X 54
amtrican ptobgitviari
--..A N D
GENESEE EVANGELIST.
THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1862.
JOHN W. MEARS,
it.DJOUBNICINT OF THE ASSEMBLY.
CINCINNATI, May 24, 1862
BRO. MEARS :—This evening brought the
final adjournment of the Assembly. This speedy
adjournment exceeded all our hopes,. It is due
in part to the fact that the wheels of our eccle
siastical machinery are now running so smoothly,
that the real occasions for debate have nearly
passed away. Every great fermentation is set
tled down, and every great feature of church
polity has passed from gi problem into a fixed
fact. We now have, nui. only the unity of pur
pose as it regards final ends, which we have ever
had, but we have also what it required long
years of anxious labor to bring about, a unity of
views respecting the means of accomplishment.
Thus the occasion for protracted sessions has
passed. In addition to thin, the fact could not
escape our notice, that the number of talking
men was unusually small; that there were so few
young aspiants for'oratorical honors, and that so
little was said by those, young and old, from
whom more in that line was naturally expected.
Dr. Boman seldom spoke—never more than two
minutes; Dr. Duffield, on two or three occasions,
left the chair for a brief deliverance. Dr. Dick
inson, Dr. Parker, Dr. Shaw, and others who
could be named, whose claim to be heard is
beyond all question, scarcely transcended a sug
gestion or a motion; and the few speeches that
were made were, in general, short and luminous,
not needing to be supplemented, and provoking
no reply. Prom first to last, the Assembly was
harmonious on every important measure, and it
was a working session; what, then, should pre
vent its being short
My last notice of its main points of interest
brought you up to yesterday (Friday) noon. I
find that I was mistaken respecting the disposi
tion made of the Bible Society question in the
report of the Committee on Systematic Benevo
lence: Its was given its.place for general com
mendation with other voluntary societies, lea*.
ing our four denominational enterprises the
kading objects.
The queitions on which instruction was so
licited by the Permanent Publication Committee
were referred to a select committee, to report to
the next Assembly. The other important re
ports, together with the usual mass of smaller
affairs which always throng around the closing
hours, were deliberately disposed of to-day. I
must, as usual, refer you to the reports in the
dailies for the particulars, for although the As
sembly closed without haste, I cannot, at this
late evening hour, and without the expectation
of another moment for writing before leaving the
city, do the same.
The usual resolutions of thanks were offered
by Dr. Parker. The response was made by Dr.
Thompson. It was characteristic, and all who
know him know that this means much. The
parting address came, of course, from the Mode
rator. It was, as every one expected it would be,
tender and solemn. It was also deeply seasoned
with that ever present"element which came out
more or less strong in every report presented dur
ing the sessions, and in many of the business dis
missions/. and which ran, a broad river of feeling,
through all its hours of devotion—patriotism.
These closing complimentary proceedings al
ways come forth, as a matter of course, at the
dissolution of a General Assembly, and there is
much sameness in them. But they are anything
but a form. A few days of genial and; holy in
tercourse, talking, praying, and acting together
for the dear Church of Christ, for whom onr
tears fan, and our prayers ascend, and to whom
" Our toils and cares are given,
Till toils and cares shall end,"
brought now to the hour of a separation which,
in most eases, is expected to continue. until we
are gathered into the General Assembly in
Heaven—all this forbids. the*ossibility of going
through these•olosing forms as a mere formality.
Only those who have passed through these
scenes so often that they feel that not many
more of them await their future earthly expe
rience, can know what thoughts Jill the heart
when, in such an hour, the parting hand is
clasped and the farewell is spoken.
From our 0. S. brethren at Columbus, the re
ports of this morning are good, very good. The
high-toned patriotic paper of Dr. Breckenridge
is likly to go through, not unanimously as such
things do with us, but with' such a majority as
will convince blank treason that its last' game
with northern christianity—that of "no politics
in the church"—is played out.
From last evening's report, it seems almost
certain that that Assembly is going to spring up
on us that other pleaiant surprise of which I
have before spoken—proposal for fraternal cor
respondence. The only question which seemed
to remain was, whether a delegate should be at
once appointed, or whether the thing should first
be proposed to us.. This is doubtless the first
fruit of the recent agitation of the subject of re
union, and it accomplishes just enough to be,
first an earnest of the organic union that will
come in proper time, and secondly, to make us all
batter satisfied to await God's own methods and
time for bringing it about.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FRESBYTE-
MAN OHITEOH.
FOURTH DAY.
Met at nine o'clock, opening with prayer. An
hour was spent in worship. The roll of the As
sembly was then distributed to the members.
Dr. Thompson then announced that he thought
great good to the spiritual welfare of the sick
and wounded soldiers might be accomplished, if
two or three of the members of the Assembly
would visit each hospital every morning. He
stated that the soldiers were always willing and
glad to receive advice upon the welfare of their
souls. He also, on behalf of the Managers of
the eincionati Orphan Asylum, located on
Mount Auburn, extended to the Assembly a
cordial invitation to visit that institution at any
time which may suit its convenience.
