desirable it should be more explicitly brought out ; it should be
manifest, from what is agreed upon, that earnest zeal for the Truth
of God is not, in any way inconsistent with Love; that, on the
contrary, they are to be put, not in antagonism, but the one as ulti-
mate to the other. I do not mean to argue; but it appears to me
desirable, that we should put in the words " in judgement and
affection," after the word " Union." I concur entirely in the great
object of the Resolution ; and, believing it is our duty to seek that
union which God has promised in His Word, when the Lord said,
" Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice ; with the voice together
shall they sing : for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall
bring again Zion;" or, to put it in another form, — wishing we
should endeavour, all of us, to draw a little nearer to the World
above, where there is neither error nor sin to divide us ; — I cannot
admit, that it is the mere want of Love which prevents us from show-
ing our full enjoyment of Ecclesiastical fellowship with some beloved
232 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
Brethren : I cannot admit that. I believe, there are other causes
of a weighty kind, that operate in preventing persons from full fel-
lowship with one another; and we ought to aim at a higher point,
the promotion of union in judgement and affection. I throw that
thought before the Meeting, — believing that it will meet with their
almost unanimous concurrence.
Rev. A. M. Rogerson seconded the Amendment.
Rev. W. W. Ewbank — If you adopt this Amendment, you
completely alter the whole character of the Alliance. Unity in
judgement is most desirable : but the great object of the Evan-
gelical Alliance is, to promote union and love, in spite of differences
in judgement. If you say, that the great object is to promote
union in judgement, it may be right : but it is not what we mean.
Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel. — I object to that Amendment. I
wish we were united in judgement, as far as can be ; but I object
to it, because it seems directly contrary to the Apostolic admo-
nition, " Receive ye one another ; but not to doubtful disputa-
tions :* that is, not to the discussion of differences. The effect
would be, to press us into discussion ; which, in our present state,
would greatly enfeeble us.
Rev. J. Begg. — It is in conformity with an Amendment before
adopted. I dissent from the idea expressed, that it is not desirable
that the Church of Christ should be one. I think, we ought to aim
at having one fold, as there is one Shepherd. I think, that is the
nobler object to aim at ; and it is for the purpose of keeping that
idea before us throughout, that I think it necessary these words
should be inserted. I differ respectfully from Mr. Noel, as to think
ing there is anything inconsistent with our object in the propo-
sition. It is, I maintain, a nobler object : but not inconsistent
with the one expressed.
The Amendment was then put, and negatived.
The Chairman. — The question now is that the clause do pass.
Rev. A. King. — I beg to propose, as an Amendment, the first of
the Propositions I have handed in.
The Chairman. — What is the feeling of the Meeting, as to
entertaining it a second time ? Is it your opinion, that this Amend-
ment, having been put in toto, and rejected, we should consider
that part which refers to the present clause ?
Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel. — If they are in order, we should
vote upon them.
Rev. A. King. — I shall briefly state, why I urge this Amend-
ment upon the consideration of the Conference. In the first place,
I think there are several vague expressions in the second Propo-
SEVENTH DAY MORNING SESSION. 233
sition, which it would be exceedingly difficult to explain hereafter,
though we may arrive at a tolerable understanding concerning them
here. How are we to understand the second member of the Pro-
position, u To discourage all envyings, strifes, and divisions ? "
What machinery are we to get up to repress controversy? Then,
with regard to the conclusion of this Proposition, I think it is a
mere repetition of the conclusion of the foregoing. The Propo-
sition I have submitted will present the great idea, and avoid the
evils I have pointed out.
Rev. T. Greenfield seconded the Amendment, which was then
put, and negatived.
The Chairman. — The question is, that the clause do pass.
