GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Third Day—May 21st.
The devotional exercises were even more
interesting than usual. A variety of topics
for prayer and discussion were introduced,
yet not of such a kind or in such a way as to
destroy true unity. The dependence of the
ministry on divine aid ; the conversion of
children ; the state of the country; the im
portance of revivals of religion, and the en
couraging prospect of such seasons in this
particular portion of Ohio—all these themes
were earnestly presented, and happily illus
trated by appropriate facts. When the hour
for business arrived, the current of devotional
feeling had set in so full and strong, ttiat it
was with the most manifest reluctance that
the Assembly confined themselves to their
usual time for devotional exercises.
After calling the roll, which showed an
attendance of nearly two hundred members,
Mr. Duffield stated to the Assembly that as
they had informally assigned him to the
office of Reporter, he desired their similar
assent to his associating with him as Clerk,
the Rev. Wm. E. Moore. Mr, Moore, as the
author of our New Digest, might well say—
" Exegi monumenium sere per ennius."
The unfinished business was resumed,
and an interesting report was read from Rev.
Dr. Patterson and. Wm. - Brown, of Chicago,
who had attended as delegates at the last
General Assembly, - 0:8, .While they had
been very kindly received, and had .greatly
enjoyed their visit, yet it was but proper 'to
add that nothing whatever, was said on the
subject of re-union. .
CHURCH ERECTION FUND
Mr. Walter S. Griffith, of New York, ap
peared as the Secretary pro tent of the Church
Erection Committee, and before making the
report rendered a very touching tribute :to
the .memory of their deceased Secretary,
'Rev. Dr. McLane. The genial countenance
and warm-hearted delight of Dr. hi., in his
attendance upon the Assembly, were now
only of the past. Mr. G. also related to the
•
brethren an interview he had with Di. M.
only a few moments before he lost conscious
ness. The love of Christ and the love of the
church, particularly that portion of it to
which he more immediately belonged, con
stituted the ruling passion even to the last.
It was evident that by the older members
of the Assembly the death of Dr. :McLane
was looked upon as no ordinary loss.
The total amount of the fund at present
is $119,000, all of which -is safely invested.
The reason assigned why more of the tund
had not been appropriated was the peculiar
condition of the country growing out of -the
war. The great work to be done by this
fund was yet in the future. The war once
over, and the field of oßerations was as in
viting as they could desire. '
ROLL OF MEMBERS
Copies of the Roll were new distributed
greattyto the satisfaction of the Assembly;
especially on learning that the printers of
the' Dayton Journal, had worked all night.
The call of the National Guard of Ohio, had
very greatly reduced their working , force,
and they were thus obliged to make up in
zeal what they lacked in numbers.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.
An interesting report from Rev. Joel Par
ker, D. D., was read, and listened to with
much attention—particularly that portion
of it which disapproved of the separation of
the old and the young in the worship of God.
The substance of the report was contained
in the following Resolutions, with which the
report concluded.
RESOLUTIONS
ht That it belongs to the Pastors and Elders of each
congregation, to direct and approve the whole work of
the spiritual training of the young, and that it is an im
portant part of the functions of their office to encourage
parents to fidelity, in bringing up their children in the
nurture and fear of the -Lord ; and, also to secure the co
operation of all competent members of the church in
the religious education of all the children' and youth to
whom they can gain access.
2d. That great-attention ought to be given tothe work
of inculcating lessons from the sacred scriptures and
'fixing in the memory the catechisms or our church both
as to doctrine and polity, combining all of the schools
of a congregation in united worship, as far as possible,
and especially of leading them to Jesus, in the exercise
.of -a' living faith, and continual reliance upon the Holy
Spirit.
Bd. That the church session be required to furnish in
their statistical reports, a full account of the number of
Sunday School Scholars and Teachers in their respec
tive congregations. .
.
The resolutions were referred. to a corn;
mittee, of which Dr. Poor was chairman.
DILLS AND OVERTURES.
- Dr. Hitchcock, as the chairman of this
committee, presented Overture No. 1, viz :
Recommending, on behalf of the Presbyte
rian Historical Society, that a suitable fire
proof building should be procured for the
safety of the valuable Library, and for the
better , accommodation of those who wished
to consult it.
Further statements as to the character of
the books and manuscripts, and of the pres
ent unsafe and insufficient accommodations
were made by the Moderator, followed by
the reading of a memorial from the Sdciety
by Mr. Butler, as a member of the Exedutive
Committee.
The report of the committee was unani
mously adopted, and it is sincerely to be
hoped that these very important books and
papers, which could never be duplicated,
may be rescued speedily from their present
peril.
I ILEAGE
Dr. Hitchcock reported overture No. 2,
viz: That the Assembly earnestly reiterate
the action or last year, recommending the
older and larger Presbyteries to pay their
full quota, and share alikewith their poorer
and feebler brethren,
In answer to overture No. 2—asking what
order should be taken in regard to those
Presbyteries which do not adopt the General
Assembly's Plan for the payment of expenses
of their Commissions, the Committee re
commend:
That the Assembly eatnestly reiterate the
sentiments and reoommezadation of the last
General Assembly Minutes, pp. 329, &cl,
and urge them especially neon the attention
and fraternal feelings of the older and larger
Presbyteries. The strong should help the
weak--r Otherwise the new and distant Pres
byteries must be imperfectly and irregularly
represented, and thus their connection with
the Church becomes loose, nominal and
uncertain, instead of being that vital, mutu
ally helpful and permanent relation which
it alight to be. This principle of mutual
help is,carried much farther in the• Free
Church of Scotland, where all the money
contributed for the support of the ministry
is thrown into a common fund—and thence
disbursed ; to the different pastors. Thus
they who gather 'much have • nothing over,
and 030 who-gather little have no lack.
