OP^ THE RETUIIN TO ASSEMBLY'S STATED CLERK, PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 520 WITHERSPOON BUILDING PHIUKDELPHIA 7, PA. ^^^^-^tr^ I Q!u^ Cu^ ^^ /L^.^^ ) > J. . \ v PRhSBYTERlAN DiGEST A COMPENiD OF THE ACTS, DECIS- IONS, AND DELIVERANCES OF THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY, GENERAL SYNOD^ AND GEN ERAU ASSEMBLY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, COMPILED FOR THE YEARS 1706-1897, BY THE Rev. WILLIAM E. MOORE, D.D., LLD. WITH THE COOPERATION OF A COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEARS 1898-1906, EDITED BY THE Rev. WILLIAM H. ROBERTS, D.D., LLD. I'HILADELPHIA : PRESHYTERIAN BOARD OF I'UHLICATION AND SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK. 1907. ^^.■^A.^>:^JikV^-- -^«js j-s.NN>N>^'" ^' ■ ••*» Copyright^ i8 r >A -iKifii I V4~^ j^-<^ j . BY*^\f%^^\ -J^X-^ V Trustees of the PresbYt AND Sabbath-school Work. V Trustees of the Presbyterian Board of Publication 7^222 INTRODUCTION. The first step towards a Digest of the Acts and Deliverances of the General Assembly was taken by the Assembly of 1809, in its order [Minutes, p. 424], charging the Stated Clerk " with the business of preparing a book, and having entered therein such decisionsof the Assem- bly as relate to the general government and discipline of the Church, and the duties of judicatures, that such decisions may hereafter be selected and printed for the general use of the churches, if a future Assembly shall so order. ' ' In 1818 the General Assembly appointed Drs. Janeway, Neill (Stated Clerk) and Ely, " a Committee to extract from the records of the Gen- eral Assembly, and of the late Synods of New York and Philadeli)hia, all such matters as may appear to be of permanent authority and interest (including a short account of the manner in which missions have ))cen conducted, and their success), that the same may be 2)ub]ished for the information of ministers and their people in our churches." This Com- mittee reported to the next Assembly (1819), were empowered to com- plete the work on the plan reported, and to publish it at the expense of the Trustees of the General Assembly. The Digest thus authorized was published in 1820. In 1836, the Assembly appointed Dr. John ^McDowell, Mr. "Winches- ter and Mr. Duffield to prepare a new Digest. Notliing, however, was done, the division of the Church being near at hand. Further action looking to the preparation of a Digest was taken by the respective Assemblies: N. S., 1838 and 1849; O. S., 1841 and 1848. In 1850 the Presbyterian Board of Publication, O. S., issued a Digest prepared by the Rev. Richard Webster, D.D. In 1856 the Board issued a Digest prepared by the Rev. Sanmel J. Baird, D.D. The Assembly voted thanks to Mr. Baird for his labors, and earnestly commended the work " to the attention and patronage of all in our connection." A new and revised edition was issued by the Board of Publication in 1859. It is still published by it, and is of great value from a historical point of view. In 1854, the Assembly, N. S., appointed a Committee consisting of Drs. George Duffield, Jr., Henry Darling, and W. E. Moore, with the Stated Clerk, Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D., to prepare and publish a new iv INTRODUCTION. Digest. This Digest was prepared by the Rev. "W. E. Moore, and pub- lished by the Presbyterian Publication Committee, N. S. , in 1861. It was accepted with commendation by the General Assembly. — Minutes, 1861, p. 463, N. S. The Digest of 1873. On the Reunion of 1870, the Board of Publication took action for the preparation of a more complete work, which should combine the prece- dents of the Church in all its branches, and bring them down to the latest date. The plan suggested was approved by the Assembly of 1871 {MinuteSy p. 529), as follows : ' ' That this Digest contain under each chapter and section of the Form of Government, Book of Discipline and Directory, every decision which defines or explains it. ' ' Also, a complete Digest of all the rules of the several Boards of the Church as at present existing. ' ' That it omit whatever has become obsolete in the usage of the Church — e. g,, in its benevolent operations — and all that pertains simply to matters of history. ' ' That it be requested that a Special Committee be appointed by the General Assembly to examine and approve the book before it be issued, and it was recommended that the Rev. William E. Moore be requested to undertake the preparation of such a Digest. ' ' The Committee to examine and approve the book — Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D., Alexander T. McGill, D.D., LL.D., Robert M. Patterson, D.D., Ruling Elders Hon. George Sharswood, LL.D., and Hon. William Strong, LL.D. — reported the completion of the work with its approval in 1873, and it was issued in the same year. The Edition of 1886. Within about ten years after the issue of the Digest of 1873, the need for a new edition was widely felt, and at last took shape in 1885. The Assembly of that year took action as follows: " Resolved, That this General Assembly, having heard of the intention of the Board of Publication to publish a new edition of Moore's Digest of the acts and deliverances of the General Assembly, do approve of such publication and hereby recommend the same to the Church. " Resolved, That this General Assembly hereby records its sense of obligation to the Rev. William E. Moore, D.D., for his faithful, dili- gent and skillful services in the preparation of the present Digest. ' ' In connection with the new edition the following report was made to INTRODUCTION. V the Board of Publication by the Committee requested to examine the manuscript : Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 14, 1886. To the Presbyterian Board of Publication : The undersigned, appointed by the Board of Publica^on as a Commit- tee to Revise the Manuscript of the Presbyterian Digest of lHS«i, after a minute and careful examination, do hereby signify our approval of the same. Respectfully, E. R. Craven, Wm. H. Roberts. In the Introduction to the Digest of 1886 the editor said that " the adoption of the Revised Book of Discipline in 1884, with its amend- ments in 1885, and the lapse of twelve years since the publication of the Digest," had made necessary a new edition. He also made the follow- ing statement: " The Book of Discipline has been wholly recast under the sections of the Revised Book. The compiler has been obliged to use his own judg- ment, not only as to the location of the acts and deliverances of the Assembly under the several sections, but also as to the retaining or rejecting of matter found in former Digests and in the annual Minutes of the Assembly. He gratefully acknowledges his ol)ligations in both respects to Rev. E. R. Craven, D. D. , and Rev. AVilliuni H. Roberts, D. D. , the Committee appointed by the Board of Publication to revise his work. The criticism will doubtless be made that many cases quoted are not in accordance with the Revised Book. This is acknowledgeil in the Digest itself; but good reasons seem to be found for inserting them unless they contradict the Revised Book." The Digest of 1898. At its sessions in 1894 the General Assembly ordered a new edition of the Digest to be prepared by the Board of Publication and Sabbath- school Work, under the supervision of the Stated Clerk and the Secre- tary of the Board of Publication, with the Rev. Dr. "William E. Moore as editor— 1894, p. 89. The Committee on the New Digest reported its proposed plan for the work to the Assembly of 1895 (Minutes, p. 129), and the report was approved, as follows: " The Committee on the new edition of the Digest (Minutes, l.H:t4, p. 89), to be prepared by the Board of Publication, under the supervision of the Stated Clerk and the Secretary of the Board of Publicatiou, VI INTRODXrCTION. with Rev, William E. Moore as editor, propose the following plan of the Digest and ask the approval of the Assembly, viz. : "1. To print as the first part of the book the Confession of Faith, giv- ing under the appropriate chapters and sections the doctrinal deliver- ances and decisions of the Assembly. "2. To print the Form of Govei-nment, Book of Discipline and Direc- tory for Worship in the same form as in the present Digest, marking the acts and deliverances of the two Assemblies during the period of the separation, which do not come under the terras of the concurrent Resolu- tion No. 4, Digest ('86), p. 92, as reestablished in the united body, with the letters O. S. and N. S. ' ' 3. That the Assembly grant to your Committee full discretion to omit such acts and deliverances as in their judgment are trivial, purely per- sonal, obsolete or contradictory, or that have been superseded by amend- ments of the Form of Government, Book of Discipline and Directory for Worship, Respectfully submitted, Wm. Henry Roberts, E. R. Craven, William E. Moore." In addition to the Plan op this Digest as set forth above, it is to be noted that for convenience of reference it has seemed best to put the Historical Documents by themselves at the beginning of the book, and to place under Section v of Chap, xii of the Form of Government, the Charters, Plans, etc., of the several Boards, Permanent Committees, and Theological Seminaries. The several Digests referred to in the work are: (1), " The Assembly Digest," 1820; (2), "Assembly's Digest, Baird's Collection," Ed. 1858; (3), "The New Digest," Moore, 1861, N. S. ; (4), "The Presbyterian Digest," Moore, 1873, and (5), "The Presbyterian Digest," lievised Edition, 1886. The references of the dates of the Acts, etc., are: From 1706 to 1788, inclusive, to the volume of Recoixls of the Presbyterian Church; from 1789-1837, inclusive, to the Reprints of the " 3Iinutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.;" from 1838-1869 inclusive, to the annual Minutes of the Assemblies of the two branches of the Church, designated respectively as ' ' Old School ' ' and ' ' New School," and since 1870 to the annual Minutes of the reunited General Assemljly. The annual Minutes from 1836-1869, inclusive, have been reprinted. The Minutes for 1836 and 1837 are bound with the volume covering INTRODUCTION. vii 1821-1835. The Minutes, 1838-1869, O. S., are bound iu four vol- umes, and 1838-1869, N. S., in two volumes. All of these reprints are issued by the Board of Publication and Sabbath -school Work. In closing his work, the editor wishes to record his grateful thanks to the Committee of Supervision for their valuable counsel and cordial cooperation, always cheerfully given. Especially would he acknowledge the important aid rendered by the chairman of the Committee, the Rev. William Henry Roberts, D.D., JjL.D., whose familiar and thorough knowledge of the Acts and Deliverances of the Assembly in all its history, made his suggestions and his personal aid so freely extended, invaluable to me, and peculiarly grateful from the spirit in which they were given. WILLIAM E. MOORE. Columbus, O. , January 31, 1898. Approval of the Assembly's Committee. The General Assembly of 1894, passed the following resolution: " Resolved, That the Assembly order a new edition of the Digest, to be prepared by the Board of Publication, under the supervision of the Stated Clerk and the Secretary of the Board of Publication, with Dr. William E. Moore, as editor. Adopted." The undersigned, being the Committee above named, after a minute and careful examination of the Digest, frequent consultations with the editor, and close attention to the proofs, do hereby unite with Dr. Moora in approval of the work. WM. HENRY ROBERTS, E. R. CRAVEN. SYLLABUS. PART L HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. I. The Organization of the Chuuch. 1. The General Presbytery 1 2. The General Synod 1 3. The General Assemblj' 2 a. Preparatory Act 2 b. The Synod divided, and the General Asseml)lv constitu- ted ■ 2 II. Adoption, etc., of the Standards. 1. The Adopting Acts of 1729, and Explanatory Acts. 1. The Overture laid over for a year 2 2. The Confession of Faith and Catechisms of the Westnmi- ster Assembly adopted 3 a. Act relating to subscription... 3 h. The Adopting Act proper 3 3. Tlie Directory recommended. . . 4 4. The Confession must be adopted by intrants and candidates. . . 4 5. Must be inscribed in the Pres- bytery Book 4 6. Act explaining the Adopting Act 5 7. Mode of adopting the Confes- sion 5 8. The Directory for Worship, and Form of Government 5 9. Authority of Pardovan's Col- lections 6 1. The Constitution revised and amended 6 2. The Form of Government, Dis- cipline, and Confession of Faith, ratified and adopted. . 6 2. The Constitution of 1788 3 Directory for Worship and Cate- chisms 6 The chapter on the mode of inflicting Church censures adopted 7 3. T?ie Obligation, etc., of the Standards. 1. The Adopting Acts and their force 7 2. Use and obligation of the Stand- ards 7 3. Adoption of the Standards in every case required 8 4. The Catechisms an integral part of the Standards of the Church 8 5. Adoption of the Confession in- cludes the Catechisms 10 6. Ministers who cannot adopt the Standards not to be received. 10 7. The " Heidelberg Catechism " approved 10 8. The Standards subordinate to and in harmony with the Word of God 10 4. The Amendments of the Standards. 1. Method of amendments 12 2. List of amendments 13 (1) The Confession of Faith adopt- ed 1729, amended 1788 and 1887 12 (2) The Form of Government adopted 1788, amended 1805 and 1821 12 Amendments to Form of Gov- ernment since Reunion 13 (3) The Hook of Discipline, adopt- ed 1884, amended 188r) to 1894.13 FU'ect of adoption on cases j)ending 14 (4 ) 1) i re c I o ry fo r W o rsh i p, ad o p t - ed 1788-89, amended 1884-80.14 SYLLABUS. III. Publication of the Constitution. 1. Committee to supervise publica- tion. 1788 14 2. Committee authorized to pub- lish 14 3. Committee of 1792 15 (1) Editions with proof-texts added 15 (2) Authority of the notes 15 4. Unauthorized editions discoun- tenanced 16 5. Committee on circulation 16 6. Presbyteries and churches to stimulate circulation 16 7. Committees of supervision of 1821 16 8. Committee of supervision ap- pointed from the Synods. . . 16 9. Committees responsible for ac- curacy 17 10. Board of Publication to print and sell 17 11. Synodica! Committees abol- ished 17 12. Permanent committee o f supervision appointed 17 13. Attestation by permanent committee 18 14. Standard copy of the Shorter Catechism 18 15. Report on corrections in punc- tuation, etc 18 16. Title-page of Constitution chan ged 20 IV. Proof-texts to the Standards. 1. Proof-texts authorized, 1794.. . 21 | 2. Revision of proof-texts, 1894.. .21 V. Separations and Reunions. 1. Under the General Synod. 1. Withdrawal of the Synod of New York, 1745 27 Articles of Agreement 27 2. Reunion of 1758; Synod of New York and Philadelphia 27 2. The Separation of 1837. 1. The excluding act of 1837 31 2. The division of the Church. Two General Assemblies or- ganized 31 3. The Reunion of 1869. 1. Initiation of correspondence . . 31 2. Action of the Assemblies look- ing to reunion ; committee appointed 32 a. Overture of the Assembly, O. S 32 6. Response of the Assembly, N. S 33 c. Committees on Reunion, 1866. 33 3. Terms of Reunion ; Assemblies of 1867 and 1868 34 4. General Assemblies of 1869 at New York 34 A new joint committee appointed 34 5. Report of joint committee pre- sented in both Assemblies. . 34 i . Plan of Reunion 35 ii. Concurrent declarations 36 iii. Recommendation of day of prayer 37 6. Adjourned meetings, Pitts- burg, 1869 38 7. Report of joint committee of conference 39 8. Basis and consummation of the Reunion 40 9. The Reunion Convention 41 Resolutions adojjted, November 12, 1809 42 10. Memorial Contribution 43 11. Quarter-Centenary of Reunion 43 PART II. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. Chapter I. Of the Holy Scripture. Section 1 44 Section 2 44 1. Deliverance on the so-called Higher Criticism 45 2. The mspired Word is without error 45 3. CaseofCharlesA. Briggs.D.D. 46 a. Preliminary note 46 b. Action ofthe Assembly of 1892 46 c. Charges passed on by the Presbytery of New York, 1893 47 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. d. Decision and final judgment of the Presbytery of New York, 1893 53 e. Action of the Assembly, 1893. 54 (1) Hearing and judgment 54 (2) Explanatory minute 55 4. Protest against tlie declaration that the inerrancy of the original autographs is the faith of the Church 56 5. Answer to protest 57 6. The Bible as we now have it, the very Word of God 57 7. The Assembly makes no new definitions of dogma 57 8. Case of Rev. llenrv Preserved Smitii. D.D....."' 58 a. Charges and specifications. . . 58 b. Finding and judgment of tlie Presbytery of Cincinnati . . . G4 c. Appeal" of 'Dr. Smith to the Synod of Ohio, not svistainud 65 (/. Appeal to tlie (ieneral Assem- bly, not sustained and judg- ment alii rmed 65 Sections 3-7 65 Section 8 66 1. The Bible in its various transla- tions is the very Word of God 66 Section 9 66 Chapter II. Of God, and of the IIoi,v Tiu.mtv, Sections 1,2 67 Section 3 67 1. The Assembly refuses to alter the language of the Confes- sion regarding the doctrine of the Trinity 67 CiiAPTEK III. Of God's Eternal Decree. Sections 1-8. 68 Chapter IV. Of Creation. Sections 1,2 09 Chapter V. Op Providence. Sections 1-7. 69 Chapter VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punish.ment Thereof. Sections 1-5 70 Section 6 71 1. Case of Rev. Hezekiah Balch. 71 2. Appeal of .John Miller, D.D., from the judgment of the Synod of New Jersey 73 Chapter VII. Op God's Covenant with Man. Sections 1-5 74 Section 6 74 Case of Samuel Harker 75 Chapter VIII. Of Christ the Mediator. Sections 1-8 75 Chapter IX. Of Free "Will Sections 1-5. Sections 1-4 Sections 1-5. Chapter X. Of Effectual Calling. Chapter XI. Of Justification. 78 Section 6 79 1. Caseof Rev. William C.Davis. 79 2. Case of Rev. Thomas B. Craig- head 80 Chapter XII. Of Adoption. Section 1 83 Xll SYLLABUS. Chapter XIII. Of Sanctification. Sections 1-3 83 Chapter XIV. Of Saving Faith. Sections 1-3 84 Chapter XV. Of Repentance unto Life. Sections 1-6 ' 84 Chapter XVI. Of Good "Works. Sections 1-7 85 Chapter XVII. Of the Perseverance op the Saints. Sections 1-3 86 Chapter XVIII. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation. Sections 1-4 86 Chapter XIX. Of the Law of God. Sections 1-7 87 Chapter XX. Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty op Conscience. Sections 1-4 88 Chapter XXI. Op Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day. Sections 1-8 89 Chapter XXII. Op Lawful Oaths and Vows. Sections 1-7 91 Chapter XXIII. Op the Civil Magistrate. Sections 1-4 92 Chapter XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce. Section 1 93 1. A minister, having married again, required to cease officiating until proof is fur- nished of the death of his first wife 93 2. A bigamist to be excluded from the privileges of the Church. Willful desertion a just cause for divorce. If just cause exist, and divorce be refused, the Church may receive him 93 3. Deliverances on polygamy and Mormonism. Polygamy a criminal olfence and to be suppressed 93 Section 2 96 Section 3 96 1. Marriage of converts with heathen. The Presbyteries to judge 96 Section 4 97 1. Marriage with asister's daughter 97 Section 5 97 1. In divorce for adultery the inno- cent party may marry again. 97 Section 6 97 1. Marriage with a woman divorced for cause other than adulterj'^ 98 2. Marriage on a divorce obtained on other than Scriptural grounds 99 3. Deliverances on marriage, divorce, and infanticide 99 Chapter XXV. Op the Church. Sections 1-5 100 Section 6 101 1. The Roman Catholic Church essentially apostate 101 2. The Salvation Arm}' not a Church 102 3. Declaration of principles as to Church unitv 102 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Xlll Chapter XXVI. Of the Communion of Saints. Sections 1-3 102 Chapter XXVII. Of the Sacraments. Sections 1-5 103 Chapter XXVIII. Of Baptism. Section 1 103 Section 2 103 1. Ruling elders may not admin- ister sealing ordinances 103 2. Baptism by an impostor null and invalid 104 3. By a profligate — cases to be judged by the Session 104 4. Unitarian baptism 104 5. By a minister after he is de- posed .105 6. By a suspended minister 105 7. Is Baptism in the Churcli of Rome valid ? answered in the negative 105 8. The deliverance of 18 4 5 reaffirmed lOG 9. The rebaptism of a convert from Romanism left to the judgment of the Session 106 10. The above deliverance sus- tained 106 11. The Assembly declines to make a new deliverance on the validity of R. C. baptism. . .107 Section 3 107 1. Mode of baptism 107 Section 4 107 1. Duty of Christian masters to have their servants baptized. 108 2. Of Christian slaves to have their children baptized 108 3. Infant slaves of Christian mas- ters 108 4. Orphan children of heathen parents in the care of our missions 108 Sections 5, 6 108 Section 7 108 1. Rebaptism disorderly 108 Sections 1-8. Sections 1-4 Chapter XXIX. Op the Lord's Supper. Chapter XXX. Of Church Censures. .109 .110 Chapter XXXI. Of Synods and Councils. Sections 1-3 Ill Section 4 Ill 1. The spiritual character of the Church Ill Chapter XXXII. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Res- urrection OP the Dead. Sections 1-3 113 Chapter XXXIII. Op the Last Judgment. Sections 1-3. 113 The Creed. 1. Authorized alterations in the Creed may be used in worship 114 PART III. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Chapter I. Preliminary Principles. Sections 1-8 IIG Chapter II. Op the Church. Section 1 118 Section 2. The Church universal. 118 1. Deliverances on Church unity. 118 Section 3 118 Section 4. The particular church. 118 1. Mode or organization of new churches 119 2. Enrollment of imperfectly or- ganized churches 120 3. Churcli charters 122 XIV SYLLABUS. 4. Trustees, recognition of by General Synod 123 5. Control of trustees over a house of worship 123 6. Respective rights of trustees and Session in controlling the use of cliurch property. .123 7. Trustees and congregational meetings 124 8. In the use of the property for all religious services or eccle- siastical purposes, the trus- tees are under the control of the Session 125 9. Decision of the United States Supreme Court in the case of the Walnut Street Pres- byterian Church, Louis- ville, Ky 126, 327 Chapter III. Of the Officeus of the Church. Sections 1-2 142 Chapter IV. Of Bishops or Pastors. The pastoral relation. 1. Fidelity in pastoral duties en- joined 143 2. The pastoral relation empha- sized and encouraged 144 3. Ministerial rights unaffected by being honorably retired. .145 4. Installation of pastors-elect insisted on 146 . Supplies. 1. Stated supplies to be discour- aged 146 2. Presbyterj^ can terminate sta- ted supply at discretion 147 3. Evangelists not to be ordain- ed to serve as stated supplies. 147 4. Stated supplies have no pasto- ral powers 147 5. Have only such rights as may be conferred by Presbytery. 147 6. Should not preach in the pul- pits of any Presbytery with- out its consent 147 7. A pastor-elect not stated sup- ply ipso facto 147 8. Deliverances on stated sup- plies reaffirmed 147 9. What is a stated supply ; and what is a vacant church?. . .148 Chapter V. Of Ruling Elders. 1. Ruling elders assistants to min- isters 148 2. The eldership essential to the existence of a Presbyterian church 148 3. Elders must be duly elected and set apart 148 4. A ruling elder without charge has no seat in a church court 149 5. An elder cannot hold office in two churches at the same time 149 6. Nor adjudicate in a church of which he is not an elder 149 7. An elder has the same right to sit in Synod as in Presbytery. 149 8. When an elder has been sus- pended from church privi- leges, and is restored, he is not thereby restored to office. 149 9. Elders are not to participate in the ordination of ministers by the laying on of hands. .149 10. Ruling elders may not admin- ister sealing ordinances . . . .151 11. Ruling elders may explain the Scriptures and exhort in the absence of tlie pastor 151 12. The proper court to try rul- ing elders in a given case. . .151 13. Ministers not eligible to the ruling eldership 151 Chapter VI. Of Deacons. 1. Their functions. They have no judicial power 152 2. The temporalities of the church may be committed to them. 152 3. Appointment of deacons urged. 152 4. One may be at once elder and deacon 152 5. Deacons may distribute the Chapter VII. Ok Ordinances in a Particular Church. Section 1 153 bread and the wine at the communion 153 To the deacons belongs exclu- sively the control of the funds for the poor 153 Maj' not represent the church in church courts 153 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Chapter VIII. Of CnuRcn Goveknmknt, and tue Several Kinds of .Jldicatouies. Section 1. Need and Form 154 Section 2. Jurisdiction 154 1. Union of Cliurcli and State dis- avowed. Relation to the State 154 3. Right of any judicatory to bear testimony against erro- neous and injurious pultiica- tions 156 3. Judicial authority cannot Ijc granted to l)odies other than those established by the Con- stitution 156 Chai'Teu IX. Of the Church Session. Section 1. Constituent elements . .157 1. A special Session unconstitu- tional. An offender must be tried by the constitutional judicatories 158 2. A Session may consist of for- eign missionaries 158 3. An elder may not adjudicate in any chureli in which he is not an elder 158 4. A minister may not sit as a corresponding member of Session, nor be assigned as counsel for the accused 159 5. Elders must be ordained. Neg- lect of ordination invali- dates decisions 159 Section 2. Quorum 159 1. A minister with one elder, if there be but one, may con- stitute a quorum 159 2. A single elder may constitute the Session 160 3. Where elders are non-resident, the remaining members au- thorized to act 160 4. Less than a quorum incapable of any organic act 160 5. Official acts of Session can be performed only when it is regularly convened. Prayer in opening and closing re- commended 160 6. The Session has discretion as to tlie circumstances under which a meeting should be opened and closed with prayer 161 Section 3. Moderator of church with pastor 161 1. A pastor-elect not moderator or stated supply by vir- tue of the call in progress.. .161 2. Who may moderate a Session in tlie absence of a pastor V . . 162 3. When another minister acts as moderator, the pastor is a member of tlie Session, and may be appointed a prose- cutor 162 Section 4. Moderator of vacant church 1 6:5 1. Where a minister is the accu- ser, a minister should pre- side 163 2. Moderator to be of the same Presbytery. Session cannot invite a minister of another Presbytery 163 Section 5. Collegiate pastors 163 Section 6. Powers and duties of the Session 163 1. The Session has original juris- diction over church mem- bers 164 2. The Session has oversight of the conduct of church mem- bers 164 3. The Session has oversight oi j'oung people's societies. . . .164 4. Statement of relation between the individual society and tlie church 164 5. Jurisdiction over a suspended member is in the church which suspended him 166 6. The vote of the Session is tlie reception to membership. It must involve baptism. The use and authority of local confessions and covenants. .166 7. An unbaptized person apply- ing for admission to the church must be baptized. . . .167 8. Certificate of dismission re- quired 167 9. Examination of candidates ought ordinarily to be in the presence of the Session. .168 ! 10. Members should be received to the church only by a Ses- sion regularly constituted. .168 11. Session can receive persons only into the organized church of wliich it is the governing body 168 12. Duty of the Session in the case oi' those who have joined an- other church, and arc in otlier respects irregular . . . .168 13. Sessions may not receive mem- bers of other eiuirclies witli- out regular dismission 169 14. Duty of the Session in case of XVI SYLLABUS. those who doubt their per- sonal pic't}' 169 15. The examination of candidates for admission to sealing or- dinances should, except in special cases, be in the pres- ence of the Session 169 16. The Session has no power to prohibit collections ordered by the Assembly . . : 169 17. Representation in the superior courts required 170 18. Attendance on the superior courts enforced. Expenses of elders should be paid. Ruling elders should be called on for reasons of ab- sence 170 19. The same elder must represent his church at an adjourned meeting who represented it at the stated meeting 170 20. In appointing delegates to the higher judicatories, the Ses- sion should designate the service to be performed 171 21. Communion wine ; the purest attainable to be used 171 22. Baptism of Roman Catholic converts discretionary 171 23. Discretion of the Session as to women's part in meetings for prayer 171 24. Church music is under the con- trol of the minister and the Session 172 25. Functions and duties of trus- tees in their relations to Ses- sions 173 26. The Session has exclusive au- thority over the worship of the church 172 Section 7. Meetings 173 Section 8. Records of Session. .. .173 1. The records should be full. . . .173 2. Testimony in judicial cases should be engrossed upon the records 173 3. Records once approved by a superior judicatory may not be altered by the inferior .. .173 Section 9. Registers of Sessions. . .174 1. Statistical reports should show only actual membership.... 174 2. Ordained ministers not to be enrolled as members of the church they serve 174 3. The aggregate number of elders and deacons to be reported. 174 4. Acting elders only to be re- ported ; all communicants included 174 5. Rolls of baptized children, not communicants, to be kept. .175 6. Annual narrative of the state of religion 175, 897 Chapter X. Op the Presbytery. Section 1. Importance 177 Section 2. Constituent elements . .177 1. The first Presbyteries consti- tuted of ministers 177 2. The Assembly refuses to erect a Presbytery of less than the constitutional number 178 3. A Presbytery with less than five ministers dissolved 178 4. Mission Presbyteries with less than five ministers may be continued 178 5. "Elective affinity" Presbyte- ries condemned 178 6. Presbyteries to be defined by geographical lines, or lines of travel 179 7. Presbyteries may not be or- ganized so as to cover the same ground 179 8. Presbyteries and Synods in for- eign missionary fields 179 i. In regions occupied by the Presbyterian Board of For- eign Missions only 179 ii. In regions occupied by the Board and by the missions of other Presbyterian de- nominations 180 9. Union Presbyteries in foreign fields 180 10. Ministers without charge are constituent members of Pres- bytery 181 11. Elders without charge and membership in Presbytery. .181 12. Ministers without charge must unite with the Presbytery within whose bounds they reside 181 13. The Presbytery to judge each case of those living out of their bounds 181 14. Non-residents to be transferred to the Presbyteries within the bounds of which they reside. 182 15. The above rules defined and affirmed 182 16. Jurisdiction over members non-resident 183 Section 3. Representation of con- gregations with pastors 183 1. Collegiate church defined 183 Section 4. Representation of con- gregations with one pastor. .183 1. United congregations repre- sented by one elder 183 2. Where a minister is pastor of FORM OF GOVERNMENT. one church, and stated sup- ply of another, each is en- titled to be represented 183 3. Churches in dillerent Presby- teries under one pastor 184 4. Churches in ditlerent Presby- teries under one pastor are under the care of the Pres- bytery to which the pastor belongs, while the relation continues 184 5. The course to be pursued when the pastoral relation is to be constituted over churches in different Presbyteries or Syn- ods 184 Section 5. Vacant churches 185 1. Every congregation is vacant wliich has not a pastor duly installed 185 Section (i. Certificates 185 Section 7. Quorum 185 1. A (juoruni may be constituted w'holly of ministers 185 2. Less than three ministers can- not be a quorum 186 3. Less than a quorum can do no presbyterial acts other than to adjourn. They can- not receive a member, so as to form a quorum 186 (rt) The law of a quorum 187 (ft) Taking up charges equiva- lent to entering process. . . .187 (c) Tlie moderator and clerk ministerial officers merely, and not necessarily members of the judicatory 188 4. Reception of a member by less than a quorum sanctioned as an exceptional case 189 Section 8. Powers of Presbytery . 190 L To receive and issue appeals, complaints and references from church Sessions 190 1. The acts of Presbytery are subject to appeal ; but must be obeved until repealed or modified 190 II, To examine and license candi- dates for the holy ministry .191 1. Licentiates should be regu- larly received. Caution to be used 191 2. Time-limit for licenses 191 3. The Assembly's constitutional ])owers in licensure 191 4. Rights and duties of the Pres- byteries in licensing candi- dates 191 III. To ordain ministers 192 1. Ordination bv a commission of Presbytery 192 2. Ordination by a commission unconstitutional 192 3. On the Sabbath inexpedient, B 7. IV 1. VI. 1. but left to the discretion of the Presbytery 192 Ordination" by foreign bodies not approved 192 Lay ordination invalid 193 Ordination procured by fraud valid, but the Pres"bytery should depose 193 Presbyteries only are com- petent to ordain ministers . .194 If one who has been deposed, or who has demilted the ministry, is restored, he must be reordained 194 Rule in respect to receiving a minister from another de- nomination 194 The reasons for receiving an ordained minister from another denomination to be recorded 195 Leave to ordain refused where there is no Presbytery 195 Reception of foreign minis- ters. The rule 196 The rule enforced jigS Rule applies to minister seek- ing to be restored 198 Privilege lost by a return to Europe 199 Rule repealed as to ministers from the Presbyterian Churches of Great Britain . .199 Rule repealed as to the Pres- byterian Churchesof Canada 199 Rule waived in the case of ministers from Presbyteries in correspondence with the Assembly 199 To install ministers 199 The cognizance of settling pastors belongs to Presby- tery 199 Presbytery may refuse to in- stall even where parties are agreed 200 Presbytery may refuse to in- stall at its discretion 200 To remove ministers 200 Presbytery has power to dis- solve a pastoral relation at its own discretion 200 Synod on appeal directs tlie dissolution of the pastoral relation, and is sustained. . 20O A pastor may not l»('disnii.*;sc'd to a body other than that to which his church belonirs.. .201 To dismiss by a committee is unconstitutional 201 Presbytery may not autliorize its Clerk to grant letters of dismission during the inter- vals of its sessions 201 To judge ministers 201 The Presbytery alone must SYLLABUS. 10. 11. judge of the fitness of its members 201 2. Tlie Pres])yt('ry has discretion in receiving members 202 3. Presbytery may reject an ap- plicant 202 4. But not without sufficient rea- sons 202 6. Rule as to a member of an ex- tinct Presbytery charged with an oflence .203 €. How ministers and licentiates from corresjionding bodies are to be received 203 7. Ministers dismissed in good standing should be received on their testimonials 204 8. The right of Presbytery to satisfy itself 204 9. The right of Presbytery to examine ministers applying for admission recognized by both Assemblies 205 Examination of a minister bringing a letter from another Presbytery discre- tionary 205 A Presbytery may not give a qualitied dismission nor re- ceive a minister except on a letter of dismission. Where reception is void, the name should be stricken from the roll 205 12. ^Ministers from other denomi- nations to be carefully ex- amined in theology 205 13. A Presbytery may not restore a minister deposed by another 206 14. A minister who has withdrawn can be restored only by the Presbvtery from which he Avithdrew 206 15. The name of a suspended minister is to remain upon the roll 206 16. Deposition does not neces- sarily infer also excommu- nication. When both are intended, it should be so ex- pressed 207 17. The name of a deposed minis- ter to be published in case he does not cease from min- isterial functions 207 VII. Miscellaneous questions per- taining to ministers and churches 207 1. Ministers who neglect their duty to be summoned to answer 207 2. If persistent to be regularly excluded or deposed 208 3. Presbyteries to inspect the fidelity of their members . . .208 4. Reasons for withdrawal to be required and recorded ^'08 5. Compliance with the rule of 1834 enforced 208 6. Ministers engaged in secular callings 208 7. When providentially incapaci- tated, ministerial privileges remain 209 8. Ministers without charge are constituent members of Presbytery 209 9. All ministers are of equal power and privilege 209 10. May a minister holdcivil ()ffice209 11. May hold the office of chap- lain in the army or navy . . .210 12. Demission of the ministry now permitted 211 13. Ministers who withdraw from Presbytery and unite with another denomination stricken from the roll 211 14. Names of church members and ministers who withdraw irregularly to be stricken from the roll under specified circumstances 212 15. Duty of Presbytery in case of members who do not report. 212 16. Authority for taking from the roll the names of ministers serving churches in other denominations 212 VIII. To examine and approve or censure church records. 213 1. Presbyteries must review the records of Sessions 213 IX. To resolve questions of doc- trine or discipline 213 X. To condemn erroneous opin- ions 213 XI. To visit particular churches, to inquire and redress 213 1. Overture on the right of a church to dismiss its elders ; to deny the right of appeal, and to deny the authority of the Presbytery 213 2. Unconstitutional acts of a portion of a church are void. 214 3. Presbytery may, without peti- tion, direct an elder to cease acting 214 4. A eliurch may not withdraw without consent of Presby- tery 214 5. Course to be pursued when a church wishes to withdraw. 215 6. Presbytery may dissolve a church 215 7. Dissolution is in the discretion of the Presbytery, subject to appeal 216 8. The church must have notice of the proposed dissolution .216 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. XII. To organize, unite and divide churches 217 1. The organizing of churches belongs to Presbytery 217 2. To divide and organize on petition of a minority 218 3. Presbytery may proliibit an organization 218 4. When new congregations may be formed 218 5. Churches should not be organ- ized where the people can be supplied with church privileges by existing Pres- byterian churches 218 6. Presbytery has power over the location of a church 219 7. Presbytery has power to divide a church 219 8. Presbytery has power to unite churches 220 9. Presbytery may not dismiss or receive a church without the consen t of Synod 220 XIII. To order whatever pertains to the spiritual welfare of the churches 220 1. A Presbytery dissolves a pas- toral relation on its own discretion, for the peace and weltare of the church 220 2. Power of the Presbytery over the pulpits of its churches . .222 3. The power of the Presbytery over unemployed ministers and vacant churches 222 (1) Committee of seven ap- pointed, 1888 222 (2) Committees of Presbytery to be appointed 223 4. The higher judicatories may institute process in cases in which the lower have been directed so to do and have refused or neglected toobe}^223 Section 9. Records 234 1. Narratives and all important papers to be recorded 224 2. Minutes of Presbyteries may l)e kept in print 224 3. Churches holding services in foreign languages to be designated in statistical re- ports 224 4. The Stated Clerk of the As- sembly may on explicit official information correct errors 234 5. Annual reports to the General Assembly 325 Section 10. Meetings 225 1. Presbytery may meet without its own bounds 225 2. A meeting pro re naUi must be called by the moderator chosen at a stated meeting. .336 3. When meetings pro re nata may be called 336 4. Applicants for a meeting pro re ntita may name a time and place which the modera- tor may not change 226 5. What business may be done. .226 6. IIow tlie place of the regu- larly appointed meeting may be changed 227 Section 11. Sermon 227 1. The preacher not necessarily a member of that Presbytery. .227 Section 12. Corresponding mem- bers 337 1. Synods and Presbyteries may correspond with local bodies 338 3. The ecclesiastical bodies must be named 338 3. An elder cannot sit as a cor- responding member 328 4. A Unitarian minister may not be invited to sit 328 Chaptek XI. Of the Synod. Section 1. Constituent elements . .229 1. Mode in which a Synod may become a delegated body. - .229 2. Synod may not refuse to re- ceive the members of its Presbyteries, nor order their names to be en'sed 229 3. The Synods as constituted in 1870 229 4. Churches of Presbyteries be- yond the bounds of the United States 229 5. Synods organized between 1870 and 1881 230 (1) Synod of Colorado 230 (2) Synod of Nebraska 230 (3) Synod of the Columbia [now Oregon] 230 (4) Change of name, Columbia to Oregon 331 (5) Synod of Texas 231 (6) Synods of Colorado and Utah 231 (7) Synod of Dakota [now South Dakota] 233 (8) Chanije of name, Dakota to South "Dakota 232 (9) Synod of North Dakota.. . .232 (10) Bounds of North and South Dakota 2.''3 (11) Catawba 233 (12) Indian Territorv 233 (13) New Mexico 234 (14) Washington 234 (l.")j Montana 234 SYLLABUS. (16) Pacific changed to Cali- fornia 235 6. The Synods as reorganized in 1881 236 a. Recommendiitions adopted .236 h. Tlie Enabling Act 236 (1) The Synod of New York. .236 (2) Pennsylvania 237 (3) Ohio 237 (4) Indiana 237 (5) Illinois 238 (6) Iowa 238 7. Custody of the records of the Sj^uods thus consolidated. . .238 8. The official relation of the Stated Clerk of a judicatory terminates by his removal from its bounds. The cus- tody of the records is with the Permanent Clerk or Uie Moderator ..238 Section 2. Quorum 239 1. When a Synod consists of three Presbyteries, the with- drawal of one of them for judicial business does not destroy the quorum 239 2. The rule as to a quorum must be observed. Irregular pro- ceedings, how treated 239 3. The acts of less than a quorum are unconstitutional and void 240 4. Meetings pro re nata constitu- tional 240 5 The authority (or a, pro',re nata meeting is not found in Chap. X, Sec. x, Form of Government 241 6. A pro re nata meeting to ap- prove the minutes sustained. 