without going into it; and I think it will drop.

Rev. Dr. Carlile. — I think, there is great reason, and great
force, in the ground taken by Dr. Schmucker ; though I agree with
our friend, that it cannot be adopted by the Meeting. It would
be a settling of the question all on the other side. But I think,
we ought to make a verbal alteration, and give great prominence to
the fact, that the Alliance exists, leaving any further details to the
different Countries.

The Clause was put, and carried.

Rev. Dr. Hoby moved, —

" That the Members of the Alliance be recommended to adopt such organization
in their several Countries, as, in their judgement, may be most in accordance
with their peculiar circumstances, provided, that no one Organization of the
Alliance shall be held responsible for the proceedings of another ; on the un-
derstanding, that, whenever an Organization shall be formed, the Brethren
who have been present at the Conference, or have been enrolled as Mem-
bers and Corresponding Members of the Provisional Committee, shall act



TWELFTH DAY EVENING BS88I0N. 4G'S

collectively for tlie formation of it. That, in furtherance of tin- abwe Plan, it

be recommended, for the present, that an Organization be formed in each of

the following Districts, viz. : —
" 1. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
" 2. The United States of America.

" 3. France, Belgium, "French Switzerland, and the Waldensian Valleys.
" 4. The North of Germany.

" .5. The South of Germany, and German Switzerland.
" 6. British North America. ]
â–  7. The West Indies.
u And that additional Organizations be from time to time recognized as such,

by the concurrence of any two previously existing Organizations."

I suppose, it is not desirable to offer a remark upon the Resolution,
even though one might have a suggestion to make. I was only
thinking of the East Indies and Asia.

The Chairman. — I was going to make this suggestion, — whether
we should not take the first part of the paragraph, which relates
to the principle, and then each of the districts, separately ? I should
be disposed to subdivide the paragraph, and consider Dr. Hoby as
moving down to the point where you specify the districts.

Rev. Dr. Steane. — I think, with regard to the East Indies, the
West Indies, the South American Colonies, and the Cape of Good
Hope, we have reason to believe, that there are friends there ready to
form themselves into Branches ; but the fact is, that in the Confer.
ence we have not a sufficient number of Brethren to constitute a
nucleus, to whom authority can be given. It appeared best, there-
fore, to defer the consideration of Branches in these several parts
of the World, and leave them to spring up spontaneouslv, as no
doubt they will, when they are informed of our doings; and they
will be recognised, when formed, by the concurrence of any two
Branches.

Rev. Dr. Hoby. — I had intended for two minutes to trespass
on the time of the Meeting : it was not in reference to this Resolu-
tion, but to the last. I am afraid of appearing to place the reason
for our proceeding no further than we have done upon a somewhat
different ground ; but to my mind it is perfectly clear, that we have
encountered one, and one only, impediment. The hinderance we
have encountered to our CEcumenical arrangement, on the broadest
scale, is — Slay ery. I have a feeling, a painful feeling, of doubt, as
to our introo r ucing other causes ; when we ourselves know — at least,
I think so — there was but that one cause. I do not wish to open
the discussion again ; but I did intend, with submission, to take the
opportunity of saying these few words.

Rev. Dr. Olin. — I have great pleasure in seconding this part of



4G4 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

the Report ; more especially, as it embraces the chief alteration, so
far as principle is concerned, which has been adopted. I may take
occasion to say, I have the greatest satisfaction in that change, with
but a single drawback, — namely, that a number of Brethren had an
apprehension lest we should have weakened the Alliance, and ren-
dered such union as was hoped for impossible. I am more pleased
with the state of affairs than I was before : it has been my dread,
that we should attempt to do too much, and bring in heterodoxy.
With the large Christian confidence we are now prepared to exer-
cise, none of the difficulties we feared will be realized ; and we
shall have accomplished more under this than under the organiza-
tion at first proposed.

Rev. J. Beecham. — I am glad the Secretary has explained the
reason why any reference to the British Colonies has been excluded.
I am glad to learn, that the British Colonies have been under the
consideration of the Committee ; and the reason is sufficiently satis-
factory, why there is not a more special reference to them. We
have two representatives from the West Indies ; and it will give
satisfaction to the Committee to know, that there is reason to be-
lieve that a Branch will be formed there very speedily.