The final settlement of accounts with the MN
age Committee, was deferred until Tuesday.
The first order of the day, the report of the Com.
'tattoo on Foreign Missions, was also laid over
till Tuesday.
Editor.
TRIRD.
MONDAY, May 19
The special Committee who were appointed to
examine the accounts of the Treasurer; Anthony
P. Halsey, submitted the following through
Jadge Spencer, Chairman
Resolved, That the accounts of Anthony P.
Halsey, Treasurer of the Assembly for the last
year, be accepted as correct.
The same was adopted, and ordered to be
printed in the minutes.
The following special Committees were then
appointed by the Moderator
Committee to nominate delegates to corres
ponding bodies—Jonathan B. Hubbard, Samuel
W. Crittenden and Andrew Luce, ministers.
Committee to nominate a Preacher on Home
Missions—Henry N. Willard, R. H. Leonard
and N. Kellogg, ministers.
Committee on the subject of a day of prayer
for the conversion of the world, and. a week of
prayer—B. B. Beckwith and W. H. Smith,
ministers.
The report of the Committees on Records of
Synods was made the second order for Thursday
morning's session.
The l'eport of the special Committee on Syste
matic Benevolence was postponed.
It was moved that the reports of the Com
mittee on Infant Baptism and Provision for Dis
abled Ministers be read. The Committee not
being then able to report, the subjects were
postponed.
Closed with prayer, and' adjourned until 3
o'clock, P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Met at 3 o'clock, with a very good attendance.
Opened with prayer by the Moderator. The
minutes of the morning session having been read
and approved, the Tenth Annual Report of the
Presbyterian Publication Committee was pre
sented.
During the past year, (to May 1, 1862),
twenty-three works have been added to the com
mittee's list of publications, the majority of
which were for the use of Sabbath Schools. The
sales have amounted to 03,170 98, and grants
of books and tracts to the amount of $936 64
have been made by the committee. If this be
added to the sales, it will give a total of $14,-
107 63. Of the receipts of the year, $9,296
were for books sold, and $5,158 by donations—a
sum smaller, by nearly $3,000, than that received
the preceding year.
The committee desire the co-operation of their
brethren, especially of pastors and elders, in the
circulation Of their publications. Much can be
done by calling the attention of congregations-or
individuals pointedly to the fact than such an
organization as this is in existence. If it be said
that the books and tracts are not accessible, we
would suggest that frequent calls upon the book
seller of any town for our publications, would be
the surest way to induce him to purchase and
keep them. In the absence of such a demand,
he will not be likely to order them. It is im
possible for the committee to send" out books to
be sold-on commission. They have not capital
to scatter for this purpose. Every pastor should.
be provided by his people with a moderate sum
to be used by him in the parehase of books and
tracts, for use (as loans or 'gifts) in his pastoral
work.
The Business Committee cannot but
,say to
the Assembly that, without expresi instruction
so to do, they would be very loth to continue
the management of this business trust in the
absence of an endoirment for its operations.
Hitherto, owing to the very limited sums contri
buted by the church at large, it has been only
by special efforts among the friends of the As
sembly in Philadelphia, that the cause has been
enabled to go forward at all. That an endow
ment suitable to the magnitude and the impor
tance of the enterprise should be afforded it, is
unquestionable. Whether it can, at the present
time, be attained, is for the Assembly to decide.
Nathaniel D. Graves, from the Presbyterian
and Congregational Convention of Wisconsin,
being present, made, by request of the Assem
bly, some interesting statements relative to the
growth of the denomination in Wisconsin. He
said that in 1839 there were but three churches
in the State and six pastors. Since that time,
however, one hundred- and seventy-nine have
been added, all of whiph are, at the present time,
in a most prosperous conditions The present
population of Wisconsin is 775,600; the number
of church members, 10,145; and the average
number of members to each church is 51 In
general remarks he represented that religious
influences are felt throughout the State. which
is not the case in most of the Western States,
where the'worship of God is confined mostly to
town and villages, and their immediate vicinity.
" Wisconsin in religion compares favorably with
the New England States, the population being
Puritan in element, with their Yankeeism en
larged." -
The Moderator then returned thanks to the'
brother from Wisconsin for the interesting infor
mation presented by him.
The Committee on the Polity of the Church
reported overture No. 1, being a request of the
Synod of Missouri for the appointment of a time
and place for the next meeting ; as in consequence
of file distracted state of the country, they failed
tolfecure a meeting last year; and they recom
mended that the Synod of Missouri meet at
Olathe, Kansas, on the second Thursda - y of Oc
tober, 1862, at 12 o'clock, P. M., to be opened
by a sermon by the last Moderator, or, in case of
his absence, by the oldest minister present. The
recommendation was adopted; also overture No.
