depository of important letters obtained from every part of the World, to
exhibit, as far as practicable, from time to time, the state of Religion
throughout its extent. And further, that a Committee of five be appointed,
to make all the requisite arrangements for carrying out this design, and
superintending such publication."

Dr. Cox begged it to be observed, that no mention was made of
an immediate Periodical ; the question rvhen it should be published
was left perfectly open. The idea entertained respecting such a
Periodical was, that it would be the means of rendering permanent
many valuable documents, and much interesting correspondence,
which otherwise would be fugitive : and would afford an opportunity of
recording the proceedings of different localities, — showing, from time
to time, what was going forward in connexion with the Evangelical
Alliance ; and of recording the visits of deputations to different
parts of this and other Countries. Such deputations, on their
return, might give Reports to a particular Committee: but, if these
were not embodied in a permanent form, they would be overlooked
— would soon disappear, and no impression would be produced upon
the general Body. Sometimes, too, in the interchange of Minutes
between different parts of the Association, important statements
might be made, which it would be desirable to preserve, and to make
use of in a more public manner, through the medium of a
Periodical of that description.

He was anxious not to enlarge ; but he would briefly assign
three reasons why he thought it exceedingly desirable, that corre-
spondence of an extensive kind should be opened with all parts of
the World, and preserved in the way stated. First, he thought it
would tend to maintain the interest already excited in the Evan-
gelical Alliance in all their minds, during the intervals of the great
Septennial or Triennial gatherings, as might hereafter be deter-
mined. Instead of allowing these feelings to subside, and the
Members to remain in ignorance of what was done, or in course of
doing, it was exceedingly important, that a correspondence should
be maintained with every part of the World ; and the information
thus acquired, when condensed, communicated through the medium
of some Periodical.

His second reason was, that such a Periodical misfit give a dis-



280 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

tinct view, as far as possible, of the state of Religion in different
Countries. Great ignorance prevailed on this subject. All the
knowledge they possessed was derived from scraps and fragments of
information, which from time to time appeared in various religious
publications : but there was no general and combined view of the
state of Religion in different parts of the World. Such a Periodical,
however, might be the deposit of authentic information, selected
from the letters of well-known individuals ; and thus they would
be enabled to take a survey of the general state of Religion in
Europe, America, and various other parts, with which corre-
spondence was held.

His third reason was, that it would have a tendency to correct the
misrepresentations made by so many of their opponents, who said
they were " doing nothing," by showing that they were doing very
great things, by their ascertaining and communicating publicly the
real state of Religion in every part of the globe. These were the
o-eneral grounds on which he proposed the Resolution. He wished
to recur to what he first said; that the time for issuing such a
Periodical was understood to be a matter for future consideration.
His idea, at first, was not that of a regular Periodical, published
quarterly, much less monthly, nor even annually; but occasionally,

somewhat similar, perhaps, to what one large Society published in

three years, called " Periodical Accounts." Such a publication, he
believed, would be of great benefit to the interests of the Alliance.
Rev. W. W. Ewbank seconded the Resolution. He was fully
aware of the difficulty which would be experienced in carrying it
out ; but he also felt the desirableness of having such a Periodical.
Five persons, selected by the Conference, would, he thought, be
competent to the task.

Rev. Dr. S. H. Cox had listened with great interest to the pro-
posal, yet he was not in favour of it. He had three, and many
more reasons against the proposal. While an organ was un-
doubtedly to be desired, he was convinced that an (Ecumenical
Alliance ought not to be the immediate parent of it, but that it
ought to be left to the Branches. If they met quinquennially, or
triennially, or septennially, it would be better for them, ad interim,
to have no organization at all. Each Branch might have its own
organ, and could correspond with every other Branch, — each Branch
being responsible to its own locality. So that, if any mistake were
made, either on the American or the British side of the water, the
whole Alliance would not be responsible for it. He hoped the press
would be used in the cause of Religion and Christian Union at such
a rate as would not give the devil so much opportunity of using it ;



NINTH DAT — MOANING SESSION. 281

but he decidedly thought, that the Alliance itself should not be

committed to any editor or organ in the World.