Rev. Dr. Steane. — The terms are,

" That, whenever an Organization shall be formed, the Brethren who have been
present at the Conference shall act collectively for the formation of it.' 1

I beg to submit, that in our own Country there are many Brethren
that have not been present at the Conference, who have a right to
take part in the formation of the British Branch. That may be
the case with respect to other Branches, in various parts of
Europe : I would, therefore, add to " Members present at the Con-
ference," " the enrolled Members."

Here a conversation arose, chiefly in the way of question and
answer, on some points of terminology and detail ; which was sus-
tained by the Chairman, Drs. Steane and S. II. Cox, Messrs. Gir-
dlestone, Hinton, and Eckett, and other gentlemen. The report
of it would only confuse the reader ; and its substance and result
will be found in the first part of the Clause under discussion, as
amended and given above. This passed the Conference.

The second part of the Clause, also, down to the specification
of districts, was agreed to.

Rev. Dr. Steane read : —

" The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland."
Carried.



TWELFTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 465

" The United States of America' '—
having been next read, — after an observation from Dr. 8. H.
Cox,

Rev. M. Richey said : — For five or six months we have had in
Canada an Alliance formed ; and we wish to follow the example,
the wisdom, and the direction, which the General Alliance of this
Country might give. If it should not be deemed anomalous, after
the principles put forth, to associate the British Provinces with
the United States, I should most cordially concur in such an ar-
rangement : but it occurs to me, that an objection would arise from
the fact, that we should be placed in the same position as Great
Britain, in the event of any collision. As to the ultimate shape
the Alliance may take, I think, it will be better to keep Canada and
the States separate. I am sure, in the Country from which I come
they are prepared.

After a few words from Rev. Messrs. N. Macleod and Ph. Church,
and from Dr. Alder, District No. 2, was agreed to.

Under No. 3, (France, Belgium, &c.,) the Rev. Charles Cook
having suggested the introduction of the Waldensian Valleys,

Dr. A. P. Stewart said : — I question the propriety of publish-
ing the fact of the existence of any such Association as we propose
in those Valleys. I question whether it might not produce awk-
ward consequences to the people themselves ; as the Government
are wide awake to all that passes. I question whether it mi^ht
not be considered as an unlawful measure against the Countrv.

Rev. C. Cook. — I know pretty well the Waldensian Valleys ; and
I do not think, that that objection has any real foundation. I be-
lieve, the Jesuits will do all they can ; but I believe, the King is as
favourable to our Brethren there as he can be in the circumstances
in which he is placed. He has manifested it on one or two occa-
sions. There is a Concordat between him and the Roman Govern-
ment ; and, in consequence of that, the Catholics exercise independ-
ent jurisdiction. There have been cases where the King has
shown them favour. I do not think they have anything to fear ;
on the contrary, they would like to be acknowledged and affiliated
by you.

District No. 3, including the Waldensian Valleys, was agreed to.
Also Districts 4, 5 and 6.

Rev. Jon. Edmondson. — Will you permit me to add " The
West Indies?" I think they should not be lost sight of.

Rev. Dr. Steane. — Additional Branches will, from time to
time, be recognised as such by the concurrence of two existing
Branches

H H



466 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

Rev. Jon. Edmondson. — We should yield them all the encourage-
ment we can.

Rev. J. H. Hi n ton. — If encouragement to the West Indies
could be associated with the idea before us, I should not hesitate ;
but the attitude of the Motion is not understood by the Brother
who has spoken. It is not, that we can recommend the West
Indies, or other places, to form Alliances ; but the Motion is, to
recommend the Members of the Alliance to proceed in the formation
of Branches in such and such districts, they being instructed to act
collectively. Now, to recommend to the Members of the Alliance,
who happen to be here from the West Indies, to take this upon
themselves, would be an awkward matter — they being but two.
If there were a dozen, it would be a different thing. Should we
adopt the addition, the two Brethren here would be distinguished
over and above all the Brethren ; and it would constitute them,
what, I am sure, no two parties would wish to be, the prior authori-
tative Members there. I think, it will be better to leave the
West Indies to themselves, to form an Alliance among them-
selves.