2, being a request from the Synods of Indiana
and Wabash for the transfer of the church of
Rockville to the Presbytery of Crawfordsville,
and of the church of Bainbridge to the Presby
tery of Green Castle. As the church of Bain
bridge has signified by memorial to the Assem
bly their desire'for the transfer, and as nothing
has been heard from the church of Rockville,
the committee recommended that the request be
granted,' on condition that the church of Rock-
I vile consent to the transfer, and give informa
tion of the fact to the Synod of Indiana at their
next annual meeting. The recommendation was
adopted.
On motion, the report of the Special Commit
tee, who are to prepare resolutions expressive of
the Assembly's views on the "State of the Coun
try," was made the second order for Thursday
morning.
The Rev. A. W. Cowles, D. D., President of
the Elmira (New York) Female College, gave a
general description of the operations of that in
stitution. It was founded five years ago, at a
cost of $60,000, on the plan of the Mount Holy
oke (Mass.) College. A short time ago the sum:
of $25,t 0) was presented to it by Mr. Simeon
Benjamin, on condition that the Trustees should
intriran frtobtittian and vrtitt,ote (trrangtlifit
hereafter be appointed by the Synod (Presby
terian) of Geneva.
No other business being presented, closed with
prayer, and adjourned until 7f o'clock, P. M.
DR. SMITH'S SERMON ON HOME MISSIONS.
In the evening the annual sermon on Home
Missions was delivered to a large and interested
audience by Rev. Asa D. Smith, D. D., of New
York. •
The text was Rom. xv. 1, "We then that are
strong Tight to hear the infirmities of the weak,
and not to please ourselves."
FIFTH DAY
An hour having been spent in worship, the
Moderator announced that business was in order;
whereupon the minutes were read and approved•
A communication from Rev. George Leon
Walker, a delegate from the General Conference
of, Maine to the General Assembly, as also a
similar communication from Rev. C. E. Ferrill,
a delegate from the General Assembly of Ver
mont, were read and ordered to be filed.
The Assembly listened to a report from the
Rev. B. Graves, a delegate from this body to the
General Conference of Maine.
The-Assembly's Committee on Foreign Mis
sions, throUgh Walter S. Griffith, Esq., of New
York; presented an elaborate report of the work
of missions during the year, together with a
general retrospect. This is the FoUrth Annual
Report, and in presenting it, the committee has
to regret that on account of, the great troubles
that are distressing the country, there was but
little manifestation on the part of the churches,
of energy in the cause. During the year half of
the churches made no contributions whatever.
The ministers engaged in the , great cause of
foreign missionary labor number 54, out of 1358
ministers of the denomination of this country.
Their work is conducted with the same zeal and
fidelity that have ever characterized them. They
are scattered throughout Asia, Africa, Eastern
Europe, the Sandwich Islands and North Ame
rica, as follows :
Western Africa, 3; South Africa, 3; Western
Turkey, 5; Eastern Turkey, 3; Central Turkey,
3; Syria, 6; Ne.storians, 4; Southern Asia—
Ceylon, 2; Mahratta, 2 ; Madura, 6 ; Eastern
Asia—Canton, 2; Fut' Chau, 3; Sandiich
Islands, 5; in North America—Dacotalt In
dians, 1; Senecas, 1; Ojibbewas, 1..
Eight
now
in
of these Foreign Missionaries are now
in this country.,
Fifteen of the twenty-two Synods and twenty
seven of the 105 Presbyteries are represented in
foreign fields, viz. :
Synod of New York and New Jersey has 21
missionaries ; Utica, 2 ; Onondaga, 4 ; Geneva,
3; Genese.e, 4; Western Reserve, 5; Ohio, 1;
Cineinnati,fi (all of whom belong also to the
Presbytery of Cincinnati) ; Wabash, I ; Indiana,
1; Pennsylvania, 1; Illinois, 2 ; Peoria, 2 ;
Michigan, l; Minnesota 1.
In connection with the subject proper of their
report, the Committee stated that the number of
Presbyterian (N. S.) chaplains in the army is
larger, in proportion to the numbers in the
church, than that of any other denomination.
The following are the numbers
Methodist, 224; Presbyterians (N. S.), 94;
Congregational, 57; Episcopal, 66; Baptist, 43;
Presbyterian (O. S.), 24; Unitarian, 24 ; Catho
lic, 22; not known, 8. Total, 472.
In view of the falling off of contributions, and
apparently of interest in the missionary work,
the committee submitted au ably digested plan
for the collection of funds, and urged upon the
Assembly the necessity of putting it, or some
good system, in force.
A memorial from the Presbytery of iDetroit,
on the subject of originating an evangelical mis
sion in Mexico and Central America, was read
and placed in the •hands of the Committee on
Foreign Missions, for their consideration.
The Committee on Systematic Benevolence
submitted a report, presenting, as the principal
objects of the benevolence of the church, foreign
missions, home missions, education for the
ministry, publications, and the American Bible
Society., The report was referred to a special
committee of three, consisting of David Torrey,
Thomas A. Weed and A. J. Westervelt, for con
sideration and report.
