837, p. 425. " 5. Mr. Hay for himself, and others, gave notice of a protest against the foregoing resolutions. The protest and answer were ordered to be entered on the minutes, viz. : 5. Protest. "The undersigned, members of the General Assembly, beg leave respectfully to enter their solemn protest to the act of the Assembly, adopting the three resolutions relative to the citation of inferior judi- catories ; and likewise to the resolution of the Assembly, declaring the Synod of the Western Keserve not a part of the Presbyterian Church.* In support of our protest, we subjoin the following reasons: "1. We object to the mode of investigation adopted, in the first- named resolutions, by the Assembly. They resolve, in the first place, ' to cite to the bar of the next Assembly such inferior judicatories as are charged, by common fame, with irregularities/ The first step, in our estimation, should have been to appoint a committee to inquire into the nature of the various rumors which are said to be afloat, and to report to the Assembly whether there was any cause for citation. "2. The committee was empowered, by the second resolution, merely to ascertain what judicatories were charged by common fame; whereas, they ought to have been instructed, in this stage of the investigation, to ascertain whether there was or was not any foundation for existing rumors. It seems to be made imperative by the resolution, that all judicatories shall be reported by that committee for citation against which any unfavorable rumors are in circulation. "3. The majority of the committee recommending these measures were members of the convention which originated all this business, and brought it into the Assembly. They acted upon it first in the conven- tion, then in the Assembly; after that in the committee, and then are to pass a final vote in the Assembly. They petition themselves, con- sider their own petition, and then grant to themselves what they them- selves ask. • Pp. 483, 11. , THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 471 "4. The investigation ought to have been expressly limited to Synods, because the Book of Discipline makes provision for the Assembly, in cer- tain cases, to cite Synods, but no other judicatories. (See Gen. Rev. and Con., VI.) " 5. The resolution to deprive the judicatories to be cited, of a seat in the next Assembly is, in every respect, unconstitutional and void, (ab initio.' This Assembly has no power, by their vote, to deprive com- missioners, duly elected, from a seat in the next Assembly, because that Assembly has the exclusive right of judging of the qualifications of its own members, and because to do so would be to inflict a penalty before trial or investigation. Besides, the Assembly has power to cite Synods only ; and Presbyteries, and not Synods, are represented on this floor. To deprive every Presbytery in a whole Synod of a seat in the General Assembly, because a Synod, in its collective capacity, may have been irregular, is unprecedented in ecclesiastical proceedings. " G. The provision in the Book of Discipline referred to in the third resolution, to justify the exclusion of members from seats in the next Assembly, has no application to this case. It applies only to a minister of the Gospel when on trial before his own Presbytery, and cannot justify the unconstitutional bearing of this resolution. Besides, the Book of Discipline expressly provides for those cases in which an infe- rior judicatory is to be excluded from a seat in the superior judicatory; and these cases are trials of appeals and complaints in which they are interested." — Minutes, 1837, pp. 473, 474. G. Answer to the Protest. "The signers to the protest object to the mode of investigation adopted in the first-named resolution, and contend that the first step should have been to appoint a committee to inquire into the nature of the rumors which are said to be afloat, and to report to the Assembly whether there was any cause for citation. The resolutions as to cita- tion refer to supposed cases, and the committee were to cite, and designate, and report to the Assembly for its approval and further action. In this aspect of the case, the objections urged lose their force. No wrong was done to any Presbytery, nor any irregular process author- ized, nor, indeed, any final step to be taken without action in the General Assembly. Upon the report of the committee to cite, the house would decide upon the foundation for existing irregularities, and a wholesome control as to the details of the whole subject would be exercised by the Assembly before the final disposition of the several cases; and the signers of the protest themselves affirm, in a subsequent part of the paper, and with the design of sustaining auother position, that the citation contemplated by these resolutions was according to the book. Your committee deem it, therefore, unnecessary to dwell upon this part of the subject, it being evident, from the nature of the resolu- tions and the admission of the signers to the protest, that the steps con- 472 XII. — THE DIVISION OP THE CHURCH. tern plated by these resolutions were according to the book, and within the constitutional power of this Assembly. " It is difficult to conceive how this regular constitutional action could be impaired or destroyed by the suggestion, whether true or untrue, that the committee recommending these measures were members of the con- vention ; that they acted upon it first in the convention, then in the Assembly; after that in the committee, and then were to pass a final vote in the Assembly. It is even gravely charged as a ground of objec- tion, that ' they petition themselves, consider their own petition, and then grant to themselves what they themselves ask.' It is a sufficient answer to this objection, that the majority of the duly-constituted mem- bers of this Assembly adopted and sanctioned the incipient as well as final steps in the case; and the acts of the Assembly are valid until it be shown that the provisions of the Constitution have been invaded, or that the majority consisted of persons who were not duly qualified com- missioners. The fact of a majority or any number of members of the Assembly having been members of the convention cannot invalidate the acts of the Assembly. The right of petition is guaranteed by every well- regulated government, whether civil, political, or ecclesiastical, and it is just as competent for any number of the individuals composing the Assembly to meet publicly for consultation, as it would be for any num- ber to meet privately for the same object. In neither case could the action of those members in the Assembly be supposed to be purified or contaminated by such consultations. " The investigation contemplated by these resolutions was designed to apply to inferior judicatories, which includes Synods, and may not necessarily mean Presbyteries. The specification of such inferior judi- catory was to be reported by the committee, and the fourth objection, as urged by the signers of the protest, could only be appropriate when a Presbytery should be cited. Any supposed restriction of the right of the General Assembly to cite any other inferior judicatories but Synods (which is regarded by the signers of the protest as being derived from the sixth part of the section of General Review and Control) is explained by the comprehensive character of the fifth part, which assigns to the superior judicatory power to 'examine, deliberate, and judge in the whole matter as completely as if it had been recorded, and thus brought up by the review of the records/ The General Assembly, by its very Constitution, is regarded as having a general control of the whole Church, and, in its conservative character, shall superintend all of its concerns. It is believed that the initiatory steps contemplated by the resolutions authorizing a committee to designate inferior judicatories who may have been guilty of irregularities, to cite them, and report as soon as practicable to this Assembly, do not infringe the spirit or letter of the inherent powers of the General Assembly. And the great principles of analogy would obviously dictate that the members of the inferior judicatories upon whom these preparatory measures are supposed to operate, should not be permitted to sit in the next General Assembly 0 THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 473 until their cases should be decided. If there be any sound principle contained in the clause, and the uniform practice which excludes an interested judicatory from voting, that principle and that practice should be applied to the members of such inferior judicatories as may be affected by these resolutions. This view of the subject is exceedingly strengthened by the fact that express power is vested in our judicatories to exclude at will their own members when on trial before them." — Minutes, 1837, pp. 476, 477. 7. Proposal to inquire into the Expediency of a Voluntary Division of the Presbyterian Church. " Mr. Breckenridge gave notice that he would to-morrow morning offer a resolution to appoint a committee, to consist of equal numbers from the majority and minority on the vote to cite inferior judicatories, to inquire into the expediency of a voluntary division of the Presbyterian Church."— Minutes, 1837, p. 426. " Agreeably to notice given last evening, Mr, Breckenridge moved that a committee of ten members, of whom an equal number shall be from«the majority and minority of the vote on the resolutions to cite in- ferior judicatories, be appointed on the state of the Church. " Dr. Junkin and Mr. Ewing, on the part of the majority, and Messrs. A. Campbell and Jessup, on the part of the minority, were appointed to nominate each five members of the committee on the foregoing resolu- tions."—-76 iW. p. 427. 8. Committee of Ten appointed. " Dr. Junkin and Mr. Campbell, from the committees to nominate the Committee of Ten on the State of the Church, respectively reported the following nominations, viz. : Mr. "Breckenridge, Dr. Alexander, Dr. Cuyler, Dr. Witherspoon, and Mr. Ewing, on the part of the majority; and Dr. McAuley, Dr. Beman, Dr. Peters, Mr. Dickinson, and Mr. Jessup, on the part of the minority. The report was adopted ; and the committee was directed to meet in this house, at the rising of the As- sembly this morning, and afterwards on their own adjournments. " On motion, the Assembly engaged in prayer, on behalf of this com- mittee, and of the subject referred to them." — Minutes, 1837, p. 427. " The Committee on the State of the Church reported, by their chair- man, Dr. Alexander, that they had not been able to agree, and asked to be discharged. 474 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. " Both portions of the committee then made separate reports, accom- panied by various papers, which reports and papers were ordered to be entered on the Minutes of the Assembly, and are as follows, viz. : 9. Report of the Committee of the Majority. " The committee of the majority, from the united Committee on the State of the Church, beg leave to report : " That having been unable to agree with the minority's committee on any plan for the immediate and voluntary separation of the New and Old School parties in the Presbyterian Church, they lay before the General Assembly the papers which passed between the committees, and which contain all the important proceedings of both bodies. " These papers are marked 1 to 5 of the majority, and 1 to 4 of the minority. A careful examination of them will show that the two com- mittees were agreed in the following matters, namely : " 1. The propriety of a voluntary separation of the parties in our Church, and their separate organization. " 2. As to the corporate funds, the names to be held by each denomi- nation, the records of the Church, and its boards and institutions. " It will further appear, that the committees were entirely unable to agree on the following points, namely : "1. As to the propriety of entering at once, by the Assembly, upon the division, or the sending down of the question to the Presbyteries. " 2. As to the power of the Assembly to take effectual initiative steps, as proposed by the majority, or the necessity of obtaining a change in the Constitution of the Church. "3. As to the breaking up of the succession of this General Assem- bly, so that neither of the new Assemblies proposed, to be considered this proper body continued ; or that the body which should retain the name and institutions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, should be held in fact and law to be the true successors of this body. While the committee of the majority were perfectly disposed to do all that the utmost liberality could demand, and to use in all cases such expressions as should be wholly unexceptionable, yet it appeared to us indispensable to take our final stand on these grounds. "For, first, we are convinced that if anything tending towards a vo- p THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 475 luntary separation is done, it is absolutely necessary to do it effectually, and at once. " Secondly. As neither party professes any desire to alter any consti- tutional rule whatever, it seems to us not only needless, but absurd, to send down an overture to the Presbyteries on this subject. We believe, moreover, that full power exists in the Assembly, either by consent of parties, or in the way of discipline, to settle this and all such cases; and that its speedy settlement is greatly to be desired. " Thirdly. In regard to the succession of the General Assembly, this committee could not, in present circumstances, consent to anything that should even imply the final dissolution of the Presbyterian Church, as now organized in this country ; which idea, it will be observed, is at the basis of the plan of the minority, insomuch that even the body retaining the name and institutions should not be considered the successor of this body. " Finally. It will be observed from our fifth paper, as compared with the fourth paper of the minority's committee, that the final shape which their ^proposal assumed was such that it was impossible for the majority of the house to carry out its views and wishes, let the vote be as it might; for if the house should vote for the plan of the cemmittee of the ma- jority, the other committee would not consider itself or its friends bound thereby; and voluntary division would therefore be impossible, in that case. But if the house should vote for the minority's plan, then — the foregoing insuperable objections to that plan being supposed to be sur- mounted— still the whole case would be put off, perhaps indefinitely. "A. Alexander, " C C CUYLER, "J. WlTHERSPOON, "N. Ewing, " R. J. Breckenridge." —Ibid. pp. 430, 431. ' 10. Report of the Committee of the Minority. " The subscribers, appointed members of the Committee of Ten on the State of the Church, respectfully ask leave to report, as follows: " It being understood that one object of the appointment of said com- mittee was to consider the expediency of a voluntary division of the 476 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. Presbyterian Church, and to devise a plan for the same, they, in connec- tion with the other members of the committee, have had the subject under deliberation. " The subscribers had believed that no such imperious necessity for a division of the Church existed, as some of their brethren supposed, and that the consequences of division would be greatly to be deprecated. Such necessity, however, being urged by many of our brethren, we have been induced to yield to their wishes, and to admit the expediency of a division, provided the same could be accomplished in an amicable, equi- table, and proper manner. We have accordingly submitted the follow- ing propositions to our brethren on the other part of the same committee, who at the same time submitted to us their proposition, which is annexed to this report. "[Here read the proposition marked Minority No. 1, and Majority No. 1.] " Being informed by the other members of the committee that they had concluded not to discuss in committee the propositions which should be submitted, and that all propositions on both sides were to be in writing, and to be answered in writing, the following papers passed between the two parts of the committee : — " Here read No. 2, Minority paper. 2, Majority " 3, Majority " 3, Minority " 4, Majority " 4, Minority " 5, Majority " " From these papers it will be seen, that the only question of any im- portance upon which the committee differed, was that proposed to be submitted to the decision of the Assembly, as preliminary to any action vpon the details of either plan. Therefore, believing that the members of this Assembly have neither a constitutional nor moral right to adopt a plan for a division of the Church, in relation to which they are en- tirely uninstructed by the Presbyteries; believing that the course pro- posed by their brethren of the committee to be entirely inefficacious, and calculated to introduce confusion and discord into the whole Church, and instead of mitigating, to enhance the evils which it proposes to remove; and regarding the plan proposed by themselves, with the modifications thereof, as before stated, as presenting in general the only safe, certain, p THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 477 and constitutional mode of division, the subscribers do respectfully pre- sent the same to the Assembly for their adoption or rejection. " Thomas McAuley, « N. S. S. Beman, " Absalom Peters, "B. Dickinson, "William Jessup." No. 1, of the Majority. " The portion of the committee which represents the majority, submit for consideration : "1. That the peace and prosperity of the Presbyterian Church in the United States require a separation of the portions called respectively the Old and New School parties, and represented by the majority and minority in the present Assembly. "2. That the portion of the Church represented by' the majority in the present General Assembly, ought to retain the name and the corpo- rate property of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. " 3. That the two parties ought to form separate denominations, under separate organizations ; that to effect this with the least delay, the Com- missioners in the present General Assembly shall elect which body they will adhere to, and this election shall decide the position of their Presby- teries respectively, for the present ; that every Presbytery may reverse the decision of its present commissioners, and unite with the opposite body by the permission of that body properly expressed ; that minorities of Presbyteries, if large enough, or if not, then in connection with neighboring minorities, may form new Presbyteries, or attach themselves to existing Presbyteries, in union with either body, as shall be agreed on ; that Synods ought to take order and make election on the general principles already stated ; and minorities of Synods should follow out the rule suggested for minorities of Presbyteries, as far as they are applicable." No. 1, of the Minority. " Whereas, the experience of many years has proved that this body is too large to answer the purposes contemplated by the Constitution, and there appear to be insuperable obstacles in the way of reducing the representation : "And whereas, in the extension of the Church over so great a terri- tory, embracing such a variety of people, difference of view in relation to important points of church policy and action, as well as theological opinion, are found to exist : 478 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. " Now, it is believed, a division of this body into two separate bodies, which shall act independently of each other, will be of vital importance to the best interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. Therefore, " Resolved, That the following rules be sent down to the Presbyteries for their adoption or rejection as constitutional rules, to wit : " 1. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America shall be, and it hereby is divided into two bodies; the one thereof to be called the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the other, the General Assembly of the American Presbyterian Church. "2. That the Confession of Faith and Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, as it now exists, shall continue to be the Confessiou of Faith and Form of Government of both bodies, until it shall be constitutionally changed and altered by either, in the manner prescribed therein. "3. That in sending up their commissioners to the next General Assembly, each Presbytery, after having, in making out their com- missions, followed the form now prescribed, shall add thereto as follows: ' That in case a majority of the Presbyteries shall have voted to adopt the plan for organizing two General Assemblies, we direct our said com- missioners to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the " Pres- byterian Church of the United States of America," or the "American Presbyterian Church," as the case may be.' And after the opening of the next General Assembly, and before proceeding to other business than the usual preliminary organization, the said Assembly shall ascertan what is the vote of the Presbyteries, and in case a majority of said Presbyteries shall have adopted these rules, then the two General Assemblies shall be constituted and organized in the manner now pointed out in the Form of Government, by the election of their respective moderators, stated clerks, and other officers. "4. The several Presbyteries shall be deemed and taken to belong to that Assembly with which they shall direct their commissioners to meet, as stated in the preceding rule. And each General Assembly shall, at their first meeting as aforesaid, organize the Presbyteries belonging to each into Synods. And in case any Presbytery shall fail to decide as aforesaid at that time, they may attach themselves within one year thereafter to the Assembly they shall prefer. " 5. Churches and members of churches, as well as Presbyteries, shall be at full liberty to decide to which of said Assemblies they will be attached, and in case the majority of male members in any church shall decide to belong to a Presbytery connected with the Assembly to which their Presbytery is not attached, they shall certify the same to the stated clerk of the Presbytery which they wish to leave and the one with which they wish to unite, and they shall, ipso facto, be attached to such Presbytery. "6. It shall be the duty of Presbyteries, at their first meeting after the adoption of these rules, or within one year thereafter, to grant cer- r THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 479 tificates of dismission to such ministers, licentiates, and students, as may wish to unite with a Presbytery attached to the other General Assembly. " 7. It shall be the duty of Church Sessions to grant letters of dis- mission to such of their members, being in regular standing, as may apply for the same within one year after the organization of said Assem- blies under these rules, for the purpose of uniting with any church attached to a Presbytery under the care of the other General Assembly ; and if such Session refuse so to dismiss, it shall be lawful for such mem- bers to unite with such other church in the same manner as if a certifi- cate were given. " 8. The Boards of Education and Missions shall continue their organizations as heretofore, until the next meeting of the Assembly ; and in case the rules for the division of the Assembly be adopted, those boards shall be, and hereby are, transferred to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, if that Assembly at its first meeting shall adopt the boards as their organiza- tions; and the seats of any ministers or elders in those boards, not belonging to that General Assembly, shall be deemed to be vacant. "9. The records of the Assembly shall remain in the hands of the present stated clerk, for the mutual use and benefit of both General Assemblies, until, by such an arrangement as they may adopt, they shall appoint some other person to take charge of the same. And either Assembly, at their own expense, may cause such extracts and copies to be made thereof, as they may desire and direct. "10. The Princeton Seminary funds to be transferred to the "Board of Trustees of the Seminary, if it can be so done legally and without forfeiting the trusts upon which the grants were made ; and if it cannot be done legally, and according to the intention of the donors, then to remain with the present Board of Trustees until legislative authority be given for such transfer. The supervision of said seminary, in the same manner in which it is now exercised by the General Assembly, to be transferred to and vested in the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States to be constituted. The other funds of the Church to be divided equally between the two Assemblies. " Pass a resolution suspending the*operation of the controverted votes until after the next Assembly ." No. 2, of the Majority. " The Committee of the Majority having considered the paper sub- mitted by that of the minority, observe : " 1. That they suppose the propriety and necessity of a division of the Church may be considered as agreed on by both committees; but we think it not expedient to attempt giving reasons in a preamble; the preamble is therefore not agreed to. " 2. So much of No. 1, of the plan of the Committee of the Minority, 480 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. as relates to the proposed names of the new General Assemblies, is agreed to. "3. Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, except as above, are not agreed to, but our proposition, No. 3, in our first paper, is insisted on. But we agree to the proposal in regard to single churches, individual ministers, licen- tiates, students, and private members. " 4. In lieu of No. 9, we propose that the present stated clerk be directed to make out a complete copy of all our records, at the joint expense of both the new bodies, and after causing the copy to be ex- amined and certified, deliver it to the written order of the moderator and stated clerk of the General Assembly of the American Presbyterian Church. " 5. We agree, in substance, to the proposal in No. 10, and offer the following as the form in which the proposition shall stand : that the corporate funds and property of the Church, so far as they appertain to the Theological Seminary at Princeton, or relate to the professor's sup- port, or the education of beneficiaries there, shall remain the property of the body retaining the name of the General Assembly of the Presby- terian Church in the United States of America; that all other funds shall be equally divided between the new bodies, so far as it can be done in conformity with the intentions of the donors ; and that all liabilities of the present Assembly shall be discharged in equal portions by them ; that all questions relating to the future adjustment of this whole subject upon the principles now agreed on, shall be settled by committees appointed by the new Assemblies at their first meeting respectively; and if these committees cannot agree, then each committee shall select one arbitrator, and these two, a third, which arbitrators shall have full power to settle finally the whole case in all its parts ; and that no person shall be appointed an arbitrator, who is a member of either Church; it being distinctly understood that whatever difficulties may arise in the construction of trusts, and all other questions of power, as well as right, legal and equitable, shall be finally decided by the committees or arbi- trators, so as in all cases to prevent an appeal by either party to the legal tribunals of the country/' No. 2, of the Minority. "The Committee of the Minority, &c.; make the following objections to the proposition of the majority. " 1. To any recognition of the terms l Old and New Schools/ or ' Ma- jority and Minority/ of the present Assembly; in any action upon the subject of division, the minority expect the division in every respect to be equal ; no other would be satisfactory. " 2. Insisting upon an equal division, we are willing that that portion of the Church which shall choose to retain the present Boards, shall have the present name of the Assembly. The corporate property which is susceptible of division to be divided, as the only fair and just course. „ THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 481 " 3. We object to the power of the commissioners to make any division at this time, and as individuals we cannot assume the responsibility. No. 3 of the Majority. "The Committee of the Majority, &c., in relation to paper No. 2, observe : "1. That the terms 'Old and New School, Majority and Minority/ are meant as descriptive, and some description being necessary, we see neither impropriety nor unsuitableness in them. " 2. Our previous paper, No. 2, having, as we suppose, substantially acceded to the proposal of the minority in relation to the funds in their first paper, we deem any further statement on that subject unnecessary. "3. That we see no difficulty in the way of settling the matter at present, subject to the revision of the Presbyteries, as provided in our first paper, under the third head ; and as no ' constitutional rules' are proposed in the way of altering any principles of our system, we see no constitutional obstacle to the execution of the proposal already made. We therefore adhere to that plan as our final proposal. But if the com- missioners of any Presbytery should refuse to elect, or be equally divided, then the Presbytery which they represent shall make such election at its first meeting after the adjournment of the present GeneraL Assembly. No. 3 of the Minority. " 1. We accede to the proposition to have no preamble. "2. We accede to the proposition No. 4, modifying our proposition. No. 9, in relation to the records and copies of the records. The copy to be made within one year after the division. " 3. We assent to the modification of No. 10, by No. 5 of the propo- sitions submitted, with a trifling alteration in the phraseology, striking out the words, ' shall remain the prqperty of the body retaining the name of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America/ and inserting the words, ' shall be transferred and belong to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, hereby constituted/ "4. We cannot assent to any division by the present commissioners- of the Assembly, as it would in no wise be obligatory on any of the judi- catories of the Church, or any members of the churches. The only effect would be a disorderly dissolution of the present Assembly, and be of no binding force or effect upon any member who did not assent to it. " 5. We propose a resolution to be appended to the Rules, and which. we believe, if adopted by the committee, would pass with great una- nimity, urging in strong terms the adoption of the Rules by the Presby- teries; and the members of the minority side of the committee pledge 31 482 XII. — THE DIVISION OF TIIE CHURCH. themselves to use their influence to procure the adoption of the same by the Presbyteries." No. 4 of the Majority. "The committee of the majority, &c, in reply to paper No. 3 of the minority's committee, simply refer to their own preceding papers, as con- taining their final propositions." No. 4 of the Minority. 11 The committee of the minority, in reply to Paper No. 3 of the ma- jority, observe : " That they will unite in a report to the Assembly, stating that the committee have agreed that it is expedient that a division of the Church be effected, and in general upon the principles upon which it is to be carried out; but they differ as to the manner of effecting it. On the one hand, it is asked that a division be made by the present Assembly at their present meeting; and, on the other hand, that the plan of di- vision, with the subsequent arrangement and organization, shall be sub- mitted to the Presbyteries for their adoption or rejection. They will unite in asking the General Assembly to decide the above points previous to reporting the details, and, in case the Assembly decide in favor of immediate division, then the Paper No. 1 of the majority, with the modifications agreed on, be taken as the basis of the report in detail. " If the Assembly decide to send to the Presbyteries, then No. 1 of the minority's papers, with the modifications agreed on, shall be the basis of the report in detail. " The committee of the minority cannot agree to any other proposi- tions than those already submitted, until the above be settled by the Assembly. " If the above proposition be not agreed to, or be modified, and then agreed to, they desire that each side may make a report to the Assembly No. 5 of the Majority. "The committee of the majority, &c, in answer to No. 4, &c, reply, that, understanding from the verbal explanations of the committee of the minority, that the said committee would not consider either side bound by the vote of the Assembly, if it were against their views and wishes respectively on the point proposed to be submitted to its decision in said paper, to carry out in good faith a scheme which, in that case, could not be approved by them ; and under such circumstances a voluntary sepa- ration being manifestly impossible, this committee consider No. 4 of the minority as virtually a waiver of the whole subject. If nothing further remains to be proposed, they submit that the papers be laid before the Assembly, and that the united committee be dissolved." • THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 483 " The Committee on the State of the Church was discharged. " The whole subject was laid on the table for the present. Yeas, 138; Nays, 107 "— Minutes, 1837, pp. 430-437. 11. The Synod of the Western Reserve declared to be no longer a Part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. "Resolved, That, by the operation of the abrogation of the Plan of Union of 1801, the Synod of the Western Reserve is, and is hereby declared to be no longer a part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Yeas, 182 j Nays, 105."— Minutes, 1837, p. 440. 12. Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee exscinded. lt Be it resolved, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America — "1. That in consequence of the abrogation by this Assembly of the Plan of Union of 1801, between it and the General Association of Con- necticut, as utterly unconstitutional, and therefore null and void from the beginning, the Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee, which were formed and attached to this body under and in execution of said l Plan of Union/ be, and are hereby declared to be out of the ecclesiastical con- nection of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, and that they are not in form or in fact an integral portion of said Church. " 2. That the solicitude of this Assembly on the whole subject, and its urgency for the immediate decision of it, are greatly increased by reason of the gross disorders which. are ascertained to have prevailed in those Synods (as well as that of the Western Reserve, against which a declarative resolution, similar to the first of these, has been passed during our present sessions), it being made clear to us that even the Plan of Union itself was never consistently carried into effect by those professing to act under it. " 3. That the General Assembly has no intention by these resolutions, or by that passed in the case of the Synod of the Western Reserve, to affect in any way the ministerial standing of any members of either of said Synods; nor to disturb the pastoral relation in any church; nor to interfere with the duties or relations of private Christians in their re- spective congregations ; but only to declare and determine, according to 484 Xn. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. the truth and necessity of the case, and by virtue of the full authority existing in it for that purpose, the relation of all said Synods and all their constituent parts to this body, and to the Presbyterian Church in the United States. "4. That inasmuch as there are reported to be several churches and ministers, if not one or two Presbyteries, now in connection with one or more of said Synods, which are strictly Presbyterian in doctrine and order, be it therefore further resolved, that all such churches and minis- ters as wish to unite with us, are hereby directed to apply for admission into those Presbyteries belonging to our connection which are most con- venient to their respective locations ; and that any such Presbytery as aforesaid, being strictly Presbyterian in doctrine and order, and now in connection with either of said Synods, as may desire to unite with us, are hereby directed to make application, with a full statement of. their cases, to the next General Assembly, which will take proper order thereon." " Yeas on resolution 1, 115; Nays, 88; on resolutions 2, 3, 4, Yeas, 113 ; Nays, 60."— Minutes, 1837, pp. 444, 445. 13. Protest of the Commissioners from the Synod of Western Reserve. "We, the subscribers, commissioners to this General Assembly from the Presbyteries of Grand River, Trumbull, Portage, Cleveland, Lorain, Medina, Huron, and Maumee, feel it our duty to enter our solemn pro- test and remonstrance against what we regard the unconstitutional and unjust act of the Assembly, by which we are interrupted in the dis- charge of the duties assigned us by our respective Presbyteries, and excluded from the floor of this house, and from the Presbyterian Church of these United States of America; and by which the General Assembly of the said Church is actually dismembered ; and for the fol- lowing reasons, viz. : " 1. We were regularly appointed by our Presbyteries, commissioned in due form, and admitted to our seats in this Assembly, and exercised our undisputed rights bs members for two weeks. '-"_!. The Presbyteries represented by us all have a regular Presby- terian existence, according to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, as interpreted and administered by all the courts of the Church ; and some of these Presbyteries existed prior to the adoption of the Constitution in 1821, and participated in that act. "3. If there was anything wrong in the original organization of our » THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 485 Presbyteries (which we do not admit or believe), this wrong was charge- able, not upon us, but upon the Synod of Pittsburg, from whose act our original Presbyteries received their existence, and which act has been sanctioned by twenty-two General Assemblies, up to the present time. " 4. But if, after an administration of the Constitution for thirty-six years, on the assumption that the Plan of Union with the Association of Connecticut was constitutional, a different conclusion is now arrived at, we can see no reason why this new discovery, which legally concerns the ' accommodation churches' only, should be made a reason why Pres- byteries, ministers, and elders, regularly introduced into the Presbyterian Church, according to its known and common forms, should be driven, without a constitutional trial, from the rights and privileges secured to them by our Constitution. "5. If it be assumed that the existence of churches on the 'accom- modation plan' rightfully annihilates the existence of all Presbyteries and Synods where such churches have been formed, we see not why this principle should be confined in its severe application to the Synod of the Western Reserve, when it is known that the same system has prevailed in the Synods of Albany, New Jersey, and South Carolina and Georgia, and extensively in other Synods under the care of the General Assembly. And, if the toleration of the 'accommodation plan' proves so fatal to the existence of inferior courts, we see not why the originating and the fos- tering of this plan for thirty-six years should not render nugatory all the acts of the Assembly itself, and even destroy its charter. "A principle which leads to results so disastrous and suicidal to the Presbyterian Church, we cannot regard as constitutional. " 6. Once admit that regularly appointed commissioners may be ex- cluded instanter, without a charge of discourtesy to the House, and without trial, and the way is open to drive from the General Assembly, under some pretext or other, any member, or any number of members, who, for the time being, may be obnoxious to the majority. This prin- ciple annihilates at once and forever the rights of Presbyteries on this floor, and renders the Constitution itself a dead letter. u We complain not so much that we were denied a patient hearing j that it was professed we were not on trial, on the ground that we were already out of the House by the passage of a previous resolution ; and that still testimony was elicited from us catechetically, which, we think, was abused to our condemnation ; that the whole case on which hung the destiny of the Synod was hurried through, and finally closed by the 'previous question,' which shut up the mouths of ourselves and our friends; that, finally, we were furnished with no communication dis- missing us from the House in a courteous manner. All this we have felt to be unkind and unjust treatment; but we have passed it over, to select our reasons for protest from the great principles of Presbyterianism, which, in our case, have been violated. We, therefore, wish to leave this our solemn protest on the records of a court of which we still re 486 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. ourselves as rightful members. Having done this, we commit our case to the calm decision of the Church at large, of posterity, of God. "Rufus Nutting, Alanson Saunders, Henry Brown, Eldad Barber, John Seward, William Fuller, Joseph H. Breck, James Boyd, Harmon Kingsbury, Isaac J. Rice, Varnum Noyes, Benjamin Woodbury, Dudley Williams." — Minutes, 1837, pp. 449, 450. 14. Answer to the Protest. "The General Assembly might not only decline to reply to the pro- test signed by the commissioners from the Presbyteries composing the Synod of the Western Reserve, but even refuse to admit it to record. For if the Plan of Union was unconstitutional, and therefore void, from the beginning, and the existence of these Presbyteries was founded on that Plan of Union, then they never had a constitutional existence, and their commissioners never had a constitutional right to a seat in the General Assembly. The Assembly, therefore, do not exclude those who they admit once had a right to seats here, but they simply declare that, from the unconstitutional organization of these Presbyteries, their com- missioners never had, and of course now have not a right to seats iu this Assembly. They, therefore, had no 'right to vote/ and conse- quently had no l right to join in a protest' against any decision of this House, or to have their protest admitted to record. They did vote, however, in the decision against which they protest; but if they did that in one case which the Constitution did not authorize, that certainly gives them no right to do another thing which depended on their right to do the first act. " But the Assembly desire to treat those brethren with all courtesy, and therefore allow their protest a place in the records. " To their reasons for protesting, the following answers are given : " It seems, however, to be proper in the first place to state the great principle on which the Assembly decided. " We believe that our powers, as a judicatory, are limited and pre- scribed by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church. Whatever any Assembly may do which it is not authorized by the Constitution to do, is not binding on any inferior judicatory, nor on any subsequent Assem- " The Constitution provides that all our judicatories shall be composed of bishops or ministers and ruling elders of the Presbyterian Church, and the General Assembly have no right to introduce into any of the judicatories any other persons claiming to hold any other offices, either in the Presbyterian Church or any other Church. And should they attempt to do this, no one is bound by it. But the General Assembly of 1801 did permit members of standing committees in churches not Presbyterian ' to sit and act' in our Presbyteries, and under this pro- vision they have sat in the higher judicatories of the Church. "On a thorough investigation, it is now fully ascertained that they » THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 487 had no authority from the Constitution to admit officers from any other denomination of Christians to sit and act in our judicatories; and there- fore no Presbytery or Synod thus constituted is recognized by the Con- stitution of our Church, and no subsequent General Assembly is bound to recognize them. " The Presbyteries of the Synod of the "Western Reserve are thus constituted, for committee-men are permitted ' to sit and act' in all these Presbyteries; therefore this General Assembly cannot recognize the constitutional existence of these Presbyteries. "The fact that they have been recognized by former Assemblies cannot bind this Assembly, when it is fully convinced of the unconstitu- tionality of the organization. " In reply to the first reason in the protest, viz., that they were regularly appointed by their Presbyteries, &c, we say they were not regularly appointed, for it is admitted that these committee-men are allowed to vote for commissioners to the Assembly, and these illegal votes, of which there may have been a majority, render the appoint- ment illegal. They held their seats in this Assembly for some time, it is true, but this gives them no right to continue to hold them after it is ascertained that they had no constitutional right to seats. "As to the second reason, that their Presbyteries have a regular Presbyterian existence, it is denied by this Assembly, and on this ground they are denied seats. The existence of Presbyteries thus con- stituted is recognized neither in the former nor the amended Constitution of the Church. "3. If the Synod of Pittsburg constituted Presbyteries in part of materials not allowed by the Constitution, this Assembly is not bound to recognize them. "4. It is well known to those acquainted with the history of this General Assembly, that the Plan of Union, as an unconstitutional com- pact, has long been a subject of complaint, and as long ago as the year 1831, the Assembly resolved that the appointment of members of stand- ing committees to be members of the General Assembly, was of ques- tionable constitutionality, and therefore ought not in future to be made ; and since that time none have been received in the Assembly known to be such. But their right to seats here is just as constitutional as in the Presbytery. "The protestants still assume that their Presbyteries are regularly constituted, while we consider it a fundamental departure from our system to organize a Presbytery with one or two Presbyterian churches and ten or twelve of another denomination of Christians. And had none but Presbyterian churches been allowed to belong to the Presbyteries, some of these Presbyteries never would have existed. The representa- tives of these churches, on the accommodation plan, form a constituent part of these Presbyteries as really as the pastors or elders, and this Assembly can recognize no Presbytery thus constituted as belonging to the Presbyterian Church. 488 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. "5. The Assembly has extended the operation of this principle to other Synods which they find similarly constituted. But even if they did Dot, this injures not the Synod of the Western Reserve. "6. 'Once admit that regularly appointed commissioners may be excluded/ &c. This is assuming what we deny. Many of those who voted for these commissioners, and, for aught we know, a majority, were neither bishops nor ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church, and there- fore had no right to vote for those commissioners. " The Constitution says expressly, it (the General Assembly) shall represent in one body all the particular churches of this denomination ; but these commissioners were voted for by the delegates of churches of another denomination ; therefore they represent churches of another denomination. According to their own showing, there is one Presbytery with only one Presbyterian church, another with two, and in the whole Synod, containing one hundred and thirty-nine churches, there are only twenty-five, or, at most, thirty Presbyterian churches, and one hundred and nine Congregational churches, or churches of a mixed character. It cannot, therefore, be a Presbyterian body where more than three- fourths of the churches are not Presbyterian. It is perfectly manifest that in a body thus constituted it would often occur that the commis- sioners elected would be chosen by those who had no right to vote, and so they would be the representatives not of the Presbyterian, but of the Congregational denomination. " We would observe, in reference to the conclusion of the protest, that the members of the Synod of the Western Reserve, and their friends, occupied a larger space in the discussion than the majority of the Assembly ; and the ' previous question' was not called for until it was manifest that the minds of members were made up. As the Assembly has already made provision for the organization into Presbyteries and annexation to this body of all the ministers and churches who are thoroughly Presbyterian, it is not necessary to reply to the closing remarks of the protest." — Ibid., pp. 450, 452. 