The reading of this report was the signal
for , a:very spirited discussion, giving admira
ble 'promise of the ability and energy with
• whiPilt , we ~trust much more important
questions are, to be discussed in the future,
A well cenducted debate is very refreshing,
and a real intellectual treat. The first to
get the floor was Rev. Joseph R. Page, of
Ontarin Presbytery,' who, as in 1846, and at
other , tilires, excited a very, lively interest by
his remarks on the failure of certain Pre.s
byteries to come up
.to this portion of their
work as they ought to do. 'lt was his opin7
ion that some of the, Presbyteries were re
,cAding.from the high ground we had hith
'eft° oecupied, and it was hig deitire to "stir"
upql24 , iiiire minds of the brethren by way
of remembiatice.?". And "stirithern'‘up ".hp•
did, most effectually.
He was followed by Rev. Messrs. Bosworth
and Lyman, and Hon. James Seymous, who
offered a substitute for the report of the
Committee; and by Dr. Hatfield, who, as
Stated Clerk, took in hand to set forth in
regular order the operation of the plan of
milage from the beginning even until now;
and if, after this exhortation, there was not
a perfect understanding of all things on this
subject from the very first, it was certainly
not the fault of the Stated Clerk. "Let
well enough alone," said he; "don't disturb
a rule that is already working well. At
present we average eighty-five per cent. of
all expenses of mileage, which is higher
than that of any similar body in the coun
try. We do not owe a single dollar of debt
for ministers, &c., and have a balance of $76
in the treasury.
Dr. Crosby thought we ought to consider
this question simply as one of right and
wrong, and was inclined to take the same
view as Mr. Seymour, but general consider
ations, it soon appeared, had to be modified
very much by existing circumstances.
Rev. Mr. Starr got the floor, and made de
cidedly, thus far, the best speech of the
session. For abstract questions he cared
but little ; he much preferred to work at
the matter in the Concrete—and there he
was evidently and entirely at home. Point
after point was made—now, against a Pres
bytery, then against an ,individual, until at
length, by an unctuous' reference to certain
churches in the East, he fairly brought down
the house in ; a,hearty explosion of laughter.
lie sustained the report of the Committee,
and though'iaot a member of the committee
himself, but of the Committee,on EducatiOff,
the Committee on Bills and Overtures owe
him their thanks.
After varioud•explanations' by Rev. Messrs.
Phelps, of Rochester, Wright, of Buffalo;
and Davidson, of New York, Mr. Foote of
Alton,iwent still more deeply into the mer:-
its 'of the case. Law was nothing without
penalty. He would like to see a law to
this effect, viz: That the name of no Com:-
missioner should be entered on the roll
until he had: paid up what was due by his
Presbytery to the commissioners and contin
gent fund of the Assembly.
Mr, Hastings, of Albany, rose to a point/ of
inquiry, viz : Where the,General Assembly
got the power - as a legislative body, to enact
laws for the government of the churches?
As the question was not answered by Mr.
Foote, nor any other member, and a very
significant smile passed' over "the faces of
many of the - older brethren, it is safe to
presume that no law, will be enacted by the
General Assembly, for the government of i
the churches, atleastiin Dayton ; A.. D. 1864.
The, moderator then stated : and put the
question. The motion of Mr. Seymour was
lost; and the report of the committee sus
tained-.and adopted. •
STATE OF THE COUNTRY
The , Rev. Drs. Crosby, Poor, Patterson,
and Elders Simons and liiansfield were
appointed to draft a minute on The State
of the Country.
MONTHLY• MAGAZINE
Dr. Kendall made, a special report in
reference to a - morithly periodical, which was
accepted and referred to a committee, of
which Rev. Wm. E. Moore was chairman.
POOR AND DISABLED MINISTERS,
An elaborate and thoroughly exhaustive
report on this subject was presented and
read by Rev. Mr. Butler, of Philadelphia,
and placed on the docket.
TELEGRAM
A telegram was received from General
Assembly, 0. S., now'in session at Newark,
N. J., desiring to unite with this Assembly
in prayer for the country, on Wednesday
next.
A telegram`was ordered in reply, and the
time for said meeting was appointed Wed
nesday, 3 P. M.
PREACIIING..
Dr. Spees, as chairman of the committee
on religious exercises, reported those who
had been assigued to preach in different
churches,, and the 'Asserntly' adjourned to
Monday- morning. • ,
Fourth liay—Xonday, Nay 23d
After the hour for prayer, which was one
of much interest, the minutes of Saturday
were read and approved.
A statement was made as to the courtesies
extended by railroads to members of the
Assembly, which showed on the part of a
large majority of the 'directors of these roadp
a very praiseworthy liberality.' It'was a sig
nificant fact that of the few who refused.such
courtesy, two at least of them were tho
roughly Copperhead.
Dr. Smith, chairman of Committee on
Church Polity, reported Overture No. 1, viz':
What is to be done with the names of non
resident 'church members? whether they are
to be counted in the statistical report of the
session.
The opinion of the committee was that
such names could not be stricken from the
roll, and that the question of statistics be,
referred to the committee on this subject.
Dr. S. also reported Overture No. 2, as to
what was to be done with isolated churches
in rebel districts? The committee recom
mended, in accordance with previous sets of
the Assembly, that such chnrches be en
couraged to make application to those Pres
byteries that are most convenient; and that
the Presbyteries use their own discretion in
the matter.