Closed with prayer, and stood adjourned until
3 o'clock, P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Opened with prayer by the Moderator
The committee to whom was entrusted the
subject of nominating a Preacher on Home Mis
sions for the next General Assembly, reported
the names of Rev Z. M. Humphrey, of Chicago,
principal, and Rex, Geo. C. C artis, of Chemung,
alternate.
On motion, a -fesolution was adopted to the
effect that some plan should be adopted by which
the fiscal and statistical reports of Sabbath schools
could be embraced, through Presbyteries, in the
annual reports of the Assembly. The matter
was referred to a special" committee, whose duty
it shall be to report and make recommendations
to the Assembly on Saturday next.
The committee to whom was referred the
designation of days for fasting and prayer, re
ported the same days as heretofore, viz :—The
first Monday of January, for the conversion of
the world, and the last Thursday in February,
for students in colleges and seminaries.
In addition to these days, the committee re
commended the, observance of the second week of
January, including the first and secand Sab
baths, to be observed as a week of fasting and
prayer. The report-was adopted.
Dr. Thompson presented the following, which
was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That we have listened with interest
to the statements made by the Rev. C. P. Bush,
in behalf of the Americat Prat society, of Bos
ton, with special reference to the large amount of
work accomplished by that society in furnishing
religious reading to our soldiers, and that we
cheerfully commend this work to the- considers
Lion of the churches, as most important and
timely, not only in its influence upon our brave
troops exposed to peril and death, but also,
through them, upon the welfare and perpetuity
of our beloved country.
The following was also presented
Resolved, That the ministers who attend the
General Assembly to discharge duties assigned
them by the Assembly, have their expenses de
frayed, the same as Commissioners.
The Standing• Committee on Church Exten
sion made a report on the Annual Report of the
Trustees of the Fund, saying that they could not
too highly praise the zeal and fidelity of tho: •
gentlemen: They recommended that the Com
mitte.: on Church Extension be discharged, and
TUESDAY, May N.
that two committees, tc be called the Committees
on Church Erection and Home Missions, dis
charge its duties. The committee advised the
Assembly to appoint more missionaries:to the
Pacific Stites. The field there is a large one,
and but little cultivated, as yet.
Considerable discussion ensued on the report,
and it 'was finally laid ,on the table.
Adjourned to meet ou Thursday morning.
SIXTH DAY.
WEDNESDAY, May 21
According to previous arrangements, the As
sembly visited - Oxford and participated in the
dedicatory services of the Oxford Female Semi
nary. Excellent addresses were delivered by
Rev. Henry M. Field, editor of the
~New York
Evangelist, by Rev. F. S. McCabe, of Peru, In
diana, and by Rev. 'JeerParker, D. D.
The Assembly were cordially entertained, and
carried free. over the Qineinnati, Hamilton and
Dayton Railroad; they returned in the evening,
much delighted, and having met with not a sin
gle untoward circumstance.
SEVEDiTII DAY..
I . TUESDAY, May 22
MORNING- SESSION.
An hour was spent in devotional exercises. At
half-past nine the assembly proceeded to busi
ness. The minutes, having been read and ap
proved, the Commit*aa-Nominations of Dele
gates to other bodfes made their report, which
was unanimously adopted, as follows :
DELEGATES
To the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterlin Church—Francis S. McCabe, of
Logansport, and Charles EL Foote, of Wabash,
alternate.
To the General Synod of the Reformed Pres
byterian Church of North America—Wm. Ster
ling; of Harrisburg, and Wm. C. Clark, of Trum
ball, alternate.
To the General Synod of the Evangelical Lu
theran Church of the United States—B. B.
Hotehkin, of Philadelphia. and Wm. Aikman, of
Wilmington,, alternate.:
To the Synod of, the German Reformed
Church of the United StatesL.--Joel Parker, D.D.,
of New York, and Joseph Vance, of Erie, alter
nate.
To the General AssOciation of Massachusetts
—A. B. Lambert, of Troy, and S. W. Brace, of
Utica, alternate.
To the General As cation of Connecticut—
Jas. W. McLane, of Brooklyn, and D. M.
Seward, of New York, alternate.
To the General Association of New Hamp
shire—Sarni. Loonii4, of Catskill, and Stephen
Bush, of Albany, alternate.
To the General Catierence of Maine—Or. B.
Condit, of Cayuga, and Wm. A Booth, of New
York, alternate.
To the General Convention of Vermont—Pe
ter Snyder, of Watertown, and T. M. Hopkins,
of Geneva, alternate.--;
To the Presbyterian and Congregational Con
.veution of Wisconsin 7 -Z. M. Hum phre, of Chi
cago, and A. T. Norton, - of Alton, alternate.
To the Union of the Evangelical Churches of
France—Rev. M. Sat./tell.
To the Synod of the: Free Presbyterian Church
of the United States-- s it-D. How, of Cincinnati,
and S. G. Speer.
