immediately flashed across their minds, that — if something of this
sort were done for England — the natural consequence would be, that
the same sort of thing should be done for France and other Foreign
Countries ; and that a similar institution might be formed in Paris,
which might provide the means of grace for many thousands of
English and Americans who resided in that City. This would be
a most interesting topic for British Brethren.
A Gentleman recommended, that earnest prayer should be
offered up to the Throne of Grace, that God might so interpose by
His Spirit, and harmonize the whole Conference, in a way which
would not compromise the Truth, or wound the consciences of
any.
344 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
It seemed to him, there was no object they could bring before
God, short of the salvation of their souls, of so much importance
as the one now before them — tbe forming of a general Union of
Christians. The obtaining or losing of that great object depended
upon the spirit which pervaded their minds ; and the right spirit
was to be obtained by prayer. If they had a renewal of that
humility, and repentance, and faith, which they experienced in
their conversion, they would be sure to succeed.
The Chairman said, he had been in the Committee-room ; and
he was persuaded he did not over-state the case when he said, that
the World's interests, and the interests of humanity, were trembling
in the balance. He did believe, that, within that building, in
which they were now assembled, there would be a question decided
that clay, — the result of which would be for unbounded good or
evil. How necessary was it, then, that dear Brethren should collect
their thoughts, and ask God to elevate their faith, and to enable
them to trust in Him ; and, when they went to the throne of grace,
oil ! might they all go as with the heart of one man ! They had
trusted in God, and He had not hitherto failed them. He had
brought them out of all their former difficulties ; and He could, if
He pleased, direct them, at that time, to the issue which they were
seeking.
Rev. W. Bevan read Psalm cxxxviii., and further implored the
Divine blessing on behalf of the Special Committee.
Rev. Dr. F. A. Cox, as Chairman of the Special Committee,
stated, that they were not yet prepared to give a distinct Report ;
but asked permission to continue their present sittings.
He then moved, and Rev. W. Bevan seconded, —
" That the Committee have leave to continue their Sittings."
This was carried.
And also, —
" That the following Members of the Conference be added to their number : —
Rev. Dr. Barth, Rev. M. Bonnet,
Rev. M. Hoffman, Rev. M. Bost,
Rev. M. Fisch, Rev. M. Frossard."
Which was also carried.
Dr. Cox reported, that Rev. E. N. Kirk, of Boston, U. S., was
not in attendance on the Committee. Whereupon,
Rev. Dr. Bunting moved, and Rev. A. D. Campbell seconded,
"That Rev. Dr. Emory be added to the Committee, to supply the vacancy
occasioned by the absence of Mr. Kirk.'"
Carried.
JK-V'i'II DAY — MORNING SESSION. 345
Sung 1st HyniD in the Liturgy of the United Brethren.
Rev. Lord Wbiothesley Russell read Daniel vi.
Rev. Dr. Steane further entreated the direction of God on be-
half of the Committee.
Rev. Dr. Burder having suggested, that serious evil would
arise, if the Report of the Committee were delayed much longer,
some conversation arose on this point.
Rev. A. D. Campbell proposed, that they should continue their
Devotional Exercises. And — after some remarks from the Chair-
man and others in reference to a proposal which had been already
made, respecting a picture of the Conference, (which it was never
intended should be taken up by the Conference at large,)
Rev. A. D. Campbell read Psalm xliv.
Sir Culling Eardley Smith read the Litany, and the con-
cluding Prayers, in the Service of the Church of England.
Rev. W. Bevan (who had returned from visiting the Special
Committee) reported, that the Committee advised, that the Con-
ference should adjourn till Monday.
Rev. Dr. Beaumont thought, that the consequence of such a
course would be, that this great and grave matter would be settled
at last by a fragment of the Alliance.