Rev. A. S. Thelwall felt strongly, that the responsibility of
conducting a Periodical for the whole Alliance, scattered over
various parts of the World, was far too heavy to rest upon any five
individuals who could possibly be named. He was convinced, that
the different portions of the Alliance would much more efficiently
collect and diffuse information, through various organs, in their
respective localities, than could possibly be done by the attempt to
concentrate the whole into one Periodical.

Rev. Dr. Massie called attention to the fact, that this matter
had been deliberately discussed for nine months. It had been one
of the first questions under consideration in the Select Committee;
and, after a calm and careful consideration, they found their diffi-
culties to be so great as to lead them to omit the proposition for a
Periodical; but they had drawn up a proposition, that "Reports and
Minutes, and other documents in promotion of the above objects, be
published by the Alliance at the time of its Meetings ; and that
similar documents may be issued, from time to time, by its various
Branches, on their own responsibility." This was in accordance
with the suggestion of Dr. Cox, of America, that the Alliance
should not become a publisher for all the World, and commit itself
to every mistake which might be made by those acting under its
authority.

Rev. Dr. Young, of Whitby, said, it was of great importance to
have an organ of some description, that the Continental and
American Brethren might have accurate information. He thought
it of high importance, that such an organ should be issued from
London, as the centre of the movement, in order to convey information
of the progress of this grand Institution to all parts of the Country,
and to different portions of the Church of Christ. They were not
to judge of the size of the Alliance by the number of those who
were now present. Many had virtually joined, prior to the formation
of the Alliance ; and vast numbers were ready to join it, when they
heard of the happy issue of the present Meetings. He appeared
not merely as an individual —

The Chairman requested the speaker to confine himself to the
subject, of whether a Periodical should be issued by the Alliance.

[Dr. Young, suffering under deafness, was unaware of what the
Chairman said; and, attempting to resume the thread of his former
discourse, was received with loud cries of "order," and "chair."
Misapprehending the true cause of the interruption, the speaker, with
wounded feelings, immediately resumed his seat, and we are given



282 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

to understand, shortly afterwards retired from the Meeting. When
the facts of the case became known, universal regret was felt,, that,
from a mutual misunderstanding, so unpleasant a circumstance
should have occurred.]

Rev. J. Cordeaux agreed with Dr. Cox, from America. It
appeared to him, that the Motion now before the Chair was ren-
dered unnecessary by the one they had just passed. In that, it
was stated, that the different Branches of the Alliance were left to
adopt such methods of prosecuting the great ends for which the
Alliance has been formed, as might appear to them most in ac-
cordance with their respective circumstances : and therefore, if it
were thought useful and desirable, each Branch could issue a
Periodical of its own.

The Motion was then put, and negatived.

Rev. John Scott moved the adoption of the following Resolu-
tion, as Paragraph V. under " Objects."

" That Reports, Minutes, and other Documents in promotion of the above objects,
be published by the Alliance at the time of its Meetings ; and that similar
Documents may be issued from time to time, by its various Branches, on their
own responsibility."

Mr. Scott said, — The Resolution, Sir Culling, which I have the
honour to submit to the Conference, respects the use of the Press
in promoting the objects of this Alliance : and I trust a very free
use will be made of that means of making our objects known, and
of conciliating the general regard of Christians to the principles
upon which we are proceeding. We have lighted our lamp, and we
are not willing to put it under a bushel, or allow it to die out ; but
will try, I trust, by every possible means, to make it shine before
all the World. I think, the position assumed in the Resolution is
precisely that in which the Alliance should be placed. If any of
the Branches think, that a Periodical will render service to the cause,
then it is competent for them to issue such a Periodical, and to
publish other documents, in whatever form may seem to their
wisdom most advisable. And I trust we shall have a succession of
documents — not merely statistical information, and such as may
give us an account of what is passing among the different Branches
of this Alliance in various parts of the W r orld, but appeals to all
classes of the Christian World, that shall commend our cause to
intelligent, thoughtful minds ; and which can be carried into the
studies of those who are not likely to attend our Public Meetings.
There are Brethren, Members of this Alliance, who are possessed of
great intellectual power, and who are as eloquent and convincing
when they use the pen as when they use the tongue : and I trust