241 7. The Moderator must specify the object of the meeting. . .241 8. When a Synod has failed to meet on ils adjournment, the Moderator is competent to call a meeting 241 9. The Assembly may fix time and place 242 10. The Moderator may not change the time of meeting. 242 11. Action of Synod changing the place of meeting, legal- ized 242 12. How the place of meeting may be changed 242 13. Business session on the Sab- bath censured 243 Section 3. Corresponding mem- bers 243 1. The record should name the body to which a correspond- ing member belongs 243 Section 4. Powers of Synod 243 1. The Synod has appellate but not original jurisdiction . . . .244 2. The Synod may not institute judicial process 244 3. Synod may reverse and cor rect the action of Presbj^- tery, but must observe the rules of discipline 244 4. The Synod has jurisdiction over the members of an ex- tinct Presbytery not re- ceived by any other Presby- tery 245 5. A Synod visits a church to ascertain the acceptability of its elders 245 6. Synod may direct the dissolu- tion of the pastoral relation. 245 7. Synod has power to direct a Presbytery to issue a certifi- cate of dismission 245 8. The Assembly will not enter- tain appeals which do not affect the doctrine or Consti- tution of the Church 245 Section 5. Meetings 246 1. The above rule construed literally and must be obeyed246 2. The records should state that the meetings were opened and closed with prayer 246 Section 6. Records 246 1. The records must be full and fair. Reasons for decisions must be recorded 246 2. The subject matter of com- plaints must be recorded . . .247 3. Reasons for judicial action must be recorded 247 4. Synod of Atlantic, defects ex- cepted to and the Synod re- quired to review and correct its proceedings, which were of a judicial character 248 5. Records should show a com- plete roll, and action upon reports ; censure may not be passed without trial or self-accusation 248 6. Judicial cases must be de- scribed ; their character de- fined and the significance of and reasons for the judg- ment set forth 249 7. The subject-matter of a com- plaint, and the disposal made of it, must be re- corded 250 8. Synod directed to correct its records so as to conform to the fixcts in the case 250 9. A special record must be sent up of all judicial decisions. .251 10. The records must be full and fair 251 11. Records should be fair and without abbreviations 251 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. XXI 12. Corrections may not be made after review by the Assem- bly 251 13. Sundry omissions, and irregu- larities censured 252 14. Papers must be preserved, pages numbered: 252 15. Overture answered must be described 253 16 The record must state the character of a complaint and whether due notice was given. Reports adopted must l)e recorded. Record must be made of action taken 258 17. A narrative of the state of religion should be prepared and recorded 254 18. The records must be pre- sented annually 255 19. Synod of Tennessee directed to expunge certain matter. .256 20. The records must show all changes in the Presbyteries. 256 21. Absentees must l)e called to answer, and reasons given for tardiness 256 22. Names of absentees should be recorded, and excuse for absence recjuired 256 23. Synod may not suspend ab- sentees without trial 256 24. The minutes siiould be read and approved 257 25. No second approval of the minutes required 257 26. The minutes nuist Ije attested bv the Stated or Permanent Clerk 257 27. Records should be kept in handwriting 258 28. Permission to present printed records ;' conditions pre- scribed 258 29. All the church judicatories may folloAv the above rule. .258 30. The prescril)ed conditions must be complied with 258 31. Synodical reports to the As- semblv 259 Chapter XII. Ok the General Assembly. Section 1. Definition 259 1. Formation of the General Assembly 260 2. Organization of the Assembly. 260 3. Rules of organization. Com- mittee on Commissions 260 Standing order 260 4. Mode of choosing the Mod- erator 261 5. Manner of installing the Mod- erator 261 Rules relating to the Moderator.261 6. Communications addressed to the Moderator 262 7. Moderator may not have a double vote 262 8. Moderator, when a member of a court appealed from, or a party in the case, will not preside 262 9. Standing orders and rules l-21i262 10. Rules of order for the Gen- eral Assembly 264 11. General rules for judicatories, Rules I-XLIII 265 12. Officers of the General As- semblv 269 i. The Moderator 269 ii. The Stated Clerk 269 Appointment of. 269 Duties of 269 To act as Treasurer 270 To arrange for transportation of commissioners 270 Duties and salary 270 To secure needed clerical assist- ance 271 iii. The Permanent Recording Clerk. Appointment and duties 272 Salary 272 iv. The Temporary Clerks 272 Nominated by the Stated and Permanent Clerks 272 Choice of Clerks not confined to members of the Assembly. 272 Moderator and Clerk are minis- terial officers of the judica- tory . 273 13. Standing Committees of each Assembl}'. The Standmg and Permanent Committees of the judicatories should consist of ordained men. Numbers of members of eacli Committee 273 (1) Committee of Bills and Overtures 273 (2) The Judicial Committee. . .275 (3) On the Polity of the Church 275 (4) On Foreign Missions 275 (5) On Home Missions 275 (6) On Education 275 (7) On Publication and Sab- bath-school Work 275 (8) On Ciiurch Erection 275 (9) On Theolosiical Seniinarie6.275 (10) On Ministerial Relief 27.1 (11) On Freednien 275 (12) On Aid for Colleges and Academies 275 (13) On Corresjiondcnce 275 (14) On Benevolence 276 SYLLABUS. (15) On the Narrative 276 (16) Ou Temperance 276 (17) On Leave of Absence 276 (18) On Mileage 276 (19) On Finance 276 (20) On tlie Records of the Synods 277 14. Corresponding members. Ministers casually present not invited 277 15. Delegates from correspond- ing bodies 277 16 Secretaries of the Boards ; Stated and Permanent Clerks have privileges of corresponding members . . . .277 17. Manual of the General As- sembly 277 Section 2. Representation 278 1. The former ratios of repre- sentation 278 2. Where a Presbytery sends more than its proper repre- sentation, tlie last elected are refused 278 3. Section 2 is mandatory both as to the proportion of min- isters and elders, and as to sending the full number. . . .378 4. An elder who is a member of a church under the care of the Presbytery may be elected 279 Section 3. Quorum 279 Section 4. Appellate powers 279 1. The Assembly will not ordi- narily decide cases in thesi. .279 2. The Assembly cannot remit the final decision of any matter affecting the doctrine of the Church to an inferior judicatory 2?0 Section 5. Original powers 281 I. Decisions and deliverances on doctrine 281 II. Testimony against doctrinal errors 281 1. Deliverance of the Assembly of 1887 281 2. Explication of doctrines 283 Protest to the Assembly of 1837, including the Auburn Declaration so-called 283 3. Action of the Old School As- sembly of 1869, on alleged toleration of doctrinal errors by the New School 285 4. Answer to this Protest 285 III. To receive petitions, memo- rials, appeals, complaints, etc 288 1. The right to petition and to memorialize the Assembly affirmed 288 2. One who does not submit is debarred the right to peti- tion 289 3. Overtures on any pending judicial case will not be re- ceived 289 4. Tlie rule as adopted at the Reunion of 1870 : Hills, over- tures, etc., received only from Presbyteries and Synods 290 5. The rule of 1870 affirmed and enforced 290 6. The rule does not deny the right of petition; its repeal inexpedient 291 7. Memorial from an individual received 291 8. Overtures contemplated by the rule of 1870 defined 293 9. Memorials, overtures, etc., received 292 IV. Power of visitation 292 1. The power of visitation exer- cised by the Assembly 292 2. Case of Lane Seminary 293 V. Pastoral letters and deliver- ances 293 1. On Missions 293 2. On occasion of the old French War 293 3. On the repeal of the Stamp Act 293 4. Upon the occasion of the Revolutionary War 294 5. Address to Washington on " his election to the Presi- dency and his reply 294 6. On the results of the French Revolution 294 7. On the disturbances in Ken- tucky, etc 294 8. On the Sabbath 294 9. On Christian activity 294 10. On prevalent vices and im- moralities 294 11. On revivals and their abuses.294 12. On the maintenance of doc- trinal purity 294 13. On revivals of religion 294 14. On repairing the wastes of the Civil War 294 15. On the observance of the Sabbath 294 16. On the Civil War 294 17. Report on the perils which beset the system of popular education 294 18. Testimony against the sup- port of Roman Catholic and other denominational insti- tutions by public funds 297 19. Protest against appropriation of public funds for ecclesias- tical uses 298 VI. Power of the Assembly over its own members 298 FOKM OF GOVERNMENT. XXIU 1. To exclude from the rii^hts of membership peiuUnj^ I)ro- cess 298 2. To expel a coinmissioner from membership 299 VII. Of erecting, changing and dissolving Synods 299 1. To dissolve a Synod and transfer its Presbyteries. . . .299 VIII. Of erecting, changing and dissolvinir Presbyteries 800 1. Cases before 1870 300 3. Presbyteries formed or recog- nized l)y the Assembly since the Reunion, 1870 303 3. Presbyteries dissolved 303 IX. To transfer churches from one Presbytery and Synod to another 303 1. Cases adjudicated 303 X. To transfer ministers from one Presbytery to another, or to a new one 304 1 . Cases adjudicated 304 XI. To receive other ecclesiatical bodies 304 XII. To define the succession of Presbyteries.... 305 XIII. To correspond with foreign churches 306 i. Churches in general 306 1. Bodies with which the As- sembly is at present in cor- respondence 306 2. Churches in Great Britain and Ireland 306 (1) Report on foreign cor- respoudence 306 3. The Presbyterian Alliance. .307 (1) Report of the delegates to the Loudon Conference of 1875 307 (2) The Constitution of the Alliance 308 (3) Provision for expenses of the Standing Committee and Secretary 310 (4) The Assembly will not ap- point delegates to Churches represented in the Alliance. Exceptions 310 (5) Basis of representation altered 311 (0) Plan of cooperation in work on the North American Con- tinent 311 ii. Churches in America 311 1. Proposals for correspondence with the New England churches 311 2. Plan of correspondence with the General Association of Connecticut 311 3. The j)lan of union and action under it 312 4. Correspondence with tlie Re- formed Churches 312 5. Proposal of tlie Reforn\ed (Dutch) Church in America declined 312 0. Complaint against the Pres- bytery of North River 312 7. Relations to the Presbyterian Church in the United «l:i'<'S 813 (1) Tlie Presbyterian Church ill the U. S. (South) recog- nized as an independent body 312 (2) Correspondence with the Presbvterian Church in the U. S..' 313 (3) Action touching those adhering to the General Assembly of the Presljyte- rian Church in tlie L'. S. and Old School Synod of JMissouri declared null and void 315 (4) Correspondence with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S 316 Special Committee on Coopera- tion appointed 317 (5) Cooperation with tlie Pres- byterian Church in theU. S.318 i. Foreign Mission 319 ii. Home field 320 iii. Evangelization of the Colored IV'ople 321 iv. Publication 322 (6) Committee of Conference with the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. on Colored Work 323 (7) Cooperation in Foreign ]\rissions with tlie Presby- terian Church in tlie U. S. . .323 (8) Overtures for organic union with the Presbyterian Church, U. S 324 Fraternal letter and answ*er. .325 XIV. Relations to non-ecclesias- tical bodies 325 1. The Assembly will not peti- tion ])artisan conventions. . .325 2. Receives and ajijioiiits dele- gales only in case of eccle- siastical bodies 325 XV. Powers in determining which are true and lawful judicatories, and who are church othcers 326 1. Svnods and Presltyteries in Kentucky and Missotiri 326 2. Case of the Waliait Street Church, Louisville. Ky. The Assembly i)asses upon the validity of the election of ruling elders 327 XXIV SYLLABUS. XVI. The Assembly may pro- pose rules regulative of the Constitutioiiul powers of Presbyteries aud Synods . . .330 Section 6. Constitutional rules 330 1. Local evangelists 330 2. Examination for licensure... .331 Constitutional llule No. 2 331 Section 7. Meetings 331 1. Adjourned meetings of the Assembly. Opinion of Chancellor Kent 331 2. The adjourned meetings of 1869 332 3. Who may sit as commissioners at an adjourned Assembly. .333 Section 8. Dissolution. Place of meeting 333 1. The place of meeting deter- mined by the vote of the Assembly 333 2. Permanent Committee on the place of meeting of the next Assembly ' 334 3. Form of minute of dissolving the Assembly 334 The Trustees, the Boards, AND THE Seminaries. I. The Trustees of the General Assembly 334 1. The charter of the Trustees. 334 2. The charter accepted 336 3. Trustees of the Presbyterian House 337 4. Consolidation and merger of the Trustees of the General Assembly and of the Pres- byterian House 338 5. Business regulations 338 •6. Manner of election of Trus- tees 338 7. Record ^f election by the Assembly 339 8. The Trustees authorized to receive and hold in trust be- quests made to the Presby- terian Historical Society. . . .339 9. The official seal of the Church 339 II. The Boards of the Church. .340 1. Concurrent declarations, Assembly of 1869 340 2. Regulations as to minutes, reports and membership. . . .341 3. Regulations as to use of legacies 341 4. No trustee or director may receive any salary or emolu- ment from the Board 341 i. The Board of Home ]Missions.342 1. History 342 2. Consolidated Board as estab- lished at Reunion 342 3. The act of incorporation. . . .343 4. First amendment of the act. 345 5. Second amendment of the act 345 6. Pennsjivania act authoriz- ing transfer of property . . . .346 7. Principles and rules for the work of Home ]\Iissions. . . .347 8. The school work: Woman's Board 348 9. The sustentatiou scheme. . .349 ii. The Board of Foreign Mis- sions 349 1. History' 349 2. The organization of the Board 350 3. Alterations necessitated by legislation 350 4. Charter of the Board of For- eign Missions 350 5. Amendmentof the charter. 351 iii. The Board of Education 351 1. History 351 2. Board of Education of the reunited Church 352 3. Constitution of the Board. .352 4. Act of incorporation of the Board (Legislature of Penn- sylvania) 354 5. Act authorizing the transfer of property of the Perma- nent Committee on Educa- tion to the Board of Educa- tion (Legislature of New York) 356 6. Rules, candidates for the ministry 357 (1) Dependence of the Board upon the Presbyteries 357 (2) Reception of candidates. .357 (3) Scholarships 357 (4) Care of candidates 359 (5) Particular duties of candi- dates 360 (6) Exceptional cases 361 7. Plan for the encouragement of a missionary spirit in candidates 361 iv. The Board of Publication and Sabbath-school Work. 362 1. History 362 2. The Board of Publication, organized 1870 362 3. The Sabbath-school work of the Board, three branches. .360 4. Charter of the Board 366 5. Relations of the missionary and publishing depart- ments 367 6. The Sabbath-school work of the Board 368 7. Blanks printedby the Board to be approved by the proper authority and so in- dorsed 370 8. Reorganization of theBoard, 1887 370 V. Board of Church Erection . .372 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. XXV The Trustees of the Church Erection Fund 372 1. The organization .372 2. The plan tor tlie custody, care and management of the Cliurch Erection Fund. .374 3. Acts of incorporation 380 4. The cliarter amended 381 5. Phm and rules for the (ren- eral Fund 382 6. Plan and rules for the Loan Fund 385 7. Plan and rules for the Manse Fund 386 vi. Kelief Fund for Disabled ]\Iinisters, and the Widows and Orphans of Deceased Ministers 387 1. Early History 387 2. The Board of Relief consti- tuted 389 3. The charter obtained 389 4. The charter 389 5. Rules of the Board of Re- lief 391 vii. The Board of Missions for Freedmen 393 1. The plan of the Committee adopted in 1870 393 2. Relative duties and author- ity of the Board and the Presbyteries 394 3. Charter of the Board 394 A'iii. The Board of Aid for Col- leges and Academies 396 1. Establishment and Consti- tution of the Board 396 2. The Bible to be used as a tc^xt-book 397 3. The charter of the Board of Aid for Colleges and Acade- mies 397 ix. The Special Committee on Systematic Beneficence ....400 1. History and appointment. .400 2. Committee enlarged t o twelve 400 3. Name changed. Work and expenses 400 X. The Permanent Committee on Temperance 401 1. Organization and work. . . .401 2. Reorganized and located in Pittsburgh 401 3. Cooperation with the com- mittee. Provision for ex- penses 402 xi. The Church at Home and Abroad 403 1. The magazine cstablislied. .403 2. The special committee con- tinued, with powers 403 3. The committee enlarged. . .404 xii. The Assembly Herald 404 1. The paper established 404 2. Report of the special com- mittee, 1895, 1896 405 3. Authority for editing 406 xiii. Woman's Work for Mis- sions 406 1. Home missions 406 2. Foreign missions 406 3. Freedmen's missions 406 III. Theological Instruction 407 i. General matters 407 1. Overtures for the establish- ment of a theological school. 407 2. Answer to a memorial on en- tire uniformity in the gov- ernment and course of study in the theological schools of our Church 408 3. Plans proposed 409 4. Report on theological semi- naries, 1870 410 5. Proposal of Union Theo- logical Seminary, 1870 413 6. Limitations of the time with- in which the Assembly may exercise its veto in the elec- tion of a professor 415 7. Committee on the Relations of the Assembly and the Seminaries 415 8. Committee on Theological Seminaries. Report, 1893 . . .416 9. Report, 1894 417 10. Report, 1895 419 11. Report, 1896 420 12. Report, 1897 421 13. Approval or veto of elec- tions of officers and pro- fessors 421 IV. The Theological Seminaries. 422 i. Princeton Theological Semi- nary 422 1. Plan of Princeton Theo- logical Seminary 422 2. Property to be held l)y the trustees of the Assembly... .429 3. Directors to secure a char- ter .' 429 4. Charter at first declined by the Asseml)ly 429 5. Orders given in connection with the charter 429 6. Trustees elected bvthe As- sembly ■ 430 7. Agreement with the trus- tees of New Jersev College. 4-^0 8. The charter '. ". . .432 9. Answer of the Princeton Boards to the Assembly of 1895 435 10. Action of the Assemblv of 1895 .'...440 11. Answer of the Princeton Boards, 1896 440 12. Action of tiie Asseml)lv, 1896 "..440 XXVI SYLLABUS. 13. Request of tlie Princeton Boards, 1897 440 14. Action of the Assembly, 1897 441 ii. The Theological Seminary at Auburn 441 1. The charter 441 2. Aition ol the trustees and conunissioners of Auburn, 1871 443 3. The Assembly approves professors 443 4. Answer of the Auburn Boards, 1895 444 5. Action of the Assembly, 1895 .444 6. Answer of the Auburn Boards, I89fi 445 7. Action of the Assembly, 189C 447 8. Answer of the Auburn Boards, 1897 448 9. Action of tlie Assembly, 1897 '..449 iii. Western Theological Semi- nary at Allegheny', Pa 449 1. Plan of the Western Semi- nary 449 2. The charter of the Wes- tern Seminary 456 3. Acceptance by the direc- tors of the plan of 1870 459 4. The Assembly to approve the election of trustees 459 5. Answer of the Boards, 1895 459 6. Action of the Assembly, 1895 460 7. Answer of the Boards, 1896 460 iv. Lane Theological Semi- nary 461 1. Charter and amendments. 461 2. The plan of the Assem- bly adopted by the trustees. 463 3. Report of the Standing Committee on Theological Seminaries, 1893. Approval withheld 463 4. Reorganization r e c o m - mended. Committee of Visi- tation appointed. The semi- nary restored to full stand- ing 463 5. Report of the Special Com- mittee to visit Lane, 1895.. .464 6. Final report of the Special Committee to visit Lane, 189G 465 7. Answer of the trustees to the Assembly, 1895 466 8. Answer of the trustees, 1896 466 9. Answer of the trustees,1897. 466 10. Action of the Assembly, 18U7 468 V. Union Theological Semi- nary 408 1. Tiie agreement of 1870 . . .468 2. The veto of Prof. Charles A. Briggs, D.D 468 3. Report of Committee of Conference, 1892 469 4. Agreement recognized as binding 469 5 Paper adopted by tlie joint conference, 1892 469 6. Report of Union Seminary on the status of Prof. Briggs, 1892 '. r. .470 7. Request of Union Semi- nary for the annulment of the agreement of 1870 470 8. The Assembly declines to break the agieement of 1870.470 9. The Assembly p ntlers arbitration 471 10. lieport on arbitration, 18!