Rev. C. Hargrove. — I feel constrained to make a very few ob-
servations. The Resolution seems to me defective : indeed, I think,
erroneous, in one respect. It puts before us the full accomplish-
ment of our blessed Lord's prayer ; that is, the perfect Unity of
the whole Church, as the object of the Alliance ; which, in the con-
viction of my own soul, I believe will only be effected by the
Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do not at all mean to say, that
I want to press my convictions on others : but I cannot assent to
what is contradictory to my own convictions. I also think, it is
inconsistent ; inasmuch as, while you put forth the full accom*
plishment of our Lord's prayer in the perfect Unity of the Church
as your object, your Articles hinder this to a considerable extent,
because there are a number of Christians excluded. A Brother
here says, that he believes hundreds of Roman Catholics are true
Christians : they cannot come among you. There are hundreds of
Quakers true Christians : they cannot come among you. There
are many Plymouth Brethren, so called, that cannot come among
you. Then, if all these are hindered from coming among you,
there are many saints that you hinder, by your own Articles, from
effecting the object which you put before them. That, I think,
is exceedingly wrong ; I could not give my assent to this ; and it is
the only Article, I would say for myself, that I think to be untrue.
In the others, I can from my soul agree ; I believe they are true ;
but I believe they have a stern aspect, — inasmuch as they tend to
keep out those whom God has received. A dear Brother said,
" What is the bond in Heaven ?" it is this, " Worthy is the Lamb
that was slain." But there are thousands taught to sing that song,
to whom the door of the Alliance is not open ; and I think it is
contradictory to the paragraph, " the full accomplishment of His
prayer." I do not wish to divide the Assembly : all I want is to
express my feeling.
234 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
Rev. A. D. Campbell.— I do not consider, that "to seek the
full accomplishment of that prayer " is Scriptural. I believe it is
reserved to the Second Coming of our Lord and Master Jesus
Christ ; and, to meet the feelings of Mr. Hargrove, L think these
words (which I move as an Amendment) should be inserted, —
" After the words ' to seek,' — ' as far as may be in the present dispensation.' "
Rev. C. Hargrove. — I second that.
Rev. C. Cook. — I think neither the Mover nor the Seconder
would object to seek this consummation ? And I think to seek such
a union is desirable.
Rev. E. Bickersteth. — Perhaps, holding the views of Mr.
Campbell and Mr. Hargrove upon the Pre-millennial Advent, I may
say, I do not object to the phrase as it stands. I believe our Lord
will come before the accomplishment of that object : but we are to
seek it, by earnestly praying for it.
Rev. T. Scales. — It is not this Article, but the Basis, that
excludes the parties to whom Mr Hargrove has alluded.
Rev. W. W. Ewbank. — I humbly suggest to the Mover and
Seconder of the Amendment, that, in using these words, we are
simply following the example of St. Peter. Our Saviour distinctly
prayed for the conversion of His murderers; and St. Peter did not
think it wrong to preach to them earnestly — seeking, therefore,
their conversion, by preaching : consequently, if our Saviour prayed
for the union of all His disciples, we may instrumentally seek their
union.
The Amendment was then put, and negatived.
The Chairman — The question is, that this clause, as it now
stands, do pass.
The Motion was carried.
Rev. Dr. Steane. — There is a notice of a clause to be inserted
between paragraphs 2 and 3, by the Rev. R. W. Overbury. Mr.
Overbury gave notice of a Motion, which was referred to the Business
Committee; and they have determined, that this is the place in
which it shall be taken up. It is as follows : —
" That a further object of the Evangelical Alliance be, to promote, as far as in
them lies, a more extensive agreement of views, as it regards those parts of
their Lord's will, concerning which the Brethren united in this Confederation
at present differ ; and that this end be sought, —not by any attempt on the part
of some of the Brethren to impose their views on others of the Brethren, nor
by erecting among themselves any tribunal for the determination of matters of
doctrine and discipline: but, First, by cherishing individually a just sense of
SEVENTH DAY MORNING SESSION. 235
their need of a more perfect knowledge of the will of their Divine Redeemer:
Secondly, by earnest, believing, united, and persevering prayer and supplica-
tion for "the Spirit of Truth" to "guide them into all Truth:" and Thirdly,
by mutual conference from time to time, as suitable opportunities may arise.'"
And also, if the above Resolution be adopted, to make some verbal
Amendments in Paragraphs 3 and 4.