NINTH DAY — MOBNINQ SESSION. 283

these will be willing to lay some contribution upon the altar of this
Alliance, that so they may serve Christ, by commending our great
cause to the consideration of those who are calmly and seriously
thinking upon the matter.

Captain Trotter. — I have very great pleasure in seconding this
Resolution. I believe the reports referred to will be exceedingly
valuable, — not only as reminding us of what has taken place at
these Meetings, but also as exercising a powerful effect upon our
own minds, as well as upon those of others. The recording of
what has taken place at such Meetings as we have been
privileged to attend, will show, — not only the power of our God, and
of His Spirit, in bringing us to so many harmonious conclusions ;
but I trust it will have also an humbling effect, — reminding us of the
many difficulties which have arisen from time to time among us,
and showing us the weakness of our flesh. I feel, that what we
have passed through, during the last few days, will be a lesson to us
all ; that we shall deeply meditate upon it, and prayerfully think
over the circumstances ill which we have been placed ; and that, by
God's grace, we shall all be enabled to look over the Records and
Minutes, and greatly profit by them. I have great pleasure in
seconding the adoption of this Resolution, because I believe it will
be of real value to the cause we have at heart.

Rev. Dr. Bunting would just state, for the information of the
Conference, that it was intended, that the Alliance, during its
Meetings, should be the sole judge of what was published, as of
and from it : but that different Branches, on the other hand, should
judge for themselves, what would best serve the cause, in their
respective localities. He cordially approved of the distinction thus
made ; for he could easily conceive of many things, which it would
be desirable and useful to publish in America, but which it would
not be consistent with the doctrine of Christian expediency to
publish in England ; and vice versa. Again, the Resolution now before
the Chair, would not hinder the American Branch of the Alliance
from re-publishing anything good, and likely to be useful, which
had been before published in England ; and here also vice versa.
The various Branches could hold intercourse with each other, and
could mutually re-publish what they might think would tend to
promote the common objects of the Alliance.

Rev. S. A. Walker moved, that the words, " in promotion of
the above objects," be omitted from the place where they now stood,
and be inserted after the word " documents," causing the paragraph
to read, —



284 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

" That Reports, Minutes, and other Documents be published by the Alliance at
the time of its Meetings ; and that similar Documents, in promotion of the
above objects, may be issued from time to time, by its various Branches, on
their own responsibility."

He thought the alteration in the collocation would be a matter of
convenience, and would express more accurately the difference
between the Documents issued by the Alliance " at the time of its
Meetings/' and those issued by its Branches. The Alliance, in its
aggregate capacity ,would publish such Documents as were incidental
to its Meetings ; while] the Branches would publish Documents,
which would have for their express design, the promotion of the
views propounded in the former part of the " Objects."

Rev. Owen Clarke seconded the Motion.

The Amendment was put, and negatived.

Rev. J. N. Goulty moved, that, after the words, " at the time of
its Meetings," there should be added, " or, by its order, afterwards."

The Mover and Seconder of the Resolution agreed to incorporate
the proposed alteration into the Original Motion, which was then
carried in the following form : —

"That Reports, Minutes, and other Documents, in promotion of the above objects,
be published by the Alliance at the time of its Meetings, or, by its order,
afterwards ; and that similar Documents may be issued from time to time, by
its various Branches, on their own responsibility."

Rev. Dr. Robson moved, that the following words stand as
Paragraph VI. under " Objects :" —

" That the Alliance recommend, that the first week of October in each year,
be observed by the people of God throughout the World, as a season for
concert in Prayer on behalf of the General Objects contemplated by the
Alliance."

