the attention of the Conference, — not because I have not had clear
and well-defined opinions and views in relation to the various points
that have been brought under discussion, — not because I have
not had my preferences in relation to the propositions which
SIXTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 213
have been made, and passed or rejected ; but because I was dis-
posed to leave the matter in the hands of those who managed it
better than I could, and because I saw every thing going on very
well, and likely to come to a favourable issue, without my help or
interference. I am exceedingly happy, that I have finally arrived
at the conclusion in my own mind, that the expectations we formed
respecting union, upon the great and general principles of Evan-
gelical Churches and Christians, in the whole will succeed, — that
nothing will be able to prevent the desirable result for which we
have come together ; and I earnestly pray for grace to enable us to
maintain it.
Those with whom I have been connected on the other side of
the Atlantic, who have taken an interest in this question, have, as
far as I know, felt an ardent desire for the success of this enter-
prise : and, with very few exceptions indeed, all that I have
heard said upon the other side, if it may be regarded as the other
side, has been a mere fear or doubt with regard to the success of
what they considered desirable, and what they most ardently prayed
might be accomplished. I had not intended — 1 had not expected —
the high gratification of being present at this Conference, till a very
few days before I embarked. But my prayer was — my hope was —
that this grand enterprise would result in something most favourable
to the Church, and would reflect glory upon the cause of our
Divine Redeemer. I was requested to attend this Conference by
several Bodies of Ministers located within the interior of the
State of New York, — covering the territory a few miles west of the
Hudson, and embracing the Valley of Wyoming, immortalized by
one of your poets ; — a territory with rising towns and cities, pro-
bably more resembling old England, than any other part of the
United States — densely peopled — religious in its character, sending
up the spires of its churches throughout its length and breadth.
From this territory, more than four hundred Ministers of the Method-
ist Episcopalian Church agreed in urging me to leave my official
duties and my quiet home, to cross the Atlantic, and represent
their wishes to this Body. We are here, that we might do what
we have already done, — organize the Evangelical Alliance upon a
firm Basis — a Basis which promises confidence — a Basis which will
commend itself to the Churches all over the World — which will
show to the Churches and to the World, to our enemies as well as
our friends — that we may agree — that we do agree, and are
determined to agree, in every thing that is essential to our holy
Christianity ; and that we have resolved to leave our petty
differences, and to unite in fighting the battles of the Lord against
the common foe. To accomplish this object, I have been com-
214 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
missioned by my Brethren and friends ; and I rejoice that I stand
before you, full of the spirit of this enterprise. My heart has been
glad. I never felt more comfortable in my life — it has been a love-
feast — especially when we passed the Resolution for the formation
of the Evangelical Alliance ; that is to say, we passed the Basis of
our Union, and agreed to all its great general principles.
Now I come directly to the Resolution : it concerns the Press.
It has been announced, that persons are chosen to speak on the
subject, who are engaged in the business of conducting the Press.
I am not certain but some of my Brethren have had something to
do in my appointment to this duty, for, very possibly, as I have
been engaged in a number of controversies, and have written
sharply, they think it necessary to commit me to the cause of peace
before I return, — to bring me into circumstances, in which I must
promise to conduct myself according to the rules of Christian
charity, — the rules which bind this Association together, and which,
we trust, are ultimately to bind the whole World together. Well,
I am not at all averse to be brought to this issue. I should feel
myself unworthy to be placed in charge of a certain portion of
our important and rather numerous Denomination of Christians in
America, if I were not prepared to pledge myself to the whole of
this Resolution to-day. The Religious Press has very much to
answer for : there is a score of guilt lies against it, that must be put
away by that repentance which brings after it amendment. It has
given a thousand reasons to Infidels and Romanists, to reproach us
with our differences, and with our bitterness ; — with our want of
agreement even in Christian feeling and affection, as well as in matters
of doctrine. No controversies have been conducted with more
bitterness and hatred than the religious controversies of the past and
the present age ; and the Religious Press is responsible for much of
this. It is high time, that " Charity, which is the bond of perfect-
ness," should be diffused through our Religious Periodicals, our
books, our pamphlets ; — that the Press should be sanctified, in
order that our reading, our literature, may partake of that spirit of
union, of affection, of mutual forbearance, and of Christian charity,
with which we expect to imbue our sermons and private intercourse,
as well as our prayers, and all that we say, and all that we do, in
the character and capacity of Christians. Let the Press be sanc-
tified ! let the Religious Press be imbued with the spirit of Charity !