The report. was adopted. Overture No. 3,
was also reported, viz : -Whether a minister
could demit his office and become an elder ?
The constitution requires that this ques
tion must be answered in the negative, An
elder must be chosen from male members in
full communion with the church.
Dr. Poor ,thought this an important mat
ter, alike for the relief of the minister and
for the benefit of the churches. His idea
was that the office of minister and elder was
essentially the same—only a two fold de
partment—a teaching and a ruling elder.
Why could not a man demit one office and
yet retain the other ? When a man could
no longer be useful nor exercise his office as
a minister—why not allow him, to do good
as an elder? He would like to hear the
opinion of Dr. Smith •on e this point.
Dr. Smith did not suppose that the com
mittee were called to go beyond the record.
But speaking for bis own part personally, he
did not see any good and sufficient reason
why the constitution of our church, as it
now stands on this point, Should not be
amended. The doctrine of the indelibility
of ministerial grace, he considered no part'
of the Protestant: view ; of the ministry.
After various remarks by Rev. Messrs.
Waldo, Hastings, and Elder Churchill, de
tailing particular instances in which the ,in
terests of the , church and the requirements
of the Constitution had come in collision,
the report was adopted ;'and a committee
of five - was appointed to report at the next
Assembly, Dr. Poor, Chairman.
ADDRESS Or DR. VERMILYE
The Rev. Dr. Vernallye, appeared as thp
First regular Delegate from the General
Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church.
The Dutch was not to be confounded, as is
so often done with the German church.
Trite, they both hold the Heidleberg este
chisni; but citherwige-their ecclesiastical: or
ganization was entirely distinct. The R. D.
PHEGADRTIPHIA, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1864.
Church of the U. S., was a daughter of the
Presbyterian Church of Holland—that Hol
land, when named, so sure to awaken such
thrilling recollections of the past—Holland,
the bulwark of the continent against Popery
—Holland, the true parent of English lib
erty, of religious toleration—Holland that by
simply adhering to the motto of William—
" I will maintain"—did maintain the cause
of truth and righteousness in such a manner
as to become the example of the world I
When the Puritans were driven out of Eng
land, the refugees were received in Holland,
churches were provided for their worship,
until after while, thinking the Hollanders
not quite pure enough, they desired to emi
grate again. As the Puritans came with
their blessing, so they departed with it.
The theology of the R. D. Churchis eAlvin
istio and although in its standards the more
atrocious features of Calvinism, as - they are
sometimes called, are modified—yet in all
the leading points, their doctrines fully' agree
with those of the Westminister Cateithism,
in which he himself was brought up. Du
ring the past year they had raised $lOO,OOO
for their college at New Brunswick, and
expected to increase the endowment of their
seminary.
' He spoke of their foreign missions, 'and
the very encouraging measure, of success that
had attended their efforts since they had
separated from the Ainerican Board,and had
undertaken to carry on their own missions.
Though not himself originally in favor of
the separation, he must yet acknowledge.
that thus far the new arrangement had
worked very efficiently.
Dr. V. claimed Tor the Dutch Chureh that
it was the'oldest Christian: denomination. on
the continent---of the church of whichle was
the pastor—that it was the oldest church.
The parochial school, Originally established
by the first emigrants, Still remains as flour
ishing as any school in New York Like the
Puritans, the Dutch broUght the church and
the school together. ' • •
The Doctor proceeded very gracefully and
adroitly to handle a rather delicate subject
and show how it was that the "official over
ture for correspondence happened - to :be
clothed in language that was not - altogether
satisfae - tory to this body. It was not, satis
factory to themselves. It was not the origi
nal resolution that was adopted,' and hence
the unfortunate phraseology. Though
sometimes when two friends . are 'about' to
meet, the ardor of an advance on the',par,t
of one is• checked by a little etiquette on the
. part, of the other, he -had no fear that it
would' prove a permanent interruption to
their friendly intercourse. If . the General.
Synodwere a little awkward, perhaps it is
not too much to say that the' Assembly on
their part were a•little sensitive.:.'
After reading the report of their delegate
last year, who opened the correspondence,
and passing a handsome tribute to our Own
delegate to their body, viz; the Rev. Dr.
Skinner; and claiming that it must always
appear hereafter, even from our own min
utes, that the proposition: for fraternal inter
course came from them to us, he gathered
up his strength for that which was, al s ter
the real object of his mission at the present
time.
It was not, however, until Dr. V. came to
speak on the subject of the_general corres
pondence of one denomination with another
that the Doctor began to let out his real
strength. As he stood upon the platform in
a green old age, his earnest, Manly voice in
strong contrast with " the blossoms of the
grave" upon his temples, he
• seemed to us
the very personification of good old Darius
hiniself, who, in the rith century spent
thirty years in traveling, for the purpose of
uniting the Protestant churches of Europe.
Dr. Vermilye. above all other things, seemed
desirous of seeing the same thing accom
plished in America. The difficulties that
embarrass the church in the old world do
not exist here.and- there is no , lexcuse for us
he thought, if the churches of Christ in ; this
country were not united in a thorough
Evangelical union, and that speedily. Not
on the basis of the ASthanasian or other meta
physical creed—but on a crced as simple as
that of the Apcistles, they 'Might' unite if
they would ; each Christian,in each. Chris
tian denomination recognizing- Christ in •
every other. Thus thoroughly united' in
heart welvould soon gO•up and' possess. the
land : we would spread our influence far
over into heathen land: Infidelity, could
no longer stand before us' when
All Mutual will baseeraingzanka
"larch one way!