15. Protest of the Commissioners from the Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee. " Whereas, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, now in session, has declared the Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee, no longer constituent parts of the Presby- terian Church; and whereas, the commissioners from the Presbyteries constituting those Synods have been deprived of the right of deliberating and voting in this House, therefore — "The undersigned, commissioners from the Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee, claim their right to enter their protest and remonstrance against these acts, for the reasons following, viz. : THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 489 "1. Because we deem such acts utterly unconstitutional and unpre- cedented. In our Form of Government (chap, xii, sees. 4 and 5), the powers of the General Assembly are specifically defined, but no authority to exercise such summary process and excision is there granted. In our Book of Discipline (chapters iv and v), the mode of procedure in the trial and punishment of ministers of the Gospel is expressly and speci- fically prescribed, yet no one point of these laws of discipline has been conformed to in the excision and virtual excommunication of four or five hundred ministers, in good and regular standing in the Presbyterian Church ; no citations have been issued or served ; no charges have been specified or preferred, and no opportunity has been afforded for justifica- tion or defence. u2. Because, when the regular and constitutional method of trial was proposed to this house, the majority rejected this plan, and proceeded, without trial in any form, and, in our judgment, in the face of all the regulations and provisions of our Constitution and rules of discipline, to declare the aforesaid Synods to be ' out of the ecclesiastical connection of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and not in form or fact an integral portion of said Church/ "3. Because the act of exclusion is professedly based on the previous act of the Assembly, purporting to abrogate the ' Plan of Union' formed by the* Assembly of 1801, with the Connecticut Association, and acted upon for thirty-six years; whereas, in our estimation, that ancient com- pact could not, in good faith, be abrogated without previous conference with said Association; and even if it could be so abrogated, that abro- gation would not destroy or invalidate the institutions established, and the rights vested under its operation. Besides, the majority of the churches within the bounds of said Synods are strictly Presbyterian in their structure, and, with few exceptions, even the small number of churches originally Congregational were not organized under the stipu- lations of the said 'Plan of Union/ but came in under a different arrangement, and posssessed rights on this subject, separate from and independent of the ' Plan of Union' of 1801, secured to them by the Assembly of 1808, by which the Synod of Albany was authorized to take the 'Middle Association' under its care; in virtue of which ar- rangement commissioners from said Association were admitted to the floor of the General Assembly up to the period when the Association was dissolved and erected into two Presbyteries, regularly organized out of its materials. "4. Because all our Synods and Presbyteries have been regularly and constitutionally formed and recognized, and, as such, have no necessary dependence whatever upon the"' Plan of Union,' or any other plan of accommodation, and, consequently, could not be affected either by the existence or abrogation of such plan. " 5. Because no proof was exhibited on the floor of the Assembly, that a single minister in these Synods was irregularly inducted into the office of the ministry, and we know of none such; and in every Presbytery 490 XII. TIIE DIVISION OP THE CHURCH. belonging to these Synods there are churches formed on strict Presbyte- rian principles, and in most of our Presbyteries such churches compose a large majority. " 6. Because, while the resolution for the exclusion of these Synods was under discussion, members were permitted to read and refer to let- ters and publications containing what we consider unfounded statements, and to utter vague and injurious reports, and when requested, refused to give names, places, and dates; and, although the right was insisted upon, not a single commissioner from any one of the three Synods could obtain the floor to address the Assembly on the resolution, being put down by the motion for the previous question. " 7. Because no notice whatever was given to the Synods in question of the intention to sever them from the Presbyterian Church, nor the least opportunity afforded them for vindicating themselves from the vague and informal charges uttered against them on the floor of the General Assembly. " 8. Because there has been no definite or authentic evidence what- ever regularly before this Assembly, of the existence within the bounds of the said Synods of those errors in doctrine, or those gross irregularities in practice which they are alleged to be guilty of tolerating. " 9. Because, in our view, these acts of the Assembly are not only unconstitutional and unwarrantable, but tend to disturb the peace of our churches, to injure our ministerial character and standing, and to impair our usefulness, and thus to retard the progress of truth and righteousness in one of the most populous and important sections of our country. " 10. Because, finally, while in the accompanying resolutions it is de- clared that these acts are not intended to affect our ministerial character, or to interfere with the organization and peace of our Synods or Presby- teries, the last resolution in the category directs Presbyteries, ministers, and churches, to detach themselves from the bodies with which they are now connected, and apply for admission into the nearest Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church. Thus attempting to exercise authority over bodies already declared not to be constituent portions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and to disturb their order and peace. " For these reasons, we do hereby enter our solemn protest and re- monstrance against the proceedings in question. 11 John W. McCullough, George Spalding, S. Benjamin, Philip C. Hay, Thomas Lounsbury, Merit Harmon, Solomon Ste- vens, Ira Pettibone, John Gridley, J. B. llichardson, Marcus Smith, Horace Hunt, Henry Brewster, Samuel W. May, Fayette Shipherd, Washington Thatcher, J. B. Preston." — Minutes, 1837, pp. 464-466. 16. Answer to this Protest. 11 In reply to the protest of the commissioners from the Presbyteries composing the Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee, against the act of • THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 491 this Assembly declaring them no longer a constituent portion of the Presbyterian Church, the Assembly remark : "1. That the above-named Synods became connected with the Pres- byterian Church by the Plan of Union of 1801, which Plan the Assem- bly had no constitutional power to adopt, and was accordingly null and void from the beginning. So it has been declared by this Assembly. And as these Synods became connected with the General Assembly by an unconstitutional Plan of Union, they never have been a constitu- tional part of it. And this is all the act in reference to them declares. "Nor is there, as the protestants declare, an excommunication of four or five hundred ministers. The act itself asserts the contrary. As there was no judicial process instituted against them, no citations were neces- sary. Without impeaching the character or standing of the brethren composing these Synods, this Assembly, by a legislative act, merely de- clares them, in consequence of the abrogation of the Plan of Union of 1801, no longer a constituent part of the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States. "2. When resolutions were before the house for the citation of judi- catures to the bar of the next Assembly, charged by common fame with sanctioning errors in doctrine and irregularities in practice, the protest- ants unanimously opposed them. And now they complain that they were not thus cited. " 3. The compact of the Assembly of 1808 with the Synod of Albany, in reference to the ' Middle Association/ is as unconstitutional as the Plan of Union of 1801 ; and the fact stated by the protestants, that two large Presbyteries were made out of that Middle Association, and that commissioners from said Association were admitted to the floor of the Assembly as members, only proves the constitutionality of the act against which they complain. So that their third specification of grievance con- tains its own answer. " 4. The contrary of their fourth specification of grievance is believed and proved to be the fact. The great majority of the churches of these Synods were formerly Congregational; and the great majority of those of them now Presbyterian retain" much of their Congregational pecu- liarities and prejudices. They almost unanimously prefer the institu- tions of the Church they have abandoned, to those of the Church of their adoption. They are in form Presbyterian, but in prejudice, and in fact, Congregational. • " 5. As no charge was brought against any minister or ministers, that they were irregularly inducted into the office of the ministry, no proof was needed to sustain it. The charge is, not that they were irregularly inducted into the Christian ministry, but that they were unconstitution- ally connected with the Presbyterian Church. " G. The papers complained of were official papers, published over the signatures of stated clerks of Presbyteries, and committees of Synods and Associations. The resolutions complained of were thirty-six hours under debate, and more than one-half of the time was occupied by those 492 XII. — TIIE DIVISION OF TIIE CHURCH. opposed to their adoption. A brother, in the midst of an argument, yielded the floor, that the protestants might make what statements they thought proper; but none were made. The previous question was once withdrawn, for the same purpose; and they were yet silent. And yet they complain because no time was given — that they were put down by the previous question ! ! " 7. This is founded on the supposition that they were constitutional parts of the Presbyterian Church, and that the act by which they were declared to be no longer a constitutional part of it, is not a legislative, but a judicial act. Both of which suppositions are incorrect. "8. The evidence of great errors in doctrine and gross irregularities in practice prevailing to an alarming extent within the bounds of said Synods, and if not countenanced, certainly unsuppressed by them, is before the Church and the world. " 9. This is a mere expression of opinion by the protestants, to which, in this free country, every man has an undoubted right. " 10. In the resolution complained of, this Assembly merely tenders its advice to the ministers and churches sincerely Presbyterian, and points them to the constitutional door, by which they may speedily return to the Church of their preference and affection/' — Minutes, 1837, pp. 466, 467. 17. Dissolution of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. " Be it resolved, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America : " 1. That the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia be, and is hereby dissolved. "2. That the territory embraced in this Presbytery is reannexed to those to which it respectively appertained before its creation. Its stated clerk is directed to deposit all the records and other papers in the hands of the stated clerk of the Synod of Philadelphia, on or before the first day of the sessions of that Synod, at its first meeting after this Assembly adjourns. " 3. The candidates and foreign missionaries of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia arc hereby attached to the Presbytery of Philadelphia. "4. The ministers, churches, and licentiates in the Presbytery hereby dissolved, are directed to apply, without delay, to the Presbyteries to which they most naturally belong, for admission into them. And upon application being so made by any duly organized Presbyterian Church, it shall be received. " 5. These resolutions shall be in force from and after the final adjourn- • THE EXSCINDING ACTS. 493 ment of the present sessions of the General Assembly." [Yeas, 75 ; nays, 60.]— Minutes, 1837, p. 472. 18. Protest against the foregoing Action. "The undersigned, members of the General Assembly, present the following protest against the resolutions of the General Assembly, by •which the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia has been dissolved, and for the following reasons : ■■ 1. Because the said resolutions are contrary to the acts of several successive General Assemblies, by which said Presbytery was, as we believe, constitutionally created, and has been sustained. This Presbytery was formed by the General Assembly of 1832, — justly said to have been one of the ablest Assemblies that ever sat in this city; and that too after long, full, and able discussion as to the constitutionality of creating it, the Assembly having deemed it the only effectual and constitutional way of suppressing the protracted and painful disputes among the brethren in the Presbytery of Philadelphia. "Nor was this done until the Synod had refused to take steps for the division of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, as directed by the Assembly of 1831, and the case had been brought up before the Assembly by complaint and petition, and by the reference of the Synod. Subsequently this Presbytery having been dissolved by the Synod of Philadelphia, was restored by the Assembly in 1834. In 1836, the Assembly assigned geographical limits to this Presbytery, in the belief and with the general understanding, that it was to terminate the dispute in relation to its alleged unconstitutional existence, on the ground of elective affinity. Here it was hoped this Presbytery would have been permitted to pursue their labors without further molestation. We therefore regard it as not only doing injury to the Presbytery, but as being contrary to the re- peatedly expressed decisions of the collected wisdom of the whole Church, and utterly subversive of all stability in our government, when the case had been fairly before them and* fully discussed, again to disturb the organization of this Presbytery and agitate the churches of this city. "2. We protest against the dissolution of this Presbytery, on the ground of its having been originally a mere elective affinity body, for this principle has been recognized and acted upon by the Presbyterian Church in this country for nearly a century, as a means of terminating painful disputes among brethren of the same Presbytery. It is a thing of frequent occurrence, to allow a minister unpleasantly situated, either from local circumstances or otherwise, to withdraw and connect himself with another Presbytery. "3. Because the objections urged against the existence of this Pres- bytery, on the ground of its alleged defective geographical limits, are wholly without foundation, inasmuch as the geographical boundaries are completely and throughout its whole extent accurately denned, so that its 494 xn. — tiie DivrsioN of the church. future operations are restricted within limits much more distinctly defined than either of the two other Presbyteries in this city. "4. We protest against the resolution, because of its unconstitution- ality, inasmuch as the Presbytery has been dissolved without being accused, cited, tried, or condemned, and that too without any opportunity of defence, and in a manner as sudden and unexpected, as it has been in our apprehension contrary to justice and right; and inasmuch as it may have the effect to exclude from the Presbyterian Church some of its ministers in good standing, without the benefit of those forms of justice which our Book of Discipline provides shall be respected in all processes affecting the reputation of ministers, and guarantees to all. " 5. Because the resolution was passed after four Synods had been cut off, thus taking fifty-one commissioners from the floor of the Assem- bly, and thus dismembering the body, which we feel to be the more grievous, because, had the thing been attempted before such dismember- ment, it could not have been carried. " 6. We protest, finally, because of the contentions which we fear it will excite again in this city, and which we had hoped had happily ceased. The Presbytery was at peace and peacefully pursuing its course. Its plans of usefulness have thus been broken up. Its way is embarrassed. The churches under its care are thrown into perplexity and confusion, and in our apprehension serious injury will be inflicted on the interests of religion in this city. "John P. Cleaveland, William Jessup, Robert Stuart, Frederick W. Graves, James I. Ostrom, E. W. Gilbert, E. Seymour, Am- brose White, George Painter, John L. Grant, N. C. Clark, E. Cheever, Bliss Burnap, George Duffield. T. D. South worth, Thomas Brown, Burr Bradley, N. S. S. Beman, Alexander Campbell, John Mines, Absalom Peters, Jacob Faris, Samuel Reed, Wilfred Hall, Adam Miller/'— Minutes, 1837, pp. 486- 488. 19. Answer to the Protest. "Resolved, That the protest respecting the dissolution of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia, is sufficiently answered by stating that the reasonings which it contains are foreign from the grounds on which the question was decided ; that the evidence before this Assembly, establish- ing the evil effects of the existence of this Presbytery, is ample ; that the principle on which it was formed, and on which it has existed up to this time, viz., that of elective affinity, is now on all hands admitted to be unconstitutional; and lastly, that being originally formed by the Assembly, none can question the right of that body to dissolve it, when- ever its continued existence is found to be injurious to truth and charity." — Minutes, 1837, p. 488. PERTAINING TO THE DIVISION. 495 Section 3. — Pertaining to the Division. 1. Pastoral letter to the churches under the care of the General Assembly, 1837. — 2. Circular letter to the Churches of Christ. — 3. Assembly of 1838. Organization of the Assembly. — 4. Demand for the records, books, papers, &c. of the General Assembly. The demand refused. — 5. Trustees elected. — 6. Committee of Twelve appointed with power to advise and direct. — 7. The Assembly willing to agree to any reasonable measure for the amicable adjustment of difficulties. — 8. Pas- toral letter to the churches under the care of the General Assembly, 1838. — 9. Report of the Committee of Twelve. Articles of agreement proposed. Result of the trial at law. Charge of the court. — 10. A declaration of the General Assembly, setting forth its present position and its causes. — 11. Withdrawal of the suits at law. — 12. The roll of the Assembly rectified. — 13. Proposal to unite in communion ; refused. — 14. Committee of Correspondence appointed. The result. — 15. Detail of efforts for a harmonious understanding. 1. Pastoral Letter to the Churches under the Care of the General Assembly, 1837. [Adopted by the majority of the Assembly of 1837, after the pas- sage of the Exscinding Acts. — Minutes, 1837, p. 479. " Dear Brethren : As the doings of the present General Assembly have been of unusual character, and such as may produce important consequences, we think it proper to lay an abstract of our decisions and the reasons of them before the churches under our care. Discerning men have perceived for a number of years, that the affairs of our beloved Church were hastening to a crisis ; and when the members of the present Assembly came together, the state of parties was such as to make it manifest, that a division of the Church was the most desirable object that could be effected. What are called the Old School and New School parties are already separated in fact; in almost every part of our country where those parties exist, they haVe less ministerial or Christian com- munion with one another than either of those parties have with Christians of other denominations; and they are so equally balanced in point of power, that for years past it has been uncertain, until the General Assembly was fully organized, which of those parties would predominate in that body. " From these circumstances, as well as from other things not necessary to mention, it is known to our brethren, that the floor of our highest judicatory, as well as of our Synods and Presbyteries, has, for years, presented scenes of contention and strife such as many of us never expected to witness in the Presbyterian Church, and such as are highly disgraceful to our Christian character. This spirit of contention deprives the Church of all power for maintaining the purity of her standards, and securing that wholesome instruction, either in our pulpits or presses, 49G XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. which would conduce to the edification of the body of Christ; and until the parties are separated and formed into different denominations, there is no ground of hope that these contentions can be terminated. " So fully was this Assembly convinced, that a separation of the parties was the only cure for the evils under which we labor, that a com- mittee was appointed by common consent, composed of equal numbers from the different sides of the house, to adjust if possible the terms of an amicable division of the Church into two separate and independent denominations. This joint committee agreed upon the principles of the division, but could not agree upon the form. It was admitted on all hands, that the Old School party should retain the name and the funds of the Church, and especially all the funds and property connected with the Theological Seminaries at Princeton and Pittsburg. But on the mode of separation the committee could not agree. The New School party would consent to no other plan than that of referring it to the Presbyteries, in order to have the division made by the next General Assembly. To this plan the other party thought there were insuperable objections. It was believed that, our Presbyteries being so widely dis- persed, the returns from them would be uncertain ; that many things might occur to defeat the arrangement; and that, as the probable result, the parties would come to the next Assembly, with more determination to contend for the power and government of the whole Church than on any former occasion. " On reviewing the causes from which our troubles have arisen, another plan presented itself to the view of the majority, which appeared better calculated to effect, in a peaceable manner, that division of the Church which all seemed to consider as a matter of indispensable neces- sity. The contentions which distract the Church evidently arose from the Plan of Union formed in 1801, between the General Assembly and the Association of Connecticut. This Plan was indeed projected and brought into operation by some of the wisest and best men the Presby- terian Church has ever known, and it evidently originated from the purest and most benevolent motives. It has, however, been disastrous in its effects. We mean no disrespect to the Congregationalists of New England, as such ; indeed there is no denomination of Christians beyond the pale of our own Church whom we esteem and love more sincerely; and yet we believe that the attempt, by this Plan of Union, to bring Congregationalists and Presbyterians into the same denomination, has been the principal cause of those dissensions which now distract and rend the Church to pieces. " We allude to these circumstances, merely for the purpose of ex- plaining the only remedy which appears applicable to our present troubles. The Plan of Union adopted in 1801, was evidently unconsti- tutional in its nature, and of a tendency to subvert the institutions and distinctive character of the Presbyterian Church; and such being the fact, it was certainly the duty of the present Assembly to abrogate said Plan, and to declare it void from the beginning. From this act of abro- gation, and from the declaration that it was void from the begiuning, it PASTORAL LETTER. 