Rev. Jon. Edmondson. — There are but three from the North
American Colonies ; and I do not know, that they have been con-
stituted Members of the Alliance.

Rev. W. Bevan. — In the Colonial possessions mentioned,
you have all the preliminary arrangements ready to your hand. In
the other case, you have not. We are not now excluding any part ;
but are fixing on such as present the opportunity for ready and
immediate formation.

Rev. S. A. Walker. — There is a communication from the
Cape of Good Hope. It was stated, that there were as many as six-
teen Missionaries, who had sent a communication, declaring their joy
and happiness at such an Alliance ; and that they had signified their
intention of forming a Branch : but I think that, where no feelings
have been expressed, we ought to signify our willingness to receive
communications.

The Chairman. — That will come under a subsequent clause.
Although we have Corresponding Members, we have not here a
single individual from the Cape of Good Hope.

Rev. Dr. Busting. — I did not know, that you had passed by
the West Indies. I think you might include them ; and, when I
consider the peculiar character and situation of Christians in those
Colonies, I think it is of importance to recognise them. Perhaps,
it may exert some indirect influence, of a most gratifying and
beneficial kind ; and we should know, that, in the West Indies,



TWELFTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 4G7

there is a general desire and disposition to be connected with us.
It is a part of the World, in which there are many Baptist
Brethren, and a large number of Wesleyans and Moravians ; and
they do deserve to be recognised.

Rev. Jon. Edmondson. — It will be remembered, that Mr. Fraser
delivered a message from some of them to this Conference the
other evening. I should not have spoken, if I had not regarded
this matter as being of importance. I would simply move the
addition of " The West India Colonies."

Rev. W. M. Bunting. — I very earnestly second that.

It was then agreed, that the West Indies should form No. 7«

The concluding sentence of the Second Clause, after a question
by Rev. R. Eckett, was affirmed.

Rev. Dr. Steane read the Third Clause : —

" That an official correspondence be maintained between the several Organizations ;
and that Reports of their proceedings be mutually interchanged, with a view
to co-operation and encouragement in their common object."

Rev. Dr. Smyth. — I am quite satisfied, that this Motion will
receive the unanimous support of the House. It is written, that,
'as iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a man his
friend ;' and the next best thing to friendly intercourse is friendly
correspondence. I am sure, we shall receive a vast amount of
valuable information from this correspondence, — together with an
increased measure of that brotherly love, of which we have had
such delightful examples during our present sittings. As I am
about to leave the Conference, will you allow me to express the
unfeigned gratitude I feel, in regard to the conclusions to which
you have come, on the subject which has proved so exceedingly
difficult and perplexing ? We have realized, in a most remarkable
degree, that saying, that " Man's extremity is God's opportunity "
In answer to united and earnest prayer, He has led us, I think, by
a right way. I trust, any passing clouds, that have darkened the
sky, will only tend still further to brighten our prospects, and lead
us to rest more implicitly upon Him who has promised, that " The
meek will He guide in judgement, and the meek will He teach His
way." I beg leave to say, that I consider it a distinguished honour
which you, Sir, have enjoyed, in presiding over an Assembly un-
precedented since Apostolic times. May we all realize the
happiness of those, " whose God is the Lord !"

Rev. S. A. Walker. — As I thought it my duty to express some
little disappointment at the conclusion to which you have come,
I am thankful, that this Resolution has been entrusted to me ; for

h h 2



468 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

it gives me an opportunity of expressing my conviction, that what
took place will have the effect of drawing us more closely together.
My heart's desire is, that all Sections of the Christian Church
should be brought to sympathize more and more with each other.
It was on that account that I expressed my fear, lest there should
be an interruption of that harmony. Now, the more closely this
correspondence is kept up, the more shall we be brought to a close
communication of mind and feeling ; and, consequently, the
differences that now exist will be removed. Upon this, to a great
extent, will depend the ultimate success of the (Ecumenical
Alliance. I trust, we may all exercise perfect confidence towards
each other, and have no anxiety about the matter, — but carry on
the Alliance, by all the courses pursued, to final success.