The tendency of all the denominations of
late, had been in the direction of Christian
union and •charity, but over• and upon that
body he was fur bringing such an immense
pressure of public sentiment to bear, that
they could no longer resist' its power. The
dogma of Apostolic succession and the as
sumptions growing out of it; must beground
to the dust. With allthe kind feelings he
entertained towards. his Episcopal brethren',
with all the pleasant social 'relations he had
with them, he `was thoroughly persuaded
that the time-had fully come when we must'
have a definite understanding with them.
The day has long since gone by to argue
this matter by technical controversy as to
what the fathers say—all Christians of every
name must come out to the common 'platt
form of Christianity. We must say to our
Episcopal brethren, have done with this
folly of the dark ages—these high preten
sions growing out of superstition—and re
cognize our ministers as ministers, our
churches as churches, or, as Christians, we
can no longer have any real ecclesiastical iu
tercourse with them.
Let religious bodies take this matter up,
in a wise, conciliatory, and yet .determined
Christian way—let 'them pray ever and la
bor for it, and the end at - length will be at
tained. Simultaneous with the existence
and manifestation of true. Christian union,
such a prospect will 'open up before the
church as she has never seen before.
Your Assembly especially, ought to be in
earnest on this matter, for it has pleased
God to give you such a hold-upon 'the masses
of the people, that you, have, everything to
hope for your efforts.
May the blessing of the Covenant Head of
the church come aown upon you all,; and if
we shall, never, all of us, meet again on
earth, may we Meet in the General Assem
bly of the church of the first horn, whose
names are written in heaven.
The address of Dr. Vermilye was received
with repeated bursts of applause, and he
could not have felt otherwise than that he
had the cordial sympathy : of the entire As
sembly.
MODiRATOR'B REPLY
The Rev. Dr. Brainerd, as the moderator
of the General Assembly, rose to respond to -
Dr. Vermilye.
He was happy to assure the ge.ntlemaik
who.was the first regular delegate from the
Reformed Dutch Church, that his communi
catiOn of the thoiights and•feelingdof that
body were cordially responded to' on •the,
part of all his brethren:. Such expressions
of kindness and affection coming from the
highly intelligent and refined sentiment of
the city of New York, were'.highly aPeePter
hie, both for their own sake and for the
valued brother, through whom they were.
delivered. Freely , and Without, reserve,
would this body accept his explanation, .as
to the temporary infelicities that bad mark
ed the ootrunnednient of this fraternal in-,
tereourse. yhey 194 not been ,ott,suohr
kind is to preirent us
,from rea.ohiii,g fOrth
our hands to our Dutch brethren, and let
our hearts at the same time flow forth With
theirs.
If a little sensitiveness had been mani
fested on our part as to our orthodoxy, the
delegate was fully aware that ass denomina
tion we , had a history that would account
for it. We had so long been accustomed
from so many quarters to receive the cold
shoulder, that it was not very greatly to be
wondered at, that for once at least we should
fail to recognize an overture of fraternal af
fection.
On behalf of the brethren in the Assembly
he cordially thanked the Dr. for the kind
ness of the Church of Holland to the exiled
Puritans two hundred years ago, and in allu
sion to the fact that they gave their blessing
to the Puritans alike at their 'coming and at
their departure, the moderator made a very
happy allusion to the Duke of Buchan's in
scription on Drylourgh Abbey, Ineuntibus
Salus, Exeuntibus Pax! Unfortunately
thdugh there was one settlement at Ply
mouth—and one at rNew Amsterdam, the
continent was not quite wide enough to pre
vent Hollanders and Puritalis from coming
occasionally into collision. 'More-than two
hundred years it would seem had been
necessary fully to bring their descendants
together ; may it be more than two thousand
four hundred, years before they again find
thernselves apart. We areleased not only
at.-receiv - ing a delegation-from the Dutch
church;:we are eqoally plpasedto find their
delegate in ,the.person. of Dr. • Vermilye.
Personally, he might assure him that having
recently married;an. only daughter to a gen
tleman in that denomination, he had very
special reasons for desiring its prosperity.
The things, my dear brother, said he, that
separate us are slight—and temporary. The
things that unite and bind us together are
essential, and for all coming time. We ac
,Cept your hand therefore with the same cor
diality that you extended it, and bid you
God speed. Though not able on the present
occasion fully to enter into a consideration
of the great subject of Christian union,, he
cordially enclosed his views as to the neces
sity and desirableness of it. The step that
-had just been taken toward it by these two
denominations ; he had great reason to hope
would be mutually beneficial. From the
Reformed Diate,h - Church of Holland we
might well imbibe—real stability, excellent
form, persevering industry and adhesive
Orthodoxy.
They on their part he'hoped .would' not
e the losers by coming in naOre direct and
immediate contact with a young and power
ful generation, r While you, remember with
as,t and proper. satisfaction what , you have
done in standing up against oppression in
one form, we would venture to. suggest, as
not altogether unworthy of gonsideratioh l
What we have . done in another.' -
The martyr spiritwith which this particu
lar branch of the Presbyterian Church, has
protected the cause of liberty in this coun
try, when it was no ordinamshame or dis
grace to stand, up; for it, constitute a feature
-in her history, thit renders 'her somewhat
akin to those who'maintained their rights
in' the bloody day of the Duke of Alva. All
that we suffer for principle is sure to be re
paid in the end with an hundred fold. (Ap
plause.)