let our Periodicals be conducted with that spirit of brotherly love
and forbearance which pervades this Conference, and the work is
done. That consummation for which we have so devoutly prayed,
and which is so devoutly to be wished for, will have been accom-
plished. The Churches will be united ; God will be glorified ;
SIXTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 215
and the World, struck dumb in silence, will have nothing more to
say. I most heartily and cordially commit myself to the doctrine
and principles of this Resolution. I hope and pray, that God in
His infinite mercy may help all who are engaged in the great work
of informing the public mind — of imparting knowledge through the
medium of the Press, especially the Religious Press — that, in the
spirit of Christ, they may be ready to sacrifice their own prejudices,
so that all that is offensive to the tenderest Christian conscience,
may be put away for ever from amongst us. With these observa
tions and views, very imperfectly expressed, and knowing there is
much to be done, I leave the Resolution in your hands.
Rev. Dr. J. Carlile (of London). — The public are not fond of
long articles, and generally, I think, they are not fond of long
speeches ; and if I approach five minutes, Sir Culling, you have
my authority to call me to order. I will just state, in a sentence or
two, the principles, which I think ought to regulate the Religious
Press, generally ; and, emphatically, that portion of it which is con-
ducted by Members of the Alliance ; and the principle which I
state, I will endeavour to adopt, as a guide in my own relations to
the Press. I will only say, that, if I deviate from these principles in
conducting that portion of the Press with which I am connected, I
shall be deeply grateful to any Member of the Alliance, who will
tell me of my error and convince me of the sin. In the first place,
then, I will maintain, untouched and inviolable, the independence
that I had before I ever thought of entering this Alliance. I have
long thought — I think it now, as a Member of the Alliance — and I
shall never cease to think — that the Truth of God never stands before
our "World in a more commanding attitude, and never secures for itself
a larger amount of respect, or even of renown , — and never, on the whole,
gives less of permanent offence, than when, in the exposition of her
eternal principles, and in the assertion of her eternal claims, she
stands before the World, and addresses it with a firm and un-
daunted air. That independence, that freedom, that firmness, I
trust, by God's blessing, we shall maintain. Instead of pledging
myself to abstain from all attack upon the errors of the Churches
to which my Brethren belong, I will endeavour, on all proper
occasions, and I trust in a proper spirit, to show them the truth
more fully than ever ; because, in the same proportion that Christian
Love takes hold of our hearts, in the same proportion shall we
endeavour to be faithful, in spreading among our Brethren the
principles which we believe to be founded on, and agreeable to, the
Word of God. But all our controversies— and this I understand
is the spirit of the pledge now before us — may, and must be,
216 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
baptized with the Spirit of Christ. Here is the pledge which I take
before my Brethren, before Angels, and before God : here is the
pledge which, I trust, Brethren in connexion with the Press, and with
this Alliance, will take with equal cheerfulness : that, on every page
we write — on every page we publish — on every page for which we
are directly or indirectly responsible — the spirit of the Gospel will
be strongly, clearly, amicably displayed : that, while we never
compromise a single principle of God's Truth, we shall endeavour
to defend God's Truth in the spirit of the Gospel of Christ. I
regard the influence which the formation of this Alliance is likely
to have upon the Religious Press, — and upon the Religious Public,
through its agency, — as one of the most important and bene-
ficial results that will follow the formation of this Alliance. I
cannot conceal the conviction, that the Press has done more
than the living voice, to mar the peace and impair the harmony,
— to retard the progress, and cripple the energies, of Christ's
Church in our land. I sincerely rejoice, that we have a prospect,
mainly by the influence of this Alliance, of diffusing, by the
Religious Press, more and more, the spirit of Christ ; which we all
know and feel is the spirit of Love. I have the highest satisfaction
in seconding this Resolution.
