sentiment.

Rev. Dr. Wardlaw. — I cannot resist the impulse upon my mind
to express my gratitude and joy for having been, — amidst various
personal and private matters that have necessarily engaged my
attention, — drawn to this room, to witness this scene. I would not
have missed it for the world. I have been all along missing a
coloured countenance amongst us. I regret the cause that has kept
our Brother away ; but I congratulate him on his escape from
danger, and that he is permitted to appear before us. I rejoice in
seeing him amongst us, — in giving him the right hand of fellow-
ship, — in believing that he has been, and will be, an honoured
instrument in promoting the benefit of his fellow creatures. I pray
God, that he may long be spared, and be made a blessing !



THIRTEENTH DAY MORNING SESSION. 491

Rev. Dr. Beecher. — I invite him to my bouse, to my table, and
to my pulpit.

An American Member. — Allow me to say the same.

The Chairman. — I am thankful that I have the honour of
presiding over the Meeting on this occasion. I shall esteem it a
privilege to shake hands with him, as the representative of the
slaves.

[The Chairman here grasped the band of Mr. Clark, and shook
it heartily, amid the loud cheers of the Conference.]

In your name, — in the name of all, — I welcome him to the midst
of us. Sometimes we thank God for the storm and the tempest ;
and I think I see His band in preventing our Brother from coming
amongst us till the present moment ; because I can conceive, that
his presence might possibly have produced some peculiar feelings,
when a question which has engaged so much discussion was
agitated. I am happy that he has been spared, that we might
receive him, not in form only, but in heart, as one of the Members
of this Alliance.

The Resolution was then put, and carried.

Rev. Dr. Steane. — I may mention, that Sir Culling Smith has
brought up the Report on the subject of the Organization. There
is another Resolution, to complete the present series, — to express
our deep thankfulness to God ; and I submit, that we may take
this before we go to the Organization.

Rev. Edw'ard Frazer. — I rise to move : —

'â–  That the Brethren desire to leave on record their adoring sense of the goodness
and mercy of God, manifested so abundantly, and in so many unexpected
ways, during the meetings of the Conference : especially they acknowledge,
with profound humility, admiration, and thankfulness, the repeated inter-
positions of His hand in answer to prayer, by which their difficulties were
often removed, their fears dispelled, their business conducted to an harmonious
result, and their hearts filled with joy and gladness : they humbly entreat
Him to pardon all the sins and infirmities which have attended their
Meetings, which they would now confess before Him, — while on account of
them, and their utter unworthiness, they abase themselves at His feet, and
look for the acceptance of their persons and their works alone to His rich
mercy, through the Atoning Blood of the Lamb : and they earnestly desire
His grace still to rest upon them, and His wisdom still to guide them, that, in
their several spheres and countries, they may be enabled to exemplify the
spirit of holy love which has reigned in their assemblies, and to carry into
practical effect the blessed design upon which they have embarked in forming
the Evangelical Alliance."

My joy is not the least, in beholding that the Conference is about
to be brought to so happy a close. The danger that seemed to



492 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE/

threaten the Alliance, the night before last, affected me deeply. I
enquired what was the cause ? It seemed to me, that it was the
cause of the African which was about to divide gentlemen who had
proceeded so far in unity ; and I thought, I am the African. My
Brother Clark had not then arrived, to share the honour or disgrace,
whichever it might be. The African, therefore, was represented
here alone in my person. I could not help exclaiming, in the
language of Jeremiah, — repeating the words as I went to my
lodgings, — " Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man
of strife, and a man of contention to the whole earth I" I was
grieved that I should be the occasion of pain to the honoured
gentlemen from America, — whose Christian spirit, whose Christian
speeches, and whose protestations of real concern for the welfare of
the slave and coloured man on that Continent, I must take occasion to
say, had won, and still retain, my entire confidence. I was grieved
for my English friends, — to think that gentlemen, who had so much
at heart the success of this Alliance, should so strongly express
their affection and kindness for the unhappy African, as to be
willing to sacrifice, as it seemed to me, even this very desirable
object. They held so fast the interests of the Slave, that they were
not willing to let them go, though it should cost them the sacrifice
of the Alliance. I was much cast down : and, in proportion to
the anxiety I then felt, is the comfort I now enjoy. I hope now
to return to that part of the world to which I belong — the West
Indies, with an improved mind and heart, — improved by all that I
have seen and heard in the course of the sittings of this memorable
Conference. I humbly, but cordially, unite in the spirit of this
Resolution, in ascribing the glory where it is due, — to God alone.
I hope henceforth to live in the spirit of the Alliance, — to be ever
willing, and, as far as it is proper for me, to be ever foremost, in such
matters. Where one occupies an inferior station, advances should
be made by the superior : but, as far as it becomes me, I shall be
happy to unite with my fellow Christians; and upon this principle, —
that I ought to love my Saviour better than myself.