My beloved brother, we have in former
days met on the hills of Berkshire—may we
meet hereafter on the hills of Zion above
Monday, 2 P. X
Foreign Missione.—Dr. Canfield, as Chair
man of the Committee, made his report,
the substance of which was comprised in
the following resolutions.:
Resolved, `That the :Commissionere of this
Qemera,l Assembly be earnestly requested at
the next meeting of their respective Presbyte
ries, to call their particular attention to this
great cause, with the view of securing, a tho
rough compliance with the recommendation of
the last Assembly.
Resphred, That it , be recemmended to all our
Ministers, to magnify this cause in their min
istrations, and to co-operate with.the Presby 7
terial Agent, by exchanges; and in such other
ways As they shall find practicable, so as to
have it presented to all our Churches.
Resolved, That oriaccount of the nnexpected
increase in the cost of exchange,whereby one
dollar Contrit.:ted'here amounts to only sixty
cents in the currency of the world when sent
abroad, all our churches who can do so, be
earnestlyreqiiested to add fatty per cent. to
their contributions of last year, and if their
contributions have 'been already made, that
the Assembly suggest to them to take up an
extra contribution, to meet the difference of
exchange, as
.a part of our war burdens, that
we May do. what we can' to keep the Board
froin closing its current financial year in debt.
The report was sustained in an admiral
speech of Rev. Dr. Ballantine, which was
well Worthy of being spread before the
church at length, He was followed in an
equally excellent spirit by Rev. W. W. At
terbury, and Rev. C. S. Babb ; and on behalf
of the-prudential committee by Elder. Grif
fiths. Though they all agreed that there was
a growing interest on this subject in our
church, yet there was'still very great delin
quency in carrying out.the plan as adopted
by the General Assembly.
Dr. Poor; of Newark, son of the late Dr.
Poor, of Ceylon, claimed an interest in this
subject by inheritanCe. His right to speak
on it was his birth-right—and the responsi
bility of not now being in the field himself,
rests on others, and not on himself.
Dear and valued friends at, various mission
ary stations, are constantly writing to them
—writing out of - full and overburdened
hearts, and he scarcely knew what to sby to
him in. reply. Net until recently has our
church, as such, been a real partner in the
A. B. C. F. M. Such a partnership had its
advantages; one of which was, if we did not
pay in our share of the capital stock, it was
very clearly seen and known. He reviewed
the reports for the church, during the last
year—and thonght .if each Presbytery
be called to•acedunt in open Assembly as to
the reason of neglecting to carry out the plan
of the Assembly,it would have a good effect,
It will cost less to sustain the missionaries,
than to. bring them home. A church that
is not a missionary church is aclying church.
Rev. Mr. Jack, a returned rniSsionary,
gave a•touching account of Dr. Anderson's
letter on retrenchment, and the manner in
which they undertook to obey it. It was a
plain and simple "statement of facts, but told
with much power:
Rev. Mr. Foster, of Michigan, believed
that there was a disposition on the part of
our church to take care Of, every thing that
was our own, but the A. B,C. F. .M. was not
our own. The treatment we had received
from our Congregational brethren in home
missionary matters niacinm difficult-to believe
that they would do us full justice in foreign
missions. The separating process that had
already begun must go clear through, W and
when we had missions of our own we'.would
sustain them without any delinquency what-
Mr. Brainer'd referred to the recent death
of Mr. Schneider on the battlefield,son of one
of our missionaries. This good missionary
was not like some 'Clergymen in our country,
, of whom he • was most heartily ashamed,
whose affirmations you had most' carefully
to balance with their, explanations, in order
-to know whetlierthey went their whole for.
their country or not He &ire up his son
.as a martyr to his Country; ;and the universal
,approhation,ofhur Missionaries abroad en
couraging - US our - struggle, seeiried to be
like the approbation of angels. They sym
pathize with us—let us sympathize with
them.
Rev. Dr. Sprecker, of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church, presented the salutations
of that denomination in happy terms, and
with a beautiful exhibition of the Spirit of
Christ, made one of the ablest speeches
of the kind to which it has ever been
our good fortune to listen. We scarce
ly knew which most to admire, the sound
learning, the earnest piety, the spirit of
Christian love, or the whole-hearted patriot
ism of this delegate. The conclusion of his
speech fairly touched the sublime. "As
every man," said he, " once in his life is
called upon conscientiously to decide for God
or against, so this great American nation has
come to that point, of ail point the most
important in her history, when she is called
upon to decide, conscientiously and deliber
ately in favor of God, not only as their
Creator, but the Saviour of men and of
nations." He considered it a practical
thing to make this a truly religious nation,
and one of the greatest elements necessary
to insure final success in this respect - was
Christian Union. Singularl,y enough, though
his own body was the first in this country, in
theory to adopt this as a portion of its Con
stitution, it was among the last to carry it
into practical effect. But the day had, come
when the sons _of Luther in this land had
burst the bands of sectarianism, and here
after they would. be found amongst the first,
in the,endeavor to secure a cordial union on
the part of all who. live. '
While Dr. S. was Speaking, a storm of
; wind,-rain and.hail was, fairly raging without;
but so delightful was the condition of the
moral atmosphere within that - the eitertial
world was almost forgotten. The conclusion
of the Doctor's address was greeted with
warm applause.
Dr. Brainerd, in'responding to the speech
of Dr. S., spoke of the true delight he
always felt in extending his hand to any who
spoke the langUage of Luther—of their
patriotism in the present war—of the ten
dency of the great struggle in which we are
now engaged for national existence, to bring
Christians of all names still closer together
—of Wittenberg College—and the sympathy
he had felt for it as a member of the College.