Rev. R. W. Overbury. — I can assure you, Sir, it is with sin-
cere diffidence, that I have taken upon myself the responsibility of
moving the Resolution which has now been read: but I do so under
a sense of duty. I might refer to the letter I wrote in the " Chris-
tian Reformer," so long ago as the year 1840, — when I addressed a
letter to the gentleman (I do not know whether I do wrong in
stating it) who is now presiding, with so much ability, over our
proceedings, — proposing something to the effect of that which is
embodied in this Resolution. I beg to say, that, in very many of
the sentiments which have been expressed, relative to the duty of
cultivating brotherly love between Christians of different Denomi-
nations, I heartily agree. I trust I can say, in the presence of
God, that it is my continual endeavour to approach the throne of
Divine Grace, and there to get my heart and spirit more and more
filled with the fear of God, with the love of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and of all that love and serve Him, of every name and of every
Denomination. But — whilst I feel the importance of cultivating
this duty, and when I see the large space which this duty, the duty
of recognising each other, occupies in the proceedings of this Con-
vention — I cannot but think, that we should look a little more than
we have done to Truth as well as Love. I believe, with that im-
mortal bard, Milton, that, " Truth came into the world with her
Divine Master, and was a perfect form, most glorious to look upon.
But when He had ascended to Heaven, and His apostles after Him
were laid asleep, then arose a race of deceivers, who (as that Egyp-
tian Typhon served that good God Osiris) took the fair virgin
Truth, hewed her lovely form into a thousand pieces, and scattered
them to the four winds of Heaven. From that time, ever since,
the sad friends of Truth — such as durst appear, (imitating the con-
duct of Isis towards the mangled body of Osiris) have gone up and
down in the Earth — gathering together the limbs one by one, as
they were able to find them."
Rev. Dr. Morison. — I rise to order. I just submit, whether
we are to hear long historical discussions ? We want to come to
the business of the day.
Rev. J. Angell James. — That point has been partly deter-
mined before.
236 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
The Chairman. — I think our friend had better abstain from
going into these long discussions.
Rev. W. Anderson humbly submitted, — inasmuch as some
friends thought it a matter of importance, and the Meeting had
pledged itself partly to the adoption of this principle, — that the
Meeting would not prevent discussion.
Rev. W. Sevan. — This Meeting will not prevent discussion on
objects legitimately bearing on the question. But I implore our
Brethren to bear in mind, that we have not now to do with dilata-
tion of sentiment, but with the transaction of business. I trust, if
this Motion be proceeded in, we shall have its proper merits discussed
as speedily as possible.
Rev. R. W. Overbury. — It is not my intention to lengthen out
remarks that do not bear on the business : but I do regard it, and
will regard it, as one object of the Alliance, that it should imitate
the conduct of Isis, in gathering up those fragments of Truth
which have been spread abroad among various Denominations of
Christians; that we might ultimately admire "her perfect form,
most glorious to look upon." I know not how far distant it may
be; but I look forward to the full unity of the people of God, for
which our Saviour prayed. The first point of difference was with
regard to circumstantials. (Cries of " Question.") It is a sense of
duty that leads me to address you. I believe God will bring His
people to see more eye to eye than they have done, on important
points of practical Christian duty. Having said this to explain the
object of my Resolution, I feel I shall have satisfied my conscience,
in having brought the matter before the Conference. I do not
know whether any Brother is prepared to second the Resolution.
J. Hamilton, Esq. — I second this Amendment; and, in so
doing, will say a few words. I wish to express the strong con-
viction on my mind, of the importance of the Alliance recognising
a union in Truth as well as in Love. I find a great want of that in
the Resolutions ; and it appears to me, that there is a serious short-
coming in that respect.
Rev. Dr. F. A. Cox. — One word, I think, may satisfy the Mover.
We have, in this elaborate Resolution, partly included what is now
proposed : especially in the prayer, " That they all may be one," —
that is to say, one in every sense.
Rev. W. France. — You ought to express what you have im-
plied; that we should seek together a fuller conformity to the Word
of God. This appears to be the idea of the Mover.
Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel. — I think our Scotch Brethren
must feel, that — as a matter of practical wisdom and common pru-
SEVENTH DAY MORNING SESSION. 237
dence — it is not wise to commit ourselves to a Resolution, which
would set five hundred gentlemen of different opinions discussing
ad infinitum.