Hereupon, after some remarks from Rev. W. Bevan,
Rev. N. M'Leod wished, that they all deeply felt, not only the duty
they owed to their Brethren in America, and to Christian slaves, —
but also the awful duty they owed to the Christian Church. They
had embarked in a most solemn undertaking; and, if they failed,
they would not leave the Christian Church as they found it : but,
so far from having done it any good, they would have done it
positive harm. He felt, therefore, that great caution was required
in their proceedings; and, as the Committee had advised an ad-
journment to Monday, he most earnestly implored his Brethren to
accede to their counsel. Some days ago, — when it had been re-
marked to him, that everything was going on beautifully, — he said,
" So beautifully and so well, that I am beginning to tremble. I
am afraid we are going on so well, that we are beginning to forget
God, and to trust our own wisdom ; and I should not wonder to see
a gale come, which will make us all go to Christ ; and, if we do so,
Pie will rebuke the winds and the waves, and say, ' Peace, be
still!'" He (Mr. M'Leod) was not afraid of the gale which
had come, though it was a serious one ; and he was persuaded
that there was not an individual present, who would not be — he
did not say formally, but — earnestly engaged in prayer to God —
supplicating His grace and blessing.
346 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
Rev. Dr. Carlile, of London, believed, that, not merely the
peace, and harmony, and ultimate beneficial results of this great
movement, depended upon the right adjustment of the present
question; but that the decision of the Committee and the Con-
ference would exercise a direct influence, in largely contributing
to the peace and harmony, — not of individual Churches only, but
of whole Denominations. There was not a single question which
had come before the Alliance, to which he attached such unspeak-
able importance, in its practical results, as to that which was now
before it : and therefore he did hope, that, without a dissenting
voice, they would assure the Committee, without a moment's delay,
that they might not only take an hour, but hours, for calm, prayer-
ful, and deliberate consideration.
Still he thought it a pity, that so many Brethren should be
assembled, — some at considerable personal inconvenience ; and that,
while so much work remained to be done, they should separate,
merely because they could not continue the last evening's discus-
sions. He suggested, that, first of all, time should be given to the
Committee ; and then, that, passing over the question now in their
hands, the Conference should go on to some other practical business.
He would have great pleasure, if it were in order, to move that.
Rev. W. Bevan wished Dr. Steane, who knew the whole
business, and who was able to advise, to give his judgement,
whether they could proceed ? and then, perhaps, without any
further desultory conversation, they might come to a decision.
Rev. Dr. Steane stated, that the next topic which came, in the
regular order of business, was, the Organization of the British
Branch of the Alliance : but that was business, with which, he
ventured to submit, they could scarcely proceed, in the absence of
so many Brethren who were first engaged in the movement. That,
following this, there was a number of miscellaneous Resolutions,
on various topics of interest and importance, yet not relating to any
permanent arrangements : these, he thought, might possibly be
taken up with advantage by the Conference, in the absence of the
Committee.
After some further conversation on this point,
Rev. Dr. J. B. Bennet — considering that there were fifty
Members on the Committee, including the very men whom it was
most important should be present — thought it would be treating them
with discourtesy, and would do injury to the cause, to go forward
with any business in their absence. He, therefore, submitted the
following Motion, which was to be considered as moved by Mr.
M'Leod, and seconded by himself : —
TENTH PAY MOB If I KG SESSION. 347
" That the Conference adjourn to Monday, at 10 o'clock, a.m."
Rev. W. Arthur would remind the Conference, that the Reso-
lutions mentioned by Dr. Steane had received the sanction of their
absent Brethren who were on the Aggregate Committee, (" No") —
and had been sent up by the Select Committee. So far, therefore,
from being guilty of any disrespect to them, by taking up these
matters in their absence, he (Mr. Arthur) thought they would be
guilty of disrespect, in supposing that they had forwarded them in
a state not fit to be taken up.
Rev. Dr. Carltle, of London, moved, as an Amendment,
" That a message be sent to the Committee, requesting them to take ample time
for the mature consideration of the question now before them ; and that, in
the meantime, the Conference proceed to the consideration of the Miscel-
laneous Resolutions at the close of the paper prepared by the Select Sub-
Committee."
He (Dr. Carlile) believed, that at least fifty individuals, from another
class of the Members of the Alliance, would, from necessity, be
absent on Monday, — over which day it was impossible that many of
their American Brethren could stay. In reference to their fifty
Brethren, who were now engaged on the Committee, he submitted,
that they had already had these Resolutions under their consideration,
and had given them their sanction — at least the greater portion of
them. Any alteration, therefore, which might be made in them,
would most probably be made by Members now present. The
Conference was, therefore, quite competent to take them up.