Seeleuy, e* to. " You have sought our friend
ship," said' the Doctor, " and'we give it to
you freely and cordially, and trust that it
may be continued to.our mutual.advantage."
So far, these exchanges of fraternal cour
tesies have been a very marked feature to
the history of this .Assembly, and we look
upon it as no ordinary token for good, both
as to the present condition and the future
prospects of our land.
In the afternoon the following resolutions
were reported by Dr. Crosby, and adopted by
a. standing and unanimous vote,• many of
the members fairly springing to their feet:
STATE Or .TNE COUNTRY
WHEREAS, The iniquitious rebellion,
prompted by reckless ambition in the de
fense and furtherance of human slavery, con
tinues to lift itself against the legitimate and
liberal Government of the United States : and,
Whereas, Such rebellion not Only violates
the sacred principle of obedience to the author
ity ordained of. God, but also advocates the
hindrance of the froe progress of God's word,
and thus, as anti-thrist, opposes itself to the
truth ; and,
Whereas, Its eiders and abettors, are respon
sible for the sea of blood that has been shed,
through their resistance to the righteous ef
forts of the Government to save the life and
integrity of the Nation; and, s
Whereas, It becomes thci Church of. Christ
to utter no uncertain voice in regard to a
great public fact—so intimately and essentially
associated with its interests. Therefore,
Resolved, 1. That this General Assembly
re-affirms•the prinCiples, and reveres the dee
lars.tions of previous General Assemblies, so far
as, applicable to the present aspect of publio
affairs. ' • -
Resolved, 2. That we recognize clearly the
good hand of. God in all the victories of the
National arms, whereby'the limits of the
rebellion have been, contracted, and its vitality
impaired; and we look humbly and confident
ly to the same divine source'for further success,
until the cause of this nationishall be vindica 7
tea and peace, established, on the' grave or
treason - . ' •
Resolved; 3.- That we also. Irecegnize the
same good. hand of God in the delays and dis
appointments of the war, by' which He has
made more 'sure and complete the destruction
of, the vile system of human bondage, and
rendered less self-confident and more religioui
the heart of the nation.
. .
Resolved, 4. That in such recognition and
hope we do by no means lose sight of our na 4
tional and individual sins, which render us so
utterly unworthy of the Divine favor; but con:.
fesi thein with penitenthearts, and trust to a
convenan t God in Jesus Christ, that this
unworthiness will not hinder the might of
God's grice in behalf of the cause of right and
order:
Resolved, 5. That we exhort all our Church:-
es to renewed zeal and faithfulne.ss in suppli
cation to God for the deliverance of the land,
and prosperity of Christ's Kingdom through
the blessings of national peace and fraternity.
Reiolved, 6, That we cordially uphold the
government with our sympathies and , prayers
in its energetic efforts for the Suppression of
this most causeleSs and - cruel rebellion, urge
all Christians to refrain from weakening the
authority of the administration by ill-timed
complaints and unnecessary criticisms, and
fully believing that in such a crisis, all speech
and action which tend to differences should be
sedulously avoided for the sake of the common
weal.
Resolved, 7, That a copy of these Resolutions
duly authenticated be sent to the President of
the United States by Special Committee.
Rev. Thomas Brainerd, D..l>:, Rev. How
ard Crosby, D. D., Rev. R. W. Patterson, D.
D., Rev. Edward F. Hatfield, D. D., Samuel
H. Perkins and Walter 'S: Griffith were
appointed a Committee to. present this
action of the Assembly to the President of
the United States.
Resolved, That the pastors-of the churches
be requested to read the sams to their con
gregations.
THE FREEDMAX.
The following resolution was presented
and , referred to the standing committee on
Home Missions
--- - •
Resolved That the Standing Committee be
directed 'to inquire as to the'-expediency of
the. General Assembly's adopting some
specific arranguments. whereby the institu
tions of the Gospel may be given to the
large and increasing number of freedmen
who have been emancipated during our
present civil war.
Adjourned with prayer till 8.30 A. M
to-morrow. - •
HOME MissioNs.---Athens.Presbytery
0., has increased its contributions to this
cause from about $35, the year previous
to $375.35 this year. •.One individual
who gave $lOO of this amount is pre
pared to make up the contributions of
the body to $5OO, if that sum is needed
for the work within their bounds.
PAY. C. F. ISEA:ori, of Hyde Park has
accepted a call ;to the church of,Qeutra
lia;llly His people at the forraer ;places
gave him $2OO.
ROLL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Officers.
Rev. Thomas Brainerd, D. D, Moderator.
Rey. Edwin F. Hatfield, D. D., Stated Clerk.
Rev. T. Balaton Smith, Permanent Clerk, pro. tem.
Rev. Geo,To Duffield, Jr., Rev. Charles.B. Dunning,
Temporary Clerks.
Cpanntlastenors.
1. SYNOD OF ALBANY
Presbyteries: Ministers. Mere.
1. Champlain, Andow M. Millar, Rascal! D. Savage.
2. Troy, .:U...el M. Wood.
3. Albany, pniMuder Barbour.Hon.F.llMastings
4. Columbia, John Whitney, Leroy L. Brown.
5. Catskill, A. 0. l'eloubet.
2. UTICA.
1. St. Lawrence. Herman C. Riggs.
2. Watertown, Enos Wocd, Solon Massey.
3. Oswego, Peter W. Ernens, J. G. Benedict.
4. Utica, Chester Fitch,
Timothy B. Jervis.
3. GENEVA.
1. Geneva,
William Atwood, Theron Van Aukeit
FrederickStarr.Jr,William Herries.