>3 471 11. The resolution of the direc- tors, May 16, 187C, rescinded, and the arrangement be- tween the Union Theologi- cal Seminary and the Gen- eral Assembly alleged to be terminated 472 12. Action of the Assembly, 1893. All responsibility for teaching disavowed. Re- ports declined 473 13. The Board of Education enjoined to aid such students only as are in attendance upon seminaries approved by the Assembly 475 14. Action of the directors on the Assembly's plan of 1894.475 15. Action of the Assembly, 1896 '..475 vi. Danville Theological Seminary 476 1. Plan as amended bj^ the Assembly, 1873 476 2. Charter 486 3. Action of the Assembly of 1873 489 4. Answer of the Board of Directors, 1894 489 5. Answer of the Board of Trustees, 1894 490 6. Action of the Assembly, 1895 "..491 vii. The McCormick Theo- logical Seminary 491 1. Constitution 491 2. Charter and supplenieuls.495 3. Relations to the General Assembly 499 4. Answer of the McCormick Boards, 1895 499 5. Answer of the Board of Directors, 189G 500 FORM OF GOVERNMliM'. G. Answer of tlie Board of Directors, 1897 500 7. Answers of tlie Assembly. 501 viii. Bljukburn University . . .501 1. History of relation to the General Assembly 501 ix. San Francisco Theological Seminary 502 1. Revised plan 502 2. Action on the Assembly's j)lan of 1894 508 X. German Theological School of the Northwest 510 1. Articles of incorporation. .510 2. Action on the Assembly's plan of 1894 512 xi. German Theological School of Newark, N. J 512 1. The charter 512 2. Supplement 513 3. Constitution 514 4. Action on Assembly's plan of 1894 510 xii. Lincoln University 516 1. The charter 516 2. Supplements to thecharter 517 Amendments, 1897 519 3. Action on the Assemblv's plan, 1894 '..519 xiii. liiddle University 520 1. The charter 520 xiv. Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Omaha 522 1. Articles of incorporation. .522 2. Act of Legislature of Nebraska 523 3. Action of Board of Direc- tors, 1895 524 Chapter XIIL Of Electing and Ordaining Ruling Elders and Deacons. Section 1. Necessity for regula- tions 524 Section 2. Mode of election. Quali- fications 525 1. Elders must be duly elected and set apart 525 2. The Session may propose names to the congregation. .525 3. A meeting for the election of elders can be called regu- larly only by the Session, or by some higher court . . . .525 4. Relation of the Session to the meeting of the electors 526 5. The pastor is Moderator ex- officio of a meeting to elect elders and deacons 526 6. A superior judicature may authorize the meeting 526 7. The remedy in case the Ses- sion refuse to convene the congregation is to complain to Presbytery 526 8. Irregularity in call of meeting does not necessarily invali- date the election 526 9. Ministers are not eligible to the eldership 527 An exception allowed in the case of foreign missionaries, .529 10. Uniformity in the mode of election deemed impractica- ble 529 11. The mode most approved and in use may be changed by the congregation. Direct vote advised 529 12. The right of the superior judi- catory to interfere with the mode in use disavowed 530 13. Who are the electors of ruling elders and deacons'? 530 («) Members not communicants, where such is the usage . . . .530 {b) Only baptized persons al- lowed to vote for ruling elders 530 (c) Neither the presiding otficer nor the Session may dis- qualify voters whose stand- ing has not been impaired by judicial process 531 {d) Most consonant to our form of government that commu- nicants only be the electors. 531 {e) No distinction to l)e made as to the age of electors 531 (/) The roll of members is the list of voters 581 ((/) Two-thirds vote recom- mended in some cases 532 14. All office-bearers must faith- fully accept the Standards. .532 15. Mode of electing for a term of years 532 16. No authority for the election and ordination of deacon- esses 532 17. Systematic training of women workers commended 532 Sections 3-5. Mode of ordination ..533 1. Mode of ordination. Laying on of hands ap]>roved 534 2. Ordination essential to the validity of the judicial acts of an elder 534 3. Irregularit\' in mode of elec- tion does not invalidate ordination 534 4. Installation recpiired on re- suming the office 534 5. An elder who has removed or resigned, if reelected, must be again installed 535 SYLLABUS. 6. Mode of installation of an elder already ordained 535 Section (). Perpetuity of office 535 1. Perpetuity of tlie office atlirmed 536 Leni^lli of service left to the decision of the churcli. . . . .536 2. Restoration to churcli privi- leges does not restore to the eldership 536 3. An elder without charge can sit in no church court 537 Section 7. Witlidrawal from ser- vice 537 1. Elders who cannot acquiesce in the decisions of the superior courts should re- sign - • • .537 2. Elders may cease to act in order to promote the peace of the church ^ • 537 3. The superior court directs an elder to cease to act 538 4. The Presbytery without the request of the Session or of the members of the church, may declare that an elder shall cease to act 538 5. If a member of Session be un- acceptable, and the matter cannot be arranged by con- sent, the proper step is to memorialize Presbytery 538 6. Resignation of an elder or deacon to be tendered to the Session, and to take effect when accepted 538 7. The removal of suspension restores all rights and privi- leges to an elder 538 8. When an elder resigns, the Presb3'tery is not competent to order his restoration 539 9. The otliclal relations of an elder to his church terminate with his dismission 540 Section 8. Term service 541 1. Elders not reelected on the adoption of term service cease to be acting elders in that particular church 541 2. When reelected, should be re- installed 541 3. The above not retroactive, and does not invalidate the action of the Session 541 4. Reinstallation of a reelected elder not essential to the validity of his office, but is more orderly 542 5. One or two elders may be elected under Sec. 8 543 6. In introducing term service, one or more classes may be elected for less than three ' years 542 7. The term must be three years and the classes three 543 8. Elders not reelected under this section may be dele- gales to the superior judi- catories 543 Chapter XIV. Of Licensing Candidates on Probationers to Preach THE Gospel. Section 1. Need for probation . . . .543 1. Preaching without licensure condemned as irregular . . . .543 2. On the licensing and ordain- ing of women to preach the Gospel 544 3 Women may not fulfill the offices of public preachers . .544 The above reaffirmed. . .' 544 4. The Board of Education 545 Section 2. Presbytery with which connected 545 1. The usage under the Synod, prior to tlie adoption of the Constitution 545 2. Licensure by bodies other than those within whose bounds tlie candidate ex- pects to labor disapproved. .545 3. Candidates should l)e placed under the care of Prcsby tery546 4. Instructions to the Presbytery of New York in the case of theological students pur- suing studies in certain theological seminaries 546 5. The above action explained and reaffirmed ; does not relate to the licensing of candidates 547 6. The above action (4 and 5) universal in application . . . .548 7. Careful supervision to be ex- ercised both in receiving candidates and over their studies 548 8. No candidate to be received by the Board until he has been a cliurch member one year, and passed classical studies for one year 549 9. Candidates must connect themselves with the Presby- tery to which they naturally belon g 549 Should retain their connection with that Presbytery 549 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Exceptional case where no Presbytery exists 549 10. A mission lias no authority to license or ordain 549 11. Deliverance on the relation sustained by students who have been taken under the care of a Presljytery to tiie Presbytery receiving tlieni. .550 12. The Assembly's power over the education of students. Presbyteries directed to supervise 551 13. Presbyteries to choose semi- naries, etc., for all students.552 14. Rules of the Board of Educa- tion in relation to students.. 553 Section 3. Testimonials 553 1. A liberal education re(|uired..552 To keep pace with the progress of society and of letters 552 Letter to David Rice on thorough literary training for the ministry 553 2. Liberal education waived in certain cases 553 Case of John Grifhth 553 Case of John Gloucester, a colored man 553 3. Great caution prescribed in exceptional licensures 553 4. In what cases aid shall be withdrawn 553 5. A candidate must be a mem- ber of some particular Pres- byterian church 554 Section 4. Examination of candi- dates 554 1. The "Latin Exegesis" not stricken out 554 2. Presbytery has discretion as to a substitute 555 3. Examination in the English Bible mandatory (Constitu- tional Rule No. 2) 555 Section 5. Examination continued555 1. Examination in the Cate- chisms recommended 555 Section 6. Academic and theologi- cal studies ' 555 1. Effort to extend the time of study to three years 555 Rule of a lower judicature un- constitutional 556 Overture sent down, but not adopted 556 2. Full term of three years urgently recommended 556 3. A pledge to a three years' • course not unconstitutional. 556 4. Regulations as to extraor- dinary cases 557 Section 7. Manner of licensure . . .557 1. Form for licensure of local evangelists 557 Section 8. Form of licensure 557 1. Record of licensure may be made in " like form " 558 Section 9. Candidate removing out of bounds 558 Section 10, Licentiate removing out of bounds 558 Section 11. Recalling of license.. .559 1. Limitation of the time to which a license may extend to four years 559 2. Length of license of local evangelists 559 3. The above rule does not abridge the power of the Presbyteries to license in extraordinary cases 559 4. Discretion of the Presbytery in granting and recalling licenses 560 5. Licentiates belong to the laity and are subject to the Ses- sion 560 0. A licentiate may solemnize marriageif authorized by law561 Chapteb XV. Of the Election and Ordination of Bishops oh Pas- tors, AND Evangelists. Section 1. Meetings for election of pastors, how called 561 1. Steps to be taken by a vacant congregation looking to the election of a pastor 561 Section 2. Minister to assist 563 Section 3. Notice of election 563 Section 4. Procedure at election . .563 1 . Who may vote in the elec- tion of a i)astor 563 {a) Action of the General Pres- bytery, 1711 563 {b) The presiding officer may not discjuality voters whose standing has not been im- paired by judicial process.. .563 (c) Right of voting not limited to communicants unless ex- pressl}' so declared 563 (d) Overture confining the vote to communicants not adopt- ed ; 564 (e) All communicant members have right to vote in electing a pastor 564 (/) Members of the congrega- tion who contribute to the support of the cliurch en- titled to vote in tiie election of a pastor 564 (g) Authoritative lists of voters. 565 Section 5. Majority and minority. .565 XXX SYLI^BUS. Section 6. Form of call 565 1. Early action. Glebe and parsonage recommended . . .565 2. Adequate provision to be urged 566 3. Liberality in the support of the ministry urged. 566 4. Presbytery may refuse to in- stall wlien the salary is in- sufficient 567 5. Congregation urged to pro- cure parsonages 567 Section 7. Subscription to call. . . .568 Section 8. Installation 568 1. Installation of pastors-elect in- sisted on, and none to be designated as P. E. whose call has not been regularly acted on. Who may not be reported as P. E.. . .' 568 Section 9. Presbytery and the call. 568 1. The Presbytery may refuse to permit a call 569 Complaint of the Kev. Mr. Edgar 569 Section 10. Call to licentiate of an- other Presbytery 569 Section 11. Trials for ordination. .569 1. Ordination on the Sabbath discouraged, but at the dis- cretion of the Presbytery. . .570 Section 13. Questions to candidate at ordination 570 1. The assent embraces the Larger and Shorter Cate- chisms 571 2. Ordination by a commission unconstitutional 571 Section 13. Questions to people at ordination 571 Section 14. Form of ordination. . .571 1. Lay ordination invalid 573 2. Elders not to participate in the ordination of ministers by the laying on of hands. .573 3. An elder, being moderator of Presbytery, cannot pre- side at the ordination of a minister, nor propound the constitutional questions, nor take part in the laying on of hands of the Presbytery, nor make the ordaining pra}'er..572 4. The part which ministers of other bodies may take in or- dinations and installations. .573 Section 15. Ordination of evange- lists 573 1. Ordination as an evangelist to labor in feeble churches. .573 2. Ordination of a licentiate who proposed to continue teaching 573 3. Presbyteries should not or- dain the candidates of other Presbyteries 573 4. Ordination sine titulo 574 5. Ordination sine titulo. Over- ture on, rejected 574 6. Censure of Synod for ordina- tion siVie titulouol sustained. 575 7. Missionaries may not ordain ministers 575 8. Nor organize a church with- in the limits of a Presbytery without its leave 575 Chapter XVI. Of Translation, or Removing a Minister from One Charge to Another. Section 1. Translation only by Presbytery 575 1. Removal without consent of Presbytery 575 Section 2. Mode of translation in same Presbytery 575 1. Consent of parties may shorten process 576 Section 3. Mode of translation in another Presbytery 576 1. Pastor and church must be- long to the same Presbyter3'.576 Sections 4-7. Manner of installa- tion 576 Chapter XVII. Of Resigning a Pastoral Charge. 1. Whether the relation shall be dissolved at the meeting where the request is made, left to the discretion of the Presbytery 578 2. If the parties are agreed, the relation maj' be dissolved at the first meeting 578 3. A jjustoral relation ceases with the action of the Pres- byter}' dissolving it, when no other time is designated. .578 4. A meeting of the congrega- tion without the presence and cooperation of the pas- tor is valid, he having re- quested the dissolution .. .578 Where a Synod, on appeal, dissolves the pastoral rela- tion on petition of a minority, it is sustained 579 The rule sliould be strictly observed and enforced 580 Presbytery maj' dissolve a pastoral relation without a meeting of the congregation being held 580 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. XXXI Chapter XVIII. Of Missions. The Standing Committee of Missions appointed .581 The Board of Missions 582 Enlargement of powers 583 4. Synodical sustentatioa .......583 5. Presbyterial oversight of va- cant churches 584 Chapter XIX. Of Moderators. Section 1. Need of Moderator . . . .584 Section 3. Powers of Moderator . .584 1. The Vice-Moderator 684 2. The Moderator not necessa- rily a member of the judica- tory 584 Section 3. Who may be Moderator.585 Chapter XX. Of Clerks. 1. The term of service of their Stated Clerks is at the discre- tion of the several judicato- ries 586 The Clerk not necessarily a member of the judicatory. . .586 Chapter XXI. Of Vacant Congregations Assembling for Public Worship. 1. Vacant congregations to meet for worship on the Lord's Day 587 2. Elders of vacant congrega- tions should be interrogated as to the observance of this rule 587 Right of ruling elders, in the absence of the pastor, to ex- plain the Scriptures and to exhort 587 Presbyterial oversight of va- cant churches 588 Chapter XXII. Of Commissioners to the General Assembly. Section 1. Time for appointment.. 588 1. The rule not enforced in the case of missionary Presbyte- ries 588 2. No election through the Pres- bytery failing to meet 589 3. Commissioner enrolled on petition of members of his Presbytery 590 4. Commissioners from new Presbyteries 590 5. Commissioners, not ruling elders, under the Plan of Union 591 6. Commissioners should attend to the close of the Session.. Presbj^teries to call their commissioners to account.. .591 7. A commissioner, having taken his 3cat, may not resign it to his alternate or principal. 592 8. Rule dispensed with under peculiar circumstances 593 9. The right of alternates to sit is at the discretion of the judicatory 594 10. Atan adjourned meeting alter- nates enrolled 594 11. Ratios and excess of represen- tation 595 12. Ruling elder need not be a member of the Presbytery. .595 13. Ruling elders who have been dismissed from the church in which they served, to an- other, cannot be elected. . . .595 14. Power to expel commissioners.595 Section 2. Commissions 595 1. The rule must be complied with. A certificate of ap- pointment is not a commis- sion 595 2. Irregularities and defects in commissions, commissioners received. The usage 596 3. Some evidence of appoint- ment necessary 597 4. Tlie Assembly will not go be- hind a commission 597 5. Assembly's Permanent Com- mittee on Commissions 597 6. Advisory members 597 7. Corresponding members 598 (a) Officers of the Assembly. . .598 (b) Secretaries of the Boards.. .598 (c) Delegates from corresj)ond- ing bodies. Ministers casu- ally present are not 598 Section 3. Provision for expenses. .598 1. The Commissioners' Fund. Former plans 598 2. Mileaire and Contingent Funds 598 Entertainment Fund 600 SYLLABUS. When the apportionment should be forwarded to the Stated Clerk 600 3. None of the church judicato- ries liave power to assess a tax upon the churches 600 Chapter XXIII. Op Amendments. Sections 1-7 603 1. Duty of the Stated Clerk in reference to answ^ersto over- Stated Clerk authorized to pay additional bills 601 Power of the Assembly over these funds 601 tures. Committee of Can- vass, and action of the As- sembly 603 PART IV. THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. 'Chapter I. Op Discipline : Its Nature, Ends, and Subjects. Section 1. Definition of discipline. 604 Section 2. The ends of discipline. .604 1. Prompt discipline best fitted to secure a happy issue 604 2. The censure must be propor- tionate to the ofl'ence. Sen- tence reversed where the censure was too severe 604 3. The decisions of the civil courts not conclusive in the judicatories of the Church. Every member of the Pres- byterian Church entitled to a fair trial according to the methods of his church, be- fore condemnation 605 4. Greattenderness enjoined . . .606 Section 3. An offence defined 606 I. Doctrine 606 II. Morals 606 1. Breach of Sabbath observance. 606 2. Theatrical exhibitions and dancing condemned 607 3. Popular amusements in gen- eral 609 4. Card-playing and games of cliance. The dance and the theatre. Progressive euchre. 612 The theatre and the opera 612 5. Gambling, lotteries, horse- racing, betting, etc 615 Duelists excluded from church privileges. Ministers should not attend the funeral of a fallen duelist 617 Slavery and slaveholding. . . .617 On the lynching of Negroes. .617 Intemperance 618 Total abstinence from the use of wines, liquors, etc., urged 619 11. Manufacture and traffic in ardent spirits condemned. . .631 12. The manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks an offence ... 621 6. 9. 10. Those engaged in the manu- facture or traflac in intoxi- cating liquors should not be received or retained in the church 624 13. Prohibitory laws 624 14. Against the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors and renting property for such uses 625 15. The "saloon," licensed or unlicensed, a curse to our land 626 16. The Presbyterian Woman's Temperance Association in- dorsed 626 17. The deliverances of the past eighty years to be printed . .626 18. Temperance training and edu- cation for the young 627 19. Men of intemperate habits and official position 627 20. Political parties and licenses. 628 21. Temperance Sabbath 628 22. Communion wine 628 23. Permanent Committee on Temperance 628 24. Relation of temperance and other moral societies to the Church 628 25. Temperance delegates 630 26. Purity in literature aqd art . .630 27. Cruelty to animals 630 Section 4. The Holy Scriptures and offences 631 1. New terms of communion cannot be sanctioned 631 2. Each case must be judged by its own circums<.ances 631 3. Sins forbidden in the Ten Commandments, Larger Catechism 632 Section 5. Church membership of children 634 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. xxxm Chaptek II. Ok thk Parties in Cases ok Pkocess. Section 6. Prosecutor necessary.. .635 Section 7. Evidence necessary to process 635 Section 8. Reconciliation in private cases 635 1. No testimony may be intro- duced injurious to parties not on trial 635 Section 9. Private conference 636 Section 10. Prosecutor in public cases 636 Section 11. Prosecuting Committee636 1. Tbe right of the Prosecuting Committee to appeal and to conduct the prosecution as representing an original party maintained 637 Section 12. Investigation of slan- der 637 1. Such investigation is at the discretion of the Presbytery, subject to review as to mis- use or abuse 638 Section 13. Caution as to accusa- tions 638 1. Admonition to prosecutors. . .638 Section 14. Censure on rash prose- cutor 639 1. Failure to show probable cause for charges, involves censure for slander 639 2. The character of one absent and not on trial not to be impeached 640 3. Censure for slander may not be inflicted upon a private prosecutor unless the case be fully issued 640 Chapter III. Of Charges and Specifications. Section 15. Contents of charges and specifications 640 1. The charge must be specific. .640 2. All charges in cases of heresy must be as definite as pos- sible 641 Section 16. Number of charges and votes 641 Section 17. Proof of attempted rec- onciliation 641 Chapter IV. Of Process : General Section 18. Original jurisdiction. .642 Section 19. Procedure at first meet- ing 642 1. Censure without trial is un- constitutional 642 2. A judicatory may not suspend a minister without trial 642 3. Censure upon an absent per- son without citation disap- proved 642 4. E.xclusion from the pulpit or from communion may not be without trial and conviction. 