497 m would necessarily follow, that the churches, Presbyteries, and Synods formed under said Plan, were of course not to be considered as parts of the Presbyterian Church. From this view of the subject it appears, that the separation, so necessary for the well-being of the Presbyterian Church, exists already, and that we have nothing to do but to acton the facts of the case to secure our tranquillity. "In the first place, we have said that the act of Union of 1801 was unconstitutional. It will be admitted that the most fundamental and sound parts of the constitution of any community, are those parts which form the legislative and judicial councils of the community, and desig- nate the qualifications of the members of said councils. These are parts of the government, in all societies, deemed too sacred to be touched by any authority, excepting that which can make and unmake the consti- tution at its pleasure. Should any authority in the United States assume to introduce into the State legislatures or Congress, men not constitu- tionally qualified, and who were subjects of another political power, the alarm would be given at once that a most violent outrage had been in- flicted on our governments and our rights. And although we would say it with respect, yet we must say, that this was the very thing which the act of 1801 effected in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church. By that act, committee-men belonging to the Congregational Church, and under its government, were introduced into our Presbyteries, and by the 'subsequent execution of the act, into our Synods and our General Assembly. Men who were under the authority of a body without our Church, exercised the highest power of the Church. This was a most palpable infraction of our Constitution. " In the next place, all the churches formed and constituted under the operation of this act, were at least as much trained in doctrine and church order on the Congregational as on the Presbyterian plan, and had just as much preparation for becoming members of a Congregational as of a Presbyterian church ; and therefore any subsequent acts of any of our judicatories, forming such churches into Presbyteries or Synods, and connecting them with us as constituent parts of our body, were un- constitutional. This has been the source of all our present evils : the raising up of Presbyteries and Syaiods out of men who had at least as much of the Congregational as Presbyterian character, has scattered the elements of discord through all our regions, and torn our afflicted Church to pieces. These indeed were consequences not perceived from the beginning; it required the light of experience to teach us, that the amalgamation of such bodies as the Congregational and Presbyterian would produce a ferment sufficient to agitate the whole American nation. " Having traced thus far the unconstitutional and pernicious tendency of this act, it only remains to say, that when this act is abrogated by the proper authority, as a matter of course everything which arose under its influence and training is abrogated with it. This we presume is the ground on which all the jurisprudence of our country stands, and upon which all our political courts and legislatures act. It has indeed been 32 498 XII. — THE DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. said, that when an unconstitutional law forms a contract, the abrogation of the law cannot set the contract aside, as this would suppose that a person might take the advantage of his own wrong to relieve himself from a just obligation. But to this it may be answered, that an uncon- stitutional law can give rise to no binding contract. The unconstitu- tionality supposes that the organ of government is granting what it has no right to grant, and therefore no obligation can be imposed. But in the present case, the act in question goes to the subversion of the Pres- byterian Church, and therefore any contract which could arise under it, calculated to destroy that Church, would be of such an immoral tendency as could impose no obligation. It is one of the first principles of morals, that an unlawful contract is not to be fulfilled. "It then appears plain to us, that, by the abrogation of the act of 1801, the Synods of the Western Beserve, Utica, Genesee, and Geneva, are independent bodies, standing on their own ground, and free to choose their future connections, and that thus far a separation exists between us and them, which may greatly conduce to the peace and comfort of both parties ; and as both the majority and minority agree in expressing the opinion, that a division of the Church in conformity with the sym- pathies of the present parties, was both desirable and expedient, we were much surprised to find, that the minority would not agree with us in carrying out the existing separation, so as to form the Church into two distinct bodies, either of which would be sufficiently large to form a General Assembly, and which might act peaceably in promoting the common interests of our Redeemer's kingdom. In our present connec- tion, there is no hope of peace. The controversy threatens to become more fierce, more extensive, and more destructive of all the vital prin- ciples of religion, the longer we continue together. Indeed, the great motives for all the measures of separation to which we have resorted on the present occasion, are the peace, prosperity, and holiness of our beloved Church; and these objects, we believe, can never be obtained until this separation is effected. " Our brethren of the minority seemed to consider it as an insult, when we urged the fact, that the abrogation of an unconstitutional law left us as distinct and separate bodies: we intended no insult; the ground we took and the language we used implied none ; we only said that they were separate from us, and we from them : if this implied disgrace on them, it implied the same on ourselves; we wished both parties to' con- sider themselves as on equal ground ; and as to the unconstitutional law from which all our misapprehensions had arisen, we were willing that the greater blame should lie on us. In fact, our wish was and is to part as brethren, and as in certain important points of doctrine and church order we cannot agree, let each party take the word of God as their rule of faith and practice, and pursue their course as those who must give account to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls. " We have now, dear brethren, briefly explained the reasons for the course we have taken on the present occasion, and we believe it would CIRCULAR LETTER. 499 have been a blessing to our Church, if the measures now adopted had been resorted to at an earlier period. The progress of controversy has greatly destroyed brotherly confidence. Indeed, the union between the parties, for several years, has only existed in name ; in fact they have been two separate bodies, and we believe the sooner they are brought to consider themselves as forming distinct denominations, the sooner will they return to the spirit and principles of the Gospel of Christ. " We must observe, in conclusion, that on whatever side the principal fault of our present disturbances may lie, the whole Church has abundant cause of deep humiliation and repentance before Almighty God. Our calamities have not arisen from the dust; our Heavenly Father has stretched forth his hand over us, and let us acknowledge ' the rod and him that hath appointed it/ Let us return to him that he may return to us ; if he has wounded, it is he alone that can heal ; if he hath broken down, he can build us up. " By order of the General Assembly. "David Elliott, Moderator. " John McDowell, Stated Clerk. '; Philadelphia, June 8th, 1837." —Minutes, pp. 499, 502. 2. Circular Letter to the Churches of Christ. " Mr. Breckinridge, from the committee to prepare .a letter to be addressed to all the Churches of Christ Jesus throughout the earth, made a report, which was read, accepted, anJ'oposed Amendments. Alterations in the Constitution made in accordance. 11 The Committee [on Polity] report : "1. That the overtures sent down to the Presbyteries by the Assem- bly of 1839 have been affirmed in the responses, all three of them : there being 59 affirmatives for the first overture; 57 for the second; and for the third, 44. " The whole number of our Presbyteries last year was So ; of which, consequently, the lowest majority is 43 ; and this number the committee have therefore assumed as their criterion of the majority, according to the words of the Constitution. See Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 0. " 2. That the paragraph appended to the overtures having been also affirmed by 49 votes, the committee have digested their results accord- „ AMENDMENTS TO FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 507 ingly, and recommend that the Assembly now rule and ordain the fol- lowing changes in the polity of the Presbyterian Church in these United States, viz. : "(1.) That the ratio of Presbyterial representation be reduced to its minimum, altering our Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 2, so that said section shall be hereafter alone and in all, and read as follows, viz. : The General Assembly shall consist of an equal delegation of bishops and ruling elders from the Presbyteries, in the simple proportion of one minister and one elder from each Presbytery; and these commissioners so appointed shall be styled, ' Commissioners to the General Assembly.' " [See chap, v, sec. 4, p. 159.] "(2.) That Section 7 of the same chapter (xii) be so altered in its first sentence as to read as follows, viz. : ' The General Assembly shall meet triennially, or once in three years, and ordinarily on the third Thursday of the month of May in every third year. "(3.) That Section 8 of the same be so practically modified, and every other part and provision of the Constitution with it conformably, that the present changes, as hereinabove specified, shall be maintained inviolate* and shall go into full force and operation as the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America." — Minutes, 1840, pp. 16, 17. 12. Proposal to return to Annual Assemblies, and to restore Appellate Power to the Assembly, so far as it respects Ministers. a. u Ordered, on motion of the Rev. S. Haynes, that the following overture be sent down to the several Presbyteries for their action, and that they report to the meeting of this Assembly in 1847 : ' Shall the Form of Government, chap, xii, sec. 7, be so altered as to require the General Assembly to hold its sessions annually instead of triennially, retaining its present functions.'' — Minutes, 1846, p. 30. " The Committee on Church Polity presented a report recommending that the following overture be sent down to the Presbyteries for their action : ' Shall appellate power be restored to the Assembly, so far as respects ministers?' And the report was adopted." — Minutes, 1846, p. 35. 13. The Proposals more clearly defined. Revision of the Standards committed to a Committee. " The following resolution was adopted : "Whereas, there is a doubt about the propriety of the forms of over- 598 XIII. — MISCELLANEOUS. tures submitted to the Presbyteries by this Assembly, at its sessions in Philadelphia ; therefore, "Resolved, That the Presbyteries be requested to forward their reply to them in the following form : " 1. Shall Section 7th of Chapter xi, Form of Government, be altered so as to read 'annually/ instead of e triennially V " 2. Shall the first sentence of Section 7th of Chapter xii, Form of Government, be altered so as to read, 'The General Assembly shall meet at least once in every year/ or shall it read, ' The General Assem- bly shall meet at least once in every third year V " 3. Shall paragraph 2d of Chapter vii, Book of Discipline, be altered so as, after the word ' Synod/ to insert the words, ' except in cases af- fecting the character of ministers of the Gospel V •'4. Shall paragraph 2d of Section 3 of Chapter vii, Book of Disci- pline, be altered so as to prefix to it the words, 'All appeals, except in cases affecting the character of ministers of the Gospel, shall terminate with the Synod V and "5. Shall paragraph 4th, of Section 4 of Chapter vii, Book of Disci- pline, be altered so as to annex to it the words, 'And all complaints shall terminate with the Synods, except in cases affecting the character of ministers of the Gospel V " On motion of Rev. I. Ingraham, it was "Resolved, unanimously, That in the judgment of this Assembly, the Constitution, as contained in the look which is now authenticated to the churches, is authoritative and binding, until it shall be regularly amended by proper overtures submitted to the Presbyteries. " The remainder of the report on the revision of the standards was recommitted, with instructions to report to the next Assembly." — Minutes, 1847, pp. 148, 149. 14. The Overtures 1 and 2 respecting Annual Assemblies adopted. Overtures 3, 4, and 5 on Appeals negatived. " The Committee on the Polity of the Church reported on the subject of the overtures sent down by the last Assembly : "That it appears from the roll that there are one hundred and four Presbyteries connected with the Assembly; of which fifty-three are a majority; that eighty-one Presbyteries have sent in their answers to the overtures, and twenty-three have not. fc AMENDMENTS TO FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 599 "That to the first and second overtures, which respect the return to Annual Assemblies, sixty-three Presbyteries have answered in the affir- mative, and twenty-six have answered in the negative. " These overtures are affirmed, and the Constitution is changed ac- cordingly, viz. : " 1. Section 7 of Chapter xi,* Form of Government, is altered, so as to read ' annually' instead of ' triennially/ " 2. The first sentence of Section 7 of Chapter xii, Form of Go- vernment, is so altered as to read: 'The General Assembly shall meet at least once in every year/ instead of ' The General Assembly shall meet at least triennially, or once in every third year/ "To the overtures Nos. 3, 4, and 5, pertaining to appeals in the case of ministers, forty Presbyteries have answered in the affirmative, and forty-seven Presbyteries have answered in the negative. " The changes proposed by these overtures are, therefore, not adopted/' — Minutes, 1849, p. 175. 15. Report on Changes of the Constitution. Proposal to Restore it, as in 1840. Overtures sent down. In 1849, the following paper was adopted in reference to the changes made in the Constitution : " Whereas, this General Assembly has ascertained, as is fully set forth in the report of the Committee on the Revision of the Standards (which is hereby directed to be published in the Appendix to the Mi- nutes), that the alterations made in the Constitutional Rules, by a Com- mittee of the Assembly of 1840, were made in a manner so irregular and unconstitutional as to occasion great doubt and perplexity as to their authenticity ; " And whereas, one of the three overtures on which these alterations were based, relating to the frequency of the meetings of the General Assembly, has now been constitutionally reversed : "And whereas, serious doubt has been expressed as to the passage of the third overture of the Assembly of 1839 ; and the occasion for its passage has now been taken away by the restoration of annual assem- blies : "And whereas, a change in the basis of representation in General Assembly, as established in a constitutional manner by the Assembly of * This refers to the Book as altered in 1840. Section 7 is Section G of the pre- sent Book. 600 XIII. — MISCELLANEOUS. 1833, has never been submitted to the Presbyteries and constitutionally adopted : " Therefore, in order to ascertain the wishes of the Presbyteries more clearly and fully, as to the expediency of restoring the Constitution to its condition previous to 1840, and, if this be thought inexpedient, in order to incorporate the principles then introduced in a perfectly regular and constitutional manner : " Resolved, That the Book be restored to the form in which it was published previous to the year 1840, and that the following overtures be submitted to the Presbyteries : "I. Limitation of Appeal. "1. Shall Form of Government, chapter xii, section 4, be altered so as to omit the words ' appeals and/ before the word l references V "2. Shall Book of Discipline, chapter vii, section 2, be altered so as to insert the words l the General Assembly and the Synod in judicial cases,' instead of the words ' the highest V " 3. Shall Book of Discipline, chapter vii, section 3, subsec. 2, be altered so as to read, ' any judicatory not higher than a Synod,' instead of ' a higher judicatory V "4. Shall Book of Discipline, chapter vii, section 4, subsec. 1, be altered so as to read, l any judicatory inferior to a Synod/ instead of 'an inferior judicatory ?' "II. Pro Be Nata Assemblies. "5. In Form of Government, chapter xii, shall a new section be in- troduced after section 7, as follows : ' VIII. The last moderator and the stated and permanent clerks are empowered to call &p?*o re nata meet- ing of the General Assembly, in case of any emergency, which, in their opinion, demands such a meeting, by circular letter, addressed to each of the Presbyteries, at least four months before the time of holding such meeting?' — and the subsequent section be numbered ix instead of viii? " III. Representation in Assembly. " 6. Shall Form of Government, chapter xii, section 2, be altered so as to read : ' The General Assembly shall consist of an equal delegation of bishops and elders, one from each Presbytery • and these delegates so appointed, shall be styled Commissioners to the General Assembly. AMENDMENTS TO FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 601 " Resolved further, That till an expression of the will of the Presby- teries in regard to these overtures be obtained, it be understood that all appeals and complaints shall terminate with the Synods, and that the basis of representation in the Assembly shall be the same as at present." — Minutes, 1849, pp. 183, 184. [See Appendix to Minutes, pp. 195-212.] 16. These Overtures rejected and the Constitution restored as before the Division. " The Committee on the Polity of the Church made a report in refer- ence to the ' Answers of Presbyteries to the overtures sent down by the last Assembly/ which was adopted, and is as follows : " It appears from the roll, that there are one hundred and two Pres- byteries connected with the Assembly ; that eighty-seven Presbyteries have sent up their answers to the first three overtures, on the subject of the ' Limitation of Appeals,' and fifteen have not ; and that of these, thirty Presbyteries have answered in the affirmative, and fifty-seven Presbyteries have answered in the negative. " That to the fourth overture, on the subject of ' Complaints,' the answers vary only by the addition of the Presbytery of Pataskala to the number of those answering in the negative ; thus making the number of Presbyteries replying in the affirmative to this overture, twenty-nine ; and in the negative, fifty-eight. "That to the fifth overture, on the subject of 'Pro re nata Meetings of the Assembly/ eighty-six Presbyteries have sent answers, the same as have replied to the other overtures, with the exception of the Presbytery of Newark ; and that of these only three Presbyteries have answered in the affirmative, viz., Champlain, Erie, and Hanover; the remaining eighty-three having answered in the negative. "That to the sixth overture, on the subject of the * Ratio of Repre- sentation in the Assembly/ answers have been returned by eighty-four Presbyteries, the same as before, with the exception of the Presbyteries of Newark, Grand River, and Huron j and that of these, twenty-eight Presbyteries have answered in the affirmative, and fifty-six Presbyteries have answered the same overture in the negative. The Assembly there- fore declares that a majority of the whole number of Presbyteries has decided against each and all of the proposed changes in the Constitution. 602 XIIT. — MISCELLANEOUS. The Book therefore remains as in 1840; or, as it was before the divi- sion of the church." — Minutes, 1850, pp. 317, 318. Note. — The amendments made or proposed have never affected the Confession of Faith proper, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, or the Directory for Worship. These remain, word for word and letter for letter, as they were adopted at the formation of the Assembly in 1788. Section 7. — Rules for Judicatories.* [See page 172 for Amendments.] 1. The moderator shall take the chair precisely at the hour to which the judicatory stands adjourned; shall immediately call the members to order ; and, on the appearance of a quorum, shall open the session with prayer. 2. If a quorum be assembled at the hour appointed, and the mode- rator be absent, the last moderator present shall be requested to take his place without delay. 3. If a quorum be not assembled at the hour appointed, any two members shall be competent to adjourn, from time to time, that an oppor- tunity may be given for a quorum to assemble. 4. After calling the roll, and marking the absentees, the minutes of the last sitting shall be read, and, if requisite, corrected. 5. It shall be the duty of the moderator at all times to preserve order, and to endeavor to conduct all business before the judicatory to a speedy and proper result. 6. It shall be the duty of the clerk, as soon as possible after the com- mencement of the sessions of every judicatory, to form a complete roll of the members present, and put the same into the hands of the mode- rator. And it shall also be the duty of the clerk, whenever any addi- tional members take their seats, to add their names, in their proper places, to the said roll. * The following rules not having been submitted to the Presbyteries, make no part of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church. Yet the General Assembly of 1821, considering uniformity in proceedings in all the subordinate judicatories as greatly conducive to order and dispatch of business, and having revised and ap- proved these rules, recommend them to the Synods, Presbyteries, and Sessions as a sy>tem of regulations which, if they think proper, may be advantageously adopted by them. » RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 603 •7. It shall be the duty of the clerk immediately to file all papers in the order in which they have been read, with proper indorsements, and to keep them in perfect order. 8. It shall be the duty of the moderator carefully to keep notes of the several articles of business which may be assigned to particular days, and to call them up at the time appointed. 9. The moderator may speak to points of order in preference to other members, rising from his seat for that purpose ; and shall decide ques- tions of order, subject to an appeal to the judicatory by any two mem- bers. 10. Business left unfinished at the last sitting is, ordinarily, to be taken up first. 11. A motion made must be seconded, and afterwards repeated by the moderator, or read aloud before it is debated ; and every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the moderator or any member require it. 12. Any member who shall have made a motion, shall have liberty to withdraw it, with the consent of his second, before any debate has taken place thereon, but not afterwards, without the leave of the judicatory. 13. On questions of order, adjournment, postponement, or commit- ment, no member shall speak more than once. On all other questions, each member may speak twice, but not oftener, without express leave of the judicatory. 14. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received unless to amend it, to commit it, to postpone it for the previous ques- tion, or to adjourn. 15. An amendment may be moved on any motion, and shall be decided before the original motion. 16. If a motion under debate contains several parts, any two members may have it divided, and a question taken on each part. 17. The previous question shall be put in this form : Shall the main question be noiv put ? It shall only be admitted when demanded by a majority of the members present; and its effect shall be to put an end to all debate, and bring the body to a direct vote ; first, on a motion to commit the subject under consideration (if such motion shall have been made); secondly (if the motion to commit does not prevail), on pending amendments ; and, lastly, upon the main question. 18. The call for the previous question shall not be debatable. 19. A question shall not be again called up or reconsidered at the same sessions of the judicatory at which it has been decided, unless by G04 XIII. — MISCELLANEOUS. the consent of two-thirds of the members who were present at the de- cision ; and unless the motion to reconsider be made and seconded by persons who voted with the majority. 20. A subject which has been indefinitely postponed, either by the operation of the previous question or by a direct motion for indefinite postponement, shall not be again called up during the same sessions of the judicatory, unless by the consent of three-fourths of the members who were present at the decision. 21. Every member, when speaking, shall address himself to the mo- derator, and shall treat his fellow-members, and especially the moderator, with decorum and respect. Nor shall members address one another, nor any person present, but through the moderator. 22. Without express permission, no member of a judicatory, while business is going on, shall engage in private conversation. 23. No speaker shall be interrupted unless he be out of order, or for the purpose of correcting mistakes or misrepresentations. 24. It is indispensable that members of ecclesiastical judicatories maintain great gravity and dignity while judicially convened; that they attend closely in their speeches to the subject under consideration, and avoid prolix and desultory harangues ; and, when they deviate from the subject, it is the privilege of any member and the duty of the mode- rator to call them to order. 25. No member in the course of debate shall be allowed to indulge in personal reflections. 26. If more than one member rise to speak at the same time, the member who is most distant from the moderator's chair shall speak first. 27. When more than three members of the judicatory shall be stand- ing at the same time, the moderator shall require all to take their seats, the person only excepted who may be speaking. 28. If any member act in any respect in a disorderly manner, it shall be the privilege of any member and the duty of the moderator to call him to order. 29. If any member consider himself as aggrieved by a decision of the moderator, it shall be his privilege to appeal to the judicatory; and the question on such appeal shall be taken without debate. 30. Members ought not, without weighty reasons, to decline voting, as this practice might leave the decision of very interesting questions to a small proportion of the judicatory. Silent members, unless excused from voting, must be considered as acquiescing with the majority. % RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 605 31. It is the duty of the moderator to appoint all committees, except in those cases in which the judicatory shall decide otherwise. 32. The person first named on any committee shall be considered as the chairman thereof, whose duty it shall be to convene the committee; and, in case of his absence or inability to act, the second named member shall take his place and perform his duties. 33. When various motions are made, with respect to the filling of blanks with particular numbers or times, the question shall always be first taken on the highest number and the longest time. 34. When the moderator has commenced taking the vote, no further debate or remark shall be admitted, unless there has evidently been a mistake; in which case, the mistake shall be rectified, and the moderator shall recommence taking the vote. 35. When a vote is taken by ballot in any judicatory, the moderator shall vote with the other members; but he shall not vote in any other case unless the judicatory be equally divided ; when, if he do not choose to vote, the question shall be lost. 36. The yeas and nays on any question shall not be recorded, unless it be required by one-third of the members present. 37. All judicatories have a right to sit in private on business which, in their judgment, ought not to be matter of public speculation. 38. Besides the right to sit judicially in private, whenever they think it right to do so, all judicatories have a right to hold what are commonly called "interlocutory meetings/' or a sort of committees of the whole judicatory, in which members may freely converse together without the formalities which are usually necessary in judicial proceedings. 39. Whenever a judicatory is about to sit in a judicial capacity, it shall be the duty of the moderator solemnly to announce from the chair that the body is about'to pass to the consideration of the business as- signed for trial ; and to enjoin on the members to recollect and regard their high character, as judges of a court of Jesus Christ, and the so- lemn duty in which they are about to act. 40. In all process before a judicatory, where there is an accuser or prosecutor, it is expedient that there be a committee of the judicatory appointed (provided the number of members be sufficient to admit of it without inconvenience), who shall be called the Judicial Committee; and whose duty it shall be to digest and arrange all the papers, and to prescribe, under thedirection of the judicatory, the whole order of the proceedings. The members of this committee shall be entitled, not- 606 XIII. — MISCELLANEOUS. withstanding their performance of this duty, to sit and vote in the cause as members of the judicatory. 41. But in cases of process on the ground of general rumor, where there is, of course, no particular accuser, there may be a committee tip- pointed (if convenient) who shall be called the Committee of Prosecu- tion, and who shall conduct the whole cause on the part of the prosecu- tion. The members of this committee shall not be permitted to sit in judgment in the case. 42. No member shall retire from any judicatory without the leave of the moderator, nor withdraw from it to return home without the consent of the judicatory. 43. The moderator of every judicatory above the church Session, in finally closing its sessions, in addition to prayer may cause to be sung an appropriate psalm or hymn, and shall pronounce the apostolic benediction. APPENDIX. LEGAL DECISIONS. After the verdict of the jury in favor of the plaintiffs (given in con- nection with the charge of Judge Rogers, upon page 530) a motion for a new trial was made on the behalf of the defendants (the " Old School" body), before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in banc, and on May^Sth, 1839, Chief Justice Gibson delivered the opinion of the Court, awarding a new trial. xAlthough this decision is not upon the Minutes of the General Assembly, it is needful to a fair and full pre- sentation of the legal history of the case. It was as follows : Opinion of the Court. "Gibson, C.J. — To extricate the question from the multifarious mass of irrelevant matter in which it is enclosed, we must, in the first place, ascertain the specific character of the General Assembly, and the relation it bears to the corporation which is the immediate subject of our cognizance. This Assembly has been called a quasi corporation ; of which it has not a feature. A quasi corporation has capacity to sue and to be sued as an artificial person ; which the Assembly has not. It is also established by law ; which the Assembly is not. Neither is the Assembly a particular order or rank in the corporation, though the latter was created for its convenience ; such, for instance, as the shareholders of a bank or joint-stock company, who are an integrant part of the body. It is a segregated association, which, though it is the reproductive organ of corporated successions, is not itself a member of the body ; and in that respect it is anomalous. Having no corporate quality in itself, it is not a subject of our corrective jurisdiction, or of our scrutiny, further than to ascer- tain how far its organic structure may benr on the question of its personal identity or individuality. By the charter of the corporation, of which it is the handmaid and nurse, it has a limited capacity to create vacancies in it, and an unlimited power over the form and manner of choice in filling them. It would be sufficient for the civil tribunals, therefore, that the Assembled Commission- ers had constituted an actual body; and that it had made its appointment in its own way, without regard to its fairness in respect to its members : with this 608 APPENDIX. limitation, however, that it had the assent of the constitutional majority, of which the official act of authentication would be, at least, prima facie evidence. It would be immaterial to the legality of the choice that the majority had ex- pelled the minority, provided a majority of the whole body concurred in the choice. This may be safely predicated of an undivided Assembly, and it would be an unerring test in the case of a division, could a quorum not be consti- tuted of less than such a majority; but unfortunately, a quorum of the General Assembly may be constituted of a very small minority, so that two, or even more, distinct parts may have all the external organs of legitimate existence. Hence, where, as in this instance, the members have formed themselves into separate bodies, numerically sufficient for corporate capacity and organic ac- tion, it becomes necessary to ascertain how far either of them was formed in obedience to the conventional law of the Association, which, for that purpose only, is to be treated as a rule of civil obligation. " The division which, for purposes of designation, it is convenient to call the Old School party, was certainly organized in obedience to the established order; and, to legitimate the separate organization of its rival, in contraven- tion, as it certainly was, of everything like precedent, would require the pre- sentation of a very urgent emergency. At the stated time and place for the opening of the session, the parties assembled, without any ostensible division ; and, when the organization of the whole had proceeded to a certain point, by the instrumentality of the Moderator of the preceding session, who, for that purpose, was the constitutional organ, a provisional Moderator was suddenly chosen, by a minority of those who could be entitled to vote, including the ex- scinded Commissioners. The question on the motion to elect, was put, not by the Chair, but by the mover himself; after which, the seceding party elected a permanent Moderator, and immediately withdrew, leaving the other party to finish its process of organization, by the choice of its Moderator for the session. "In justification of this apparent irregularity, it is urged that the constitu- tional Moderator had refused an appeal to the Commissioners in attendance, from his decision, which had excluded from the roll the names of certain Com- missioners who had been unconstitutionally severed, as it is alleged, from the Presbyterian connection by a vote of the preceding session. It is conceded by the argument, that if the Synods with the dependent Presbyteries by which those Commissioners were sent, had been constitutionally dissolved, the motion was one which the Moderator was not bound to put, or the Commissioners to notice ; and that whatever implication of assent to the decision which ensued, might otherwise be deduced from the silence of those who refused to speak out, about which it will be necessary to say something in the sequel, there was no room for any such implication in the particular instance. It would follow also, that there was no pretence for the deposal of the Moderator, if indeed such a thing could be legitimated by any circumstances, for refusing an appeal from his exclusion of those who had not color of title, and consequently, that what else might be reform, would be revolution. And this leads to an inquiry into the constitutionality of the act of excision. "The sentence of excision, as it has been called, was nothing else than an ordinance of dissolution. It bore that the Synods in question, having been formed and attached to the body of the Presbyterian Church under, and in execution of, the Plan of Union, ' be, and are hereby declared to be, out of the ecclesiastical connection of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America ; and that they are not, in form or in fact, an integral portion of said Church.' Now, it will not be said that if the dissolved Synods had no other basis than the Plan of Union, they did not necessarily fall along with it, and it is hot pretended that the Assembly was incompetent to repeal the union pro- OPINION OF JUDGE GIBSON. 609 t spectively, but it is contended that the repeal could not impair rights of mem- bership which had grown up under it. On the other hand, it is contended that the Plan of Union was unconstitutional and void from the beginning, because it was not submitted to the Presbyteries for their sanction ; and that no right of membership could spring from it. But viewed, not as a constitutional regu- lation which implies permanency of duration, but as a temporary expedient, it acquired the force of a law without the ratification of those bodies. It was evidently not intended to be permanent, and it consequently was constitution- ally enacted and constitutionally repealed by an ordinary act of legislation : and those Synods which had their root in it, could not be expected to survive it. There never was a design to attempt an amalgamation of ecclesiastical principles which are as immiscible as water and oil; much less to effect a com- mixture of them only at particular geographical points. Such an attempt would have compromised a principle at the very root of Presbyterial govern- ment, which requires that the officers of the Church be set apart by special ordination for the work. Now, the character of the Plan is palpable, not only in its title and provisions, but in the minute of its introduction into the As- sembly. We find in the proceedings of 1801, page 256, that a committee was raised 'to consider and digest a Plan of Government for the Churches in the new settlements, agreeably to the proposal of the General Association of Connecticut;' and that the plan adopted in conformity to its report, is called 'A Plan of Union for the new settlements.' The avowed object of it was to pre- vent alienation, — in other words, the affiliation of Presbyterians in other churches, by suffering those who were yet too few and too poor for the mainte- nance of a minister, temporarily to call to their assistance the members of a sect who* differed from them in principles, not of faith, but of ecclesiastical government. To that end, Presbyterian ministers were suffered to preach to Congregational churches, while Presbyterian churches were suffered to settle Congregational ministers ; and mixed congregations were allowed to settle a Presbyterian or a Congregational minister at their election, but under a Plan of Government and discipline adapted to the circumstances. Surely this was not intended to outlast the inability of the respective sects to provide sepa- rately for themselves, or to perpetuate the innovations on Presbyterial govern- ment which it was calculated to produce. It was obviously a missionary arrangement from the first; and they who built up Presbyteries and Synods on the basis of it, had no reason to expect that their structures would survive it, or that Congregationalists might, by force of it, gain a foothold in the Presby- terian Church, despite of Presbyterial discipline. They embraced it with all its defeasible properties plainly put before them ; and the power which constituted it might fairly repeal it, and dissolve the bodies that had grown out of it, when- ever the good of the Church should seem to require it. u Could the Synods, however, be dissolved by a legislative act? I know not how they could have been legitimately dissolved by any other. The Assembly is a homogeneous body, uniting in itself, without separation of parts, the legis- lative, executive, and judicial functions of the government; and its acts are referable to the one or the other of them, according to the capacity in which it sat when they were performed Now, had the exscinded Synods been cut off by a judicial sentence without hearing or notice, the act would have been con- trary to the cardinal principles of natural justice, and consequently void. But though it was at first resolved to proceed judicially, the measure was aban- doned ; probably because it came to be perceived that the Synods had com- mitted no offence. "A glance at the Plan of Union is enough to convince us that the disorder had come in with the sanction of the Assembly itself. The first article directed 39 610 APPENDIX. missionaries (the word is significant), to the new settlements to promote a good understanding betwixt the kindred sects. The second and third per- mitted a Presbyterian congregation to settle a Congregational minister, or a Presbyterian minister to be settled by a Congregational church ; but these provided for no recognition of the people in charge as a part of the Presbyte- rian body — at least they gave them no representation in its government. But the fourth allowed a mixed congregation to settle a minister of either denomi- nation; and it committed the government of it to a standing committee, but with a right to appeal to the body of male communicants if the appellant were a Congregationalist, or to the Presbytery if he were a Presbyterian. Now, it is evident the Assembly designed that every such congregation should be- long to a Presbytery as an integrant part of it, for if its minister were a Cou- gregationalist, in no way connected with the Presbyterian Church, it would be impossible to refer the appellate jurisdiction to any Presbytery in particular. This alone would show that it was designed to place such a congregation in ecclesiastical connection with the Presbytery of the district; but this is not all. It was expressly provided in conclusion, that if the 'said standing committee of any church shall depute one of themselves to attend the Presbytery, he may have the same right to sit and act in the Presbytery as a ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church.' For what purpose if the congregation were not in Presbyterial fellowship? " It is said that this jits representationis was predicated of the appeal prece- dently mentioned ; and that the exercise of it was to be restrained to the trial of it. The words, however, were predicated without restriction ; and an im- plied limitation of their meaning would impute to the Assembly the injustice of allowing a party to sit in his own cause, by introducing into the composition of the appellate court a part of the subordinate one. That such an implication would be inconsistent with the temper displayed by the Assembly on other occasions, is proved by the order which it took as early as 1791, in the case of an appeal from the sentence of the Synod of Philadelphia, whose members it prevented from voting on the question (Assembly's Digest, p. 332), as well as by its general provision, that 'members of a judicatory may not vote in the superior judicatory on a question of approving or disapproving their records.' {Id. page 333.) " The principle has since become a rule of the Constitution, as appears by the Book of Discipline, chap, vii, sec. 3, paragraph 12. As the representa- tives of those anomalous congregations therefore could not sit in judgment on their own controversies, it is pretty clear that it was intended they should be represented generally, else they would not be represented at all in the councils of the Church, by those who might not be Presbyterians ; and that to effect it, the principle of Presbyterial ordination was to be relaxed, as regards both the ministry and eldership; and it is equally clear that had the Synods been cited to answer for the consequent relaxation as an offence, they might have triumph- antly appeared at the bar of the Assembly with the Plan of Union in their hand. That body, however, resorted to the only constitutional remedy in its power; it fell back, so to speak, on its legislative jurisdiction, in the exercise of which the Synods were completely represented and heard by their commis- sioners. '' Now the apparent injustice of the measure arises from the contemplation of it as a judicial sentence pronounced against parties who were neither cited nor heard ; which it evidently was not. Even as a legislative act, it may have been a hard one, though certainly constitutional, and strictly just. It was im- possible to eradicate the disorder by anything less than a dissolution of those bodies with whose existence its roots were so intertwined as to be inseparable % OPINION OF JUDGE GIBSON. 