2. Stettben, Samuel A.Rawson.
S. Chemung, G. C. Curtis, D. D., S...Renjam_in
4. Ithaca, aW. Higgins, Dickson C. Haven.
b. Wellsborough, S. J. McCullough. -
6. Lyons, Artinah H. Lilly, Bally D. Foster.
4. ONONDAGA.
S.B.Canfteld,D.D., James M. Monroe
S. W. Boardman, 1. Parsons, M. D.
T. S. Clark, D. D.
H. Lyman, Cyr ta Coy.
Geo. N. Boardman. -
5. SUSQUEHANNA. -
J. Addison Priest, Elias Chit&
1. Onondaga,
2. Cayuga,
3..Cortlaud,
4. Tioga,
1. Otsego,
2. Chenango,
3. Delaware, Allen J. Due:l,
6. GENESEE.
Chalon Burgess, Horace Stillman,.
E. S. Wright,D.D., Abijah F. Tayktr.
2. Ontario, J. R. Page,
3. Rochester, James Et. Phelps, H. N. Bushnell.
- 'Byron Bosworth.
4. Genesee, T. M. Hodgman, A. Thompson:
6. Niagara, W. G. Hubbard, William H. Frost.
6. Genesee Valley, Milton Waldo, Kendall Wilder.
1. Buffalo,
1. NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
1. Hndson, " Henry Osborn, William Redfield
2. North River William N. Sayre, Isaac Smith.
3. Long Island E. Whitaker ' Joseph Wells.
4.'NewYork Sd, R.F.HatfieldD.D. H. A. Nelson.
J. G. Craighead, . Charles Merrill, ,
T. Ralston Smith, CirA. Davison,
5. New York 4th, H. B. Srnith,D.D., M. O. Riggs.
T. S. Hastings, HermariHriffin.
H. Crosby, L. D., T. D. Lander.
8. Brookryn, Spencer Marsh. Wm Churchill.
3. Newark, Jr P. Smith, D.D., Hon. H. J. Poinier,
D. W. Poor, D.D., Win. S. Morris.
8. Rockaway, John M. Johnson.
9. Montrose, Chas. S. Dunning, James Leighton.
Asahel L. Clark; William Wright.
• 8. PENNSYLVANIA. ,
I. Wilmington, J. G. Ffsimner. E.T.Taylor.
2. Philada. 3d, J. G. Butler, G. W. Simone,
W. E. Moore. S. W. l3utler, M.D.
3. Philada. 4th, T. Brainerd, D.D., Jno. B. Stevenson,
E. J. Richards. S. U. Perkins.
4. Harrieburg, A. D. Moore. John A. Weir.
5. Dist. Columbia,
David Bassett.
9. WEST PENNSYLVANIA.
1. Erie, Jas. P. Reed, Rufus L. Perkins.
2. Meadville, - Richard Craighead; Joseph Dickson.
3. Pittsburgh, Samuel M. Sparks.
10. MICHIGAN.
Detroit, Thomas Forster, Jaoob S. Farrand.
Monroe, G. Duffield, Jr., Hon. Chas. Noble
Marshall, E. L. Davies.
Waslatepaw, Benjamin Franklin.
Halamazoo, William T. Bartle, Win. C: Bayne.
Coldwater,.G. L. Foster. John Chandler.
Saginaw,W. C. Smith. Hon. J. Seymour.
Grand niv.Val.,A.ugustus March, , John D. Bennett.
Lake Luperior.
11. WESTERN RESERVE
1. Grand River.
2. Huron, Samuel D. Smith, Elijah Bemis.
3, Trumbull, X. Betts. •
4. Oleveland, John B. Allen, I. L'Hommedieu.
Joseph E. Tinker, Peter Allen, 'L D
H.L.Hiteheock,D.D.
Francis A. 'Wilbur, Isaac L. Fisher.
Nathaniel T. Fay.
• 12. OH LO.
1. Athens, • henry C. Cheadle.
2. Pataskaln, N. Kingsbury, P.D., Charles Wallane.
S. Franklin, 0.41. Newton.
4. Scioto, E. P. Adams,
6. Elyria,
6. Maumee,
13. CINCINNATI
1. Cincinnati, D. Howe Allen.D.D., E. D. Mansfield
Osman A. Lyman
2. Dayton, . S. G. Spee, D. D..
3. Flarailton, C. E. Babb.
4. Ripley, . John Rankin,
•
34. INDIANA
E. Baßantine.
VI. W. Atterbury
Madison,
3. Indianapolis.
4. Greencastle, H. A. Rcssetor.
15. WABASH
Crawfordsville, Samuel S.Thoroson, Isaac 3t Coen.
St. Joseph, Almon G. Martin.
Logansport, James A.Carnahan, Sarni Favorites.
Fort Wayne, A. D. Jack . , • J. N. Goßsitt.
18. ILLINOIS.
Morgan L. Wood, R. E. Wilder.
Si T. Whittemore.
Robert ltutherfotd, A. McKinney.
E. B.Olmsted, D. E. Beatty.
C. IL Foote, F. A. eabin, M. D
17. PEORIA.
1. Illinois,
2. Schuyler,
3. Wabash,
4. Alton;
1. Ottawa; - Levi P. Cssivford, Joseph Bake:.
2. Knox, Edwards 'Marsh, William A. Wood
S. Galena and Bel• .. . •
Benjamin Foils, Gilbert E. Collins
Eugene N. Avery, Charles Williams.