The object, he said, which was contemplated by this Resolution,
was of great importance. The movement had originated in prayer,
and must be sustained by prayer. He did not know, that there
ever had been before assembled, since the first days of the Christian
Church, an assembly from which such a recommendation as this, for
a general concert of prayer over the whole World, could go forth
with so great weight of influence. He was extremely desirous
that the Conference should adopt such a Resolution, — though he was
not able to say whether it occupied the best position in which it
could be placed. The Sabbath before he left home, he in-
vited his people to spend an hour in prayer, that God would
guide the deliberations of the Conference to an issue which would



NINTH DAY — MORNING SESSION. 285

glorify Him. and prove a blessing to the Church. He expected,
that some one or two hundred would attend ; but there were not
less than one thousand in his place of worship that night — all
deeply affected, — some even to tears; and he was sure, that, if
they had the idea that Christians throughout the World were
engaged in similar exercises with themselves at a certain period, a
most delightful feeling would be produced, and it would tend to
forward the great object which they contemplated.

Rev. E. Bickersteth seconded the Resolution, believing it
vitally important to the success of the whole work. Its substance,
in another form, was contained in a Resolution at the bottom of the
seventh page of the "Suggestions/' — in which it was recommended,
that there be " simultaneous weekly petition at the Throne of
Grace., in the closets and families of the Members., — and the
forenoon of Monday is suggested as the time for that purpose."
Still, he thought that prayer was the vitality — the whole strength
of their whole work ; and that they could hardly have it too often
pressed upon them. In the present Resolution, this was done in a
new and important form.

Rev. Dr. Massie trusted the Resolution would be adopted, but
that it would be classed with that to which Mr. Bickersteth had
referred, where it would come in its appropriate place. He sin-
cerely trusted his Brethren would consent to that modification.

Rev. Dr. S. H. Cox was much pleased with the observations of
Dr. Robson, Mr. Bickersteth, and Dr. Massie. He would suggest
the substitution of " January " for " October,"" as it now stood in the
Resolution. That season was extensively observed in America
for special prayer ; and, by making the change he had suggested,
the necessity would be avoided of making another annual concert
for prayer. For the reason just stated, he also believed such a
concert for prayer would be better supported in January, than in
October ; and another reason was, that it would be a glorious way
of beginning the year ; — by having their hearts enlarged and lifted
up to Heaven, in concert with all Christians, — thus taking possession
of the year in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost.

Rev. J. H. Stewart thought, that such a way of beginning the
year would be the very way to bring down the fulfilment of that
gracious promise, that " thy days shall be as the days of heaven
upon the earth." The Bishop of Chester once remarked, that at
that time they could be in the best company throughout the
World ; and he (Mr. Stewart) believed, that then would Europe,
Asia, Africa, and America all be offering up the incense of prayer



286 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

and praise to the blessed Saviour. How delightful was the thought
of beginning the year in this manner !

The Chairman enquired, if the Mover and Seconder wished to
withdraw the Resolution, for the purpose of proposing its insertion
in another place.

Rev. Dr. Robson did not wish to press his Resolution at the
present time. He thought the subject of so much importance,
that considerable prominence should be given to it. He agreed
with Dr. Cox's suggested alteration of the (( first week of October "
to " the first week of January."

Rev. T. Binney, when the proper time arrived, would suggest,
that the words " people of God," be altered to « Members of our
Body." He thought, that one period should be set apart distinctly
for the purpose mentioned in the Resolution, that it might ex-
pressly be a meeting of the friends of the Alliance throughout the
World. He did not approve of its being put as an appendage to a
cancert which already existed.

[The Conference consented to the withdrawal of Dr. Robson's
Motion, with a view to its consideration at a future time.]

Rev. Dr. Steane, having read the order of the day for entering
upon the " General Organization," stated, that, for reasons which
appeared to the Business Committee both weighty and conclusive,
they had committed this entire subject, containing Eight Paragraphs,
to be introduced by Rev. Dr. Schmucker, and seconded by Rev.
Dr. Bunting, — instead of having a Mover and Seconder to every
separate Paragraph.