611 from it, leaving their elements to form new and less heterogeneous combina- tions. Though deprived of Presbyterial organization, the Presbyterian parts were not excluded from the Church, provision being made for them, by allow- ing them to attach themselves to the nearest Presbytery. " It is said there is not sufficient evidence to establish the fact that the exscinded Synods had actually been constituted on the Plan of Union, in order to have given the Assembly even legislative jurisdiction. The testimony of the Rev. Mr. Squier, however, shows that in some of the three which were within the State ot New York, congregations were sometimes constituted without elders ; and the Synod of the Western Reserve, when charged with delinquency on that head, instead of denying the fact, promptly pointed to the Plan of Union for its justification. But what matters it whether the fact were actually what the Assembly supposed it to be ? If that body proceeded in good faith, the validity of its enactment cannot depend on the justness of its conclusion. We have, as already remarked, no authority to rejudge its judgments on their merits; and this principle was asserted with conclusive force by the presiding judge who tried the cause. Upon an objection made to an inquiry into the composition of the Presbytery of Medina, it was ruled that 'with the reasons for the proceedings of 1887 (the act of excision), we have nothing to do. We are to determine only what was done: the reasons of those who did it are im- material. If the acts complained of were within the jurisdiction of the Assem- bly, their decision must be final, though they decided wrong.' This was predi- cated of a judicial jurisdiction, but the principle is necessarily as applicable to jurisdiction for purposes of legislation. I cite the passage, however, to show that after a successful resistance to the introduction of evidence of the fact, it lies nofwith the relators to allege the want of it. " If, then, the Synods in question were constitutionally dissolved, the Pres- byteries of which they had been composed were, at least for purposes of repre- sentation, dissolved along with them ; for no Presbytery can be in connection with the General Assembly, unless it be at the same time subordinate to a Synod also in connection with it, because an appeal from its judgment can reach the tribunal of the last resort only through that channel. It is immate- rial that the Presbyteries are the electors: a Synod is a part of the machinery which is indispensable to the existence of every branch of the Church. It appears, therefore, that the commissioners from the exscinded Synods were not entitled to seats in the Assembly, and that their names were properly excluded from the roll. "The inquiry might be rested here: for if there were no color of right in them, there was no color of right in the adversary proceedings which were founded on their exclusion. But even if their title were clear, the refusal of an appeal from the decision of the Moderator, would be no ground for the de- gradation of the officer at the call of a minority ; nor could it impose on the majority an obligation to vote on a question put unofficially, and out of the usual course. To all questions put by the established organ, it is the duty of every member to respond, or be counted with the greater number, because he is supposed to have assented beforehand to the result of the process pre-estab- lished to ascertain the general will ; but the rule of implied assent is certainly inapplicable to a measure which, when justifiable even by extreme necessity, is essentially revolutionary, and based on no pre-established process of ascer- tainment whatever. "To apply it to an extreme case of inorganic action, as was done here, might work the degradation of any presiding officer in our legislative halls, by the motion and actual vote of a single member, sustained by the constructive votes of all the rest ; and though such an enterprise may never be attempted, 612 APPENDIX. it shows the danger of resorting to a conventional rule, when the body is to be resolved into its original elements, and its rules and conventions to be super- seded, by the very motion. For this reason, the choice of a Moderator, to sup- plant the officer in the chair, even if he were removable at the pleasure of the commissioners, would seem to have been unconstitutional. " But he was not removable by them, because he had not derived his office from them ; nor was he answerable to them for the use of his power. He was not their Moderator. He was the mechanical instrument of their organization; and till that was accomplished, they were subject to his rule — not he to theirs. They were chosen by the authority of his mandate, and with the power of self- organization, only in the event of his absence at the opening of the session. Corporeally present, but refusing to perform his function, he might be deemed constructively absent, for constitutional purposes, insomuch that the commis- sioners might proceed to the choice of a substitute without him ; but not if he had entered on the performance of his task ; and the reason is that the decision of such questions as were prematurely passed here, is proper for the decision of the body when prepared for organic action, which it cannot be before it is* fully constituted and under the presidency of its own Moderator, the Moderator of the preceding session being functus officio. There can be no occasion for its action sooner; for though the commissioners are necessarily called upon to vote for their Moderator, their action is not organic, but individual. Dr. Mason's motion and appeal, though the clerks had reported the roll, were pre- mature ; for though it is declared in the twelfth chapter of the Form of Govern- ment, that no commissioner shall deliberate or vote before his name shall have been enrolled, it follows not that the capacity, consummated by enrolment, was expected to be exercised during any part of the process of organization, but the choice of a Moderator; and moreover, the provision may have been in- tended for the case of a commissioner appearing for the first time, when the House was constituted. " Many instances may doubtless be found among the minutes, of motions entertained previously, for our public bodies, whether legislative or judicial, secular or ecclesiastical, are too prone to forget the golden precept — ' Let all things be done decently and in order.' But these are merely instances of irre- gularity which have passed, sub silentio, and which cannot change a rule of positive enactment. It seems, then, that an appeal from the decision of the Moderator did not lie ; and that he incurred no penalty by the disallowance of it. The title of the exscinded commissioners could be determined only by the action of the House, which could not be had before its organization was com- plete; and in the meantime he was bound, as the executive instrument of the preceding Assembly, to put its ordinance into execution : for to the actual Assembly, and not to the Moderator of the preceding one, it belonged to repeal it. " It would be decisive, however, that the motion, as it was proposed, pur- ported not to be in fact a question of degradation for the disallowance of an appeal, but one of new and independent organization. It was, ostensibly as well as actually, a measure of transcendental power, whose purpose was to treat the ordinance of the preceding Assembly as a nullity, and its Moderator as a nonentity. It had been prepared for the event avowedly before the meet- ing. The witnesses concur that it was propounded as a measure of original organization transcending the customary order; and not as a recourse to the ultima ratio for a specific violation of it. The ground of the motion as it was opened by the mover, was not the disallowance of an appeal, which alone could afford a pretext of forfeiture, but the fact of exclusion. To affect silent mem- bers with an implication of assent, however, the ground of the motion and YORK CHURCH CASE. 613 nature of the question must be so explicitly put before them as to prevent miscouception or mistake ; and the remarks that heralded the question in this instance, pointed at, not a removal of the presiding incumbent, but a separate organization to be accomplished with the least practicable interruption of the business in hand ; and if they indicated anything else they were deceptive. The measure was proposed not as that of the body, but as the measure of a party ; and the cause assigned for not having proposed it elsewhere, was that individuals of the party had been instructed by counsel that the purpose of it could not be legally accomplished in any other place. No witness speaks of a motion to degrade ; and the rapidity of the process by which the choice of a substitute, not a successor, was affected, left no space for reflection or debate. Now before the passrve commissioners could be affected by acquiescence im- plied from their silence, it ought to have appeared that they were apprised of what was going on ; but it appears that even an attentive ear-witness was unable to understand what was done. The whole scene was one of unprece- dented haste, insomuch that it is still a matter of doubt how the questions were put. Now, though these facts were fairly put to the jury, it is impossible not to see that the verdict is, in this respect, manifestly against the current of the evidence. "Other corroborative views have been suggested ; but it is difficult to com- press a decision of the leading points in this case into the old-fashioned limits of a judicial opinion. The preceding observations, however, are deemed enough to show the grounds Gn which we hold that the Assembly which met in the First Presbyterian Church was not the legitimate successor of the Asembly of 1837; and that the defendants are not guilty of the usurpation with which they are -charged. " Rule for a new trial made absolute. "Rogers, J. — After the patient and impartial investigation, by me, of this cause, at Nisi Prius, and in bank, I have nothing at this time to add, except that my opinion remains unchanged on all the points ruled at the trial. This explanation is deemed requisite, in justice to myself, and because it has become necessary (in a case, in some respects without precedent, and presenting some extraordinary features) to prevent misapprehension and misrepresentation." York Church Case. [The first case that was tried, after the delivering of the foregoing Opinion, was that of the Presbyterian Church, at York, Pa. A minority of that church, adhering to that body which had been pronounced by this Opinion of the Court to be " the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America," seceded from the congrega- tion, and, worshipping in another place, claimed to be "The English Presbyterian Congregation in the Borough of York," — its chartered name, — and as such elected trustees, and sued for the church property. The case came on for trial in the court below, and was decided in favor of the Congregation (the majority). The minority appealed to the Supreme Court, and the Opinion of that court was delivered by Chief 614 APPENDIX. Justice Gibson. It materially modifies his former Opinion, and is as follows (see 1 Watts & Sergeant's Reports, p. 35) : ■ " This ejectment is brought in the name of the corporation by a minority of the congregation, who, having withdrawn from its stated worship in the church building, insist that the majority have forfeited their corporate rights by dissolving the connection of the congregation with the Presbytery of Car- lisle, and the primitive General Assembly ; and to understand the grounds on which they have placed the controversy, it is necessary to state the case with its circumstances. " The congregation was formed in 1762 ; for it was proved at the trial that ministerial supplies were furnished in that year by the Presbytery of Donegal, and subsequently by the Presbytery of Carlisle, under whose care it remained until the late convulsion of the Presbyterian body induced it, while disclaiming all intention to become an independent church, to decline for the present the jurisdiction of the conflicting judicatories. Its pulpit seems not to have been regularly filled till the installation of the Rev. Dr. Cathcart, in 1793. Such were its origin and ecclesiastical relations. The property in contest was con- veyed by John Penn, Sr., and John Perm, Jr., late proprietaries of the province of Pennsylvania, to George Irwin, William Scott, and Archibald McLean, 'in trust for, and as a site for a house of religions ivorship, and a burial place for the use of the said religious society of English Presbyterians and their suc- cessors, in and near the said town of York, in the county of York ; and in confidence that they, the said George Irwin, William Scott, and Archibald McLean, and the survivor of them, their and his heirs and assigns, shall and will permit and suffer the said lot or piece of ground and premises and the buildings thereon hereafter to be erected, to be from time to time, and at all times hereafter, at the disposal and under the care, regulation, and manage- ment of the said religious society and their successors in and near the town of York aforesaid ; and to and for no other use, intent, or purpose whatsoever.' The church seems to have been built shortly afterwards, but it was not finished before the installation of Dr. Cathcart. The congregation obtained a patent of incorporation, in 1813, by the style of 'The Trustees of the English Presby- terian Congregation in the borough of York ;' but the legal title of the original trustees has not been conveyed to it, and the corporation is now, what the congregation were before, the party beneficially entitled. It will be perceived, therefore, that the minority attempt to use the corporate name in order to oust the majority for an alleged forfeiture of the corporate rights, incurred, as it is supposed, by an application of the property to uses differing from those which the founders prescribed. u By the common law he who gives the first possessions to a corporation is the founder of it, and entitled to the rights which the foundershirj gives. Viner's Abr. Tit. Corporations H. 1. These consist in visitation, and correc- tion of any misapplication of his bounty to purposes foreign to its original destination. What then was the purpose prescribed by the Messrs. Penn? It was no more than to carry out the generous policy of their ancestor, the founder of the province, who, though rigidly attached to the principles of the Society of Friends, was bigoted to no particular sect, but munificent to all; and who left each to apply his gifts to such pious uses as it might think fit. That his descendants followed his example in this instance, is shown by the terms of the trust, which prescribed no form of doctrine or discipline, the beneficiary being described as the English Presbyterian Congregation, evi- dently to individuate it; and that subjection to a particular Assembly, was not YORK CHURCH CASE. 615 a condition of the grant, is proved by the fact that there was at that time no such Assembly in America. The conveyance was executed in 1785 ; and the General Assembly of the American Presbyterian Church was constituted by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in 1788. It may be said that this congregation was connected with the elements of which the General Assembly was formed, and that it is bound to conform to those subsequent changes to which its representatives in the Synod assented. But were the founders, or the subject of their bounty bound by terms to which the founders did not originally assent? The original terms could not be altered even with their own consent ; for that they are as incompetent as any one else to add to, or take away from them, was ruled in Philips v. Bury, Skin. 513, in which it was agreed that the founder having given statutes to a college, cannot alter them unless he has reserved a right to do so. As tests of sectarian denomination and character, therefore, the divisions that have since taken place about the Constitution of the General Assembly must be laid out of the case. The fouuders foresaw them not ; and had they foreseen them, they would have left them to be dealt with by the congregation at its pleasure. The members of the congregation who erected the building may be thought to have had a separate interest of their own in the purpose to which it was to be dedicated ; but even they cannot be said to have erected it with a view to a particular union, for though it was not finished till after the Assembly was constituted, it was begun, and the pecuniary re- sponsibilities incident to the plan were contracted previously. But by the com- mon law, even subsequent contributors have no other right of direction than that which the founder has pi escribed ; for they come in and give their money on a basis already established, and they can neither add to it nor take anything from it. « If then the Messrs. Penn necessarily gave the ground in contest, subject to the direction of a majority bearing the name of Presbyterians, subsequent contributors with particular views, could not change the destina- tion of it. But though no standard of discipline or faith be prescribed in the conveyance or charter of incorporation, I entirely concur in what Lord Eldon said in The Attorney General v. Pearson, 3 Meriv. Rep. 353, that ' when a house is created for religious worship, and it cannot be discovered what was the nature of the worship intended by it, it must be implied from the usage of the congregation ; and that it is the duty of the court to administer the trust in such a manner as best to establish the usage, considering it as a matter of implied contract 'with the congregation.' I understand by this, that con- temporaneous usage is evidence of an implied contract betwixt the founder and the congregation, and consequently of the purpose inteuded by him 5 but when, as here, neither the usage nor the purpose could possibly have existed at the time material to the question, subsequent usage cannot add to that which he intended. I agree with him also, ' that when the members of a congregation become dissentient among themselves, it is not in the power of individuals to say, we have changed our opinions, and you who assemble in this place for the purpose of hearing the doctrines and joining in the worship prescribed by the founder, shall no longer enjoy the benefit he intended for you unless you con- form to the alterations which have taken place in our opinions.' With all this and much more, I promptly agree when predicated of a congregation adhering as nearly as it can to the principles of its original faith, and not, as in that case, swerving from the tenets of trinitarianism and embracing the hostile tenets of unitarianism. I concede also that subjection to a particular judi- catory may be made a fundamental condition of a grant, as it expressly was in Duncan v. The Ninth Presbyterian Congregation, in which the trust was declared to be for ' such congregation of persons as shall belong to the present reformed Synod to which the Rev. Robert Annan's church in Spruce Street 616 APPENDIX. belongs,' — a case which was ultimately settled by the parties, but in which I differed from some of my brethren who thought the congregation had not lost its property in the trust by putting off its distinctive character and merging itself in the mass of the Presbyterian Church. That was a strong case ; but it is altogether unlike the present, in which no such condition was expressed or implied. Even without an express condition, it might be a breach of the compact of association for the majority of a congregation to go over to a sect ot a different denomination, though it were different only in name. For instance, the majority of a congregation of Seceders could not carry the church property into the Presbyterian connection, though these two sects have the same standards and plan of government. But this principle is inapplicable to a change of connection as regards different parts of the same denomination or sect. " Now, since the foundation of this congregation, an event has happened which the founders did not contemplate, and which would not have been pro- vided for, had it been foreseen. This was no less than a dismemberment of the Presbyterian body, not indeed by disorganization of it, or an entire reduc- tion of it to its primitive elements, but by an excision, constitutional though it was, of whole Synods with their Presbyteries and congregations. There was not merely a secession of particles, leaving the original mass entire, but the original mass was split into two fragments of nearly equal magnitude ; and though it was held by this court, in The Commonwealth v. Green, 5 Whart. Rep. 531, that the party which happened to be in office by means of its numerical superiority at the time of the division, was that which was entitled to represent it, and perform the functions of the original body, it was not because the minority were thought to be anything else than Presbyterians, but because a popular body is known only by its government or head. That they differed from the majority in doctrine or discipline, was not pretended, though it was alleged that they did not maintain the scriptural warrant of ruling elders. But the difference in this respect had been tolerated if not sanctioned by the Assembly itself, which, with full knowledge of it, had allowed the heterodox Synods to grow up as part of the Church-, and it could not, therefore, have been viewed as radical or essential. We were called on, however, to pass, not on a question of heresy, for we would have been incompetent to decide it, but on the regularity of the meeting at which the trustees were chosen. I mention this to show that we did not determine that the excision was expurgation and not division. Indeed, the measure would seem to have been as decisively revolutionary, as would be an exclusion of particular States from the federal Union for the adoption of an anti-republican form of government. The ex- cluded Synods, gathering to themselves the disaffected in other quarters of the Church, formed themselves into a distinct body, governed by a supreme judi- catory, so like its fellow as to pass for its twin brother, and even to lay claim to the succession. That the Old School party succeeded to the privileges and property of the Assembly, was not because it was more Presbyterian than the other, but because it was stronger ; for had it been the weaker, it would have been the party excluded, and the New School party, exercising the government as it then had done, would have succeeded in its stead, and thus the doctrine pressed upon us, would have made title to church property the sport of accident. In that event, an attempt to deprive the Old School congregations of their churches, for an act of the majority, in withdrawing from the jurisdiction of the Assembly, would have loaded the New School party with such a weight of popular odium as would have sunk it. Here then was the original mass divided into two parts of nearly equal magnitude and similar structure 5 and what was a congregation in the predicament of the one before us to do? It surely was YORK CHURCH CASE. 617 * not bound to follow the party which was successful in the conflict, merely because superiority of numbers had given it the victory. "Before the American Revolution, the Church of England in America, as it was called, was annexed to the diocese of the Bishop of London ; and it will scarce be pretended that, after its separation from it as a natural, but not in- evitable consequence of our political independence, a single American parish- ioner might have recovered the church with its parsonage and glebe, when there was any. from his dissentient brethren, by insisting on a continuance of the ancient connection. Public opinion would not have borne it. Yet every Episcopal congregation in America had been founded on the basis of that connection, and our independence in other matters had raised no unanswerable objection to its permanence, especially, after the Bishop of London had pro- cured an act of Parliament to dispense with engagements by the American Episcopal clergy that would have interfered with their political allegiance. It is true that the separation was effected with the assent of the mother Church ; but it was the parishioner here, and not the Church abroad, whose consent was necessary to a dissolution of his ecclesiastical relation, in order to impair his civil rights. Besides, the consent of the mother Church was only formal, and given to the separation as to a measure which she could not prevent. She indeed conferred the Episcopate, and thus secured a continuance of the apos- tolic succession to the American Episcopal Church; but that might have been had from the nonjuring bishops in Scotland, as it was by Dr. Seaburv, or from the Danish Episcopal Church, which indeed offered it on terms of signing the thirty-nine articles of the Church of England, with the exception of their political parts. Had the offer been accepted, there would have been an adverse withdrawal of ecclesiastical allegiance — in principle the very case before us — and it will not be pretended that the majority of an Episcopal congregation here would not have been at liberty, in that event, to form a connection with an independent Episcopal Church government, without forfeiting the interest of each in the Church property. "The revolution led to no severance of the Presbyterian Church in America from the Church of Scotland, for there had been neither connection nor corres- pondence between them, and no illustration of the principle proposed, can be had from that quarter ; but might not one of these very congregations which were severed from the primitive General Assembly here, have formed a new connec- tion when driven from the old oner without forfeiting its interest in the Church property ? or could a strictly orthodox minority strip them of it by organizing themselves as a congregation, on strictly Presbyterian principles, and regaining the former connection? To cut off the dissenters in the first instance, and to confiscate their property Tor what was declared to be a heresy for the first time, would be an act of power, not of justice. It will not be denied that they were Presbyterian in doctrine and discipline, or that if they were not, they had been received as such into the bosom of the Church ; and what is the difference betwixt such a congregation and the one before us ? It is, that the one was turned out of the connection, and that the other withdrew from it voluntarily 5 but the minority of the one has as much right as the minority of the other to seize the Church property for a violation of conditions supposed to be implied by the act of association. It will not do to say the Assembly sanctioned the separation in the one case and not in the other; for the Assembly had no power over the civil rights of the parties, and could not impair them. Xor did it mean to impair them. On the contrary, it allowed what it considered to be the sound parts of those congregations to attach themselves to the nearest orthodox Presbytery. This was done, most assuredly, not to enable them to despoil their congregational brethren ; but had they attempted to do so, it is hazarding little to say they would have been disappointed. 