The Committee on Bills and Overtures report
ed that they had receii>ed four overtures from
Presbyteries of the Old'Sehool(?) Church relative
to the reunion of the %hoots.
The - conitnittee then Vitbinitted the resolutions
which follow. The report-of the committee was
accepted; but further .action upon it was post
poned.
THE RESO.LITTIONS.
Resolved, firstly, That the temper of these
overtures meets the hearty approval of the As
sembly, entirely aocoidant as it is with that
spirit of brotherly affection toward other de=
nominations, and of cO:optration in matters of
common incest, which has marked our whole
history.
4 .
Resolved, secondly, 1 at while we have ever
regretted the acts oft , ~ deeming them at va
riance alike with the cotistitution of our church
and' the word of God, we have never cherished
any unkind or exacting spirit, as has been evinced
in various ways, particularly in the proposition
made by us some years, since, to meet together
with our brethren of the other Assembly, around
the table of our common Itord.
Resolved, thirdly, That it would , give us plea
sure to unite in closeit fellowship with all persons
who can stand with us on the basis of our confes
sion of faith and book of discipline, and who sub
stantially agree with us on the great moral ques
tions of the day, especially in the matter of
loyalty to the Government, and in the views of
.
slavery, set forth prior to the division, in 1818.
Resolved, fourthly, Thilt while we bear in mind
the prayer of our Lord that his disciples may be
one, and while we can see some special advan
tages to be derived from' a reunion of the two
branches of the Presbyterian Church, we do not
pereeive - that beyond previous declarations of our
t.
views; anything remain,"
,9r us at the , present but
to await humbly and tea ably the movemenfe of
Divine Provide'nce.---
PUBLICATIONS.
The Rev. Dr. McLane, from the Committee
to whom was referred the Report of the Perma
nent Committee on Publication, reported
That the condition of the Publication cause is
one which demands the*ost-earnestand serious
attention of the. Assembly. Those to whose ma
nagement this great intelest is committed are un
willing to continue in th work unless some pro
vision, adequate to the importance of-the enter
prise, is made. Nor is itstrange that they should
state clearly and definitely to the churches what
its purpose and its pot/tyre in carrying forward
this work, and the reasons which call for its vi
gorous prosecution. The churches must see the
necessity of sustaining the enterprise before they
will gird themselves for the work.
The report then reviews the history of the
Publication cause, from its inception in 1852 in
the present time, showing that it was originally
intended mainly for the issue of " such tracts as
would ,clearly and dist:in.:llly exhibit our pecan
arities of doctrine, government and missionary
policy ;" and that in 1857 the scope of the en
terprise was enlarged so is to include the publi
cation of "such works of 'an evangelical charaC
ter as maybeyrofitahle to the church at large."
The report maintains that light is needed by
the churches upon the desirableness of this en
largement of the functions . of the committee.'• If
the Assembly commends to the patronage of the
churches voluntary societies doing this very
work, they will not =fait our committee in
doing what is already done for them by others.
The report judged that the churches were willing
to support an agency for the publication of tracts
and books on the peculiar doctrines of the de
nomination, 'but doubted their willingness to
support a general religious publication enterprise
without more light and conviction than they now
possess.
The report next discusses the importance of
uniformity in the house of God. It takes strong
ground for the universal adoption of the book
adopted, purchased and owned by the Assembly,
" The Church. Psalmist," and against the intro
duction, by irresponsible parties, of books unau
thorised by the Assembly.
After a tribiite of thanks to the gentlemen in
Philadelphia, who have given so much time, labor
and money to this cause, the report closes with
the following resolutions
Ist. That this Assembly take up• and consider
the whole subject of the publication cause, and
settle definitely and clearly its course of action
for the future, and give to the churches the rea
sons for that action.
2d. That the Assembly recommend to the
Committee of Publication to use all possible
means to secure the introduction of the Church
Psalmist into all the churches.
The discussion of the.report was mado the
second order for Friday.
— The next business iw order was the report . on
"Hama Missions," which recommends that the
Assembly raise raise the amount of $76,000, to
enable it to commission three hundred mission
aries and appoint exploring missionaries, whose
field of labor shall be in the United States, par
ticularly in the far West.
The discussion of this topic being in order,
Rev. Hiram H. Kellogg, of Bloomington, 111.,
arose and stated that his Presbytery sent him
here to aid the great cause of Home Missions,
and he intended to do so to the extent of his abi
lity. The work of evangelizing the land is well
worth our time, money and labor. If we place
before our churches a good plan for this work,
the funds to carry , out that plan will be forth
coming. The time has come for us to occupy,
with genuine spirit, the large field our Lord has
given us."
The venerable moderator, George Duffield, D.
D., then called a substitute to the chair and took
the floor. He felt an intense interest, the sub
ject being considered, and the - venerable brother
who . had just spoken (Mr. Kellogg) had ex
pressed his own sentiments, long entertained.