The Clause was then carried.

Rev. Dr. Steane read Clause Fourth : —

" That the next General Conference be held at such time and place, and consist
of such persons, as, by correspondence between the Organizations of the
Alliance in different Countries, and under the guidance of Divine Providence,
shall hereafter be unanimously determined. A Conference of any two or more of
the Organizations may be held at the pleasure of the Organizations desiring it."

William Lepard Smith, Esq. — In moving the adoption of
this, I will only say, that the position in which the question stands
is quite in harmony with my own feelings. It is fa? better few
us to be left where we are, than to have made the Alliance exter-
nally as complete as we could have wished, without a better
understanding among ourselves. It shows our dependence upon
God.

Marcus Martin, Esq. — I am desirous of not occupying the
Conference with words. I will rest satisfied with cordially second-
ing the Resolution ; merely expressing my trust, that it may please
God, in His Providence, so to order the matter, that the several
Branches may all arrange together, that, before many years elapse, we
may have another Meeting, — which, I trust, will be as satisfactory
to us all as this has been.

After some demur on the part of the Rev. Dr. Schmucker, —
which the Chairman, on a point of order, overruled, — the Clause was
carried.

Rev. Dr. Steane read : —

" That the Alliance consist, First, of all such Members and Corresponding
Members of the Provisional Committee, as shall still adhere to its principles
and objects, — and, Secondly, of such Organizations, as may hereafter be
formed in consistency with them. That persons who may be hereafter



TWELFTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 469

admitted Members of any Organization of this Alliance shall be regarded as
Members of that Organization only to which they have been admitted,—
until the occurrence of a General Conference, when they may be, by its
authority, admitted Members of the Alliance."

Rev. W. M. Bunting. — I am not sorry to have been called upon
to move this Clause, — simply, because it affords me the opportunity
of offering an explanation somewhat varying from that which has
been offered on one main point by my excellent friend, Mr.
Hinton. In the first Resolution it is alleged, that the foundation
of the Alliance has been already laid. Now, I understood Mr.
Hinton to speak as if that foundation had been laid, simply, in the
living subsistence of the present temporary Assembly. That is
by no means my understanding of the fact assumed. I think, the
foundation is laid in two parts of our past proceedings ; — in the
Doctrinal and Moral Principles which we have in common affirmed,
— and in the general line of action, with reference to certain
sacred Objects, to which we have agreed to adhere. On this
foundation, our One Alliance will preserve both existence and
strength, long after the present Assembly of friendly Christian
spirits shall have broken up. As to any thing more than this —
any thing like an organic unity among Christians in all parts of the
World, the Old and the New too — I have been from the first an
avowed sceptic : and I feel thankful, that Brethren have had the
lowliness, and the wisdom, not to attempt that, which, at present,
they cannot attain.

Rev. Pharcellus Church. — I second this Motion ; and would
add a word on the subject of a future Conference. Though there
may be fears entertained by Brethren in this Country, that some
offensive individuals from the United States may find a place in the
Alliance, yet, I think I speak advisedly when I say, there is no
ground for such a fear. Though there might be individuals in the
American Organization alone, whose presence might give offence to
the British Public, yet, that fear now being known, and well
understood, there is not one such, I am quite sure, that would
desire to disturb the harmony of your Meeting by his presence.
Moreover, allow me to express the overwhelming gratitude of my
heart for the result, which, by the grace of God, we have been
enabled to come to on this subject. Though clouds have hovered
around, yet, they have always shown the Bow of Hope ; and I
believe, that out of this Assembly — from the confused mass of argu-
ment and opinion — there will arise a beauteous organization, to
plume itself for high purposes.

Rev. Mr. Johnston, from Ireland. — Allow me to say, I have



470 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

been looking with great interest on the proceedings. My Irish
friends know, that I have been anxious, since the year 1842, upon
the point in hand. I wished, if possible, to introduce into the
qualification for Membership, not merely Doctrines received as the
Basis of the Union, but experimental piety exhibited in connexion
with those Doctrines.

The Chairman. — I beg our friend's pardon. It would be so
alien to the subject before us, that it had better come in another
place.