643 5. The accused may not be re- quired to declare what he expects to prove by his wit- nesses ' 643 Section 20. Service of citations .... 643 Section 21. Procedure with absen- tees 643 1. Contumacy not to be hastily inferred. One may excuse himself by letter 643 2. Contumacy not to be charged on first citation 644 3. Contumacious person may be restored on submission 644 4. To proceed in tlie absence of the accused without a second citation irregular ; but the right to complain waived by appearing afterward and pleading 644 c Rules Pertaining to all Cases., 5. In the absence of the accused, counsel must be assigned. . .645 6. When the judicatory has taken the testimony as above, it may proceed to trial and final judgment as if the accused were present.. 645 Section 22. Procedure at adjourn- ed meeting 650 1. Judicial cases should be con- tinued without interruption. 650 Section 23. Procedure continued. .651 1. The withdrawal of parties, counsel, etc., construed lit- erally 651 2. Exclusion of stenographer of the accused questionable . . .652 3. Testimony not on record ad- mitted by consent 652 Section 24. Record of the case 652 1. Everything infiuencing the judgment of the judicatory must be spread upon the records 653 2. Minutes of interlocutory meet- ings in judicial cases should be recorded ; also rejiort of judicial committee in the case 653 3. Reasons not recorded and records deficient. Case re- manded 653 Section 25. Exceptions 654 XXX IV SYLLABUS. Section 26. Counsel 654 1. Counsel assigned by request of the parties 654 2. No one not a member of the judicatory may act as counsel. G54 3. Professional counsel under all circumstances excluded 655 Section 37. Questions of procedure. 655 Section 28. Voters. Calling of roll. 655 1. By consent, members who iiad been absent for brief periods allowed to vote 655 Section 29. Copies of the record and transmission 655 1. Appellants entitled to a copy of the sentence 655 2. The records of church judica- tories are public documents.655 Section 30. Forms of censure 656 Section 31. Private sessions 656 Section 32. Suspension of accused pending trial 656 1. The accused may be suspend- ed pending the issuing of the case 656 3. Suspension from the ministry during process 656 3. Suspension from privileges of membership 657 Chapter V. Speci.\l Rules Pektaining to Cases Before Sessions. Section 33. Contumacy 657 Section 34. Kinds of censure 657 1. Censure is not to be removed without evidence of repent- ance 657 2. Deposition and excommuni- cation are distinct acts 657 Section 35. Publication of sentence. 658 Chapter VI. General Rules Pertaining to the Trial of a Minis- ter, Elder, or Deacon. Section 36. Honor of the ministry.658 Section 37. Offences committed in distant places 658 1. Discipline of a minister can be only by his own Presby- tery 658 2. Even when non-resident ....658 3. Boards have no authority to sit in judgment on ministers. 659 4. Discipline by Boards of Mis- sions, etc., not recognized. .659 5. Ecclesiastical power of a mis- sion 659 6. Duty of a Presbytery to give notice of an offence 659 7. A suspended licentiate can be restored only by the Presby- tery which suspended him. Another may take testi- mony 660 8. Such Presbytery has no power to try, but only to take tes- timonj' 660 Section 38. Contumacy 660 Section 39. .Judicatory may with- draw rights of accused 660 Section 40. Form of sentence 660 1. Sentence may be passed on confession 660 A suspended minister may not exercise any function of the ministry 661 2. 3. Does not rank as a " common Christian in good standing ".661 4. The name of a suspended minister is to remain upon the roll 661 Section 41. Heresy and schism 661 Section 43. Acts of infirmity 661 Section 43. Restoration 661 1. One Presbytery may not re- store a minister deposed by another 662 2. Restoration of a deposed min- ister conditioned on conduct under sentence 663 3. The Assembly recommends restoration, the ends of dis- cipline being gained 663 4. When the names of deposed ministers are to be pub- lished 663 Section 44. Effect of sentences 663 1. A minister who has been de- posed returns to the condi- tion of a private member, and must be reordained if restored 664 Section 45. Suspension pending trial 664 Section 46. Provisions applicable to elders and deacons 664 Chapter VII. Of Casks without Process. Section 47. Self-accused persons. .664 Section 48. Members declining communion 665 Section 49. Absentee communi- cants 665 1. When one whose name is erased may be received by another church 665 Section 50. Communicant neglect- ing ordinances 665 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. 1. Willful absenting one's self from the ordinances of God's house is an ofl'ence 665 2. Disagreement with a pastor no excuse for willful ab- sence 666 3. Discipline enjoined for will- ful absence 666 4. Excommunication may not be without trial ... .666 Section 51. Demission of the min- istry 667 Section 52. Communicant with- drawing irregularly 667 Section 53. Minister withdrawing irregularly 667 1. To strike from the roll the name of a minister witli- drawing while under investi- gation, is unconstitutional and void 667 2. A minister's name may not be stricken from the roll, except by his consent, or by discipline, or by his having recognized some otlier juris- diction, or by becoming in- dependent 668 3. Those who entertain views irreconcilable with our Standards urged to with- draw 668 4. Names of ministers whose residence is unknown to be kept on a reserved roll 668 5. Minister absentand residence unknown, stricken from the roll without prejudice to ministerial standing 669 Chapter VIII. Op Evidence. Section 54. Care as to testimony. .669 Section 55. Competent witnesses .669 1. A prosecutor may testify 669 Section 56. Credibility of witnesses669 1. The credibility of a witness to be determined by the judi- catory 669 Section 57. Married persons 670 1. Husband and wife are compe- tent witnesses in the same case 670 Section 58. Kinds of evidence and number of witnesses 670 1. When one of two specifica- tions of a charge is proved the charge itself is proved. .670 2. When the oflTence charged is not sustained the verdict should be '"not guilty" 671 Section 59. Exclusion of witnesscs672 Section 60. Examination of wit- nesses 672 Section 61. Oath or affirmation.. 672 1. The authority for administer- ing a judicial oath 672 2. Testimony should be under oath and recorded 673 Section 62. Record of testimony . .673 Section 63. llccords are evidence .673 Section 64. Testimony valid in all j ndicatories 673 Section b5. Commission to take testimony 673 Section 66. Members of judicatories as witnesses 673 1. A member of the judicatory required to testify ; to refuse is contumacy 674 Section 67. Contumacious w i t - nesses 674 1. A minister cited to testify be- fore a Session 674 Section 68. New evidence 674 1. New trial may be had on the allegation of new testimony, 674 2. If the judicatory refuse to grant a new trial upon the allegation of new testimony a complaint will lie 675 3. Appeal remitted for new trial on new testimon j' 675 4. A superior judicatory may not order a new trial with- out the allegation of new testimony 675 Section 69. New evidence 675 1. On the ground of new testi- mony, the case referred 676 2. The fact and importance of new evidence must be shown 676 On examining the new testi- mony the decision affirmed.. 676 3. The Assembly, after investi- gation, refuses to refer the case, despite alleged new testimony, or to grant any further judicial trial 677 Chapter IX. Of the Ways in which a Cause may be Cauuied from A Lower to a Higher Judicatory. Section 70. Extent of review 677 1. A judicial case can come be- fore the Assembly only in some one of the above-men- mentioued ways 678 SYLLABUS. I. Of geneuai. keview and CONTROL. Section 71. Proceedings of tlie cliurch. Frecjuency of review. 678 1. The incorporation of church proceedings is niiindatory. Exphination of the meaning of this rule 678 2. The incorporation in Session records of the minutes of the Board of Deacons is discre- tionary 679 3. Annual review of the records of all the judicatories re- quired 679 4. The Synods required to send up their records annually. . .679 5. After records liave been ap- proved corrections can be made only by recurrence to the judicatory approving . . .680 6. Leave given to correct the record on error shown 680 7. A minute recording a fact can be amended or stricken out only bj' a unanimous vote or by reconsideration of the original action 680 8. A case judicially issued may be reviewed 680 9. Copies of original records accepted in certain cases.. . .681 10. Records in print must con- form to the requirements.. . 681 Section 72. Purposes of review. . .681 i. Whether the proceedings are correctly recorded 681 1. Omitting to record the open- ing and closing with prayer.681 2. Failing to record absentees. 681 3. Churches not represented must be recorded 682 4. The roll should be called prior to adjournment 682 5. The narrative of the state of religion to be recorded 682 6. Cases acted upon must be described, and the disposal made of them indicated . . . .682 ii. Whether they have been con- stitutional and regular 683 1. Unconstitutional and irregu- lar proceedings 683 2. A Synod may not institute and' prosecute judicial pro- ceedings 683 3. A Synod may not refuse to receive the members of its Presbyteries 683 4. A superior judicatory may not compel an inferior court to reverse its decision, with- out assigning specific rea- sons 684 5. The reasons assigned are subject to review 684 6. Censure without due exami- nation condemned 684 7. No second approval of the minutes necessary 684 iii. Whether they have been wise, equitable, and for the edification of the Church. . 685 1. The lower judicatories must respect the decisions of the superior 685 2. Synods censured for insub- ordination and disrespect. . .685 3. Irregularities recited and animadverted on. Com- plaint will lie against de- cisions not judicial. Action insufficient and unjust. A member of the court may be called as a witness. Min- utes should be approved be- fore adjournment 686 4. Approval of the minutes does not affect the right of appeal or complaint against any action taken 687 5. The approval of the minutes does not validate all action had 687 6. Review and control does not extend to statistical items in Session records. . . .688 7. Nor to the agreement of the action of Sessions with Pres- byterial rules for Sessions, not warranted by the Con- stitution 688 8. Action modified or reversed by the reviewing judicatory may be excepted to 688 Section 73. Voters on review. . . .688 1. Cases cited 688 Section 74. Action in review^ . . . .688 1. The Assembly may not re- verse the judicial acts of a former Assembly, except in case of manifest injustice.. .689 2. But will correct error when shown to exist 689 3. The Assemblj', on memorial, and error proven, revokes its action and remands the case . 690 4. Exceptions must be recorded by the judicatory excepting. 690 5. Irregular and injurious pro- ceedings censured. Reasons for discipline must be given. 691 6. Judicial decisions may not be reversed on review, but must be respected until passed upon by the superior judicatory 691 7. On review a Synod is directed to review and correct its proceedings 691 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. Section 75. Unconstitutional pro- ceedings of lower judicatory692 Section 76. Neglect of duty by lower judicatory 692 1. Citation of judicatories on review or on advice 692 II. Of references. Section 77. Definition of refer- ence 692 1. Reference is voluntary 693 Section 78. Subjectsof references693 1. Cases in which references have been entertained 093 2. When the review of a de- cision without new testi- mony is desirable, the case should be referred to the next higher judicatory 693 Section 79. Objects of references. 694 1. Reference. Disposal of the Barnes case 694 2. When reference has been made the judicatory refer- ring can regain -jurisdiction only by the action of the superior judicatory. 695 3. Reference must be carried to the next higher judica- tory 696 Section 80. Voters on references. 696 Section 81. Higher judicatory may remit references 696 1. A memorial treated as a reference 696 Section 82. Transmission of record 696 1. Testimony attested by the Moderator and Clerk suffi- cient 696 2. A superior judicatory may entertain a reference which is not accompanied by the testimony and proceed itself to take it 697 III. Of complaints. Section 83. Definition of com- plamt 697 1. Complaints by judicatories. .697 2. The distinction between an appeal and a complaint must be observed 697 3. The same matter may be the subject both of appeal and complaint 698 4. Complaint not allowed against a judicatory for obeying the orders of the superior judicatory 698 5. Complaint not allowed against advice given on memorial 698 6. Complaint not allowed against a refusal to adopt a proposed paper 698 7. Coniiilaint not allowed against an opinion expressed by the superior judicatory. .702 8. Nor against a judicatory for the exercise of its discretion. 702 9. Discretion is reviewable as to its abuse or misuse. 702 10. Complaint not allowed in a case already decided by the Assembly 703 11. Nor against a decision of the Moderator unappealed from at the time 703 12. Nor from the decision of a commission not yet con- firmed 704 13. Nor where the action com- plained of does not con- travene the doctrine or the Constitution of the Church. 704 14. Nor where there is no suffi- cient ground of complaint. .705 15. Nor where the complainant is not subject and submit- ting to the judicatory com- plained of 705 16. Nor in a case of mere review of records 705 17. Nor against the refusal to read the printed minutes... .706 18. Nor against postponement of action on a report of a Committee 706 19. Complainant has leave to withdraw with or without reasons 706 20. Withdrawal of complaint may have the same efiect as its dismissal 707 21. Leave to withdraw, the end desired being accomplished. 707 22. Complainants have leave to withdraw because : 1. The proceedings of a civil court are not conclusive as against the ecclesiastical ; 2. Trial by a commission is not ground of complaint; 3. In- formality in the decision does not invalidate the re- sult intended to be reached. 707 23. Complaints dismissed and leave to withdraw, because, 1. Of the indofiniteness of the complaints, and 2. That the matters should be left to the wisdom and discretion of the Synod 709 24. Leave to withdraw on re- quest of the parties 710 25. Complaint dismissed because no parties were aggrieved . .711 26. Comi)laint dismissed as not in due form. To strike from the roll without notice or citation disapproved 711 XXX VIU SYLLABUS. 27. Subject matter of complaints entertained 711 28. Complainants satisfied by conference and leave to withdraw 713 Section 84, Notice and records. .714 1. Reasons as well as notice must be given 714 2. Notice and reasons must be given witliin ten days after the action is taken 714 3. Complaint dismissed when no notice has been given. . .714 4. Complaint against the ac- tion of a judicatory can law- fully be signed only by those who signed it, or gave no- tice of their intent within the constitutional limit of time 715 5. Complaint and appeal dis- missed as not lodged in time and no one appearing to prosecute the complaint 715 6. Dismissed because no notice of complaint given 715 7. Evidence must be furnished that notice was given 716 8. Right to complain lost by failure to observe the rules .716 9. A judicial case once adjudi- cated may not be revived on memorial 716 Section 85. Effect of complaint in certain cases 717 Section 86. Lodgment of com- plaint 717 Section 87. Steps in hearing 717 Section 88. Effect of complaint, if sustained 717 1. The j udicatory issuing a com- plaint may not decline to adjudicate the merits of the case, and must observe the alternatives of the Book. It may not assume original jurisdiction 717 2. Reversal places matters in statu quo 718 3. Does a complaint suspend the dissolution of a pastoral relation V 718 4. Censure of the lower judica- tories 718 5. Complaint sustained and the errors of the inferior judica- tories detailed 719 Section 89. Parties in cases non- judicial 719 Section 90. Voters on complaints.719 Section 91. Right of appeal 719 Section 92. Papers and records to be sent up 719 1. In the absence of the respon- deht and of the papers in the case decision suspended un- til the record is produced . .720 Section 93. Consolidation of ap- peal and complaint 720 IV. Of Ai'PEai,s. Section 94. Definition of appeal. Parties 720 1. The death of the appellee bars the prosecution of an appeal 721 2. Appeals limited to judicial cases 721 3. Original parties only may appeal, others may com- plain 721 4. Decisions as to original par- ties 721 (a) The person prosecuted and the prosecutor 721 (jb) The person claiming to be aggrieved and the judicatory appealed from 722 (c) The prosecuting commit- tee and the appellee 722 {d) The appellant and the ap- pellee 722 5. Memt>ers of the judicatory trying a case are not parties in the case and may not ap- peal 722 6. An appeal may be made to the next superior judicatory by either of the parties to a complaint 723 7. No constitutional provision for a second appeal 723 Section 95. Grounds of appeal . . .723 1. Appeals have been enter- tained and issued for refus- ing to permit a call 724 2. Appeal against an installa- tion in the face of a protest. 724 3. Appeal against a refusal to obey the superior judicatory. 724 4. Appeal for refusing to re- ceive an applicant 725 5. Against an order or decision of a judicatory 725 6. An appeal will not lie against a judicatory for obeying the order of its superior 725 7. An appeal dismissed because no evidence is presented to sustain tlie allegation 726 8. Appeal will not lie against a refusal to adopt a paper or to determine a constitutional question in thesi 726 9. Nor wlicre a judicatory acts witliin the limits of its power and autliorit y 727 10. Nor wliere tlie action was regular and equitable 727 11 Nor when the appeal is in- definite and general 727 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. xxxix 12. Where no question of doc- trine or law is assigned, ilie appeal not entertained 728 Section 96. Notice and records.. .729 1. Notice of appeal, with rea- sons in writing, must be given within ten days after judgment 729 2. Evidence required that no- tice has been given 730 3. When a new trial is granted by the superior judicatory, notice must be given by the appellant of his intent to prosecute 730 4. Failure of the judicatory to receive notice does not bar the appellant 731 5. Leave to show that notice has been given to the judi- catory appealed from 731 6. On evidence of notice the case reinstated 731 Section 97. Appearance of appel- lant and lodgment of appeal. 731 1. Personal attendance of the appellant is not necessary. .732 2. Where neither the appellant nor any one in his behalf appears the appeal is dis- missed 732 3. In the absence of the appel- lant tlie judicatory assigns counsel 732 4. In the failure of the com- plainant to appear and prose- cute, the complaint dismiss- ed and defendant sustained. 733 5. Case continued on satisfac- tory reasons given 733 6. Dismissed as not lodged in time 733 7. Kigiit to appeal lost by de- fault of the appellant 734 8. The appellant must furnish the necessary documents. . .734 9. Deferred in the absence of necessary documents 735 10. Where the appeal was in the house in season the rule is virtually complied with. . . .735 11. Tlie rule interpreted liber- ally wliere due diligence has been used 735 12. In the absence of records through the non-attendance of the commissioner, the ap- peal received and referred. .736 13. Where the appeal failed to be lodged in due time tlirougli mistalie of tlie ap- l)C'llant, it was entered and referred 736 14. Where the case is continued at the request of the appel- lant, the sentence remains in full force until the case is issued 737 15. Dismissed in absence of the appellant, with privilege of renewal 737 16. When an appeal has been dismis.sed in error, the As- sembly grant a restoration when satisfied of the error. .737 17. The original rule as to abandonment of an appeal ..738 Section 98. Voters on appeals 739 1. The Moderator, being amem- ber of the judicatory appeal- ed from, will not sit 739 2. An interested party should not sit on a trial 739 3. Members of tlie judicatory appealed from may not vote. 740 4. Members of a judicatory ap- pealed from may speak on postponement 740 5. An elder belonging to the judicatory appealed from, though not a member of the judicatory when tlie case was issued, may not sit 740 6. Ministers who have been dis- missed to other bodies be- fore the action complained of are not excluded 741 7. A case is remanded where members of the judicatory appealed from, act in their own case 741 Section 99. Steps in hearing ap- peal 741 i. Initiation of proceedingu. 