Captain Caldwell. — I rise with unfeigned joy to second the
Resolution. My desire is to realize its spirit, and to preserve it to
the last hour of my life : it sets forth exactly the light in which
the movement has presented itself to my mind. From the first, I
have viewed it as having its origin from God. It has been guided
by His hand, from first to last ; and I trust He will continue to
guide it in future : I, therefore, most heartily second this Resolution.

The Resolution was then put, and agreed to.

Frederick Wills, Esq — I rise to move: —



THIRTEENTH DAY MORNING SESSION. 493

"That this Conference, in separating, desire to acknowledge the obligation which
they owe to Sir Culling Eardley Smith, Bart., for the energy and untiring
diligence with which he has applied himself to their business, and for the
ability, impartiality, courtesy, and hospitality which have distinguished his
conduct, as Chairman of their Deliberative Meetings ; they respectfully assure
him of their affectionate esteem, and of the grateful remembrance which they
will always cherish of the invaluable services he has rendered to their holv
Cause."

It is quite unnecessary for me to add one word in support of such a
Resolution. The whole Assembly have witnessed the ability, and
the deeply devotional spirit, of our excellent Chairman ; and I am
sure I shall be consulting his feelings, and the feelings of the whole
Meeting, if — instead of calling upon you to admire him — I call upon
you to admire the Grace of God that has made him what he is,
and raised him up to be such a blessing to the Church and to the
World.

Rev. Dr. Patton. — I rise with great pleasure to second the
Resolution. It might seem, at the first glance, as though — after
having expressed our sentiments, in the Resolution which was pre-
viously carried with entire unanimity, of deep obligation to God for
the manifestation of His grace and love — it were inconsistent now to
take lower ground, and return thanks to man : but, if we look at
the conduct of the Apostles, we mid they were not unmindful of
those into whose hearts God had put grace, and whom He had
brought into prominent stations in the Church. Christianity
teaches us to be courteous, and to respect talent where God has
given it. We cannot be unmindful of the fact, that we owe very
much of the peace, and of the despatch of business, and of the
good will that has pervaded the Body, to the talent, the decision,
the impartiality, the courtesy, of him who has occupied the Chair. I
am confident, that his name has a fragrance in this Island, and in all
kindred lands, that will not soon pass away. That fragrance has
passed over the waters ; the East wind, which is not always pleasant,
is now pleasant, — because it brings the fragrance of his name
across the great waters. When he comes to visit us, if we cannot
make him our Chairman, we will chair him as a man of God.

The Chairman. — I have great pleasure in submitting this
Resolution to the Meeting: it does not want a word.

The Resolution was then carried by the Assembly instantly
rising.

The Chairman, addressing Sir Culling Eardley Smith, said, —
I have great pleasure in communicating to you the Resolution of
our friends. Among the honours I have realized is the presenting



494 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

of this Resolution ; and I present it with thankfulness to you for
the manner in which you have tilled the Chair. Sometimes I am
called upon to preside over Meetings ; and, if I could do it with half
the grace with which you have presided over us, I should esteem
myself happy. As I have heen endeavouring to learn from our
friends, so I have been endeavouring to learn from yourself. One
of the advantages of Meetings like this is, that, as Laymen, it
brings us in closer contact with our Clerical friends than could
otherwise be the case.