Rev. Andrew Thomson. — Will you allow me to add a word?
I have risen to make this statement. I believe, if we only enter
into the spirit of the Resolution now moved and seconded, we shall
introduce a new era in the spirit of religious controversy in this
Country. I speak just now, not so much of individuals as of
Denominations. I am persuaded, we all need to enter more into the
spirit of the Resolution than we have yet done. Controversy needs
to be sanctified. I believe I might say, in reference to this matter, —
" Let him that is without fault throw the first stone." I feel
myself, in regard to this Resolution, bound by a new pledge. In
speaking from the platform or the pulpit, or in writing, should I
enter into controversy, I feel bound to speak the Truth in Love.
Suppose I should give way to bitterness and malice, and evil
speaking, which this Resolution condemns, I should feel myself
much in the position of the disciple, to whom the question was
addressed, " Did I not see thee with Him in the garden :" and I
should deem it a reproof sufficient to bring the blush to my cheeks,
sufficient to send me to my knees in the spirit of contrition; —
Did not I see thee in the Evangelical Alliance ? I, therefore,
enter into the spirit of the Motion, with my whole heart ; and,
should we all enter into the spirit of it, with our whole hearts,—
then controversy will produce those effects which, when rightly con-
SIXTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 217
ducted, it is fitted to accomplish. It is a remark that every one has
made, who has looked into controversial writers, that controversialists
have rarely improved one another. The principal reason I believe
to be just this ; — that controversy has not been conducted, generally
speaking, in the spirit that ensures success. Act upon the con-
ditions of success, and success will be bestowed. But there is a
Bible rule — a Bible principle — on the subject. Our German
Brethren have spoken of the standing point. There is a standing
point, from which to contemplate standing Truth ; and that is just
the place at which my Brother and myself have determined to agree.
Let us take our stand where we agree. Let us stand there, and recog-
nise each other as Brethren ; and the probability is, that we shall be
able to agree a great deal farther. There is a certain atmosphere, in
which alone Truth can be seen in the loveliness of her figure ; and
that is the atmosphere of Love. I, therefore, enter, with my whole
heart, into this Resolution ; and I could wish, that " controversy "
could be written in large capitals, and go forth in the embodiment
of that passage of Scripture, — " Speaking the truth in love."
Rev. E. Fraser (a gentleman of colour). — I have been very
thankful for the opportunity, so kindly afforded me, of sitting in
this Conference. I have desired to learn and catch something of
the holy feeling, which has filled the entire assembly, and is evi-
dently in it ; but it is scarcely to be expected, that I should be
qualified to take any part in the discussions. Your kindness must
be attributed to that feeling, which is known to dwell in the
bosoms of British Christians, towards that race of men from whom
I came. If your time were longer, or if I haanad an opportunity, at
an earlier stage, to speak on a more general topic, I should have been
glad to have said something concerning Christian men in Jamaica,
from which island I come, — Missionaries of different Denominations,
whose minds are moving in sympathy with yours, — whose prayers
are ascending up with yours for the success of this movement, — and
who stand ready, (I have it in charge to say, from Presbyterians and
Baptists, as well as from those of my own communion, Wesleyans) —
to fall in with any movement that may be placed before us,
for the purpose of promoting union amongst Christians. I should
have spoken, if time had allowed, concerning the unfortunate
African, for whose interests, it should seem, legislators are now '
doing something. I should have taken occasion to remind this
honoured company, that one of the happy effects to be expected
from greater union amongst Christian Ministers and men, would be,
a more rapid and extensive promotion of the Gospel of peace over
the World ; and, therefore, an antidote to that evil, which an
218 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
interested Legislature may effect for a time against the interests of
Africa. I shall be quite content, if a more vigorous Christianity is
impelled through the World, — assured that it will eventually put a
y stop to that man-destroying, soul and body destroying Slave-trade,
as well as effect the conversion of Africa.