1. The appeal or complaint is transmitted to the Judicial Committee 742 2. The Judicial Committee and its duties 742 3. In the absence of records the decision of the appeal should be suspended. Parol evidence will not supply the place of the records 743 4. The appeal (or complaint) found in order 743 5. The judgment notice of ap- peal, etc, read 745 6. The appeal entertained 745 ii. Reading the record. 1. Reading of the documents by consent dispensed with. 745 2. Certified copies distributed by consent 747 3. Matters foreign to tlie i.ssue may by consent be omitted in the reading 747 4. Documents not read may be used in jjlcading '. . . .747 5. Rea.'sons assigned by an ap- pellant must be recorded. Thev must be couched in xl SYLLABUS. decent and respectful lan- guage 748 iii. Hearing the parties. 1. Case remanded for new trial because the original parties had not been heard. 748 2. Case issued and complaint sustained %vliere no person appears on behalf of the re- spondent 748 3. Time limit for hearing 748 4. Case of Charles A. Briggs, D.D., 1892 748 5. Case of Charles A. Briggs, D.D.,1893 749 6. Case of Henry Preserved Smith, D.D., 1894 749 iv. Hearing members of the judi- catory appealed from. 1. Interpretation and applica- tion of section 99 749 V. Hearing members of the supe- rior judicatory. 1. Limitation of time to speak- ers 750 2. Constitutional right to be heard cannot be destroyed though time limit may be set. "Speeches by roll call. .750 vi. Taking the vote. 1. The final vote must be taken 750 2. It is taken separately on each charge 751 3. The final vote taken and the appeal sustained 751 vii. Case may be submitted to a judicial commission. 1. The Judicial Committee ap- pointed such commission.. . .752 2. Report of judicial commis- sion 752 3. Findings of judicial com- mission 752 4. Case of William P. Craig, complainant, vs. the Synod of California 755 5. Complaint of David R. Breed et al. vs. the Synod of Pennsylvania 756 viii. Decisions and their effect. (1) The decision may confirm that of the lower judicatory. 1. Section 99 (5) explained... .757 2. Decision confirmed 757 3. In confirming tlie decision the Assembly directs that if a new trial as ordered be not instituted within six months the decision shall be final. . .758 (2) The decision may reverse that of the lower judicatory. 1. Iteversed on review of tes- timony 759 2. Reversed without assigning a reason for its action 759 3. Reversed because of dispro- portionate censure 759 4. Reversal on the ground of undue severity, does not determine the innocence of the accused nor relieve him from other process 759 5. Decision of Synod reversed as in error in prescribing a form of dismission 760 6. Reversed because of uncon- stitutional action of the judi- catory appealed from 760 7. Wliere sentence is reversed for irregularity either party may institute a new trial. If process be not commenced within the time limited he may demand a letter as in good standing 761 8. Reversed for haste and un- constitutional action 761 9. Sentence reversed and the appellant declared to be in regular standing 762 10. The decision may declare the acts of the lower judica- tories void 762 11. The reversal annuls the acts complained of. 762 12. The decision reversed and the case remanded 763 (3) The decision may confirm or reverse in part. 1. Reversed in part on the ground of irregularity. Sus- tained in part 763 2. Reversed in part on the ground that irregularity of proceedings does not neces- sarily invalidate 764 3. Sustained in part, reversed in part. Minute in the case. 764 4. The decision censures the irregular excommunication of a member and prescribes the steps which should have been taken 765 5. The decision finds error in the judicatories below. A Presbyteiy may not unduly direct and control a Session. Synod may not refuse an ajipeal from a party ag- grieved 766 (4) The decision may remit the case to the lower judi- catory. 1. It may remand the cause for reconsideration 767 2. A Synod required to re- mand the case to a Presby- tery for rehearing 767 3. Comiilaint sustained and Synod ordered to hear and issue the case 768 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. Xli 4. Judgment reversed and case remanded for new trial 768 5. Judgment reversed and case remitted on grounds stated.. 768 6. Referred back to the judi- catory below with instruc- tions 769 7. The decision details the ir- regularities of the judica- tories below 769 8. The case remitted with in- structions 771 9. Unconstitutional acts de- tailed. The case remanded. 772 10. Referred back by consent of parties 773 11. Discretion of a judicatory not subject to review 773 12. Remitted on the recom- mendation of the Judicial Committee 773 13. In passing judgment a judi- catory may not open a case already settled. 773 14. The decision sustains the lower judicatory in part, but a person once restored can be condemned again only by new process and convic- tion 774 15. The decision reverses all the judicatories below and restores the appellant 774 16. The decision declares and decides the several issues in- volved 774 17. The decision restores the status qito 775 18. A superior judicatory may not compel an inferior to reverse its decision without assigning reasons 775 19. The decision explains the true intent of the action com- plained of. Deposition by another denomination after reception to membership in Presbytery does not impair good standing 776 Section 100. Effect of notice of appeal 777 1. An appeal arrests all further proceedings until it be is- sued 777 2. Interpretation of Section 100.777 3. To proceed to trial while the appeal is pending is uncon- stitutional and void. The Assembly and not the in- ferior judicatories is the iudiic of t lie question of con- stitutionality 778 4. Suspension is continued until the issue of the appeal, which must be at the ne.\t meeting of the judicatory above 778 5. An appeal against a certain action does not debar the judicatory from acting on the continued disturbed state of the church 778 6. Where a Session is dissolved an appeal continues the rights of the elders as to the hiiiher judicatories until it is issued 779 Section 101. Records must be sent up 779 1. Copies made by an appel- lant not sufficient. The rec- ords or authenticated copies required 779 2. On the failure of the judica- tory to send up authenticated copies of the testimony the appeal is sustained 779 3. Where judicatories foil to send up documents the case is remanded 780 4. The judicatory directed to perfect its records and send up to the Assembly its rea- sons for the action com- plained of. 780 5. Judgment suspended until a record is supplied on which the issue may be tried 780 6. In the absence of papers re- ferred to in the records and of attested copies of the charges the case postponed. .781 7. Case remanded with direc- tions as to procedure and as to the records 781 8. In the absence of records the Synod censured and the case postponed 781 9. The case dismissed and the papers returned. . 781 10. Where the absence of papers is the fault of the defendant, the case dismissed and the judsment attirmed 782 Section l02. Appeals to next superior judicatory 782 1. Appeals may be carried di- rectly to the Assembly 782 2. Appeals dismissed l)ecause not first brought in the lower judicatories and no sufficient reasons given 784 3. Wliere there is no common relation a coini)laint is allowed 785 xlii SYLLABUS. Chapter X. Op Dissents and Protests. Section 103. Definition of ii dissent. 786 1. Dissent entered without re- ply. Dissent with reasons is a virtual protest 786 Section 104. Definition of protest. 786 1. The right to protest for the telief of conscience 786 2. The dissent or protest must be entered before the rising •of the Assembly 786 3. A protest arguing the case is refused .'. 786 4. The protest must confine itself to the reasons on which it is founded 786 5. A protest calls attention to the action protested against. 787 Section 105. To be entered on records 787 1. Protests admitted to record without answer 787 2. Protests refused record as being disrespectful 788 3. A protest should be recorded only by order of the judica- tory 789 4. Protest received and put on record 789 5. Protest, if in order, must be recorded and filed with the clerk. A printed copy duly signed is valid 789 Section 106. Answers to i)rotests.790 1. No answerdeemed necessary when the assumptions have been refuted 790 2. The answer denies the im- putations of the protest 790 3. The answer defines the ac- tion protested against 790 Section 107. Who may dissent or protest 791 1. Protests will not be received from those not members of the body 791 2. A protest can be brought only by the minority of a judicatory itself 791 Chapter XI. Op Jurisdiction in Cases of Dismission. Section 108. Jurisdiction over offences 791 1. Cases connected with extinct Presbytery 791 2. Reception of a member on a qualified letter is void 791 3. Jurisdiction over one charged with an offence is in that Presbytery of which he is a member 791 4. A Presbytery within whose bounds an offence is com- mitted fulfills its duty in notifying tlie Presbytery to which the offender belongs. 792 Section 109. Jurisdiction over dis- missed members 792 1. A suspended member may not be received on profession by another church. If re- ceived without knowledge of the facts, his name to be stricken from the roll 793 2. A letter of dismission takes effect as soon as granted so far as rights and privileges are concerned 793 Section 110. Jurisdiction over dis- missed ministers 793 1. Jurisdiction over a deposed minister is in the Presbytery which deposed him. . . 794 2. Where a minister is deposed the name should not be formally stricken from the roll until the proceedings are finally issued 794 3. The privileges of membership cease with the granting of the letter 795 4. While a minister is in transitu he is a member of the Pres- bytery which gave him his letter 795 5. A suspended minister is under the jurisdiction of the Pres- bytery which suspended him. When sentence has been reversed for infor- mality, if process is not commenced in six months, a dismission in good standing may be claimed 795 6. A minister holding a letter of dismission is a member of the Presbytery dismissing him until received by another body 796 7. Where the reception was in- valid by reason of fraud he remains under the jurisdic- tion of the Presbj'tery dis- missing him 796 Section 111. Certificates of dismis- sion must name bodj'^ 796 1. Presbytery must specify the body to which a member is dismissed 796 2. He must unite with the body designated 796 3. The Presbytery receiving a minister on a certificate must notify the Presbytery that dismissed him 796 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. xliii 4. The dismission may not be by a standing committee 796 Section 112. Extinct church 796 1. Members of an extinct church amenable to Presbytery 797 Section 113. Extinct Presbytery. .797 Chapter XII. Op Removals, and Limitations of Time. 4. Section 114. Rules as to certificates of members 797 1. A certificate of dismission should be required 797 2. Names of baptized children, not adults or communicants, should be included 798 3. To receive members of churches of our own con- nection without a certificate is irregular 798 Members received from other denominations without tes- timonials or evidence, to be received on profession 798 Dismission to join another denomination 798 The form of dismission to other denominations left to the discretion of the Session798 Dismission of a suspended member 799 A suspended person being restored by the superior judicatories may claim dis- mission in good standing. . .799 A dismission may be irregular and yet valid 799 10. Members removing should be furnished with testimonials of standing, and should be counseled to transfer their relation 799 Churches receiving members by letter should notify the church from which they come. Blank forms of the 9. 11. Board of Publication com- mended 800 12. The limit of one year does not ordinarily exclude, where the Session has knowl- edge of the reasons and of the religious life 800 13. Certificate of dismission granted only by vote of the Session regularly C()nstituted800 14. The above modified. The Moderator or Stated Clerk may be authorized to issue letters in the interim 801 Section 115. Rules as to certificates of ministers 801 1. Notice of reception to be given 801 Section 116. Certificates of ab- sentee members 801 1. The standing of members ab- sent and unknown. Such absence without a certificate is itself censurable. If will- ful, they should be cen- sured 801 Section 117. Limitation on prose- cutions 802 1. Limitation not to be pleaded against the order of a superior judicatory 802 2. The plea is good where the offence was known to mem- bers of the judicatory more than a year before process was begun 803^ Section 118. What may appoint . Chapter XIII. Op Judicial Commissions. judicatories .803 The Judicial Committee may be appointed a Judicial Commission 803 Section 119. Cases to be submitted, and powers 803 1. Matters of law referred to the appointing judicatory 803 Section 120. Times of meeting and quorum 805 Chapter XIV. Op Differences between Judicatories. Section 121. Steps in procedure. . .805 Section 122. Committee of prose- cution 805 Section 123. Power of judicatory having jurisdiction 805 PART V. THE DIRECTORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD. Chapter I. Of the Sanctification of the Lord's Day. Section 1. The duty 806 1. The Assembly petition Con- gress against carrying and distributing the mails upon the Sabbath 806 Section 2. The whole day to be kept. 808 xliv SYLLABUS. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14 15. 16. Sect Deliverance on the profana- tion of the Sabbath Disci- pline enjoined 808 The observance of the Sab- bath indispensable to the preservation of civil and re- ligious liberty 809 For the better observance of the Sabbath 810 Church Sessions enjoined to greater fidelity 811 Resolutions on the sanctifica- tion of the Sabbath 812 The opening of art galleries on the Sabbath disapproved. Deliverances of former As- semblies reaffirmed 812 Traveling on the Sabbath con- demned 812 Duty of all to sanctify the Sabbath. Testimony against its desecration by railroads and by recreations 813 Former deliverances affirmed and enlarged upon 814 The divine sanction and obli- gation of the Sabbath 815 Reading of secular newspa- pers on the Sabbath discoun- tenanced 816 The value and necessity of Sabbath observance 816 American Sabbath Union. . . .817 The Columbian Exposition. .818 The divine authority and uni- versal and perpetual obliga- tion of the Sabbath. Na- tional Sabbath Societies 819 Decoration of soldiers' graves on the Sabbath disapproved. 821 ion 8. Family arrangements. .821 Section 4. Private devotions 821 Section 5. Attendance on religious services 821 Section 6. Use of time after relig- ious services 821 1. Instruction in the Holy Scrip- tures 821 2. On Sabbath-schools and in- struction of the young 822 3. Pastoral letter on Sabbath- schools 824 4. Catechetical instruction en- joined 826 5. Relation of Sabbath-schools to the family 826 6. Relation of the Sabbath- school to the Session 827 7. Superintendents to be ap- pointed or approved by the Session 829 8. Teachers to be approved by Session 829 9. Primary instruction to be given 829 10. The Shorter Catechism to be taught in the schools 829 11. The schools to be supported by the churches 830 12. Sessions to supervise the con- tributions of the schools. . . .830 13. Children's day commended. .830 14. Presbvterian Lesson Helps to be used 830 15. Loyalty to our own Sabbath- school agencies recom- mended 830 16. Standing Committees of Pres- byteries and Synods on Sab- bath-school work 830 17. Systematic Bible study by the whole congregation 831 Chapter II. Op the Assembling op the Congregation and Their Behavior During Divine Service. Sections 1,2 831 1. Posture in public prayer. .831 Chapter III. Of the Public Reading op the Holy Scriptures. Section 1. Ministers' duty 832 Section 2. Most approved transla- tion 832 The Revised Version. 1. The Assembly expresses neither approval nor disap- proval 832 2. Inexpedient to authorize its use in public worship 832 3. Inexpedient to direct its use in public worsliip .... ... 832 4. No official sanction of its use necessary 833 5. Appointment of commission declined 833 Section 3. Extent of reading 833 1. The early rule for the reading of the Scriptures 833 2. Responsive services in public worship unwise 833 3. Responsive reading not a sub- ject of church discipline. .. .834 4. Responsive reading judicially declared not to be a viola- tion of the Constitution 834 5. The present freedom of wor- ship under the Directory re- liable and edifying 835 6. The Apostles' Creed may be used in public worship 835 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. xlv Chapteu IV. Op the Singing ok Psalms. Section 1. The duty of praise 835 1. Early action on the subject of psalmody 835 Section 2. Planner of praise 836 1. The Book of Tunes 836 2. The Hymnal 836 3. The " Social Hymn and Tune Book" 836 4. The report on sacred music. The Hymnal commended... 837 5. The Presbyterian Hymnal ac- cepted and approved 837 6. Hymns for social meetings and the Sunday-school 837 7. The new Hymnal 837 Section 3. Congregational singing. 837 Section 4. Amount of time allowed. 837 1. Church music is under the control of the minister and the Session 837 Chapter V. Op Public Prayer. Section 1. Invocation 838 Section 2. Prayer before sermon. .838 Section 3. Prayer after sermon. . . .839 Section 4. Minister's duty and au- thority 839 1. Liturgical forms not needed.. 839 2. Book of Forms. Liberty to use the forms of the Re- formed Churches 840 Chapter VI. Of the Worship op God by Opperings. Section 1. The duty 840 Section 2. Order and nature 840 1. Oeneral recommendations . . .840 2. Inquiry to be made by the Presb3'tery as to compliance with the recommendations of the Assembly 841 3. Plan for securing pledges and contributions from each member of each congrega- tion 841 4. Collections ordered must be taken 842 5. Proportionate giving 842 0. Individual pledges 842 7. Combination of collections discouraged 843 8. Fairs, etc., discountenanced .842 9. Money value of boxes 842 10. Public announcement of otfer- iiigs 843 11. Offerings to be made as acts of worship 843 Section 3. Distribution 843 1. Scliedule for contributions .. .843 2. Designated months for the Boards 843 Section 4. Duty of minister 843 1. Ministers to furnish informa- tion 844 Chapter VII. Op the Preaching op the Word. Section 1. Importance 844 i Section 3. Method of preaching.. .845 1. Heading sermons 844 I Section 4. Sermons not to be Section 2. Subjects of sermons . . .844 | lengthy 845 1. Expository preaching com- l Sections. Close of service 845 mended 844 | Section 6. Who may preach 845 Chapter VIII. Ok the Administration ok Baptism. Section 1. When and by whom to be performed 845 1. Age of infancy not deter- mined 845 2. Baptism by Unitarians, Ro- mish baptism, etc 846 bection 2. Where usually to be administered 846 Section 3. Presentation of chil- dren 846 1. Who may be presented for baptism 846 2. Tlie duty of Christian mas- ters to have their servants baptized, etc 846 3. Orphan children of heathen parents in the care of our missions 846 Section 4. Addresses preceding baptism 847 1. Obligations and qualifications of parents 848 2. Parents required to enter into engagements 848 3. Instruction to be given and discii>line urged for neglect. 848 Section 5. Order of administra- tion 849 1. Mode of baptism 849 xlvi SYLLABUS. Chapter IX. Of the Administration of the Lord's Supper. Section 1. Times of celeb ration.. 849 1. Where there is no church organized 849 2. Not usually in the bounds of a congregation without con- sent 849 3. Where a minister may stated- ly preach he may administer the Lord's Supper 850 4. Administered in a private house in sickness 850 Section 2. Who to be excluded.. .850 Section 3. Public notice and in- struction 850 Section 4. Address before ad- ministration 850 1. Tiie ignorant and scandalous excluded 851 2. Not the custom to invite those who have not pro- fessed Christ 851 3. Church membership is im- plied in the invitation to commune 851 4. Baptism with water is essen- tial to communion in the Presbyterian Church 851 5. Communicants' classes com- mended 852 Section 5. Order of administra- tion 852 1. Communion wine, the purest attainable to be used 853 2. Unfermented fruit of the vine fulfills every condition 853 8. Individual communion cups not approved 853 4. The number of cups left to the discretion of tlie Session. 