618 APPENDIX. '•' In a case like the present, it may be demanded, to what is the minority of a dissentient congregation to appeal? It might be replied, that for the con- tingency of revolution, it made no provision in its articles of association, and the law makes none ; but that to the justice and forbearance of the majority of association, whose very object is to deal justly, love mercy, and walk numbly, it is to be supposed that the minority cannot appeal in vain. Nor has such an appeal in any instance been unsuccessful. The schism which a few years since shook the Methodist Church to its centre, is heard of no more ; and per- haps this happy termination of it has been effected in a great measure by the good sense of the parties in following the advice of this court in The Methodist Church v. Remington, 1 Watts, 227, 'to part in peace, having settled their claims to the property on the basis of mutual and liberal concession.' And the same thing has been done with like effect by the original Presbyterian congregation in Carlisle. u In conclusion, we are of opinion that no particular Presbyterian connection was prescribed by the founders, or established by the charter ; and that if such connection had been prescribed, there has been no adhesion to a connection essentially different, and that the breaking up of the original Presbyterian con- federation, has released this congregation from the duty of adhering to any particular part of it in exclusion of another. Instead of examining each specific error, it has been thought better to examine the principles on which the title depends ; and though the jury were inaccurately instructed that an action could not be maintained by the corporation on its equitable title, yet as other principles in the cause are decisive against its right to recover, the record is free from any error which could do the party an injury." Case of Lane Seminary. Near the close of the year 1845, two suits at law were brought against Lane Seminary by David R. Kemper, one of the donors of the land on which the Seminary is built. The first was instituted in the Supreme Court of Ohio, in the form technically denominated " quo warranto" calling upon the faculty to show why they hold their offices contrary to the charter, which requires that they be " members of the Presbyterian Church, under the General Assembly of that Church in the United States of America." This suit was decided at the December term of the court in banc, December, 1847, in favor of the faculty, on the ground that the action was barred by the Statute of Limitation, which provides that such action must be commenced within three years of the alleged for- feiture of office. 16 Ohio Reports, 358. The other was a suit in chancery, brought in the Court at Cincinnati, in the form of a petition, by Mr. Kemper as a donor, that the court would require the trustees to conform to their charter, which, he alleged, had been violated by the neglect of manual labor, and by putting men into the offices of instruction, who are not " members of the Presbyterian Church under the General Assembly." LANE SEMINARY CASE. 619 On this suit, the defendants demurred to the right of the plaintiff to institute the suit, and the court sustained the demurrer. From this decision, the plaintiff then appealed to the Supreme Court. On his appeal the plaintiff, having obtained leave to amend his plea, substituted for " D. R. Kemper, a donor," " D. R. Kemper, a Presby- terian, in behalf of himself and other Presbyterians." The defendants still demurred, and their demurrer was sustained by the higher court. 17 Ohio Reports, 293. A third suit was then instituted in the Court of Common Pleas, in the name of the State of Ohio, on the relation of D. R. Kemper. This suit was abated by the death of the relator, in 1849. In 1850, the suit was renewed, on the relation of Samuel B. Findlay, — the means of carrying it on being furnished by subscription among those interested in changing the ownership of the Seminary. This suit was decided in favor of the trustees of the Seminary, at the November term of the court, 1854. The following is the language of the court : "The court finds and decrees that the trustees of said institution, the officers and members of the executive committee of said institution, the professors and teachers in said institution or seminary are, and always have been, while in such connections with said institution or seminary, members of the Presby- terian Church, in good standing, under the care of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; and in their re- ligious character and professions have always conformed to the requirements of the laws incorporating said institution or seminary, and of the deed of James Kemper and others to the trustees of said seminary, &c. " The court further finds and decrees, that the trustees and officers of the Lane Seminary have not, in any respect or at any time, disregarded or broken the trusts confided to, or imposed upon them by the various donors and con- tributors to the funds, real and personal, of the said institution, and by the said deed from James Kemper and others. On the contrary, the court finds and decrees that they have, in all respects and always, fully and faithfully kept and performed each and all of the trusts of every kind confided and imposed upon them by the various donors and contributors to the funds, real and per- sonal, and all trusts of every kind imposed by deed, statute law, or otherwise." From this decision no appeal was taken. Hence no report of this decision appears in the Reports of the State of Ohio. The time for taking an appeal having expired, this decision is final, and fixes the standing of the General Assembly in the State of Ohio. ADDENDUM. Synod of Minnesota Erected 1858. The committee also reported, that a memorial from the Presbytery of Blue Earth has been placed in their hands, praying that a new Synod may be cre- ated, to consist of the Presbyteries of Blue Earth, Minnesota, and Dacotah, which last Presbytery is not now in connection with any higher ecclesiastical body. There has also been placed in the hands of the committee a certified copy of a resolution by the Presbytery of Minnesota, concurring with said me- morial from the Presbytery of Blue Earth. They have further received verbal information, from the commissioner of the Presbytery of Minnesota, that it is believed that the members of the Presbytery of Dacotah are favorable towards the arrangement, though no definite communication has been received from the Presbytery itself. The said Presbytery of Dacotah not being now under the jurisdiction of the Assembly, it is not competent for this body absolutely to create the proposed Synod according to the prayer of the memorialist. But inasmuch as it is urged upon the committee that a strong necessity exists for the immediate construc- tion of such a Synod, they recommend to the Assembly the following action: Resolved, 1. That the Presbyteries of Blue Earth and Minnesota be directed to meet at St. Paul, Minnesota, in the First Presbyterian Church, on the second Wednesday of September, 1858, at 7 o'clock p.m., with the view of uniting, if the way be prepared, with the Presbytery of Dacotah, in the organization of a Synod. Resolved, 2. That the stated clerk of the Assembly address a letter to the Presbytery of Dacotah, inviting them to meet with the Presbyteries of Blue Earth and Minnesota, at the above time and place, and, if the way be prepared, to become incorporated with them in a Synod under the care of this General Assembly. Resolved, 3. That, in the event of compliance with this invitation by the Presbytery of Dacotah, the Presbyteries of Blue Earth, Minnesota, and Daco- tah, shall then and there become a Synod under the name of the Synod of Minnesota; and that the Rev. Thomas S. Williams, or in case of his absence, the oldest minister present, shall preach a sermon, and preside until a^new moderator be chosen. The report was adopted. — Minutes, 1858, pp. 591, 592. ERRATA. Page 50, line 7. For " sec. 20," read " sec. 2." " 210, lines 12, 17, 22. For "Form of Government," read "Book of Discipline." 216, line 21. For " over to," read " over." 295, line 7. u INDEX. Ability and inability, natural, 296. 303, 310, 313, 317, 501. moral, 24, 296, 313. Absence, committee on leave of, 179. of the accused, 198, 223, 224, 235. of the prosecutor, 212, 213, 230. of records, 215, 218, 231. Absentees, from church courts, 141, 142, 175, 179. from communion, 41-45. Abstinence, from ardent spirits, 258, 259. total; 260. Abstract cases, 190. Accused, absence of, 198, 223, 224, 235. rights of, 193, 194, 198, 205, 207, 220, 226, 304, 470. counsel for, 107, 194. Active obedience of Christ, 302. Adam, 297, 302. sin of, 300, 310, 313. man's relation to, 307, 310, 313. Adams, William, 238. Admonition, 199, 204, 239, 301. Adopting Act, 18, 19, 20, 25. Adoption of the Westminster Standards, 17. Adults, baptism of, 103. Adultery, 223, 247, 248. % Affinity, elective, 128, 129, 494. marriage. 238. Africa, missionaries to, 267. colonization of, 356-359. Age of infancy, 96. Agency of the Spirit, 304, 305. moral, 314, 315. Alexander, Alexander, 108. Alternates, 161-163. Amendments, of the Constitution, 26, 113. proposed, 585-602. of a question, 169, 603. American Board, 332, 346, 347, 356, 426, 427, 431 Home Missionary Society, 329-341, 356, 363-370. 570, 604. 210, American Education Society, 332, 343, ' 356. Bible Society, 349-352, 356. Temperance Society, 258, 259. Sunday-School Union, 355, 356 571. Tract Society, 356. Colonization Society, 356, 357. Andrews, Edward, 124. Josiah B., 203. Anti-trihitarians, 298, 299. Appeal from the chair, 170, 512, 541 distinguished from complaint, 228. limited to original parties, 210. limitation of time, 211. effect of an, 212, 220, 227. must be in time, 213, 214. notice of intention, 195, 214, 215 dismissed, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 215, 217. postponed, 215, 216. arrests process, 212, 220, 227. does not arrest sentence, 221. barred by death of respondent, 222 allowed, 216, 217, 225. refused, 217, 218. principle in the case, 217. who may sit on, 221, 222. order of issuing, 227. under the Plan of Union, 455, 466. of Thomas L. Birch, 112. of Presbytery of Abingdon, 113. of Joseph E. Bell, 128. of William C. Davis, 137. of Session of Bloomington, 193. of Dr. Wylie, 193. of William Arthur, 194. of Dr. Frank, 195. of Jabez Spicer, 199. of David Price, 199, 204. of Newton Hawes, 200. of Josiah B. Andrews, 203. of Presbytery of Onondaga, 204. of Aaron C. Collins, 205. of John Ward, 205. of T. B. Craighead, 211, 212, 215,304. G22 INDEX. Appeal of Dr. James Snodgrass, 212. of Guernsey G. Brown, 212. of Benedict Hobbs, 213. of Chloe G. Giles, 213. of R. Taylor, 213. of Benjamin Bell, 214. of Charles Yale, 214. of Church of Bergen, 215. of Pope Bushnell, 215, 219, 221. of James Taylor, 216. of C. H. Baldwin, 216, 220. of George Bourne, 216. of Samuel Lowry, 217, 218. of Matthew H. Rice, 217. of Church at Cooperstown, 218. of Albert Barnes, 221, 307. of Mr. Harney, 222. of A. King, 222. of George Sheldon, 223, 248. of Lewis Tappan, 217, 225, 226. of William Adams, 238. of William Vance, 239. Appeals, 210-227, 587-592, 595-602. Appellant, right of, 198, 212, 215, 218, 219, 220, 226. must appear at the next Session, 211- 213. personal attendance not necessary, 212, 213. must give notice in writing, 195, 214. 215. leave to withdraw, 211, 217, 218. Appendix, 607-619. to Church Psalmist, 401. Approval of minutes, who vote, 138. Ardent spirits, use of, discouraged, 257, 258. total abstinence from, 258, 259. manufacture and traffic, 259, 260. Arthur, William, 194. Associate Reformed Church, 451, 452, 468. Atonement of Christ, 307, 316. Austin, David, 125. Balch, Hezekiah, 299, 300, 301. Baldwin, C. II., 216, 220. Baptism, 94-103. infant, 39, 98, 99. children of slaves, 99. by an impostor, 95. by a Unitarian, 95. by a suspended or deposed minister, 95, 96. Romish baptism, 97. qualification of parents, 97. obligations of parents, 97. mode of, 102. on a general profession, 103. Baptized children, care over, 99, 100. discipline of, 100-102. instruction of, 62, 100, 568, 569. Barnes, Albert, 219, 307-311. Beecher, W. II., 195, 232. Bell, Joseph E., 128. Benjamin, 214. Benediction, 606. Beneficence, systematic, 359, 360. Benevolence, disinterested, 299. Bergen, Church of, 215. Betting, 264. Bible, 348-352. distribution of, 348-352. Society, 349, 352, 356. common version, 351, 352. classes, 568, 569. Bigamy, 245. Bills and overtures. 168, 176. Birch, Thomas L , 112, 113. Bissell, Josiah, 164, 165. Blanks, how filled, 605. Board of Missions, 327-332. of Foreign Missions, 348. of Education, 341-343. Book, condemnation of, 302, 309. Book of Tunes, 400-402, 584, 585. Book of Discipline, 26. amendments of, 585, 602. chapter i, sec. 3, 283, 287, 293. " iii, sec. 3, 290. " iii, sec. 5, 289. " iv, sees. 6, 10, 11, 13, 194. " iv, sec. 21, 107. " v, sees. 2, 3, 4, 123, 126. " v, sec. 11, 223. " vii, sec. 1, art. 3, 139. " vii, sec. 1, art. 4, 587, 592. " vii, sec. 1, 587, 592. " vii, sec. 1, art. 6, 289. " vii, sec. 2, 588, 592, 598, 600. " vii, sec. 3, 210, 588. 592. " vii, sec. 3, art. 2, 216, 220, 598, 600. " vii, sec. 3, art. 10, 195, 233. " vii, sec. 3, art, 11, 213. " vii, sec. 3, art. 15, 221. " vii, sec. 4, 210, 588, 592, 600. " vii, sec. 4, art. 4, 598. " viii, sec. 1, 288. " viii, sees. 2, 3, 5, 6, 289. ix, sec. 1, 206. " xi, 45. " xi, sec, 6, 245. Books and tracts, 353-356. gratuitous distribution of, 353, 354. Boundaries of Presbytery, 128-132, should be defined, 128. exceptions, 129-131. Bourne, George, 123, 199, 203. Brainerd, David, 344. John, 345. Brown, Guernsey G., 212. John A., 405, 410. Bushnell, Pope, 215, 221. Calvinistic divines, views of, 300, 301. INDEX. 623 Candidates, 73-85. examination of, 23, 115, 416. must adopt the standards, 18, 32. liberally educated, 73, 74, 75, 93, 417. time of study, 75, 76, 417, 590, 591. under the care of Session, 77, 420. are of the laity, 77. by whom to be disciplined, 78. arrest of trials, 78. to what Presbytery they belong, 78, 79, 82, 420. by whom licensed, 79, 413, 439. when under care of Presbytery, 79, 85, 413. rejected by a Presbytery, 120. ordered to attend Presbytery, 321. sent on missions, 321. ordained as missionaries, 88. of the Permanent Committee, 412, 416-418. plan for aiding, 416-418. amount of aid, 417. from corresponding churches, 439, 442, 445. Casting vote, 171, 172, 605. Catechisms adopted, 18, 20, 22, 33. ratified and approved, 26. an integral part of the standard, 32, 33, 34. instruction in, 62, 100, 133, 325, 569, 571, 572, 573. Censure without trial, 112, 113, 192-194, 233. without citation, 45, 192. disproportionate, 199, 200. removal of, 233. unconstitutional, 196, 200, 212, 233. indirect, 309. Certificates of dismission, 41, 116. of good standing, 45. Chambers, John, 438, 439. Chairman of committee, 171, 605. Chaplains in the army, 71, 72. in the navy, 72. ordination of, 72. Charges must be specific, 1&4. what specified, 194. Charter of the trustees, of the Assembly, 184-187. of the Presbyterian House, 408, 409. of the Church Erection Fund, 384, 389, 390. of the Education Committee, 420, 421. Children, of slaves to be baptized, 98, 99. baptized, care of, 99, 100. instruction of, 62, 99, 100, 506, 570, 573. discipline of, 100, 101, 102. catechizing of, 99, 133, 325, 569, 571, 572. Christ, righteousness of, 24, 300, 302, 310, 311, 313, 314, 318. Christ, vicarious sufferings of, 311, 313,316. intercession of, 314, 317. atonement of, 307, 316. Church, The, 17-46. a particular, 35-38. how and by whom organized, 36, 37, 38. members of, 38-48. who may be received, 38-40. by whom admitted. 40, 41. absent, 41-45. covenants, 134. • having a stated supply, 55, 63. officers of, 47-72. Courts op the, 105-190. Church, Bethuel, Esq., 39. Church Erection, 375-393. Fund, 385, 386, 566, 567. trustees of, 375-393. duties and powers, 376, 567. Plan, 378-384. charter, 389-390. by-laws, 390-392. rules and regulations, 393. Church Extension, Standing Committee on, 177. Permanent Committee on, 361-375. powers of, 295, 337, 369, 371, 372, 373. number and term of office, 370. quorum, 370. powers enlarged, 371. rules, 374, 375. Committee of Synod, 364, 374, 377, 381, 386. Committee of Presbytery, 364, 374. Church Psalmist, 398-400, 582-584. appendix to, 400, 401. Circular letter, 1837, 499-506. Citation, 44, 45, 192, 223, 289. of the four Synods, 469-473. in dissolving a pastorate, 60. Clapp, Theodore, 62. Clergy and laity, 77. Clerk, stated, 167, 174, 175, 176, 181, 183, 365, 379. permanent, 167, 175, 176. temporary, 176. Cochran, John, 228. Collins, Aaron C, 205. Colonization, African, 356-359. Society, 356, 357. Commencement of process, 289, 470. Commission of missionaries, 325. Commission^, Committee on, 156, 157, 161. 590. absence or defect of, 159, 160. Commissioners to the General Assembly, 156-166. when elected, 158. from new Presbyteries, 157. ratio of, 158, 159, 593, 594. principals and alternates, 161, 162, 163. 624 INDEX. Commissioners under the Plan of Union, 164-166. compensation of, 175, 179, 180-183. Commissioners' Fund, 180-183. Committee, Standing, 176. of Commissions, 156, 157, 161. of Bills and Overtures, 168, 176, 177. of Prosecution, 606. Judicial, 168, 177, 605. on the Polity of the Church, 177. on Church Extension, 177, 365. on Education, 177. on Publication, 177. on Devotional Exercises, 178. on the Narrative, 178. on Leave of Absence, 179. on Mileage, 179, 180, 181, 182. on Foreign Missions, 179. of Missions, 326. Committees, Permanent, 176, 361-433. Church Extension, 368-375. Church Erection, 375-393. Publication, 394-404. Presbyterian House, 404-410. Education, 410-423. Foreign Missions, 424-433. Committee of Conference, with the American Home Missionary Society, 333, 337, 366, 367. with the New England Churches, 340. with the American Board of Commis- sioners for Foreign Missions, 347, 430. with the Old School, 558, 561. on Amicable Separation, 473-483. of Twelve, 521, 526--530. "Committeemen," 164, 165. Communications to the Assembly, 173. Communion, admission to, 39, 40, 41, 243, 249. exclusion from, 39, 40, 45, 134, 193. Complaint, 228-236. how it differs from appeal, 228. should go to the next court, 229. notice of intention, 229, 230. dismissed for informality, 230. absence of prosecutor, 230. absence of records, 231. referred back, 232. issued in the absence of complainant, 234. must be specific, 234. leave to withdraw, 231. mode of issuing, 236. * will lie against a Session, 50, 58. against a committee, 176. of Presbytery of Philadelphia, 217. of John Cochran, 228. of E. W. Gilbert et al., 229, 234. of St. George's Church, 230. of Daniel Hayden, 231. of Alexander M. Cowan, 232. of Franklin Knox, 232 Complaint of William H. Beecher,195, 232. of Presbytery of Carlisle, 233, 235. of S. Houston, 234. of Park Church, 235. of Presbytery of Des Moines, 247. of Ashbel Green, 54. of George Duffield, 113. of Alexander Miller, 200. Confession of Faith, adopted, 18, 20, 22, 26. subscription to, 17, 18, 20, 31. to traduce, censurable, 31, 310. use and obligation, 30, 31, 312. Chapter ix, sec. 1, 310. xxiv, sec. 4, 241, 591. " xxiv, sec. 6, 248. " xxviii, sec. 3, 102. " xxviii, sec. 4, 103. Congregation, New, how organized, 36. without elders, 37. transferred only by Synod, 132. Connecticut, Association of, 340, 436, 453- 469. Constitution, amended and adopted, 25, 586. notes no part of, 29, 30. amendments of, 585, 602. Contingent Fund, 182, 183. Contumacy, 194, 198, 223, 226. Courts of the Church, 105-190. Conversion, agency of the Spirit, 301, 318. Correspondence with other Churches, 434-452. belongs to the Assembly, 435. with local bodies. 435. with the Congregational Churches. 435-447. right of voting, 437-440, 441, 444, 446. withdrawn, 439, 442-444. minute on, 447. design of, 450, 451. terms of, 451. Corresponding Churches, ministers received from, 115. Corresponding members, of Session, 107. of Synod, 139, 140. of General Assembly, 166, 167. Counsel for the accused, 107, 194. for complainant, 234. none but a member may act, 107. in the suit at law, 527. Covenant of grace, 296. of works, 300, 302. Covenants, Church, 134. Craighead, Thomas B., 194, 198, 211, 212, 215, 220. Cross, John, 60. Cross, Kobert, 201. Cumberland Presbyterians, 9"). correspondence with, 448. INDEX. 625 Dancing, 262. promiscuous, 262, 263. discipline for, 264. Davis, Wm. C, 196, 302-304. Deacons, 47, 48. powers and duties of, 47, 48, 468. how ordained, 36. 48. election of, 36, 49, 50. electors of, 50, 51. Decision, judicial, 208, 209. reversed, 233, 234. Decrees, divine, 297, 306. Delegates to corresponding Churches, 434 to 452. expenses of, 452. right of voting, 167, 437, 439, 440. Delinquent Church members, 45, 46. Demission of the ministry, 65, 66, 67-70. Deposition and excommunication, 202. Deposition from the ministry, 123, 214. for worldliness, 65, 67. prevarication, 199. heresy, 211, 220. adultery, 223, 247, 248. Deposed minister, ministrations of, 93, 96. name to be published, 202. jurisdiction over, 126. Depravity, total, 24. Desecration of the Sabbath, 249-253. Devotional exercises, committee on, 178. Directory for worship, 19, 22. amended and adopted, 28, 586. Chap, vii, sec. 1, 96. " vii, sec. 4, 98. Discipline, 191-236. general principles of, 191-209. of absent Church members, 41-45. of candidates, 77, 78. of baptized children, 100, 101, 102. of elders, 106, 124. of non-residents, 122, 123. of ministers, 112, 122. without trial, 112, 113, 134, 142, 192, 193, 200, 205. irregular, 198, 200, 2>2. for Sabbath-breaking, 248, 249, 255. for dancing, 264. for duelling, 266. Dismission, letter of, 127. of members of Presbytery, 114, 115, 127, 128. not by a committee, 127, 128. when it takes effect, 126, 127. 221. Dissent, right of, 171. Dissent of Wm. Holmes et al., 43. Dissolution of pastoral relation, 60. of the 3d Presbytery, 492. Divinity, time of study, 75, 76, 417. Division of the Church, 469-562. plan of voluntary, 473-4S3. excision of the Synods, 483-484 dissolution of 3d Presbytery, 492. Division of the Church. pastoral letter, 1837, 495-499. circular letter, 499-506. Assembly of 1838, 506-519. records demanded and refused, 519, 520. committee of twelve, 521. pastoral letter of 1838, 522-526. Committee of Twelve, 526-530. articles of agreement proposed, 528- 529. charge of the court, 530-549. declaration of 1839, 549-557. suits withdrawn, 557. roll rectified, 557. proposal to commune, 558-560. committee of correspondence, 561. detail of efforts, 561, 562. appendix, legal decisions, 607-619. Divorce, 223, 245, 248. what is just ground, 246, 247. Doctrines, Deliverances on, 296-318. Doctrinal tracts, 353-355. committee on, 394-398. Domestic Missions, 319-341. Duelling, 266. Duellists, 266. Dushane, Anthony, 239. Duffield, George, 113. Education for the Ministry, 341-343. liberal required, 73-75, 93, 417. waived, 74, 75. Board of, 341-343. American, Society, 332, 343. Education Committee, 410-423. name and quorum, 410. powers and functions, 411, 413, 414. plan, 413-416, 419, 422, 423. rules, 416-418. beneficiaries of, 411, 416-418, 420, 423. rate of aid, 417; 422. charter of, 420, 421. scholarships, 415, 423. Education Committee, standing, 177. Elders, Ruling, 48-57. must be duly elected, 49. mode of election, 49, 50. mode of ordination, 48. electors of, 50, 51. office of, perpetual, 52, 53. may cease to act, 53, 54. without charge, 54, 112. hold office in but one Church, 54. right of, to sit in Synod, 55. suspended, 56, 201. restoration to office, 56, 201. part of, in ordination, 56, 57. jurisdiction of, 107. may not be dismissed, 109. jurisdiction over, 124, 289. 