The Chairman put the Motion moved by Mr. M'Leod, and
seconded by Dr. Bennet, for which 60 hands were held up ; the
majority, however, voting against it, it was lost.
Dr. Carlile's proposition, seconded by Rev. Dr. Smyth of
Charlestown, South Carolina, was then put, and carried.
After some further conversation,
Rev. Dr. Steane read the First of the Series of Resolutions on
page 7> of the " Suggestions of the Select Sub-Committee," with
the addition of Dr. Robson's Motion, which had been previously
withdrawn from the Objects. [[See proceedings of Conference on
Friday, August 28th, pp. 284-286.]
Rev. W. Br van (having returned from a second visit to the
Committee) said — Our friends up stairs concur in your decision,
and have just reached a point in their deliberations of great moment.
They are unable to say, whether they are likely to bring in a
Report this evening. The point to which they have come may
enable them to make that Report before very long ; but, if (hat is
not done soon, there is, I think, no reason to expect, that any Report
will be brought up until Monday morning.
348 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
Rev. Henry Girdlestone moved,
" That, as the Christian Union, which this Alliance desires to promote, can only be
obtained through the blessed energy of the Holy Spirit, it be recommended to
the Members present, and absent Brethren, to make this matter the subject of
simultaneous weekly petition at the Throne of Grace, in their closets and
families ; and the forenoon of Monday is suggested as the time for that
purpose. And that it be further recommended, that the week beginning with
the first Lord's Day in January in each year, be observed by the Members and
Friends of the Alliance throughout the World, as a season for concert in
prayer on behalf of the Great Objects contemplated by the Alliance."
He (Mr. Girdlestone) had been connected with similar Bodies, in
which this kind of concert had been agreed to ; and he could truly
say, that the remembrance that he was meeting in spirit at the
same time with Christian Brethren, before the God of grace, had
often helped to comfort him. He had certainly found, occasionally,
some difficulty in being able to bring himself into the spirit of
prayer at an appointed time. On such occasions it had occurred to
to him, that these were rather formal observances : but immediately
after it had occurred to him, that there was a spirit of prayer which
was not accompanied with much overflow of language, in which,
however, he had found it possible, after the example of the Society
of Friends, to present himself before the Majesty which was every-
where present. He thought, that some of his younger Brethren
might thus be encouraged by an old man's experience, and comforted
with the recollection, that the deepest and most fervent spirit of
prayer was very often that which was absolutely silent.
For himself he could state, there was no part of the proceedings
of the Conference which he had more admired, than those two
occasions, when the Chairman had requested them to stand up, and
remain in silence for a few minutes, that, with united hearts, they
might approach unto God.
Rev. Piiarcellus Church. — I second the Motion most cor-
dially, for it recognizes the fact, — which must, I think, be manifest
to us all, and which we all most deeply feel, — that we are dependent
upon the agency of the Holy Ghost for Union.
We have laboured for ages, by means of controversy, to convince
each other of the truth of several doctrines : we have filled the
World with our books of controversy : but we have nut been con-
vinced ; they have only served to distance us from each other,
rather than to bring us together. And of this I am certain, that
reasoning and legislation will never bring us together. We may
adopt, in this Assembly, the best rules for the accomplishment of
our object, and yet we may violate those rules as soon as we depart
TENTH DAY — MORXTXi, SESSION. 349
from this place. Our Union will not be cemented by llie enacting
of laws : but by the influences of the Holy Spirit ; and by the
measure of these, which we have in our hearts, in the several pulpits
and spheres of labour which we occupy in the Israel of God. And
we are called upon by this Resolution to employ prayer, as the
mean of obtaining this great gift of the Spirit, to unite and harmo-
nize us : and we have a promise on that point, which ought never
to be forgotten. " If ye then, being evil, know how to give good
gifts unto your children : how much more shall your heavenly
Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him ?" He will give
His Spirit, if we ask it — perseveringly and earnestly ask it.