854 5. No rule as to persons to aid the minister 854 6. Deacons may aid in the dis- tribution of the elements. . .854 Section 6. Preparatory services .854 Chapter X. Of the Admission op Persons to Sealing Ordinances. Section 1. Duties and privileges of baptized children 854 1. Pastoral care over baptized children 855 2. Discipline of baptized chil- dren. The subject post- poned 855 3. Diligent oversight enjoined in the care of the baptized children 855 4. '^he duty of home training urged upon the attention of the Church 855 5. Children should be trained in the faith of our fothers 856 6. Catechetical instruction en- joined on parents 856 7. Family training essential to the increase of the ministry and of the Church 856 8. Placing children in Romanist schools a violation of cove- nant engagements .856 Section 2. Years of discretion . . . .857 Section 3. Examinations of appli- cants 857 1. Universalists not to be ad- milted to sealing ordinances. 857 2. Persons refusing to j)resent their children in baptism not to be refused communion, but the expedienc}' of re- ceiving them to be judged of by the Session 857 3. Duelists to be received only on evidence of repentance. .858 4. Postmasters officiating on the Sabbath 858 5. Proprietor of mail stages run- ning on the Sabbath 858 6. Persons engaged in the sale of intoxicating drink 858 7. Subjection to the discipline of the church requisite 859 8. To be admitted only by a Ses- sion regularly constituted.. .859 9. Session the judge of the quali- fication of candidates for membersliip 859 10. Question as to the baptism of a member of the Society of Friends ....859 11. Intercommunion with those who maintain an irregular ministry discouraged 859 12. Polygamists cannot be re- ceived into the church while remaining in that relation. .860 13. Examination of candidates ought ordinarily to be in the presence of the Session 860 Section 4. Public profession by unbaptized persons 861 1. Baptism may follow upon a general profession of faith. 861 2. An excommunicated member, if restored, is not to be rebap- tizc'd 861 3. To admit to sealing ordinances belongs exclusively to the Session. Forms of admis- sion.. 861 DIRKf'TORY FOR WORSHIP. xlvii Chaptku XI. Of thk Mook of Ixflicting and Removing Censures. Section 6. Form of excommunica- Seclion 1. Tenderness toward of- fenders 863 Section 2. Form of sentence 863 Section 'S. Prayers for otfenders . .863 Section 4. Restoration upon re- pentance 863 Section 5. Excommunication may be necessary 863 tion 863 Section 7. Restoration after ex- communication 863 Section 8. Discretion of judicatory as to censures 864 Chapter XII. Of the Solemnization of Marriage. Section 1. Marriage not a sacra- ment 864 Section 2. Christian marriage to be by a minister 864 1. Marriage solemnized by licen- tiates' . ..864 2. Marryino; in the Lord detined864 Section 3. Who may marry 864 Section 4. Consent of parents and guardians 864 1. Clandestine marriage dis- coura I'ed 865 Section 5. Rights of parents 865 Section 6. Pul)lic notice and obe- dience to the law 865 1. Publication of purpose of marriage 865 2. Caution enjoined in solemniz- ing marriages 865 Section 7. Witnesses and certifi- cate 866 Section 8. Form of marriaore 866 Chapter XIII. Of the Visitation of the Sick. Sections 1-10 867, 868 Chapter XIV. Op the Burial of the Dead. parades discountenanced .. .869 Sections 1,2 8G9 1. Carousing and ostentatious Chapter XV. Of Fasting, and of the Observation of the Days of Thanksgiving. Section 1. The Lord's Day the only holy day 869 Section 2. Fasting and thanks- giving Scriptural 869 1. The duty of fasting 869 2. Churches should observe days appointed by the local au- thorities * 870 Section 3. Who should observe. . .870 Section 4. Who may appoint 870 Special days a])pointed by the supreme judicatory. 1. Upon the occasion of tlie French War 870 2. On the war with Spain 870 3. On account of trouble with England 870 4. Before the second war wiih Enjjland 870 5. During the second war with England 871 6. On the outbreak of the Civil War 871 7. On account of the profana- tion of the Sabbath 872 8. For the conversion of the world 872 9. The week of prayer. The first entire week in January. 872 10. Daj^ of prayer for colleges, theological seminaries, etc. .874 11. Monthly concert of prayer for missions 874 13. Children's day, special ser- vices to be held 874 Section 5. Public notice 875 Section 6. Public worship obliga- tory 875 Section 7. Method of observing fast days 875 Section 8. Method of observing thanksgiving days 875 Xlviii SYLLABUS. Chapter XVI. The Directory for Secret and Family "Worship. Sections 1-5 875, 876 1. Duty of ministers to urge family religion 876 2. The evening of the Lord's Day especially set apart for family training. The Stand- ards need no change to fit them for the present time.. .876 ADDITIONS TO ACTS, DECISIONS, AND DELIVERANCES. Qualifications of voters for pas- tors, elders, and other offi- cers 878 Close of the ecclesiastical year. .880 Annual Narrative of the State of Relifiriou 880 4. Reorganization of the Board of Home Missions 881 5. Action as to legacies, etc., Board of Relief. 881 6. Act relating to the reception and probation of ministers from other Churches 881 Index 888-909 SYLLABUS TO THE SUPPLEMENT. PART I. HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. II. The Adoption, ktc, of the Standards. 1. References 913 III. Publication of the Constitution, etc. 1. New Edition of the Constitution, 1904 913 2. Reprinting of the Minutes, 1706 to 1869 913 3. New Digest, Authority for . . . 914 IV. Proof-texts to the Standards. 1. Revision, Proof-texts, 1902 915 V. Historicax Documents — Reunions. Reunion with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 1. Appointment of Committee (P.) on Church Cooperation and Union 916 13. 2. Membei-ship, Committee (P.) on Church Cooperation and Union 916 14. 3. Appointment, Committee (C. P.) on Fraternity and L'nion . . .917 4. Membership, Committee (C. P.) 15. on Fraternity and Union . . . 917 5. Telegrams announcing appoint- ment of Committees 918 6. Joint-report on Union, 1904 . . 918 16. Plan of Reunion and L'nion of the Two Churches 919 1. Basis of L'nion 919 17. 2. Concurrent Declarations . . . 920 3. Recommendations 921 7. Action of tin- r.ufliilo (P.) fJcn- 18. eral As-^eml.lv, I'HM 922 8. Action of the Ihillas iC. P.) Gen- 19. eral Assembly, 1904 923 9. Enlargement of the Committee (P.) on Church Cooperation and Union, 1904 . . . . . .923 20. 10. Continuance of the Committee (C. P.) on Fraternity and 21. Union, 1904 " . . .923 11. Telegrams announcing acticm, 22. Ipointment, Committee of Con- ference with the Protestant Episcopal and otlier churches 954 2. Ministers to ascertain if impedi- ments exist 954 3. U^niformitv of legislation desir- able . " 954 • TUE FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 4. Action of civil authorities and of Inter-Church Conference approved 955 5. Campaign of education aj)- proved, previous deliverances reaffirmed 955 6. Cooperation urged as to divorce laws 955 Rules as to remarriage of di- vorced persons 955 a. Scriptural causes only to be recognized 955 b. Rules of other denominations to be given due weight . 956 c. Only innocent parties after lapse of one year to be re- married 956 Chapter XXV. Of the Church. Section vi, Chapter xxv, of the Confession of Faith changed 956 Chapter XXVII. Op the Sacraments. Section 4. 1. Ruling Elders cannot administer the Sacraments 956 Chapter XXVIII. Of Baptism (Reference) 957 Chapter XXIX. Of the Lord's Supper (Reference) 957 Chapter XXXI. Section 2. 1. Determinations of the higher judicatories to be received with reverence ....... 957 Of Synods and Councils. Section 4. 1. Synods are to handle or con- clude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical 957 The New Chapters. The Preamble Chapter XXXIV. Of the Holy Spirit ...... Chapter XXXV. Of the Love of God and Missions Declaratory' Statement. 1. Order as to form and place . . . 9-59 | 2. Text .... 958 958 959 959 Section 1. PART IIL THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Chapter I. Preliminary Principles. Deliverance as to the true title of the Church 961 Chapter II. Of the Church. Section 4; 1. Appointment of Committee on Church Temporalities . . . 961 Laws relating to Religious Corpo- rations compiled and published 961 To whom Trustees may resign . . 962 Chapter IX. Of the Church Session. ; mandatory 963 Section 10. Alterationsof the Annual Reports and of the Narrative. 1. Appointment of a Special Com- mittee on the Reports, etc. . . 963 2. Directions as to the Statistics of Meml)ership 964 3. Directions as to the columns for contributions 964 4. Authority for printing direc- tions, etc 965 5. Change of name of the Narrative 966 6. Text of the Narrative .... 966 Section 3. 1. Who may moderate sessions of vacant churches 962 Section 6. 1. Pei-sons encouraging: the liquor traffic subject to discipline . . 962 2. Amendment as to power over Sabbath-schools, .societies, etc. 963 Section 7. 1. Amendment of Chapter ix. by insertion of a new section to be known as Section vii. . . 963 Section 8. 1. Opening and closing pniyer not lii SYLLABUS TO THE SUPPLEMENT. Chaptkr X. Of the Presbytery. Section 2. 1. Amendments as to Territorial Limits of Presbyteries . . . 966 2. The General Assembly has power to erect a Presbytery and to name its merabei's 966 3. Ministers named by the General Assembly do not need letters of dismissal ; all other minis- tere must have letters .... 966 Section 3. 2. Churches should be represented by Elders at adjourned as well as regular meetings 967 Section 4. 1. Grouped churches located in two Presbyteries must have pas- tors 967 Section 5. 1. Official declaration that a pulpit is vacant to be recommended 968 Section 7. 1. Action taken when quorum is not present can be ratified only by the Presbytery when a quorum is present 968 2. A Presbytery with a minimum of ministers either to be en- larged by Synod or merged into other Presbyteries . . . 969 Section 8. 1. Leave given to erase name of missing minister 969 2. Minister transferred by the Gen- eral Assembly from one Pres- bytery to another 969 3. Presbytery cannot act by Com- mission in other than Judicial business 96^ Section 9. I. Rules for the Statistical Reports. 1. No designation after names of ministers without charge . 969 2. H. M. to be inserted after names of Home Mission- aries 970 3. All ecclesiastical changes to be immediately reported . 970 II. The Narrative. 1. Name of the Narrative changed, and Committee on Christian Life and Work appointed 970 Section 10. 1. Moderator is not the judge of the necessity of a pTO re nata meet- ing 970 Section 11. 1. A session of an ecclesiastical body is the sitting of a single day 971 Chapter XL Of the Synod. Section 1. 1. Clerical Commissioners not con- fined to pastors 971 2. Synods erected since 1898 . . .971 3. Synods and Presbyteries re- ceived and enrolled in 1906 . 974 Section 3. 1. Only ministers can be corre- sponding members 974 2. Standing of a coi-responding member must be fully stated . 974 Section 4. 1. Synods cannot appoint Commis- sions in violation of the pro- visions of the Constitution . . 975 2. When a Synod has not members to s[)are for a Judicial Com- mission a trial should be con- ducted by the Synod as a whole 975 3. Judgment of Synod is final in cases which do not affect the doctrine or Constitution . . . 975 4. Judicial Committee reversed by Judicial Commission in cases in which judgment of Synod is final 975 Protest affainst above jitdfiment . 976 5. Synod should not assume pri- mary jurisdiction of ministers 977 6. Synods to prepare model char- ters for congregations .... 7. Synodical Home Missions . . . Section 5. 1. Sermon must be i)reached . . . 2. Particular sessions to be opened and closed with prayer . . . 3. Devotional exercises a substitute for opening prayer Section 6. 1. Records must be full 2. Absentees to be enrolled . . . 3. Delegate Synods may omit names of absentees 4. Results of final roll<;all to be recorded 5. Churches not represented must be recorded 6. Action taken and Reports adopted must be recorded . . 7. Spelling may be variable . - 8. A Narrative of the State of Re- ligion should be prepared and recorded 9. Judicial cases not included in tlu' ordinarv review of rec- 977 977 977 977 977 978 978 978 978 979 979 10. The subject matter of com- plaints must be recorded . . 11. Commissions should not be ap- 979 980 980 THE FORM OF CiOVEKNMKNT. liii pointed to a])prove the Min- utes 980 12. Records need not be approved twice 980 13. Certification of i)revious Minutes to be recorded in new book . 980 14. Regulations as to certification to be complied with 980 15. Compliance urged with regula- tions as to ])rinted records . . 981 16. Translation of j)rinled copy ac- cepted " . . 981 17. After Records have been ap- proved corrections can be made only by recurrence to the judicatory approving . .981 18. The Records must be presented annuallv 981 Chapter XII. Of the General Assembly. Section 1. i. The Moderator. 1. Mode of election. Standing Rule No. 26 982 2. Limit of time for nominating speeches . . . 982 3. Appointment of Chairmen of Standing Committees . . . 982 ii. Standing Orders and Rules. 1. Changes and additions . . . 982 iii. Members of the Assembly. 1. Seating of Conniiissioners . . 983 2. Advisory members 983 iv. The Stated Clerk. 1. Tenure of oflice 983 2. Expenses of the Assembly . . 983 3. Audit of Accounts 984 4. Salary 984 5. Printing of Overtures .... 984 6. Notification, etc., of Electing Sections . . 984 7. Papers for Electing Sections . 984 8. Seating of Commissioners . . 984 9. Reports of Special Committees 984 V. The Permanent Cleik. 1. Mode of election in 1900. No change in tenure of office . 984 2. Report of absentees from Electing Sections .... 985 vi. Standing Conunittees. 1. Mode of election. Rules adopted in 1900 as amended 985 2. Time of existence of Electing Sections 986 3. Each Presbvterv to be repre- sented .' . '. 986 4. Details of operation of the Plan 986 5. Ariangement of Electing Dis- tricts ... 987 6. Time Allowance of Standing Committees for Reports . . 988 7. Standing Committee on Home Missions to rei)ort on Va- cancy and Supply . . . ■ 988 8. Standing Committee on the Narrative. To report on Special Committee's Report 988 9. Standing Committee on Syn- odiral Home Missions con- stituted 988 10. Standing Committee on Fi- nance to rejiort a Budget for the Boards ...... 989 11. Standing Committee on the Presbyterian iSrotherhood 1049 vii. Special Committees. 1. Reports to be delivered to the Stated Clerk for printing . 989 2. Expenses of Special Commit- tees 989 Section 4. 1. Judicial Commissions ap- pointed, 1898-1906 . . . . 990 2. One A.ssembly cannot criticize another 990 Section 5. I. Deliverances on Doctrine. 1, Brief Statement of the Re- formed Eaith. Purpose . 990 2. Brief Statement of the Re- formed Eaith. Text ... 991 II. Pastoral Deliverances. 1. Deliverance on the Bible and the Public Schools . . . 995 2. Deliverance on Religious Liberty in the I'hilippines 995 3. Action against the use of pub- lic funds for sectarian pur- poses 995 4. Deliverance against Modern Unbelief 1091 III. Of Erecting, Changing, and Dismissing Synods, and of the a{)proval of Union Presbyterian Synods in Eoreign Lands. 1. Synods erected since 1898 . 995 2. Legal successor to a Synod designated 996 3. Churches transferred from one Synod to another . . 996 4. Action on the Independent Synod of ^lexico .... 996 5. The Synod of India dismissed to unite with the Presby- terian Church in India . 997 6. Union Syntnl in China ap- proved and Synods dis- missed to unite therewith 998 7. Union Presbyterian Church in Korea ajiproved . . . 998 IV. Of Erecting and Changing Presbyteries. 1. Preshvteries erected on Mis- sion Fields 998 2. Presbyteries erected on iho Home Field 999 liv SYLLABUS TO THE SUPPLEMENT. 3. Presbyteries transferred from one Presbytery to anotlier 999 4. A Presbytery divided in or- der to form a Synod . . . 999 5. A Presbytery formed out of Churches in two Synods . 999 6. Ministers dismissed to form new Presbyteries .... 999 7. Committee on Home Mis- sions appointed in a new Presbytery .999 V. To correspond with Foreign Churches, i. Churches in general .... 1000 ii. The World Presbyterian Al- liance. 1. Action as to the Seventh General Council .... 1001 2. The work of the Alliance approved 1001 3. Connuittee appointed to nom- inate delegates to the Eighth General Council . 1001 4. Change in Basis of Repre- sentation in the General Council of the Alliance . 1001 5. Religious services for the English - speaking people in Europe 1002 6. Committee on European Work appointed .... 1002 7. Reports of the Conunittee on European Work .... 1002 8. Expenses of the Alliance voted 1003 9. Delegates and Reports of the Alliance . . .' 1003 iii. Correspondence with Amer- ican Churches. 1. Comity with Other Denomina- tions. 1. Principles and Rules as to Comiiy stated. The duty of the Church to the Na- tion emphasized 1004 2. Federation of American Protest- ant Chnrche.^. 1. ApiJointment of Committee on Church Cooperation and Union 1005 2. Communication from the Na- tional Federation . . . 1005 3. Closer relation of all Protest- ant Chiu'chcs in the U.S. A. approved and Conference authorized 1006 4. Delegates to the Tnterchurch Confei'ciice appointed, etc., Assembly of 19(15 .... 1006 5. Rejiort of the Committee on interchurch Conference on Federation to the As.sem- bly of 1906 1007 6. Action of the Assembly on • the Plan of Federation . . 1007 7. The Plan of Federation . . 1008 8. Expenses of Delegates . . . 1010 3. Federation and Cooperation of Preshyterian and Reformed Churches in America. 1. Report of the Committee on Church Cooperation and Union on Presbyterian Federation, 1904 .... 1011 2. Action on Presbyterian Fed- eration of tiie Assemblv of 1904 '. . 1012 3. Plan of Coopei-ation with Churches in the Presby- terian Alliance reaf- firmed 1012 4. Report of the Committee on Church Cooperation and Union on Presbyterian Federation, 1905 ... 1012 5. Action of the Assembly of 1905 on the proposed Plan of Presbyterian Fedeiu- tion 1013 6. Report of the Committee on Church Cooperation and Union on Presbyterian Federation, 1906 . . . .1013 7. The Articles of Agreement . 1013 8. Action of the Assembly of 1906 on the Articles of Agreement 1015 4- Closer Relations and Coopera- tion with ParticiUar Denomi- nations. The Presbyterian Church in the U. S. 1. Action of the Assembly of 1899 ■ . . 1016 2. Closer relations desired be- tween the Churches. Ac- tion of the Bufialo Assem- bly, 1904 1016 3. Action of the Mobile Assem- bly, 1904 1016 4. Committee of Conference ap- pointed bv tlie Mobile As- sembly, 1904 1017 5. Informal Conference at Pitts- burgh, Pa., 1905 .... 1017 The Reformed Church in the U. S. Report of the Conunittee on Church (\)(")peration and Union, on relations with the Reformed (^hurch, U. S. . . 1017 Work among the Hunr/arians in the U. S. 1. Conunittee on Hungarian Work appointed .... 1018 2. Re])ort of Conunittee on Hungarian Work. 1903 . 1018 3. R(i)(>rt of CoM!Miittee on Hungarian Work, 1904 . 1019 4. Cooperation as to Hungiirian Religions Work urged. Committee of Conference ap])oiutcd 1020 VI. Powei-s of General Superin- tendence. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Iv I. The Boards and Permanent Committees. i. General Matters. 1. Rule as to Membei-s of the Boards, etc 1021 2. Salaried Executive OflBcers to l)e approved 1022 3. The Charters of the Boards and the rights of the As- sembly 1022 4. Budget for the Boards at each Assembly 1025 5. Rej)ort()n the Administrative and Ijegal Status of the Boards received through the Reunion of 1906 . . . 1025 ii. The Separate Boards. i. Board of Home Missions. 1. Regulations for the distri- bution of Home Mission Funds 1026 2. Presbytery of Cimarron as- signed to Home Mission Board 1026 3. College assigned to Home Mission Board 1026 4. Associate Secretaries ajv proved . 1026 5. Centennial of Home Mission Work 1027 6. Reguhitions for the conduct of Synodical Home Mis- sion Work 1027 7. Plan of Sustentation for Min- isters in active service approved 1027 8. The Reports of the Special Committee o n AV o r k among tlie Innnigrants, 190.S-04 1028 9. The Board of Home Mis- sions the unifying agency of Work among the Immi- grants . 1028 10. The conference between the Board of Home Missions and the Self-supporting Synods 1028 11. Action of the Assembly on Work among the Immi- grants . 1029 12. Plan of Evangelistic Work by the Board of Home Missions 1030 13. Relations of the Boards of Home Missions and Pub- lication in S:il)batii-schooI Missi(mary Work .... 1031 ii. Board of Foreign Missions. 1. Questions authorized for lav candidates ". 