Rev. Dr. Steane. — When we come to the organization of the
British Branch, that will be the proper place for it.

Rev. R. Eckett. — My object in rising is, to ascertain the im-
port of the concluding words of the Resolution. If I caught
them correctly, they are to this effect, — that persons admitted as
Members of the Branches may become Members of the General
Alliance, when another Meeting is convened. I wish to know,
whether we are to take these words as indicating, that they are to
be Members of the General Alliance. I know, it is intended, that
they may become such, on election.

The Chairman. — It is a curious fact, that I suggested an
alteration of the word. It stood, "shall:" I said, it will improve
it, if you say, " may."

Rev. R. Eckett. — " Are."

The Chairman. — That would be the same as "shall," which
you had better avoid. They will not be Members of the Alliance,
but of the Branches, till a Conference is held, when, — if we are all
peaceful and happy, they will be exalted to the Alliance by that
Meeting.

Rev. Dr. Skinner. — The question has occurred to me, who will
compose the Alliance when it is next convened ? — the Members of
the Alliance who are here ? or will it consist of persons delegated by
the Organizations, or Branches, to attend ?

Rev. Dr. Steane. — I can answer the question in the words of
the preceding Resolution. I call attention to Clause Fourth.

The Chairman. — Which Clause was intended by the Com-
mittee to leave open this question, whether there should be dele-
gates, or a meeting together of all the persons who constitute the
different Branches.

Rev. Dr. Skinner. — What power is to determine the persons
to come ?

Rev. Dr. Massie. — The various Committees must unanimously
agree to that.

Rev. H. Girdlestone. — The confusion remains. You have



TWELFTH DAY EVENING SESSION. 471

said, that the persons hereafter admitted to the Branches shall not
become Members of the Alliance till the next Conference. How
can they send delegates, when they are not Members ? You talk
of its being in the power of one Branch to forbid the Assembly ;
and in every one of these Branches are persons not recognised as
Members. There is great confusion. It seems to me, that we are
undoing all that has been built up for us by our Assembly.

After a somewhat confused conversation between Dr. Massie and
Mr. Girdlestone, — and a few remarks from Dr. Bunting, which the
Reporter could not have rightly apprehended, and has not rendered
intelligibly, —

Dr. Blackwood said : — There is a good deal in what Mr. Girdle-
stone objects. There may be a small Branch in the West Indies,
that may have little connexion with us ; and they will be able to
prevent the convening of a Body capable of legislating for the
whole Alliance. I apprehend, from the word " unanimously," that,
if one Branch said you should not have a Conference, you never
could have a Conference, that could legislate for the Alliance.

Dr. Massie. — This part remains as we received it. We were
not empowered to alter it.

Dr. Blackwood. — I think, it is competent to move an Amend-
ment.

Rev. J. H. Hinton. — I am aware, that the word "unanimously"
has been added by the Committee in the revision of the Resolu-
tion, not altering the sense in which that Resolution had come
from the Chair — the sense in which I had expounded it : but the
reason is, unless it be in the power of any single Branch to
prohibit a General Conference, there is no guarantee whatever
against our being brought, whether we will or not, into the region
of Slaveholders. Make a majority of the Branches to determine a
General Conference ; and we may say, there are Slaveholders — we
cannot meet them. This will produce a painful collision in the Body.
But, let it be held, that there shall be no General Meeting, till it
is unanimously agreed to — give to each Branch a veto on the
General Conference — then we are safe. Then I have security,
that I can prevent a Meeting being held — that I can prevent
Slaveholders being brought into contact with me — so long as I
please. At any rate, if I cannot act with my Branch, I have my
individual power.

The Chairman. — Let me bring you to a religious view. We
must have faith in God. It is a possible case, that one Branch
may stand out pertinaciously : there may be difficulties : but that
God, who has led us graciously hitherto, will not allow those



472 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCT.

difficulties to prevail. If it is right the Conference should beheld,
He will lead us all to agree.

Rev. H. Girdlestone. — I believe, there will be one of all
the Branches within a given time. I believe, Divine Providence
will call us all together.

Rev. R. W. Overbury. — Suppose that in five years a General
Conference should be held at Geneva ; I want to know, whether,

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