The whole series of Paragraphs, under the head of Organization,
were then read, as follow : —



" I. That the Alliance shall consist of those persons, in all parts of the World,
who shall concur in the Principles and Objects adopted by the Conference ; it
being understood, that such persons adhere as Christians, in their individual
capacity.
"II. That the Members of the Alliance be recommended to adopt such organiza-
tion in their several Countries, as, in their judgement, may be most in
accordance with their peculiar circumstances. And that, in furtherance of the
above plan, it be recommended, for the present, that a Branch be formed for
each of the following Districts : —

11 1. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, exclusive of the
British Colonies.

" 2. The United States of America.

" 3. The Kingdom of France.

" 4. The North of Germany.

" 5. The South of Germany and German Switzerland.



NINTH liVY — MOENING SESSION. 287

" And that additional Branches be, from time to time, recognised as such, by
the concurrence of any two previously-existing Branches.

"III. That an official correspondence be maintained between the several organized
Branches, and that Annual Reports of their proceedings be mutually inter-
changed, with a view to co-operation and encouragement in their common
enterprize.

" IV. That any Member of the Alliance, on his removal to another Country, shall
be entitled to the privileges of Membership, in connexion with that Branch of
the Alliance existing near his new residence.

" V. That the Alliance shall meet in Conference every seventh year, and oftener,
if deemed necessary, at the call of two Branches, one on each side of the
Atlantic. The time and place of the regular Septennial Meeting to be
authorized by the previous Conference, and, in case of Special Meetings, by
mutual consultation. The first Meeting to be held (d. v.) at
in the year

M VI. That the Septennial Conference shall consist of all Members of the Alliance,
specially appointed by the respective Branches and their Auxiliaries.

" VII.'That each Conference shall elect its own Officers, namely, a President, Vice-
Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurer, and Committees ; and mav form such
by-laws as it shall deem proper ; which shall not, however, be binding on any
subsequent Conference.

"VIII. That no alteration shall be made in the constitution of the Alliance at
the time when such alteration is proposed ; nor until, at a subsequent
Conference, it shall be determined by a majority of three-fourths of the
Members present."

Rev. Dr. Schmucker, of the Lutheran College, Gettysburg]),
Pennsylvania. — In rising to propose the adoption of this Resolution,
allow me, Mr. Chairman and respected Brethren, to congratulate
you upon the fact, that we have now arrived at the last prominent
item of business before us. This item, although it comes after
other business, which has already been transacted, was in reality
adopted at an earlier period by the Aggregate Committee; and,
after being deliberately discussed, received its final sanction. It is,
therefore, hoped, that it may meet the general approbation of those
who are to act upon it.

There are two ideas which I would respectfully submit, The
first is, that, in forming the constitution for the Parent Society,
universality should be aimed at. " The field is the World," said
the Saviour Himself; and we have no right to limit our efforts
and aims, in the advancement of His Kingdom, to any narrower
bounds. It is but a few months, comparatively, since the idea of
this Conference was first agitated by a few of the nobler spirits in
your own Country. Reference has already been made to American
Brethren who are particularly disposed to sympathize with us ;
allow me to mention the name of Rev. Dr. Bacon, of New Haven,



288 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

one of the noblest spirits of the American Church, as having largely
participated in the anxiety and interest felt in this subject : but I
say, although but a few months have passed since the question was
first agitated, what do we now find ? We find here a Convention
containing representatives from the half of the globe — from America,
and various parts of the Continent of Europe, as well as from Great
Britain and Ireland. Our principle should be comprehensive,
capable of embracing the World ; and to this end our efforts also
should be directed.

My second idea is this, that safety as well as universality should
be aimed at. History teaches us, that in all institutions, Eccle-
siastical as well as political, there is a tendency to accumulation
and concentration of power ; and, therefore, the rights of indi-