He, too, thought that the church would respond
cheerfully and, with alacrity to the call for the
necessary amount. All that is wanting is to pre
sent the subject in a tangible shape, and there is
piety enough.to respond to this call of the bless
ed Redeemer. The Assembly will gain nothing
by conducting this enterprise on commercial
principles, which are strictly selfish. The ope•
rations of the church should be conducted on
principles of love. " Let us not love in word,
but in deed and truth."
Rev. Laurentine Hamilton, who is from San
Jose, California, the centre of that vast field of
the Pacific States which calls so loudly for Mis
sionary aid, followed Dr. Duffield.. In an earnest
and able manner he made to the assembly on
behalf of the starving souls of that region, an
'appeal for their aid. He, demanded it, too, as
their right. He spoke of the large number of
ettled farmers, living on their farms and intend
ing to die there, who are never permitted to
.hear
the. Word of Go& expounded. Then, referring
to the mining population, who in vast nuntbers
are to be found= there; the speaker dwelt upon
the their miserable condition regarding the state
of their souls. With them iniquity is active and
outspoken, for there is no motive for conceal
ment. Skepticism is most alarmingly prevalent.
Out of all the adult population not one in twenty
five is ever to be seen in a church. Mr. Hamil
ton said that in California where nature con
ducts things on the most gigantic scale, religion
should correspond.
He closed his address by again appealing for
missionaries in the Pacific States.
Several gentlemen then followed, advocating
the proposed measure, which, upon the vote
being taken, was adopted.
The reports of the Committees on Education
and Milage were Nreceived, and the former was
made the third order of the day for to-morrow
morning
Closed with prayer and adjourned
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The reading of the minutes having been dis
pensed with, the following resolutions, presented
by the Special Committee on the State of the
Country; through the Rev. Dr. Beman of Troy,
together with the accompanying communication
to the President of the United States, were
read and passed by a vote entirely unanimous.
WHEREAS, This General Assembly is called,
in the providence of God, to hold its delibera
tions at a time when a wicked and a fearful
rebellion threatened to distroy the fair fabric
of our Government, to lay waste our beloved
country, and to blight and ruin, so far as the
present life is concerned, all that is dear to us as
Christians ; ; and,
WHEREAS, As a branch of the Christian"
Church, Presbyterians have ever been found
loyal and the friends "of good order, believing,
as they do, that civil government is ordained
of God; that the magistrate is the minister of
God for good; that he " beareth not the sword
in vain," and they are, therefore, subject to this
ordinance of God, " not only for wrath," or
under the influence of fear " but also for con
science sake," or under the influence of moral
and Christian principle; and,
nereas, The particular church whose repre
sentatives we are, and in whose behalf we are
now and here called to act, have inscribed on our
banner " TER CONSTITUTIONAL PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH," having never favored Secession or
nullification, either in Church or State, deem it
quite becoming and proper in us to express our
selves with great ehristian sincerity and frank
ness on those matters which now agitate our
country.
Resolved, First--•Tlat we deem the Govern
ment of these United States the most benign
that has ever blessed our imperfect world, and
should it be destroyed, after its brief career of
good, another such, in the ordinary course of
human events, can hardly be anticipated for a
long time to come, and for these reasons we re
vere and love it as one of the great sources of
hope under God for a lost world, and it is doubly
dear to our hearts because it was procured and
established.by the toil, sacrifice and blood of, our
fathers.
Resolved, Second- - That rebellion against such
a Government as ours, and especially by tb,ose
who ,have ever enjoyed their full share of its pro
tection, honors, rich blessings of every name, can
have no excuse or palliation, and can be inspired
by no other motives than those of ambition and
avarice, and can find no parallel, except in the
first two, great rebellions—that which assailed
the'.Chrone of Heaven directly, and that which
peopled our world with miserable apostates.
Resolved, Third—That whatever diversity of
-sentiment may exist among us respecting inter
national wars or the appeal to the sword for the
settlement of points of honor or interest betiveen
independent nations, we are all of one mind on
the subject of rebellion, and especially against
the best Government which God has yet "given
to the world; that our vast army now in the
field is to be looked upon as a great police
force, organized to carry into effect, the Consti
tution and laws, which insurgents, in common
with other citizens, have ordained by their own
voluntary acts, and which they are bound, by
honor, and oath, and conscience, to respect and
obey, so that the strictest advocates of peace
may bear a part in this deadly struggle for the
life of the Government.
Resolved, Fourth=That while we have been
utterly shocked at the deep depravity of the men
who have framed and matured this rebellion, and
who are now clad in arms, manifested in words
and deeds, there is another class found in the
loyal States who- have excited a still aeeper
Loathing, some in Congress, some in high civil
life, and some in the the ordinary walks of busi
ness, who never utter a manly thought of opinion
in favor of the Government; but they follow it,
by way of comment, by two or three smooth
apologies for Southern insurrectionists, present
ing the difference between an open and avowed
enemy in the field and a secret and insidious foe
in the bosom of our own family.