Sir Culling Eardley Smith. — How shall I express my sense
of your great and unmerited kindness ? I desire to say how much
I feel — not only your present act of Christian feeling — but how
much I have felt throughout that generous confidence, and that
Christian regard, which have led you to support me in the Chair. I
feel it is not only possible, but perhaps even probable, that in
endeavouring to discharge the duties of the Chair, I have done so
in a manner that may have given pain to individuals. (Loud cries
of " No ! no !") The position of a Chairman, in such a solemn and
critical Meeting as this, is one of the most arduous difficulties. I
have felt it was worth while to risk anything — even the affection and
love of individuals towards myself — if I could only maintain the
order of the Meeting. If, in accomplishing it, I have been the
occasion of giving discomfort to any, I would request it may be
forgotten, and that the act may be forgiven for the motive that
actuated me. I thank you again and again for your kind vote ;
and I would only ask for one thing. — I wish to avoid any wrong
feeling with regard to the vote that has passed : but I have asked
myself, whether it would be wrong to ask this, and I think it would
not. — I was going to ask for an order, that it may be written out, —
that my children may possess it when I am dead and buried. I am
desirous that it should be signed by our friends who have acted as
Secretaries, — that I may have it framed and glazed, and put up in
my house. Again let me thank you for your expression of kindness ;
and let me express the hope, that the day is not far distant, when,
having acted as your Chairman in England, I may have the oppor-
tunity of participating, as an individual Member, in a Conference
to be held in some other Country.

Rev. W. Be van. — I will not make a speech : but you will allow
me to propose, that, by order of this Conference, the Resolution be
engrossed, and that the signatures of the Secretaries, in accordance
with Sir Culling Smith's request, be affixed to it.

Rev. Dr. Steane. — Allow me to second the proposition. I
desire to do so, — not only because I concur in the feeling of the



THIRTEENTH DAY MORNING SESSION. 495

whole Assembly, — but as feeling how much I have been personally
indebted to our Chairman in the conduct of the business. Again
and again I have had occasion to refer to him, in digesting and
systematizing the business ; and I have received manifestations of
that kindness, courtesy, and practical wisdom, with which he is so
eminently endowed.

Rev. Dr. S. H. Cox. — I rise to support it. In America we
pretend to have a great aversion to flattery. I hope that some of
us have more than a pretence : but there is such a thing as Chris-
tian praise ; and we have the apostolic example : " Demetrius hath
good report of all men, and of the Truth itself." I would, say, my
dear and honoured Brother in Christ, — for I regard that as a higher
title than any Baronetcy that a Monarch could give you — I thank
God. for the grace given you, and displayed, as I have often ob-
served it, in your skill and ability in the Chair : and here I would
make an apology, if you think I ought, in reference to the reflection
I seemed to cast upon your ahna mater. I never meant, that she
could not teach and discipline intellect ; there are excellent ex-
amples of that. The scenes through which we have passed have
almost dispelled the objections of a Presbyterian as to doing honour
to the house of Stewart — I refer to Haldane Stewart. But, apart
from skill and mental discipline, the thing I have most admired,
and for which I have been very grateful, has been, the exemplary
patience, kindness, and forbearance you have shown to everybody
and everything. I know that your situation has been one very try-
ing to any son of Adam in your place. America will join with all
the World, as represented here, in those expressions of humble
gratitude to God, glorifying God in you. I hope — I almost demand,
that we should see you in America. I have no idea, that there is
any such thing as a volcano, or an under-current, there. I do not
believe there is a spirit that would not welcome you. You can do
some good by coming. We intend to correspond with you ; and
when these things shall be recounted in America, Sir Culling
Eardley Smith's name will be dear to American Christians. You
will have a monument there that shall not moulder : — but I desire
that you should have the Resolution as an heirloom in your family, —
that your children may point to this pledge of Christian Union, and
say, that Cod employed their father — their grandfather — their great,
great, great, great grandfather in doing such tilings.

Rev. A. S. Thelwall. — I looked round when the Resolution
was passed, — thinking that one of the members of my own Church
would be called upon to support it. I was thinking who it would
be, or I should have risen to enjoy that honour. I feel it a duty



496 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

that I owe to the Church with which I am connected, that one of
its Ministers should support a Resolution, in which, I am sure, all
my Brethren will concur.