Rev. W. Anderson observed, that the first suggestion referred
to Prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit of Truth : discussion was
not in his mind, unless, in the Providence of God, it should be
thought desirable.
After some further conversation, the Motion was put, and
negatived.
Rev. Dr. Steane read the third Proposition : —
"That, in furtherance of this object, the Alliance shall receive such information
respecting the progress of vital Religion in all parts of the World as Christian
Brethren may be disposed to communicate ; and that a correspondence be
opened and maintained with Christian Brethren in different parts of the
World, — especially with those who may be engaged, amidst peculiar difficulties
and opposition, in the cause of the Gospel, — in order to afford them all suitable
encouragement and sympathy, and to diffuse an interest in their welfare."
Rev. Dr. Massie, — Sir Culling, I will endeavour to- avoid any
prolixity, or any preface to the Resolution which has now been
read. It has all of it been, with the exception of a single sentence,
before the Aggregate Committee for months ; it has been carefully
considered, and most unanimously adopted. It is not a miscella-
neous dotting down of ideas, hereafter to be modified ; but it is a
matter which has received the deliberate judgement of the Executive
and of the Aggregate Committees of this Alliance. An addition
has been made to it, in consequence of the suggestion of our valued
Brethren from America ; and that addition will no doubt commend
itself to the assembly when I point it out. " That, in furtherance
of this object, the Alliance shall receive such information respecting
the progress of vital Religion in all parts of the World as Christian
Brethren may be disposed to communicate." We have been urged
by our friends out of the Alliance, to specify some objects that we
are to pursue, — to give some definite indication of the work we are
to accomplish when we are united ; and those who have thought the
most carefully over it, and have met the most frequently to de-
liberate, have concluded, that it is better to move slowly in the
specification of objects to be attained as the result of organization,
than to anticipate objects — which might occasion much difficulty.
They have fixed upon those objects, which are, by a particular
paragraph, submitted to your consideration, as not likely to cause
much division, as likely to promote fraternal sympathy, as likely
to increase the spirit of prayer, as likely to give us something to
pray for, in reference to specific objects. When we look to the
238 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
representatives of Christianity suffering in the Canton de Vaud ;
when we look to the representatives of Evangelical Truth in
Belgium and in France, who are labouring in the midst of many
difficulties; and know how our hearts have been gladdened while
we listened to their communications ; and when we consider what
may be the influence of such a Confederation as this, not only upon
their hearts when they are engaged in the work ; but upon those
individuals (whether in authority or out of it) who obstruct their
progress ; — when we consider these things, I think the communi-
cation not only of sympathy in words, but of what is implied in
the word encouragement — arising from the measures which our
Alliance will promote hereafter, — we may anticipate much that
will fill the hearts of the Members of the Alliance with gratitude,
and cause them to rejoice in the work of the Lord.
Rev. Dr. Baird. — I have great pleasure in seconding the
Resolution. I have, from the first, taken a deep interest in this
effort for Christian Union, and have believed it practicable. Though
there are many difficulties in the way, I am satisfied, from the spirit
I have seen manifested on this occasion, that it is in the power
of the Brethren who form' this Evangelical Alliance, by perse-
verance, and prayer, — with God's blessing on their energies, — to
bring about such a state of things as the World never saw.
Of this I am sure, — if by their own example, by their conver-
sation, and by their public discourses, and by the pen, they will
bring their influence to bear, — it cannot be many years before we
shall see, throughout the Evangelical Churches, such a state of things
as the World has never witnessed. Let every Brother in Christ,
when he returns to his place of labour, return with a firm deter-
mination, that there shall not be a Minister of Jesus Christ in his
neighbourhood, with whom he will not have some friendly inter-
course, and, as far as possible, co-operate in promoting this cause.
Let him, as far as his conscience will permit, commit himself to
it. Let him bring his people into intimate intercourse at the Lord's
table. Let them engage in direct efforts to build up the kingdom
of Christ with all heartiness : and I am sure it is practicable.