Brethren, have we ever sought without obtaining the blessing ? Is
it to be supposed, that Christians in general can unite to ask fir
this blessing, and that God will not lend a listening ear ?
The latter part of the Resolution, recommending the appointment
of a particular time — the first week in January — when we shall
especially remember this object, seems to me well deserving your
attention. Our concerts in prayer — our Missionary Prayer Meet-
ings — have accomplished much. The Prayer Meeting, in which
Fuller and Ryland, and those holy men joined, who moved in your
own Foreign Mission, and laid the corner-stone of our modern
Missionary Enterprise, — has had its influence over the earth. And
now, how many, in various parts of the World — in Asia and Africa,
in Europe and America, and in the Islands of the Sea — assemble
on the first Monday in every week, to offer up their desires to
heaven, for God's blessing upon the nations that dwell on the face
of the globe ! And if we, as the friends of this Alliance, meet
together in our several places of worship, or in our closets; and it,
wherever we may be, in the first week of every year, we plead for
a larger measure of the Holy Spirit ; we cannot but find a happy
influence exerted upon our hearts. God will hear, and His blessing
will descend, according to the promise, that He will be more ready
to give us his Holy Spirit, than we are to give good things to our
children.
Rev. J. Hay approved of the Resolution as far as it went. But
it only included two points, namely, prayer weekly y in the family
and the closet ; and a special concert of prayer once a year.
He suggested, that, between these two clauses, there might be in-
serted, —
" And it is recommended, that there should be other stated opportunities of united
prayer by the Members of the Alliance on behalf of the same object."
His idea was, that the Members of the Alliance, in their several
350 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
districts, might meet statedly, several times in the course of the
vein-, for the purpose of prayer. He knew nothing of greater im-
portance than Union in prayer.
Rev. W. Bevan thought all such details should he left to the
respective Committees. They could make arrangements much
better than the Conference, and more suited to their several
localities.
Rev. Dr. Robson concurred.
After some remarks from Rev. N. M'Leod, Rev. P. Church,
and Rev. R. W. Herschell,
The Resolution was put, and carried.
Rev. Lord Wriothesley Russell moved —
" That, in seeking the correction of what the Members of this Alliance believe to
be wrong in others, they desire, in humble dependence on the grace of God,
themselves to obey, and by their practice and influence to impress upon others,
the command of Christ, to consider first the beam that is in their own
eye : that they will, therefore, strive to promote, each in his own com-
munion, a spirit of repentance and humiliation for its peculiar sins ; and to
exercise a double measure of forbearance in reproving, where reproof is need-
ful, the faults of those Christian Brethren who belong to other Bodies than
their own."
I feel (said his Lordship) in rising to move this Resolution, that it
is quite unnecessary to occupy the time of the Conference with any
comments upon it. It is in itself so general in its tone, and so
thoroughly Scriptural in its character, that I cannot see that it re-
quires any remarks at all in its support. I shall, therefore, he
simply content with moving it, — praying that God, in His grace,
may write it upon all our hearts.
Rev. Dr. Carlile, of Parsonstown. — The Resolution he had
to second was based upon the express direction of our Lord, that
they should first take the beam out of their own eye, before they
attempted to take the mote out of their Brother's. This seems to
be a plain indication, that, when proposing to themselves to correct
any fault in a Brother, they were called to self-ex ami nation . And
he was perfectly satisfied, that, if they were conscientious in the
fulfilment of this duty — if, at any time, before they attempted to
reprimand their Brother, or attempted to correct him, they would
make it a point of conscience before God, to examine the state of
their own hearts, it would go very far towards their own spiritual
improvement. The blessed Saviour, in the language just] quoted,
seemed to intimate, that only just so far as they themselves were
free from known sin, could they expect to be successful in advising
others to correct their faults ; and that, therefore, if they attempted
TENTH DAY — MORNING SESSION. H'A
to be useful in any respects — in communicating Divine Truth, or
in correcting the faults of others, they should be most watchful over
themselves, and see that their own hearts were in a right state be-
fore God. If this were done, they would be more successful in
their admonitions and reproofs than they often were.