Rev. Dr. Urwick. — Ireland may be allowed to put in a word.
Allow me to give you the thought which has been in my mind. I
do not speak it in the way of flattery : but it has been the honest
thought of my mind, as I have seen you in the Chair, presiding over
and conducting the business, — that, if God had had no other object
in view in your existence and conversion, the way in which you
have served this great and good Cause, through His grace, was a
thing worth living for.

Sir Culling Eardley Smith. — Most grateful am I for the
undeserved expressions of kindness and esteem that have been used
towards me. I now rise to refer for a moment to what Dr. Cox
has said. There are difficulties, it appears, as to a Meeting in
America: but, whenever these can be overruled, I, for one, am
prepared to say, that, to serve the Cause of Christianity in America,
— especially, if I may add, to serve the Cause of our dear Brethren
in chains, — I would go, not only across the Atlantic, but ten times
round the globe.

Rev. Dr. Beecher. — If God should spare me to live another
ten years, I expect, Sir Culling, to see you in America, to attend
an Alliance Meeting ; and such an Alliance for numbers, as this
World has never seen ; — such a Body, that four churches would not
hold them.

Rev. Dr. S. H. Cox. — The other day, when we cleared the
gallery of strangers, there was one painful emotion created with-
out any design, — and which, if the Conference knew, they would
regret it. The Rev. William Scott, D.D., of New Orleans, a
Presbyterian Minister of great respectability, — though not of that
Branch of the Church to which I belong, — did not see his way clear
to be enrolled as one of the Members ; and he entered the gallery,
not knowing what was our rule. On its being stated that strangers
were present, he retired, and went away with a wounded spirit.
He is a man of great influence in America. I would suggest, that
the Secretary should write an informal letter to him, stating the
true state of the case, and our unwillingness to hurt the feelings of
a distant Brother, though personally a stranger to us.

Rev. J. B. Himes. — I hope it will be done.

This was agreed to.

Sir Culling Eardley Smith then took the Chair.

Rev. Dr. Smyth. — It was with myself that he came to the
Meeting. He came over to attend : but he fell under the Birming-



THIRTEENTH DAY M.OSNINO SESSION. 497

ham Resolution — being, in a remote sense, connected, through his
wife, with two of his servants. He feels it greatly, and out of
delicacy kept away from the Alliance. He wished, however, to see
the room, and came in. I thought he was aware of the rule of the
Meeting : but I found that he was not.

Rev. Dr. Bunting read the following Motion : —

" That the Conference are sensible of the important services rendered, in the
course of their proceedings, by their Secretaries and Committees, and of the
advantages resulting to the conduct of their business from the diligence and
skill with which they have discharged the several duties devolved upon them,
and they hereby request them to accept their grateful thanks ; in which they
desire to refer, with especial gratitude, to the pre-eminent services of the Rev.
William Bevan, Minute Secretary of the Conference, the Rev. Dr. Steane,
and the Rev. George Osborn, Secretaries of the Business Committee.'"

Rev. Dr. Wardlaw. — I rise with heartfelt pleasure to move
this Resolution. We are well aware how much depends on the
conduct of the Secretaries and Committees, with regard to the
successful issue of such an Assembly as this. I apprehend, that
on such an occasion a speech would be an insult. I should only
be detailing what all eyes have seen, all ears have heard, and all
minds and hearts have approved. I am sure, that the reading of
the Resolution renders it unnecessary to say a word on the subject.
I have greatly admired, throughout, the conduct of our Secretaries,
and their wonderful business tact and regularity.

Rev. F. Martin. — I will not speak of the ability and zeal of
our Brethren, the Secretaries, and the different Committees. It
would appear to me to be lowering them. We must ascribe their
success to faith and charity, — faith working by love. They have
been placed in many difficulties ; but they have taught us the
means by which we may overcome them. We must acknowledge,
that God has been faithful, and hence we have formed this Alliance.
We have had many difficulties. It has been the object of our
worthy friends, and of the Members of the Committees, to enable
us to meet those difficulties : and, should difficulties again airse,
they must be conquered by incessant prayer in the Name of our
dear Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Chairman. — I cannot allow this Resolution to be put,
without bearing my testimony — having had more opportunity than
any one else of witnessing the conduct of our Secretaries on all
occasions — to the efficiency with which they have discharged their
duties. On an occasion like this, though the spirit is a great
thing, yet the next important thing is the character of your mecha-
nism. The man of God must not despise being a man of business.