But I think the request is, that I should speak to the point now
before the Conference. A simple man will generally speak from his
own experience : he cannot do so from large stores of learning, and
acquaintance with ancient authors ; he must talk from his own
heart, and from his Bible. 1 beg to say, therefore, that this object
has been always before me, during the years I have been employed
as an humble servant of a Mission — an object which has forbidden
me to merge my Christian character in the official ; and I have
endeavoured, never to lose sight of the care of my soul while I was
employed in the discarge of my public duties. I think that will be
a sufficient pledge, that, so far as I am concerned, I shall take care
to observe the spirit of this Resolution, and the line of conduct
which it is intended to recommend. I think, when a person takes
care of his soul, he will be afraid of indulging " bitterness, wrath,
clamour, and evil speaking." So deep is my impression about this
matter, that I have always had, and have to this day, a dread on
my mind of newspaper writing, and of all subjects of controversy.
It seemed to me, in most of those cases, that more was lost fcr
Love than was gained for Truth.
Rev. Dr. Beecher. — I presume, we all understand the Motion ;
but, — as it is to be put to you, and is as important as new, and, if
adopted, heart and head, so influential, — I wish just to say, that I do
not undertake to exert the least influence against free and fair dis-
cussion. The Papal power has tried the stifling of thought so long,
that I do not think we ought to follow suit. Moreover, no man is
so nearly omniscient, as not to need to borrow rays of light from
other minds. It has not pleased God to put eyes in our heads all
round, and we need our neighbours' eyes to see something behind ;
there is so much that we cannot see. Moreover, if such an influ-
ence should come upon us, that we should never investigate sub-
jects, it would produce stagnation, and weaken the Truth in its
power and energy. It is not enough, that the generation before us
has gone through the responsibility of personally thinking ; we can-
not have thoughts by proxy, that will have power, and that will
burn. We must think ; and when feebleness of thinking comes,
the whole system of Society will go down. But it is properly said,
it is more easy to think, and to speak, and to write earnestly, and
to contend controversially, where exigency demands, than to speak
SIXTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 219
from the fulness of a benevolent heart, delivered from the narrow-
ness of selfish partialities. Let controversy, for man's sake, and
for God's sake, go on as long as it is needful : but " let us keep
our heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."
Rev. Dr. Steane. — The Rev. J. Tod Brown has an Amend.
ment, in which he proposes, after the words " the Members of this
Alliance," to introduce " resolve personally, earnestly, and affec-
tionately," Szc.
Rev. J. Tod Brown. — I think this will commend itself to us j
it will leave a flaw in the sequence, unless you insert the word
" personally," in reference to what has been said on the subject of
the Press. I merely beg to throw out the idea. I think this Re-
solution might have the most blessed effect, both upon the Worldly
Press and the Religious Press. Perhaps some of you will imagine
the idea is somewhat crude ; but it has often occurred to me, that,
if any regulation could be made, by means of which the Con-
tributor of any article to any Press, would be obliged to put his
name to what he wrote, it would be advisable. — (Cries of " No,
No.") I think the idea is a valuable one. That, however, is
scarcely relevant. I do not wish, that there should be any dis-
cussion on the Amendment moved.
Rev. Dr. Beaumont. — I beg to say, that I approve of the senti-
ments uttered by Mr. Brown, and I second the Amendment. I
concur in the observations of Dr. Beecher.
Dr. Blackwood. — I do not like " personal" in that form. I
have no objection to resolving personally ; but I trust, each Mem-
ber will say, by God's grace ; for I think, if we say " personally,'
we shall fail.
Rev. J. Tod Brown. — I will adopt those words.
Rev. W. Anderson. — I hope it will be left out altogether.
The Amendment was then put, and negatived.
The Chairman then submitted the original Resolution, which
was carried. — (Cries of Adjourn.)
Rev. J. Alius. — I suggest, that we should go on.
Rev. W. Be van. — I implore the Conference, as they regard im-
portant principles, to address themselves to the transaction of
the matters of business before them, that we may be prepared,
if possible, ere our Public Meetings close, to say, that we have
arranged the scheme of organization. Let us not leave the
Public to say, you have put before us your general Principles: but,
as to what you intend to do, in carrying them into effect, you leave
us in ignorance.