40 626 INDEX. Eldership essential, 49. disuse of, 312. Elect, the, 317. Election, Divine, 297, 306, 313, 315. Election of deacons, 36, 49, 50. of elders, 36, 49, 50, 52. of pastors, 58, 59. of moderator of Assembly, 167, 168. of trustees of Assembly, 187, 188. of Church Extension, 370. Election of trustees, of Church Erection, 378, 379, 384. of Presbyterian House, 407. of Education Committee, 411. Elective affinity, 128, 129, 311. Electors of elders and deacons, 50, 51. of pastors, 59. Enrolment of members, 602. Evangelical Consociation of R. I., 443. Lutheran Church, 448. Churches of France, 451. Evangelists, 312, 321. duties of, 38, 320, 322, 364. Evangelization, Modes of, 319-360. Evidence under oath, 197. the best required, 214, 215, 216, 218. of a complaint, 229. of an appeal, 195. Evil speaking, 193, 207. Examination, of ministers, 113, 116, 117, 118. of candidates, 23, 114, 116, 118. Exceptions to records, Synod of New York and New Jersey, 42. Western Reserve, 49. Illinois, 90, 137, 140, 141. Albany, 121, 139. Genesee, 135, 222. Michigan, 137. Kentucky, 138, 140, 141. Pittsburg, 139. Ohio, 126, 139. Pennsylvania, 139, 140, 141. Indiana, 139, 235. North Carolina, 139. Peoria, 139, 140, 141. Tennessee, 140, 141. Minnesota, 140. Cincinnati. 140, 222. Wabash, 140. Virginia, 141, 216. Carolinas, 142. South Carolina and Georgia, 166. Utica, 195, 214, 228. Geneva, 202, 222, 234. New York, 222. Exclusion from communion, without trial, 134, 193. for unlawful marriages, 237, 241, 244. for violation of the Sabbath, 248, 249. Excommunication, 202. Expenses attending Synods, 55. Experimental religion, examination on, 113, 116, 117, 118. Exscinding Acts, 471-494. Faith and election, 297, 313, 315. and regeneration, 303, 313. a holy act, 303. an act of the mind, 310, 314. saving, 314, 317. the work of the Spirit, 310, 317. Family visitation, 61. worship. 61. instruction, 571. Fasting and Prayer, 258, 575-580. Federal head, 297, 300, 310, 315. Foreign ministers, 117-122. Foreign Missions, 343-348, 424-433. committee, standing, 179, 180. permanent, 424-433. Foreign Presbyteries, 427, 429, 430, 433. Foreknowledge and election, 297, 313, 315. Form of Government, adopted, 26. amendments, 585-602. chapter i, sec. 2, 458. ii. sec. 4, 35, 49. " iii, sec. 5, 49. iv, 38. " v, 49, 51. " v, sees. 3, 4, 123. " v, sec. 9, 470. vi, 47. " ix, sees. 1, 2, 49, 57. " ix, sees. 1, 2, 4, 57. ix, sec. 2, 56, 63, 105, 112, 128. x, 587. " x, sees. 1, 2, 126, 466. " x, sees. 2-7, 57. " x, sec. 4, 55, 63. " x, sec. 5, 56, 63. " x, sec. 8, 38, 65, 109. " x, sec. 12, 113, 586. " xi, sees. 1, 2, 57, 135. xi, sec. 7, 598, 599. " xii, sec. 1, 469. " xii, sec. 2, 57, 158, 594, 597, 600. xii, sec. 4, 458, 587,592, 600. xii, sec. 5, 287, 290, 468. " xii, sec. 6, 457, 466, 596. xii, sec. 7, 589, 591, 597, 598, 599, 600. " xii, sec. 8, 597. " xiii, sec. 2, 49, 50, 587. " xiii, sec. 4, 48. 11 xiii, sees. 6, 7, 52, 53. xiv, 32, 115. " xiv, sec. 1, 58. " xiv, sec. 2, 79, 413. xiv, sec. 6, 76, 590, 591. " xv, 32, 115. " xv, sec. 4, 60. " xv, sec. 14, 57. INDEX. 627 Form of Government, chapter xv, sec. 15, 38. " xvi, sec. 2, 60. 11 xvii, 60. xviii, 368, 468. xxii, sec. 1, 162, 163. xxii, sec. 3, 180. Fund, commissioners, 180-183. contingent, 182, 183. Funeral of duellists, 266. Gambling and lotteries, 264, 265. Gaston, James, 240, 243. General Assembly, 155-190. formation of, 155, 156. organization, 156. commissioners to, 157-166, 593. corresponding members, 166, 167. delegates to, 167, 437, 440-443, 452. moderator of, 156, 167, 172, 173. clerks of, 174-176. committees of, 176-180. commissioners' fund, 180-183. contingent fund, 183. minutes, 183, 184. charter, 184-187. trustees, 187-189. powers, 18, 34, 113, 189, 190, 286-291. of 1838, organization, 506-519. triennial, 595-599. General Association, of Connecticut, 340, 436-439. plan of correspondence, 436, 437. conference with, 438, 439. "Plan of Union," 452-469. of Massachusetts, 340, 441, 444-446. of New Hampshire, 340, 440, 444, 445. of New York, 449, 450. General Conference of Maine, 340, 441-443. General Convention of Vermont, 340, 439, 444, 445. plan of correspondence, 440. Genesee, Synod of, 145, 483. Geneva, Synod of, 144, 483. German Reformed Synod, 447. plan of correspondence, 447, 448. Gibson, Judge, opinion of, in Church case, 605-613. " " charge of, in York Church case, 614-618. Gilbert, E. W., complaint of, 229, 234. Giles, Chloe G., 213. Glebe, 573. Glenn, Robert, 113. Gloucester, John. 75. Good standing, 116, 128. forfeiture of, 45, 116, 202. "Gospel plan," 302, 303. Grace, work of, 24. Graham, William, 196. Griffith, John. 74. Guilt, imputation of, 311, 313. I Harker, Samuel, 296, 297. Harney, . 222. i Hayden, Daniel, 231. Hawes, Newton, 200. Heathen, missions to, 343-348. ! Hell torments, 297, 299. Heresy, charges of, 126, 194. conviction of, 304, 308. [ Hindman, Francis, 80, 81, 192, 205. Hobbs, Benedict, 213. Holy Spirit, agency in regeneration, 24, 304, 305, 317. mode of operation, 305. Home missions, 319-341. Horse racing, 264. Hymns, 580, 582, 584. Ignorance of rules, effect of, 213. Immediate agency, 304. Imposition of hands, 48, 56, 57, 85. Impostor, ministrations of, 94, 96. Imputation, of Christ's righteousness, 24, 310, 311, 313, 314, 316. of sin, 300, 311, 313. 316. of the benefits of Christ's righteous- ness, 300. of guilt, 311. Incestuous marriages, 237, 239, 240, 241, 243, 244. Indefinite postponement, 231, 604. Indians, mission to, 344, 345. Infancy, period of, 99. Infant baptism, 94-101. scruples concerning, 39. schools, 571. Infants, salvation of, 301. moral character, 313, 315. relation to moral government, 313, 316. need redemption, 316. Infidelity. 298, 299. Intemperance, 257-262. Intercession of Christ, 314, 317. Interlocutory meetings, 605. Intoxication, 199. Irregularity, technical, 225. does not invalidate, 52, 60, 81, 96, 112, 205, 206. Irregularities censured. 192, 194, 195, 196, 198, 200, 222, 226, 233, 311, 312. Itinerant missionaries, 320, 364. Judicatories, Rules for, 602, 606. Judicial Committee, 168, 177, 605. testimony, 197. sessions, 605. Jurisdiction of the Assembly, see Powers. appellate, 587-592, 595. of the Synod, 132. over members of Presbytery, 114, 137. 628 INDEX. Jurisdiction, appellate and original, 138, 195, 196, 200. of the Presbytery, 122-127, 289. over candidates, 77, 78. over members, non-resident, 122, 123, 131. over ministers, "W. C, 64, 125. over elders, 124. over ministers of other Presbyteries, 125, 126. over a disciplined minister, 126, 128. over one withdrawn, 125. over one dismissed, 126, 127. Jurisdiction of the Session, over candidates, 77, 78. over Church members, 195, 233, 283, 289. Jurisdiction, renunciation of, 124, 125, 203. transfer of, 123. Justification by faith, 24, 300, 302, 307, 311. grounds of, 310, 311, 318. Kelso, appeal of, 50. Kentucky, Synod of, 143, 565, 567. King, A., 222. Knox, Franklin, 232. Laing, Robert, 65, 67. Laity, candidates and licentiates, 77. Lane Seminary case, 618, 619. Larger Catechism, 18, 19. 21, 22, 26, 32, 33, 34. Latham, John, 242. Lay agency, 83, 84. preaching, 82, 83. ordination, 93. Laying on of hands, 48, 56, 57, 85. Leave of absence, 175, 179. Lecturing, 61. Legislative power, 18, 609. Levitical law, 238, 239, 241, 242. 244. Liberia, 358, 359. Liberty of the will, 314, 315, 317. Libraries, congregational, 574. Licensure by another Presbytery. 79, 80. irregularities in, 81, 311. preaching before, 83. by a committee, 84. irregular, not invalid, 81. Licentiates belong to the laity, 77. amenable to the Session, 77, 289. license withdrawn, 78. how received, 32, 115. foreign, 117—122. of corresponding Churches, 437, 439, 442, 445. Limitation of time. of prosecuting an appeal, 211, 212. of lodging notice, 195, 214. of lodging the appeal, 213. Lord's supper, 103. 104. Lotteries, 264, 265. Lowry, Samuel, 106, 217, 218. Lutheran Church, 448. Magistrates' power over the Church, 19 prayer for, 580. Mail, Sunday, 249, 254. stages, owners of, 249. Maine, Conference of, 340, 441, 443. Marriage, 223, 237, 248. with a brother's widow, 237, 238. with a wife's sister, 238, 239, 240. with a niece by marriage, 242, 243. with a sister's daughter, 244. with a divorced woman, 247. engagements of, 244, 245. publication of purpose, 245. sacredness of, 248. Massachusetts, Association of, 340, 441, 444—446. McCalla, William L., 82, 83, 104, 192. McCoy, James, 80. McDowell, Wm. S., 233, 235. McLean, John, 79, 80. Mediate agency, 305. Members of the Church, 38-46. received by certificate, 41, 80, 443. absent, 41, 42, 45. responsibility of, 42. who wish to be released, 45. who withdraw, 125. Methodist ministers, 91, 92. Mileage, Committee on, 179-182. Miller, Alexander, 200, 203. Ministers without charge, 63—72. rights of in Church courts, 63, 64, 112. under inspection of Presbytery, 65, 69. who withdraw from the work, 64, 65, 125. demission of office, 65-70. holding civil office, 70. Ministers deposed, ministrations of, 93, 96. jurisdiction over, 126. dismissed by an extinct Presbytery, 114. dismissed in good standing, 116. dismissed, jurisdiction over, 126, 127. received from other Churches, 92, 93. 115, 439, 443. foreign, rule as to, 117—122. suspended, standing of, 95, 202. decease of, 178. Ministry, demission of, 65-70. support of, 573-575. Minors, right to vote, 51. Minutes of the Assembly, 174, 182, 183. publication and price, 183. to whom sent, 182, 183, 184. of Synod, 138-141. Missionaries, domestic, 319—341. duties of, 320-322, 325. compensation of, 321, 322, 323. INDEX. 629 Missionaries, instructions of, 324. commission-, 325. kind required, 325. to the Indians, 344, 345. foreign, 344, 345. Missions, Domestic, 319-341. Plan of, 321, 322. Standing Committee on, 326. enlarged, 327. % Board of, 327, 329-331. Missions, Foreign, 343-348. Committee on, 424-433. Mitchell, Charles. 242. Mode of baptism, 102. Modes of Evangelization, 319-360. Moderator, powers and duties, 136, 137, 168-171, 539-544, 602-606, 608- 612. right to vote, 171, 172, 605. to administer an oath, 196, 197. when he may not preside, 221. of the Assembly, mode of election, 167. mode of induction, 167-172. "last present," 173. Montgomery, Joseph, 66, 68. Monthly concert, 577. Moral agency, 314, 315. Moral Questions, 237-295. Motions, .rules regarding, 169, 603. Names of absentees recorded, 141. Narrative of the state of religion, 141. Committee on, 178. Newcastle, Church of, 234. New Hampshire, Association of, 340, 440, 444, 445. New trial, 193, 196, 199, 200, 205. New York, Association of, 449, 450. Non-resident members, of churches, 41-45. of Presbytery, 122, 123, 131. Notes on the Constitution, 29, 30. Notice of appeal, 195, 214, 215. of complaint, 229, 230. Oath, judicial, 196, 197. testimony under, 197, 198. Obedience of Christ, 302, 318. to the moral law, 302. Officers of the Church, 47-72. Ordinances, sealing, administration, 96, 97, 104, 320, 322. admission to, 57, 93, 98, 243. Ordination, 69, 85-94. of deacons, 36, 48. of elders, 36, 48, 320, 322. of candidates, 81, 88. by a committee, 85, 86. irregular not invalid, 81, 92. by foreign bodies, 86, 87, 438, 439. sine titulu, 72, 87, 88, 89, 90. part of elders in, 57. Ordination. on the Sabbath, 91. lay, invalid, 93. Organization of churches, 36, 37, 38, 320, 322. of General Assembly, 156. of Assembly of 1838, 506-519. Original parties, who? 210. when to be heard, 222, 236. Original sin, 300, 301, 307, 313, 315, 316. Orthodoxy, who to judge of, 331. Overtures, Committee on, 168, 176. Parents, duties of, 62, 100, 571, 572. engagement of, in baptism, 97, 98. Parish Psalmody, 401. Parsonage, 573. Pastor, 58-63. order of election, 58, 59. translation of, 60. removal, 60, 61. duties of, 61, 62, 99, 100, 132, 570-573. support of, 573-575. Pastoral office, 62, 63. neglect of, 312. frequent change, 312. relation, dissolution of, 60. letters, 495-499, 522-526. Pastorate without instalment, 60. Penalty of the law, 311, 316. Permanent clerk, 161, 167. appointment and duties, 169, 175. salary, 176. Permanent Committees, 361-433. preliminary, 361-367. Church Extension, 368-375. Church Erection, 375-393. Publication, 394-404. Presbyterian House, 404-409. Education, 410-423. Foreign Missions, 424-433. Plan of Union of 1758, 21-25. Plan of Union of 1801, 453-469. first proposition, 453, 454. plan, 454, 455. request to annul, 456. abrogated, 456-457. protest against, 457-461. answer, 462-469. commissioners under, 164, 165, 166. Polity, Committee on, 177. Poor, 47, 48. Postmasters and the Sabbath, 40, 248, 249. Postponement, indefinite, 170, 231, 604. of an appeal, 215, 216. of a complaint, 231. Powers of the Assembly, 189. to make standing rules, 34, 466. in receiving foreign ministers, 119, 120. to transfer jurisdiction, 123, 189. over Presbyteries, 158, 189, 194. over Synods 189, 483, 484. 630 INDEX. Powers of the Assembly, over missions, 189, 317-340. to decide in controversy, 190. to bear testimony, 190, 287, 313. over judgments of former Assemblies, 208. as to slavery, 286-291. to reprove and warn, 287. in discipline, 288, 289. to condemn books, 303, 308, 309. over the raising of funds, 324. Powers of the Synod, to censure a Presbytery, 112. in receiving foreign ministers, 119, 120. in transferring churches, 132. over church covenants, 134. in discipline, 195, 196, 227. to dissolve a Presbytery, 234. Powers of the Presbytery, in settling a pastor, 59. to judge of its members, 112-114, 116, 165, 202. to reject an applicant, 113, 116. to examine witnesses, 123. to try elders, 124. to organize churches, 38. to inspect its members, 65, 66, 125, 132. to visit churches, 109. to commence process, 289. to remove a stated supply, 63. Powers of the Session, in restoring an elder, 56, 201. in reference to Psalmody, 108. indiscipline, 44, 106, iy5, 204,226, 242, 264. in restoring to church privileges, 238, 241. to commence process, 289. over collections ordered, 323. Powers of Church Extension Committee, 337, 369, 371. of Church Erection Committee, 378- 384, 388, 389. of Publication Committee, 395, 396, 398, 400. of Trustees of the House, 400, 407. of Education Committee, 413. of Foreign Missions Committee, 424, 425. Prayer at the opening and close of sessions, 140, 602, 606. for the Assembly, 178, 575. for colleges, 419. 579. for magistrates, 580. special seasons of, 576. concert of, 577. for the conversion of the world, 577- 579. and fasting, 85, 575-580. Preaching without license, 82, 83. Presbyterian Church case, 527-549, 557, 607--619. Presbyterian House, 396, 404-409. trustees of, 405-408. charter of, 408, 409. Presbytery, the, 110-134. duties of, in settling pastors, 59. as to ministers without charge, 64, 65, 66, 69, 125. as to candidates, 77, 78, 85. to review session books, 107, 108. as to non-residents, 131. as to missions, 364. in the instruction of youth, 571-573. members of, 111-122. elders, 111, 112. ministers without charge, 112. of an extinct Presbytery, 114. who withdraw, 124, 125. dismission of members, 127-128. must specify, 127. not by committee, 127, 128. boundaries of, 128-132. dissolution of, 234, 492. see " Powers of." Prevarication, 199. Previous question, 169, 172, 603. Price, David, 199, 204. Priestley, Dr. Joseph, 95. Principals and alternates, 161-163. Process, commencement of, 289, 470. delay of, 128. Profession of religion, 41. Prohibitory laws, 260, 261. Proof texts, 27, 28, 29. Prosecution, Committee of, 606. Protest, right of, 22, 171. against an appeal, 211, 212. in Sheldon's case, 223, 224. against the "memorial," 314-318. on abrogating the Plan of Union, 457- 461. of Synod of Western Reserve, 484-485. of Synods of Utica, Ac., 488-490. on the dissolution of 3d Presbytery, 493-494. on the action at Cleveland, 563, 564. Protestation of 1741, 23. Psalmody, 580-585. parish, 401. power of Sessions over, 108. narrative of, 580, 581. psalms and hymns, 582. Church Psalmist, 398, 582, 583. Book of Tunes, 584, 585. Publication Committee, 394-404. standing, 177. appointment, 395. powers and duties, 395, 396, 399, 400. enlarged, 396, 397. name changed, 398. publication of, 402-404. depositories, 404. . Questions in thesi, 190. INDEX. 631 Quorum, less than, may adjourn, 136, 602. of Session, 56, 105. of Presbytery, 135. of Synod, 136. of the Assembly, 158, 168. of Church Extension Committee, 370. of Church Erection Committee, 390. of Publication Committee, 397. of Education Committee, 411. Ratio of commissioners to Assembly, 158, 159, 593, 594. Re-baptism, 96. Reconsideration of'a vote, 170, 603. of judicial action, 205. 206, 207. barred by an appeal, 207. Records of Session, 107, 108. of Synod, review of, 138. who vote on approval, 138. must be specific, 139-142. see "Exceptions to," 626. to be sent up in judicial cases, 214- 216, 218. effect of, neglect, 215, 219, 231. a copy, not sufficient, 218. Reformed Presbyterian Church, 452. Regeneration and conversion, 301. the work of the Spirit, 304, 305, 314, 317. instantaneous, 317. nature of, 317. and faith, 304. Re-ordination, 91, 93. Repentance and faith, 301. evidence of, required, 123, 204, 238. Representation in church courts, 110. Restoration to the ministry, 123, 196, 199, 201, 204, 205, 301. to the eldership, 56, 201. to communion, 56, 201, 207, 215, 219, 239. evidence of repentance required, 123, 204, 233. Revivals, 24, 576. Rice, Matthew H., 217. Righteousness of Christ, 24, 300, 302, 310, 311, 313, 314, 318. Rodgers, Judge, charge in Church case, 530-549. Roll, striking from, 66, 69, 124, 125, 137, 568 must be called on trial, 222, 223, 227. adjustment of, 557, 558, 567. Romans, Barnes on, 307, 308. Romish baptism, 97. Rotary eldership, 53. Rules, standing, 34, 35. Rules of the General Assembly, 168-171. modification of, 172. for judicatories, 172, 602-606. of the Church Extension Committee, 374, 375. of the Church Erection Committee, 393. Ruling Elders, 48-57. Sabbath, 248-256. violations of, 40, 248, 249, 251. ordinations on, 91. sessions of Synod on, 139. postmasters officiating on, 40, 248. mail stages, 40, 249, 253. profanation of, 249-256. travelling on, 251. discipline enjoined, 251, 255, 256. observance of. 253, 254. Sacraments, 94—104. where there is no church, 103. without consent of the Session, 104. by missionaries, 320, 322. Scholarships, 423. Scripture proofs, 27-29. Scruples, 18, 19, 39. Secession of So cthern Churches, 563- 568. protest of, 563, 564. withdrawal of, 565. roll corrected, 567. Secretary of Permanent Committees, 167. of Education Committee, 411, 412. of Church Erection, 392. Sentence, copy of, 194. disproportioned, 199, 226. unconstitutional, 200. must be precise, 222. in force till the case is issued, 196, 220. insubordination does not invalidate, 203. of other bodies respected, 209. Session, 105-110. quorum, 56, 105. special, unconstitutional, 106, 206. corresponding members of, 107. moderator of, 108. duties of, in admitting to membership, 39, 40. to take oversight of the Church, 41. as to absent members, 41, 42-45. in the election of elders, 50. in the election of pastors, 58. in restoring an elder, 56, 204. in restoring to Church privileges, 238, 241. when the church is vacant, 58, 108. as to candidates, 77, 78, 85. in admitting to sealing ordinances, 57, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, *243. as to baptized children, 100, 568. in administering ordinances, 104. in the discipline of Church members, 44, 106, 204, 226, 242, 264. to be represented in Church courts, 106, 109. in improper marriages, 241, 242, 243. in suppressing Sabbath-breaking, 251, 256. as to slavery, 272, 274, 293. in raising funds, 360. G32 . INDEX. Session. duties of, in catechizing, 571, 572, 573. Sheldon, George, 223, 248. Shepherd, John, 204, 205. Shields, James H., 126, 247. Sin, original, 300, 301, 307, 313, 315, 316. of Adam, 300, 310, 313, 315. imputation of, 300, 311, 313, 316. existence of, 303. -wilful and habitual, 313, 315. Sine titulo ordination, 72, 87-90. Slander, T 93, 194. Slaveholding, 271, 283, 285, 287, 293. holder, 134, 295. communion with, 268, 270, 271. trade, 359. selling one, a Church member, 272, 274. Slavery, 266-295, 358, 563-565. Slaves, baptism of, 98, 99. Snodgrass, Dr. James, 212. Socinianism, 95, 297. Spicer, Jabez, 199. Standard of right and wrong, 302. Standards op the Church, 17-35. subscription to, 17, 18, 20, 32. how to be adopted, 311, 312. Standing Committee, 165, 166, 176-180. rules, 34, 35, 167. Stated clerk of Assembly, appointment, 174. duties, 157, 160, 161, 174, 175, 181, 183, 365, 379. privileges, 167. salary, 175. Stated clerk of Synod, duties, 141, 377, 381. Stated supply, 55, 89. has no pastoral relation, 62. Stenographer, exclusion of, 226. Striking from the roll, 66, 69, 137. for irregular withdrawing, 124, 125. Study, time of, 75, 76, 417. refusal to alter, 590, 591. Subscription to the standards, 18, 20, 32. Sufferings of Christ, 311, 313. vicarious, 316. Sunday mails, 249, 254. Schools, 62, 355, 362, 56S-573. Sunday-School Union, 355, 356, 570, 571. Support of the Ministry, 573-575. Suspended minister, services of, 95. standing, 202. Suspension from Church privileges, 56. for wilful absence, 42, 43. not without trial, 45, 194. for unlawful marriage, 237, 239, 241. from the ministry, 248. without trial, 45, 192. for contumacy, 194, 198, 223. during process, 200. for a specified time, 201. from office. 56. Synod, the, 135-154. meetings, special, 136, 593. time of, 137. records to be sent up annually, 138. report to General Assembly, 138. must record reasons of censure, 139, 236. meetings to open and close with prayer, 140, 602, 606. minutes to be read and approved, 140, 141. absentees called to answer, 141, 142. power to examine witnesses, 232. Synod of German Reformed Church, 447. of Evangelical Lutheran Church, 448. of Associate Reformed Church, 451. of Reformed Church, 452. Synods, erection of, Albany, 143, 144. Alabama, 149. Alta California, 154. Carolinas, 142. Chesapeake, 148. Cincinnati, 147. Delaware, 148, 149. Genesee, 145. Geneva, 144. Illinois, 148. Indiana, 146. Iowa, 152. Kentucky, 143. Michigan, 148. Minnesota, 634. Mississippi and South Alabama, 147. Missouri, 148. Newark, 149, 150. New Jersey, 146. New York and New Jersey, 142, 151. New York, 145. North Carolina, 144. Ohio, 144. Onondaga, 153. Pennsylvania, 149. Peoria, 151. Philadelphia, 142. Pittsburg, 143. South Carolina and Georgia, 144. Susquehanna, 152. Tennessee, 145. Utica, 147. Virginia, 142. Wabash, 152. Western Reserve, 146. West Pennsylvania, 151. West Tennessee, 146. Wisconsin, 154. Systematic Beneficence, 359, 360. Tappan, Lewis, 217, 225, 226. Taylor, R., 213. James, 216. Temperance, 257-262. societies, 258, 259. INDEX. 633 Temperance laws, 260. total abstinence, 259, 260, 261. Temporalities of the Church, 47. Temporary clerks, 176. Testimony, verbal, 130, 165, 195. injudicial cases, 197. of husband and wife, 198. new, 205, 206, 225. in the absence of the accused, 223. what rejected, 207, 208, 220. to be sent up on appeal, 215-219. effect of failure to send up, 215-219. copy made by appellant, 218. not of record, 219. against doctrinal errors, 312-314. Theatre, 262, 263. Time, limitation of, 195, 211-214. of study, 75, 76, 417. Total abstinence, 258, 259, 260. Tracts, distribution of, 353, 354. societies, 355, 356. Transfer of jurisdiction, 123. of ministers, 131, 132. of churches, 132. of sin or righteousness, 300, 311, 316, 318. of moral qualities, 311, 316. Translation of a pastor, 60, 61. Travelling on the Sabbath, 251, 255. Trial, who may act as counsel, 107. censure without, 192, 193. charges must be specific, 194. rules must be observed, 194-196, 226, 233. notice must be given, 192, 195, 214, 215, 229. evidence of notice, 195, 214, 215. may not be on review, 196. must be orderly, 196. new, 193, 196, 205, 206, 226. unreasonably deferred, 128. presence of the accused, 198. personal attendance, 213. best evidence required, 218. testimony not of record, 219. who may sit, 107, 221, 222. death of respondent bars, 222. Trial, an express vote required, 222. the records must be read, 235. characters of the absent protected, 235. when a minister should preside, 109. postponed, 215. Trustees of a church, 48. of the General Assembly, 184-189. I of the Church Erection Fund, 378, 379. of the Presbyterian House, 405-408. Unitarians' baptism, 95. doctrine, 298, 299. United Foreign Missionary Society, 347. United Synod, 565, 567. Universalists, 38, 39, 298. Universal salvation, 38, 39, 297. Utica, Synod of, exscinded, 483. Vandyke, Andrew, 237. Vance, William, 240, 241. Vermont, Convention of, 340, 439, 440, 444, 445. Visitation, family, 61. Voluntary associations, relation of, to the Church, 262, 369. abuse of powers, 312. Vote, casting, 171, 172, 605. excludes debate, 171, 605. Ward, John, 205. Wells, Shipley, 112. Western Reserve Synod exscinded, 483. Wiley, Postmaster, 40. Wilful desertion ground of divorce, 247. Witnesses, husband and wife, 198. Woodhull, William, 65, 68. Work of grace, 24. Worship, family, 61. secret, 61. Wylie, Dr., 193. Yeas and nays, 605. York Church case, 613-618. Young, instruction of, 34, 568, 570—573. 41 r,. Lr do i So s Date Due FAfife^l it m PRINTED IN U. S. A. •.«jk.5swj