4. Chicago, R.W.Patterson,DD,Ehenezer Jenkins.
6. Bloomington, S. Dillingham, Bernard Fowler.
1. Milwaukee, Edmund F. Waldo.
Fox River,. James Basiee4,% Millard.
3. Columbus, H. H. Kellogg. ,iohu B. Dwiunell
19. lO WA.
Des Moines, F. Ms Dimmiek
}Keokuk, G. C. Beaman.
lowa 'City, A. D. Chapman, J. G. Irwin.
DubuqUe, Samuel Newbury, B. K. Bronson
Cedar .Valley, John Glags.-
Chariton, John FI-3her,
20. MINNESOTA
Jacob E. Conrad.
1. Dakota,,
/ Minnesota, Jesse L. Howell, Willi mn S. Potts
3. Winona, Edmund D.Hdlt.
21. AILSSOURI
St. Louis, Edmund Wright, Edwin Barnard
Lexington, Timothy Morgan.
N. Pili.ssouri, James J. Wilson. ".
Jas. V. A. Woods, Win. 5 Hibbard
4. Kansas,
22. ALTA CALIFORNIA
San Francisco
Sierra Nevada
San Jose
Washoe
Corresponding Bodies
General Assembly that met in Peoria, in 1803,-Edmund
P . Humphrey, D. D.
General Synod of the Reformed Protestant Dutch
Church, Thomas E. Vermilye, D. D.
General Synod of the German Reformed Cturch in
the United States, Rev. David Winters.
Statadting Committees.
i. ArDICLIL COMMITTEE.—Mtni ger D.Howe Allen,
D. P, Edwin V. Hatfield, D. D , Rev. Oren H. Newton,
James F. Read, D. D., Samuel A. Rawson, James V. A.
Woods.
Eitiert.--lion. Charlns Noble,lton. Peter Odlin,Samuel
It. Perkins, Marcus C. Riggs, Horace Sti[hush.
2. BILLS awn OVERTURES.—Mincster s—liemry L. Ffitch
cock, D. D., Daniel: W. Poor, D. D., Elisha Ballantine,
Tertius S. Clarke, D. D., Samuel M. Sparks, Abner D.
Chapman.
Elders—Charles. Williams, Charles A. Davison, Gilbert
E. Collins, William, S. Potts, John Chandler.
3. Poirrr OP sas Causert.—Mhdaters-,Reriry B, Smith,
D. D., William E. Moore, John Rankin, Xenophon. Betts,
Thomas Forster, 'Jacob E. Conrad.
Elders—Edward, D. Illimsfield, Israel 'Parsons M. D.,
Samuel Favorite, Ebenezer. Jenkins, Tobias D> Lander.
4. CiRIRCEI ERVlrmtr.—lifinisters—J. Glentworth Butler,
Philander Barbour, George N. Boardman, Charles H.
Foote, Eli P. Adams, James G. Craighead :
Elders—Hon. Horace J.. Pointer William Redfield,
William C. Haynes, William A. Wood, Theron Van
Auken.
6. Hums lilhastons.--NiaisterS—Robert W. Patterson,
D. D., Addison Kingsbury, D. D., Howard Crosby, D:-D.,
James A. Carnahan, Edmund D. Kok, William N. Sayre.
Elders—Hon. Frederick H. Hastings, Edward T.
Taylor, Hon.. James Seymour, William Churehhill,
William S. Hibbard.
6. FOF.FION . MISSION F.—Ministers—Sherman B. Canfield,
D. D:; Richard' Craighead, Edward T. Olmsted,- T. Morey
Hodgman; Francis A. Wilbur, Spender Marsh.
Eiders —Horatio A. Nelson, Rufus L. 'Perkins, Samuel
N. Butler, M. D.,Bernard A. Fowler,lsaab-L'Horamedieu.
T. Enucavion.—Ministers—J. Few Smith, D.D., Samuel
S. Thomson, Gustavus L. Foster, Frederiak Starr, Jr.,
William - J. Bartle, James H. Phelps. , , .
BiclersHascall D. SaVage, Dixon C.. ifezeia Charles
H. Howell, Joseph Riggs, George W:Sirnons. ,
8. Pumicevion.—.canisters—George, C. Curtis, D. D.,
Hiram H. .Rellogg, Elias J. Riche/elk - Edwin S. Wright,
D. D., William Wallace Atterbury, Sainuel W. Boardman.
Eicters—Sin3eon Benjamin, John .D.. Bennett, Elias
Child, James Snedaker, David E. Beatty:
9. Naasthrvx.—Minittees—Thornas S.:Hastings, J. Addi
son Priest, Evan L. Davies, J. Garland Hamner.
BiciaiwWilliarn S. Morris; Elijah Bemis, John L.
Millard. -
10. Lam OF Asszaux.--Afinis . ters—Joseph R. Page,
Chester Fitch, Edmund F. Wakio, Osman A. Lyman,
Isaac L. Fisher.'
Etiers—Joseph Wells, Alexander Moßinney.
11. D ev ononatErsamssa.—/ISnisters--S.Granby Specs,
D. D., Henry Osborn, Andrew M. Millar, /MOO T.
Whittemore.
Eiders—John B. Stevenson, Charles Merrill, John W
Gossitt.
/2. 5 / 1 17 .&GIL — Ewa--..facob S. Faxmncl, Her Mall
Griffin; - John A Weir. '
THE 'SECOND CHURCH; CINCINNATI,
haVe under consideration , an offer for the
purchase a o:Mich . property -- at
$20,600..4".•
Orrin &Penfield
Sos. Riggs
lion- Peter Odlin
Hobert Erwin.
James Seedaker
Cha,....11 }Co'welt