I have seen the illustration of this in my own country. My friend
from Bangor, in Maine, stated what he had seen — what he had shared
in. I have seen the same, in many cases, throughout the United
States. It has fallen to my lot, for almost twenty years, to be en-
gaged in public employments ; and they have brought me in contact
with Christians of every Evangelical Denomination in the United
States, and on the Continent of Europe. I have spent nearly eight
years in my own country ; and have been brought into connexion
SEVENTH DAY MORXING SESSION. 239
with Churches of various names : and there is not a Church, of any
Evangelical Denomination, in whose pulpit I have not preached
many times, and some of whose members I have not met around
the family altar. I know the unity of the Church. I know it
exists there. And so it does on the Continent of Europe. And,
if Brethren will go home with a determination to make their
influence felt, they will see changes in their respective neighbour-
hoods that are truly delightful.
This Resolution refers to the collection of information from various
parts of the World, respecting the Kingdom of Christ. Allow me to
say, for one, that I wish we had in the United States, and that you
had in England, one Religious Paper, that would give us the tout
ensemble of the progress of Religious Truth throughout the World.
We have sixty or eighty Papers ; many of them have a vast circula-
tion — some exceeding that of the political Journals ; but we have not
a Journal that gives the intelligence we want, respecting the Kingdom
of Christ in all its Branches. I want a Paper that will tell me, what
is doing by all the Branches of Christ's Church, both great and
small ; I want to feel an interest in them ; I want to know the
progress of Religion among Baptists as much as among Presbyterians.
I want to know the progress everywhere, — even among the smallest
Denominations. I hope we may live to see the day, when there
will be a general assembly on that broad principle, which will make
Christians know what is doing by every Branch of the Church.
One other idea : this Resolution refers to sympathy with those
that are oppressed and suffering. This I like exceedingly. I hope
one influence of this Alliance will be, to establish firmly the principle
of the right to preach Christ's Gospel in all parts of the World.
Your own immortal Wilberforce and Sir William Grant maintained
that principle twenty years ago, in reference to India ; they took
the ground, that — when Christ sends forth his Ministers to preach
the Gospel, no human Government has a right to prevent them.
They may have the power, but they have not the right. I wish, that
this should be asserted by the Alliance. The right to preach the
Gospel everywhere ought to be recognised by a Christian Government.
I will not press that subject, but I throw it out. If we accomplish
nothing but that by this Alliance, we shall accomplish a great
work.
Lastly, I do hope, that the establishing of the Alliance, not by
attempting to fuse Denominations, but in the way of impulse and
excitement, will lead to a great diffusion of Religion at home, and
to its extension abroad. I look to the revival of Evangelical Piety
in the British Churches, in consequence of this movement ; and I
240 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
look forward to the influence, that must be exerted, ere long, on
Papal Countries. On this I will not dilate ; but I beg you to
remember, that we live in times when it is important to carry the
Gospel to Papal Countries. We want more love, to carry the
Gospel to those countries, and to meet Rome in her own dominions.
It is far easier to do it there, than in our own dominions. And, if
it be not a result of this great Alliance, that the Protestant Evan-
gelical Churches shall awake to the importance of carrying the
Gospel into Papal lands, and thus make the Reformation to re-
commence its triumphs, we shall fail in accomplishing one great
object.
The Proposition was then put, and carried.
Rev. Dr. Steane read the fourth Proposition : —
" That in subserviency to the grand object already intimated, the expectation is
cherished, that the Alliance will exert a beneficial influence on the advance-
ment of Christianity in various important respects : such as counteracting the
efforts of Popery, and other forms of Superstition and Infidelity, and pro-
moting their common Protestant Faith in this and other Countries ; and that,
with this view, it is deemed necessary to obtain correct information on such
subjects as the following, namely : —
1. The facts bearing on the growth of Popery.
2. The State of Infidelity, and the form which it assumes in the present day.
3. The facts relating to the Public Observance of the Lord's Day.
4. The amount of the existing means of Christian Education.
It being understood, that, in the following up the enquiries to be thus made,
and in promoting these and similiar objects, the Alliance contemplates chiefly
the stimulating of Christians to such efforts as the exigencies of the case may
demand, by giving forth its views in regard to them, rather than carrying out
those views by an organization of its own."
Rev. J. Angell James. — As I am not prone to prolixity myself,