Resolved, Fifth—That, in our opinion, this
whole insurrectionary movement can be traced to
one primordial root, and.one only, African Slavery ;
the love of it, and a determination -to make it
perpetual; and while we look upon this war as
having one grand end in view, the restoration of
the Union, by crushing out the last living and
Manifested fibre of rebellion, we hold that every
thing, the institution of Slavery, if need be, must
be made to bend to this great purpose, and
while, under the influence of humanity and
Christian benevolence, we may commiserate the
condition of the ruined rebels, once in fraternity
with ourselves, but now—should the case occur—
despoiler of all that makes the world dear to
them, we must be, at the same time, constrained
to feel that the retribution has been self-inflicted,
and must add—Rat justitia mat ccetum.
Resolied, Sixth—That we have great eon&
_
1 dente in Abraham Lincoln, President of the
United States, and his Cabinet, and in the com
manders of our armies and our navy, and the
valiant men of this republic, prosecuting a holy
warfare under their banners; and while-we bless
God that he has stood by them and cheered them
on in what we trust will ever stand as the darkest
days of our country's humiliation, and crowned
them with many signal victories. Knowing that
Ultimate success is with God alone, we will ever
pray that the last sad note of anarchy and mis
rule may soon die away, and the old flag of our
country, radiant with stripes and brilliant with
-stars, may again wave over a great, undivided
and happy people. --
Resolved, Seventh—That we here, in deep'
humility for our sins and the sins of the nation,
and in heartfelt devotion, lay ourselves with all
we are and have on the altar of God and = our
country, and we hesitate not to pledge the
churches and. Christian people under our care as
ready to join with us in the same fervent sym
pathies and united prayers that our Rulers in
the Cabinet, and our commanders in the field
and on the waters, and the brave men under
their leadership, may take courage, under vthe
assurance the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of the
UNITED STATES are• with them, in heart and
hand—in life and effort—in this fearful existing
conflict.
Resolved, Finally—That a copy`of these reso
lutions, signed by the officers of the General As
sembly, be forwarded to his Excellency, Abraham
Lincoln, President of the United States, accom
panied by the following respectful letter :
To the President of the United States :
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church, holding its annual session in the city of
Cincinnati, Ohio, in transmitting the following
resolutions, beg leave most respectfully to ex
press in a more personal manner the sentiments
of our church in reference to yourself and the
great issues with which you are called to deal.
It is with no desire to bring a mere tribute of
flattery,-when we assure you, honored Sir, of
the, affection and confidence of our church.
Since the day of your inauguration, the thou
sands of our membership have followed you with
unceasing prayer, beseeching the Throne of
Heaven on your behalf. In our great church
courts; in our lesser judicatories, in our weekly
assemblages, in the house of God; at our family
altars, in the inner place of prayer, you have
been the burden of our petitions; and when we
look at the history of your Administration
hitherto, and at the ,wonderful way in which this
people have been led under your guidance, we
glorify. God on your behalf. We give praise not
to man, but to God. In your firmness, your in
tegrity challenging the admiration of even our
enemies, your mederation, your wisdom, the
timeliness of your acts exhibited at critical junc
tures, your paternal words, so eminently fitting
the chosen head of a great people, we recognize
the hand - and power of God. We devoutly and
humbly accept it, as from Him, in answer to the
innumerable prayers that have gone up from
our hearts. We desire, as a church, to express
to you our reverence, our love, our deep sym
pathy with you in, the greatness of your trust,
the depth of your personal bereavements, and to
pledge to, you, as in all the future, our perpetual
remembrance of you before God, and all the
support that loyal hearts can offer. We have
given our sonsto the army and navy. Some of
par ministers and many of our church members
have died in hospital and field. We are glad that
we have given them, and we exult in , that they
were true to death. We gladly pledge as many
mire as the cause of our country may demand.
We believe that there is but one path before this
people—this gigantic and inexpressibly wicked re
bellion must be destroyed—the interests of hu
manity, the cause of God and his church demand
it at our hands. May God give to you his great
support, preserve you, impart to you more than
human wisdom, and,permit, you, ere long, to re
joice in the deliverance of our beloved country'
in peace and unity. [Signed,]
GEORGE DUFPLETZ, D.D. Moderator.
EDWIN F. HATFIELD L D.D., Stated Clk
WM. STERLING, Per. Clerk, pro tern.
WILLIAM H. BROWN,
Temp. Clerks
FRANK F. ELLINWOOD,
Dr. Thompsan presented an invitation fr om
the gentleman in charge of the Observatory, re .
questing the Assembly to visit that institutio n
some evening before their departure . .
_A series of resolutions complimenting the
energetic Sanitary Commission upon the zeal an d
efficiency with which they have conducted their
labors for the good of the soldiers were then
passed.
Closed with prayer, and adjourned to meet this
morning at 8/ o'clock.
EIGHTH DAY.
FRIDAY, May 23
MORNING SESSION.
The Rev. George Constantine, a native Greek
and resident of Athens, being present, made
some fine remarks relative to the missionary
cause in Greece.