Rev. Dr. Bennet, — I was about to move the Adjournment.
220 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
Rev. A. D. Campbell. — I second it.
Rev. G. Osborn. — I am sure the Public Meetings' Committee
have quite enough before them. I think it better that the Meet-
tings should be shorter, than that the Brethren should be unduly
hurried in these Resolutions. There is ample matter for a Public
Meeting : perhaps for two or three.
Rev. Dr. Alder. — We can prepare enough for Meetings for a
fortnight : but we are, at present, bound by the Regulations of the
Conference to only three Meetings. If so, we must classify the
subjects to be brought under consideration.
The Chairman. — Will any one move, that propositions that
have passed be made the subjects for the evening Meeting ?
Dr. Alder. — By all means.
The Chairman. — Then we shall give you abundance of matter.
The Motion for Adjournment was then carried.
Rev. J. H. Hinton moved, and Rev. T. Scales seconded,
" That the Meeting sit till Four o'Clock to-morrow, if necessary."
The Motion was put, and negatived.
Rev. Thomas Mortimer engaged in prayer.
The Conference Adjourned to Ten o'Clock on Wednesday
morning.
SEVENTH DAY.— August 26th.
MORNING SESSION.
Rev. Field Flowers moved, and Rev. Thomas Scales
seconded,
" That Rev. Dr. Kidston preside over the Devotional Exercises."
Carried.
The Chairman gave out part of the 72nd Psalm, Scotch Version,
which was sung by the Brethren. After which he read Isaiah xlix.
and Rev. Dr. Patten engaged in prayer. The Brethren then sung
23rd of the Scotch Paraphrases, and Rev. Dr. Jabez Burns engaged
in prayer.
The Chairman. — Friends and Brethren, it would be quite un-
seasonable for me to occupy much of your time, when I consider
the business you must transact this forenoon : but I cannot deprive
myself of the pleasure of littering a few sentences, in the interest-
ing situation in which I am now placed. For the first time in my
life, I have had the pleasure of being present at, and taking part
in, a great Religious Meeting in this City, — the Metropolis of the
Empire ; and I may add, that I have often wished to be present in
May, when so many Meetings are held in which I feel a deep in-
terest : but I never had that happiness. I rejoice, however, to
have been in London, and to have winessed the formation of the
Evangelical Alliance, which will, I trust, contribute to the welfare
of mankind, and the glory of our common Lord. I have been a
Minister of the Gospel for a long time. The 57th year of my
Ministry lately commenced ; and the Body with which I am con-
nected includes nearly four thousand Ministers and congregations.
We have carried on a correspondence with our Brethren of the
Relief Synod; and, with regard to that Body, we have been, for a
considerable time, entirely on the same footing as are the Members
of this Evangelical Alliance with each other. We are not incor-
porated ; but I hope we shall be ere long. We maintain, however,
Christian communion with one another; and, if we become united,
the Ministers and Elders will form a body sufficiently numerous to
fill every corner of this large Hall. There prevails throughout the
222 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
Denomination to which I belong, but one desire — which is, that
Union and Scriptural principles may prevail. I think, we may
take a little credit to ourselves, and suppose that the example
which has been set by the United Secession Church and the Relief
Church in Scotland, may have had its influence in forwarding this
Alliance. I hope that our union will, ere long, be consummated. I
have witnessed the proceedings of this Alliance, to as great an
extent as my advanced years and infirmities permitted. I rejoice,
in common with all its Members, to see, that there has been so
much of the spirit of love, forbearance, conciliation, and concession
to each other; — so that we feel ourselves to be united on the great
principles of Evangelical Truth, and in our purpose to prosecute
the common objects we contemplate ; while, at the same time, we
hold the peculiarities, by which we are, at present, and may con-
tinue to be, distinguished. There is nothing in these days to pre-
vent our union in love ; and, if we are Members of the Body of
Christ, we are one with each other in the participation of the same
blessings, the cherishing of the same hope, and the prosecution of
the same great object, — the glory of God in the salvation of our
own souls, and the salvation of those to whom our influence ex-
tends. I have taken the liberty to speak a little of myself, my