The Resolution was then put, and carried.
Rev. J. L. Chute moved, —
" That, when required by conscience to assert or defend any views or principles
wherein they differ from Christian Brethren who agree with them in vital
Truths, the Members of this Alliance will aim earnestly, by the help of the
Holy Spirit, to avoid all rash or groundless insinuations, personal imputation?,
or irritating allusions, and to maintain the meekness and gentleness of Christ,
by speaking the truth only in love."
Mr. Chute. — Although I have hitherto been a silent Member
of the Conference, I trust I have not been an inactive one. I have
listened with anxiety to all the deliberations which have been going
on ; and I have endeavoured to keep my judgement as impartial as
I possibly could, in reference to every thing which had been spoken,
— praying to God, that He would determine this judgement according
to His will. With regard to the present Resolution, I may be
allowed to observe, that I approve of it, on the ground of God's
own Word. The Apostle Paul, in his Epistle to the Ephesians,
describes the duty of the children of God to be, to * speak the
truth in love," — that the Members of the Church of Christ, " may
grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head." And, in re-
ference to those things in which w r e may differ, we rind the same
Apostle, in the second chapter of the Second Epistle to Timothy,
saying, " The servant of the Lord must not strive ; but be gentle
unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those
that oppose themselves ; if God, peradventure, will give them
repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." My own expe-
rience confirms what has been said ; and I have found, by the grace
of God, that, in endeavouring to pursue the Christian rule, I have
been successful in winning over many who differed from me.
Rev. Dr. Archer, in seconding the Resolution, said, that it
scarcely required one word, either of explanation or of recom-
mendation. He would merely state — what had been* recognized
before — that no compromise of individual opinions, on points on
which they had hitherto differed, was required. The Resolution
allowed, that there might be times, when they would be, " required
by conscience, to assert or defend those views and principles wherein
they differed from other Christian Brethren :" and the right thus to
352 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
assert and defend their views, he held to be universal and inde-
structible. To the Roman Catholic, he would willingly grant the
same privileges which he enjoyed himself, to circulate and propagate
any views he might hold to be important. This right — to maintain
their principles, and to assert their views — was the first point : the
manner of doing so was the second point; and it would be well, if
controversialists were only to recollect, that the great end of all
controversy was, not the showing of their logical skill or in-
tellectual power, but the conversion of their antagonist. Speaking
the truth in love, and avoiding all degrees of bitterness, were
difficult things, as some of them well knew. Every body was
aware, how difficult it was, in the midst of a controversial discussion,
to smother some sharp jest, — some keen sarcasm, — or some sly,
biting retort, — which would powerfully tell upon an opponent.
But if, as controversialists, they desired to show, that their great
aim was —the conversion of those who differed from them, and not
to prove their individual superiority, they would be constrained to
make many such sacrifices. The Resolution would, therefore, have
been imperfect, had it only noticed the necessity of avoiding " all
rash or groundless insinuations, personal imputations, or irritating
allusions, " and of maintaining " the meekness and gentleness of
Christ, by speaking the truth in love : but it also mentioned
the power by which all these things must be accomplished — ce will
aim earnestly, by the help of the Holy Spirit :" and he (Dr. Archer)
believed, there was no power on earth, or above it, except the power
of the Holy Ghost, which could keep a man firm, and enable him
to go right forward, in maintaining the truth in love, and not in
bitterness of temper. If they were anxious, that no word should
fall from their lips, which dying they would wish to be forgotten or
blotted out, they must be steeped in the Spirit of their Master, and
baptized with the power of the Holy Ghost : and controversialists
would find themselves armed with unspeakably more power, if
they more forgot themselves, and their self-conceit and pride.
Rev. S. A. "Walker moved, —
" That, after the words 'this Alliance, 1 the words following be introduced : —
' will take care that they are, by previous unprejudiced enquiries, fully pre-
pared to state, without hazard of misrepresentation, the real character of
those particulars in which they differ from others, or of which they feel
themselves constrained to express disapprobation, and that they.' " —
He (Mr. Walker) would not yield to any Member of the Alliance