The Assembly then heard the minutes read,
and approved them. The Committee on Leave
of Absence reported the names of those to whore
they bad granted leave of absence. Report ac
cepted. On motion, the invitation from Prof.
Davis to visit the Cincinnati Observatory, was
accepted. The thanks of the Assembly were re
returned and Saturday evening was fixed upon
as the most proper time for the visit. The report
of the Committee on Systematic Benevolence was
read and accepted. Further action upon it,
however, was -postponed. The reports of the
several Committees on Synodical Records were
received.
The second order of the morning session, the
report of the Committee on Publications, was then
taken up, and a motion was made to adopt the
following recommendations presented by them:
Ist: That the Assembly take up and consider
the whole subject of the Publication cause, and
settle cl3arly and definitely its course of action
for the future, and give to the churches the rea
sons for that course.
2d. That the Assembly recommend to the Com
mittee on Publication td use ill possible means to
secure the introduction of the Church Psalmist
into all the churches. ,
A long and tedious discussion upon these re
solutions followed, and the matter was finally
postporied until the afternoon session.
Dr. Thompson presented a communication from
W. S. Groesbeck and lady, requesting the plea
sure of their company at his residence, on Satur
day evening. Accepted.
Dr. Thompson then read the list of appoint
ments of members to preach at the different
churches to-morrow.
Closed with prayer, and stood adjourned until
three o'clock, P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The business of the afternoon session was com
menced by a short prayer from the Moderator.
_The minutes of the morning meeting were read
and approved, when the consideration of the re
port of the Publication Committee was resumed,
commencing with the first clause of the order
decided on in the morning.
Mr. Geo. W. Tew, of Buffalo, spoke at consid
erable length, advocating the dismissal of the
Committee, and stating that advantageous offers
had been made by several eminent publishers, to
the effect that they would liublish, at their own
risk, any books, pamphlets, or other literary pro
ductions, that the General Assembly would en
dorse. He then went on to prove that, as the
present system of this branch was conducted, to
sell works of the. association to the amount of
$9,000, and to give away their publications to
the amount of $9OO, it cost the General Assem
bly $4,400. He thought the same good might
be accomplished in a more economical way by
employing publishers; and, further, that by
selling their works, they reduced this branch of
the business of the society to a purely mercan
tile operation.
S. C. Perkins, Esq., of Philadelphia, in an
swer to the last named gentleman, said that the
operations of the committee had been spoken of
as a purely mercantile business . ; but he did not
regard it as such; and, moreover, he thought
that if any society or body of men entered into
a mercantile business for the purpose of pushing
forward the kingdom of Christ, they had a per
fect right to do so.
He then went on to show several reasons why
it was not expedient to transact the business of
the Publication Committee by means of publish
ing houses, when, on motion, it was resolved that
the' further consideration of the subject be refer
red to a committee of seven, said committee being
required to report at the next meeting of the
General Assembly.
Rev. John W. Dulles made inquiry as to what
would be the course of the Committee on Publi
cation during the present year. The Moderator
said that the question would be answered before
the Assembly was finally dismissed.
On motion it was
Resolved, That the second clause of the mo
tion of the morning should be struck out, and
the following substituted :
WHEREAS, The Publication Coratnitee have
purchased the right, at considerable expense, of
printing and issuing the " Church Psalmist,"
and the compiler of the book having given his
right in the same to the General Assembly, on
condition that they allow, him a moderate copy
right for ten. years, only - four of which have al
ready expired; and
WHEREAS, These measures were adopted for
the double purpose of furnishing our Churches
with a more perfect collection of psalms and
hymns than are else to be found in use, and of
forming a bond of union among them ; therefore
Resolved, That the General Assemblyhereby
enjoin upon the several Presbyteries under their
care, to institute at their next stated meeting an
inquiry on the subject of psalmody, in order to
ascertain what churches use our own book, and
what churches use other books not authorized by
any act of the General Assembly, and not an
swering to the descriptions stated in our digest.
Resolved, That each "Presbytery is hereby en
joined to call the attention of the several sessions
under its care, to the desirableness and import
ance of securing a uniform system of psalmody
by adopting our own book, and that they take
such measures as may be deemed expedient to
secure this object, and thus strengthen the bonds
of union among our churches, and secure a con
siderable fund to the Assembly.
It vas moved and adopted that the word cc re
qnire" be substituted for " enjoin" in the above
resolution.
On the application:of the Judicial Committee,
that body was 'discharged from further duty,
there being no business for them to transact.
The report of the committee appointed to
draw up a statement of the state of religion
throughout all the churches of the Association,
was read, adopted, and on motion it was resolved
that said report should be published.
In answer to several , inquiries, it was stated
that the committee on mileag,e would be in at
tendance after each adjournment of the meetings
of the Assembly,
Prayer was then offered by the Moderator,
and the Assembly adjourned until 8.30 A. N.
to-day.
MAY 29,