K K



498 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

We have had men of business ; and, having had something to do
with public business, secular and religious, I may state, that there
never was a machinery which did more honour to the Cause in
which it was employed, than that which has put us all in motion.
I know the excellent arrangements of your Committees, and they
have done honour both to their heads and their hearts.

The Resolution was carried by acclamation.

The Chairman, addressing the Secretaries and Committees,
said : — Dear Brethren, allow me to say, that I never discharged a
duty more grateful to me, in my life, than that of presenting you
with the thanks of this Body. In the name of (Ecumenical
Christianity, we thank you for your services.

Rev. Dr. Steane. — We are anxious to save time, and therefore
we are desirous that Mr. Bevan should speak for us all.

Rev. W. Bevan. — I am quite sure, Sir Culling, and Brethren,
that I fitly express the feelings of those whom you have associated
with me in the work, and now in this most acceptable vote of
thanks, when I say, that language fails us to convey to you an
adequate idea of the emotions that exist within our breasts. We
have been identified in work — hard work, but pleasant, blessed
W ork — in connexion with this Cause, since last October. You may
easily conceive with what trembling, with what racking anxiety,
we approached those difficult points in the progress of this Con-
ference, to which I need not now more particularly refer. God be
praised, that He has given us, not only warm affection, but, in our
success, in the consummation of all that our hearts could desire, and
more than we could reasonably have anticipated — the best reward.
I am sure I only say, in anticipation of the future, what all my
Brethren will say with me, — that we are ready to live in your
service, that we may die in your service, as in the service of our
common Lord ; and we desire, that our services may issue in the
well-being of His Church, and the conversion of the World, — that
He may be glorified.

The Chairman. — Having; received so crreat a kindness from
you, as that you should consent to the Resolution regarding my-
self being engrossed, — may I request, that this vote may be en-
grossed separately for each of the Secretaries, and that I may be
permitted to sign it, that they may have a record of it ?
This proposition was immediately assented to.
Rev. Alexander M'Leod.-— I have to move, —

" That the cordial thanks of the Conference are due, and are hereby presented, to
the Chairmen of the Public Meetings, the Brethren who have presided ever



THIRTEENTH DAY MORNING SESSION. '199

the Devotional Exercises, and the Vice-Chairmen of the Deliberative

Meetings."

We have required able and skilful guidance, and God has emi-
nently favoured us herein.

" Order is Heaven's first law j and, that confess'd,
Some are, and must be, greater than the rest."

In the exercise of their duties, we have seen a holy exhibition of
love and wisdom, integrity, impartiality, and forbearance. Distinct
reference has been made to our Devotional Exercises, and the
services of those who presided over them. I believe they have
been of very great importance ; and to what shall we ascribe our
success or eventual triumph, but to the efficacy of our supplications
presented to Him who is the Hearer of prayer, in the Name of
the Great Mediator — who once prayed, and who certainly is now
pleading that His Church may be one, as He and the Father are
one, that the World may believe that He is the promised Messiah ?
I trust our Chairmen will have a seat among those who surround
the Throne of God. I cannot satisfy my conscience, — I could
satisfy my vanity, but I cannot satisfy my conscience, — without
referring in particular to those Brethren from America, who have
assisted us in every thing, and particularly in presiding over some
of our Meetings. We have all seen, (although I was convinced
before,) that they are as much the friends of the oppressed as we
are ; and we have seen, that they have done, and have endured, on
behalf of the oppressed, more than we have done, and more than
most of us are willing to endure. I must express my satisfaction,
that we have committed the guidance of their consciences to the
College of the Apostles. It is my belief, — not founded, I hope, on
ignorance, — that what the Apostles wrote was committed to
Churches that were planted among slaves and slaveholders ; and