1031 2. Conditions for engagement in new work 1031 3. Plan and Rules of Comitv on the Foreign Field . . ' . .1031 4. Action as to the theological (pialifications of mission- aries 1032 5. Union Educational Institu- tions to teach views in harmonv with the Stand- ards . .■ 1033 6. Approval of Salaried Execu- tive Officers 1033 7. Ecumenical Missionarv Con- ference of 1900 approved 1033 8. Action as to the Centennial of Chinese Mi.ssions . . 1034 iii. Board of Education. 1. Directions as to applications of candidates seeking aid . 1034 2. Discretion allowed as to a{H plication of rules in certain cases 1034 3. Board to cooperate with Syn- odical Education Commit- tees 1035 4. Action authorized for the re- turn of a legacy 1035 5. Directions as to Work for Foreign Innnigrants . . . 1035 iv. Board of Publication. 1. Rule as to the employment of colporteui-s 1035 2. Directions as to the invest- ment of funds 1035 3. Approval of Salaried Execu- tive Officers 1035 4. Relations of the Boards of Home Missions and Pub- lication in Sabliath-.school Missionary Work .... 1036 5. Board given authority to make administrative changes 1036 6. Directions as to work among foreign-speaking peoples . 1036 7. Directions as to a Depart- ment of Young People's Work 1036 V. Board of Church Erection. 1. Rules for grants for church buildings 1037 2. Directions as to the manse funds 1038 3. Board aiUhorizcd to amend its charter 1038 4. Churches dcsiringaid to con- suh with the Board before building 1038 5. Mortgage upon a church re- lease.i 1038 vi. Board of Relief 1. Amendments to rules . . . 1039 2. By-law as to Investments approved 1039 3. Closing of Westminster House approved .... 1039 4. Additional Endowment ap- proved 1040 5. Ajiportionment upon the cluirches approved . . . 1040 Ivi SYLLAliUS TO THK SUPPLEMENT. 6. Churches to give reasons foi- faihnv to make otierings . 1040 vii. The Freedmen's Board. 1. Salaried Executive Officer approved 1040 2. Debt of the Board liquidated 1040 viii. The College Board. 1. The College Endowment Connnission establi^*lied . 1041 2. Name of the Board changed and sphere enlarged . . . 1041 3. Constitution of the Board, 1904 1041 4. Transfer of j)roperty to the College Board ordered . . 1042 5. Christian Basis of Education approved 1042 6. Salaried officer confirmed . 1042 ix. Committee on Systematic Be- neficence. 1. Appropriations voted . . . 1043 X. Permanent Committee on Tem- perance. 1. Board of Publication in- structed to print literature 1043 2. Pages in Assembly Herald . 1043 i 3. Interdenominational Confer- ence approved 1043 4. Temperance missionaries au- thorized 1043 5. Appointment of Advisory members authorized ■ . . 1043 6. Petitions to U. S. Govern- ment 1043 xi. The Asi^embly Herald. 1. Establishment of the (new) Assembly Herald . . 1043 2. New Committee of Manage- ment appointed 1044 xii. Committee on Evangelistic Work. 1. Action of the Assembly of 1901 1044 2. Committees appointed, 1901, 1906 1045 3. Employment of evangelists authorized 1045 4. Powers of the Committee . . 1045 5. PresVn'teries and Synods to cooperate 1045 6. Primary responsibility upon pa.stoi^s and Sessions. Com- mittee to ])ass upon quali- fications of evangelists . . 1045 7. Pastoi"s to be sought with special evangelistic gifts . 1046 8. Interdenominational evan- gelistic movements ap- 1046 proved 9. The Evangelistic Committee and the Board of Home Missions 1046 xiii. Permanent Committee on Young People's Work . 1046 xiv. Ministerial Sustentation Fund. 1. Report of Committee on Sus- tentation, 19U3 1046 2. Plan of Sustentation for Min- istei-s approved 1046 3. Membershi(i of the Commit- tee, 19U6 1047 XV. The Permanent Committee on Christian Work among Seamen and Soldiers. 1. Action of the Assemblv, 1906 ...... . ' . 1047 xvi. The Presbyterian Brother- hood. 1. Committee appointed on Men's Societies 1048 2. Organization of the Brother- hood authorized .... 1048 3. Constitution of the Brother- hood approved 1049 II. The Theological Seminaries. i. General Matters. 1. Conference of the Seminaries requested on certain mat- ters 1050 2. Action of the Conference of the Seminaries 1050 3. Aid to students 1050 4. Rules as to the Seminaries to be listed in the Minutes . 1050 5. Instruction in Sabbath- school work recommended 1051 6. Seminary Reports to be fuller 1051 7. Examinations on the Stand- ards to be held 1051 8. Instruction to be given on the work of the Boards . . . 1051 9. Instruction urged in the Eng- lish Bible ....... 1051 10. Instruction in Missions ad- vised ; • ■ • 1^'^2 11. Courses for Evangelists rec- ommended ■ 1052 12. Uniform >isage as to the De- gree of I'>achelor of Arts recommended 1052 13. Students passing from one Seminary to another must present satisfactory testi- monials ....•...• 1052 14. Elections of Directors . . - 1052 15. Elections of Professoi-s . . . 1052 ii. The Separate In.stitutions. i. Princeton Theological Seminary. 1. Changes in the Plan of the Seminary 1053 2. Act of the New Jei"sey Legis- lature '. . . . 1054 3. An Ordinance respecting the Degree of Bachelor of Di- vinity or Theology . . . 1055 ii. Western Theological Seminary. 1. Amendments to the Plan of the Seminary 1055 2. .Action as to certain property interests 1056 Till-: FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Ivii iii. Theological Seminary of Ken- tucky. 1. Act consenting to the consoli- dation of Danville and J^oiiisville Theological .Seminaries 1056 2. Agreement for consolidation of the Presbyterian The- ological Seminaries a t Danville and Louisville, creating the Presbyterian ' Theological Seminary of Kentucky " . . 1060 3. Action of the Assembly of 1902 1064 4. Approval of the Constitution of the Seminary 1064 iv. Mc(Jormick Theological Semi- nary. 1. Amendments to the Constitu- tion api)roved 1064 V. Omaha Theological Seminary. 1. Changes in the Constitution api)roved 1064 vi. Lebanon Theological Seminary 1065 IV. Affiliated Organization.s. American Bible Society. 1. Presbyterial Committees to be appointed 1065 American Tract Society. 1. Presbyterial Committees to be appointed 1065 Section 7. 1. Deliverance against Biennial or Triennial Assemblies . . 1066 Section 8. 1. One Assembly cannot control another as to place of meet- ing 1067 2. Emergency Committee to pro- vide new place of meeting appointed 1067 Chapter XI II. Of Electing and Ordaining Ruling Elders and Deacons. Section 2. A congregation has the right to elect Elders as to it may seem best 1067 Section 4. Ordination of a Ruling Elder not invalidated by failure to read the Confession 1068 Section 6. 1. To whom an I^lder or Deacon should resign 1068 Chapter XIV. Of Licensing Candidates or Probationers to Preach the Gospel. Section 3. 1. Constitutional Rule No. 3 . . 1069 2. Form of application for can- didates .••;.• 106^ 3. Presbyteries to exercise vigi- lance as to candidates . . . 1070 4. College graduation to be in- sisted ujjon 1070 5. Duties of Committees on Edu- cation stated 1070 Sections 4 and 5. 1. Presbytery has discretion as to the Latin Exegesis .... 1070 2. Lecture and sermon may be heard by Committee .... 1071 Section 6. 1. Amendment as to Limitation of Time of Licensure of candi- dates 1071 2. Theological course to be taken in approved Institutions . . 1071 Section 7. 1. Local Evangelist must be for- mally licensed prior to ordi- nation 1071 Chapter XV. Of the Election and Ordination of Bishops or Pastors and Evangelists. Section 9. 1. Clause added as to salaries . . 1071 Section 10. 1. Candidates, except those for for- eign fields, to be ordained by the Presliytery in which they are to labor 1072 Section 11. 1. The licensing and ordaining of a candiilate at the same meet- ing not commended .... 1072 Section 14. 1 . Licentiate when ordained ceases to be a member of a local church 1072 Section 16. 1. New Section 16 added, as to Ministers from other De- nominations 1073 2. RecejUion of Ministei-s from the Presbyterian Church South 1073 Chapter XVII. Of Resigning a Pastoral Charge. 1. New Section 2 added, as to Pastor Emeritus 1073 Iviii SYLLABUS TO TUE SUPPLEMENT. Chapter XVIII. Of Missions (Reference) 1073 Chaptkr XIX. Of Moderators (Reference) 1073 Chapter XX. Of Clerks (Reference) 1074 Chapter XXI. Of Vacant Congregations Assembling for Public Worship. . . 1075 Sections 2-4. 1. Three sections added to Chap- ter XXI 1074 2. Vacant church defined .... 1074 3. Synodical Missionary cannot act in vacant churches inde- pendently of Presbytery . . 1075 4. Declaration that a pulpit is vacant commended . . 5. Committee on \'acancy and Supply ai)pointed 1075 6. Final Report of Committee, 1905 1075 Plan of Vacancy and Supply . 1075 7. Recommendation as to preach- ing of Secretaries 1077 Chapter XXII. Of Commissioners to the General Assembly 2, 1. Conmiissioners seated upon peti- tion of a majority of Presby- tery 1077 Commissioner enrolled who was present at place of meeting, but absent from the Assembly through illness ..... . . 1077 Chapter XXIII. Of the Organizations of the Church: Their Rights AND Duties. 1. Text of New Chapter 1078 I 2. Societies organized under Chap- ter XXIII 1078 Chapter XXIV. Of Amendments. 1. Renumbering of Chapter ordered 1078 Section 1. 1. Amendments to the Adminis- trative Standards 1079 The Foi-m of Government . . . 1079 The Book of Discipline . . . 1079 The Directory for Worship . . . 1079 Section 2. 1. Amendments to the Doctrinal Standards 1079 The Confession, of Faith .... 1079 2. Return of the written votes of the Presbyteries on Revision 1079 3. Appointment of Committee of Canvass 1080 4. Summary of the State of the Vote on Revision 1080 5. Report of the Committee of Canvass, and Enactments by the General Assembly . . . 1080 6. Resolution of P^nactment for the whole Revision .... 1080 7. Declaration by the Moderator 1081 8. Necessary changes committed to the Permanent Committee on the Constitution .... 1081 9. Action as to the vote of Foreign Presbyteries ...••.. 1081 10. The Reunion and Union with the Cumberland Presbyte- rian Church 1081 Section 3. 1. Appointment of Committee on Revision 1082 2. Member withdraws because of transfer to another Synod . 1082 Section 6. 1. Amendments declared inopera- tive becau.se of prior agree- ment as to Reunion .... 1082 2. Amendments sent down a sec- ond time 1082 3. Declaration as to adoption of Overtures 1083 PART IV. THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. Chapter I. Of Discipline: Its Nature, Ends, and Subjects. Section 3. 1. Entire separation from the lifjuor traffic urged .... 1085 2. Persons encouraging the liquor traffic subject to discipline . 1085 3. Educational institutions urged to prohibit the use of liquor 1085 4. Deliverance agjiinst the license system . 1085 Section 5a. [New Section, adopted 1902.] 1. Distinction between judicial and non-jndicial cases estab- lished 1085 THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. lix Chapter III. Of Charges and Specifications. Section 15. 1. Synod may not on\vv trial on other than original cliargos . . 1086 Chaitek IV. Of I'RocEas: General Rules Pertaining to all Cases. Section IS. 1. Teachings of Dr. A. C. McGif- fert referied to the Presby- tery of New York as the body having primary respon- sibility 1086 Section 19. 1. Judicial Suspension may not be without formal trial .... 1086 Section 26. 1. Section 2(i amended as to eligi- bility of counsel 1087 Section 29. 1. Presbytery cannot be required to furnish Synod Kecord of Case ..." 1087 2. No time specified for furnish- ing Recoi'd of Case .... 1087 Chapter VI. General, Rules Pertaining to the Trial of a Minister, Elder, or Deacon. Section 44. 1. Deposition carries with it removal from the Roll 1087 Chapter VII. Of Cases Without Process. Section 49. 1. Reserve Roll for non-resident members only 1088 2. Title of Reserve changed to Suspended Roll 1088 Section 51. 1. Ministers cannot be required to seek demission 1089 2. Demission allowable only after a year's probation 1089 Section 5S. Names of absentee ministers erased from the Roll 1090 Chapter VIII. Of Evidence. Section 68. 1. Case referred back because of alleged new evidence . 1090 Chapter IX. I. Of General Review and Control. Section 72. Proceedings must be correctly re- corded ; 1090 Section 74. 1. Amended by omission of words in last clause 1091 2. A judicial decision cannot be revei-sed by review of records 1091 Section 76. 1. Primary inquiry in certain cases belongs to Synod . . • 1091 III. Of Complaints. Section 83. 1. Amended so as to apply to administrative cases .... 1092 2. Complaints must go to the ne.xt superior judicatory . . 1092 3. Memorials cannot be regarded as coiniilaints 1092 4. Complaint cannot be taken against discretion of a judi- catory ....... . 1092 5. Complaints dismissed and no reason given 1093 Section 84. 1. Notice must be served .... 1093 2. Committee on Time of Notice of Complaint and Appeal appointed 1093 3. Report of Committee. Notice to be given within ten days after action. Judicatories to [)rovide for counsel .... 1093 Section 85. 1. Amended so as to apply only to administrative cases .... 1094 Section 87. 1. Amended so as to ai)plyonlyto administrative ca.ses • • • 1094 2. A complaint in a non-judicial case may be referred to a Committee 1095 Section 88. 1. Amended so as to ajiply only to administrative cases .... 1095 Section 89. 1. Amended by striking out the words, "in cases non-judicial"' 1095 Ix SYLLABUS TO THE SUPPLEMENT. 2. Jmiicatories to provide for tlie appointment of Counsel . . Section 91. 1. Amended by substituting com- plaint for ajjpeal Section 93. 1. This Section stricken out as unnecessary IV. Of Appeals. Section 94. 1. Amended as to method of hear- ing judicatory appealed from 2. Appeal withdrawn for the peace of the Cliurch 3. Final judgments subject to re- versal oidy by appeal . . . 4. Memorials not proper in a ju- dicial case 5. Complaint in a judicial case sustained, but no action taken because original party did not appeal Section 9'). 1. Amended by striking out the words "or complaint" . . . 2. Appeal cannot be taken against discretionof a judicatory . . 3. Appeal cannot be taken against obedience to the instructions of an Assembly 4. Aj)peal cannot be taken in a case adjudicated by the As- sembly 5. Dismissed because no question of doctrine or constitution involved 6. Dismissed because appeal pend- ing before Synod Section 96. 1. Appeal dismissed because no sufficient evidence that speci- fications were filed .... Dissent entered from judgment Section 99. 1. Amended by striking out pro- vision for hearing members of judicatory appealed from Section 99 (4). I. Judgments appealed from and afiirmed 1095 1095 1096 1096 1096 1096 1097 1097 1097 1098 1098 1098 1098 1098 1098 1099 1100 1100 II. Judgments levei-sed, modified, or remanded 1100 a. Bose Ca.se. 1. Synod instructed to inquire into constitutionality of its action ' . . . 1100 2. Judgment revei-sed because unconstitutional. Obedi- ence to ordei^s of Synod by Presbytery made the case res adjudicdta 1100 3. Protest in the Bose Case . . 1102 b. Marsh Case. 1. Case remanded to Synod with ordei's to affirm the judg- ment of Presbytery . . .1102 c. McCullough Case. 1. Case referred to Synod with orders to try 1103 d. The Warszawiak Case. 1. Judgment reversed and case remanded because the Synod had no right to in- struct for retrial. Synod could not act while appeal was pending 1103 2. One Assembly has no right to interpret judgment of another Assembly. Case terminated without fur- ther trial 1104 e. The Williamsjiort Case. 1. Case remanded with instruc- tions to Synod to remit to Presbytery for reconsidera- tion and action 1105 2. Without sustaining appeal case remanded to Synod with instructions to Pres- bytery to modify its plan of settlement 1105 3. Appeal cannot be taken against obedience to in- structions of the Assembly 1105 4. Appeal dismissed and ap- pellants advised to organ- ize a separate church . .1105 f. Other cases remanded, etc. 1106 Section 101. 1. Kecords must be sent up . . . 1106 Chapter X. Of Dissents and Pkotests. 4. Other Dissents Section 105. 1. Protest against "separate" Presbyteries 1106 2. Protest against Union with the Cumberland Presbvterian Church •" • ; • ^'^^l 3. Answer to the Protest on Union 1 107 and Protests entered 1108 Section 107. 1. Amendment providing for pro- tests as to Judicial Commis- sions 1108 Chapter XII Section 114. 1. Session instructed to give letter of dismission 1109 2. Letter cannot be given to sus- pended member unless re- Of Removals and Limitations of Time. pentant 1109 3. Form authorized for letters of dismissal 1109 4. Removal notices of members authorized 1109 THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. Chapter XIII. Of Judicial Commissions. Ixi Section 118. 1. Judicial Commission must be organized in accordance with the provisions of the Book of Discipline 1110 2. Judicial Committee appointed as Judicial Commission . . 1110 3. Judicial Commissions ap- pointed, 1898-1906 .... 1110 PART V. THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. Chapter I. On the Sanctification of the Lord's Day. Section 1. 1. The religious rights of cadets at the U. S. Naval Academy- asserted 1111 Section 2. 1. The Committee on Sabbath Ob- servance 1111 2. Methods for Sabbath Observ- ance commended 1111 3. Action as to Sabbath-closing of Public Expositions . . . .1112 4. Discontinuance of Sunday ex- cui'sions urged 1113 I 5. Political conferences on Sunday condemned 1113 6. Employers of labor to secure minimum of Sunday labor . 1113 7. Sabbath-school lesson to be pre- pared on Sabbath Observ- ance 1113 8. Sabbath Okservance Commit- tees to be organized in Pres- byteries and Synods . . . .1113 Section 6. 1. Instruction in the Shorter Cat- echism emphasized . . . .1114 Chapter V. Of Public Prayer. Section 4. 1. Appointment of Committee on Forms and Services . . . .1114 2. IS^ames of Members of the Com- mittee 1114 3. Reports of the Committee . .1115 4. Action of the Assembly of 1905 1115 5. Action of the Assembly of 1906 1115 Chapter VI. Of the Worship of God by Offerings. 1. Amended by the insertion of a new section 1117 2. Duty of the Churches to the Boards 1117 3. Duty of Presbytery as to system- atic giving 1117 4. Duty of Sessions as to offerings .1117 5. Subscription blanks, etc., to be furnished free 1118 Chapter IX. Of the Administration of the Lord's Supper. 1. The kind of wine left to the de- I 2. Ruling Elders cannot administer termination of Session .... 1118 | the Sacraments 1118 Chapter XIV. Of the Burial of the Dead. 1. Funerals on the Lord's Day disapproved m 8 DIGEST ACTS AND DELIVERANCES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. TART I. HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. I. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. 1. The General Presbytery. [Note. — We have no history of the organization of tlie First Presbytery in what is now " The United States dk AMpnucA." No record is to be found prior to I)e<.'i'in- ber 27, 1706, when we find the Presbytery in session engaged in the work of examin- ing Mr. John Boyd as a candidate for ordination, in tlie manner and form familiar to us at this day. — Records of the Presbyterian Church, 1706, p. 9. Itseems to have liad no other designation than "The Presbytery," and was, until 1717, the supreme judicatory of our Clmrcli.] 2. The General Synod. In 1716 the Presbytery adopted the following: It having pleased divine I'rovidence so to increase our number, as that, after much deliberation, we judge it may be more serviceable to the interest of religion, to divide ourselves into subordinate meetings or Pres- byteries, constituting one annually as a Synod, to meet at Philadelphia or elsewhere, to consist of all the members of each subordinate Presby- tery or meeting for this year at least: Therefore it is agreed by the Pre.sbytery, after serious deliberation, that the first subordinate meeting or Presbytery, to meet at Philadelphia or elsewhere, as they shall see tit, do con.sist of these following members, viz. : Masters Andrews, Jones, Powell, Orr, Bradner and JNIorgan. And the second to meet at New C'astle or elsewhere, as they shall see fit, to consist of these, viz. : Mastera Anderson, McGill, Gillespie, Wotherspoon, Evans, ami Conn. The third to meet at Snow Hill or elsewhere, to consist of tliese, viz. : Masters Davis, Hampton and Henry. And in consideration that only ] 2 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. our brethren Mr. McNish and Mr. Pumry are of our number upon Long Island at present, we earnestly recommend it to them to use their best endeavoi"S with the neighboring brethren that are settled there, which as yet join not with us, to join with them in erecting a fourth Presbytery. And as to the time of the meeting of the respective Pres- byteries, it is ordered that that be left to their own discretion. — 1716, p. 45. Our next meeting being appointed as a Synod, it was ordered that the present Moderator (Rev. George McNish) open the same by preaching. .... Appointed that the first meeting of our said Synod be at Phila- delphia, on the third Tuesday of September in the year 1717. — 1716, p. 46. 3. The General Assembly. a. Preparatory act. The Synod, considering the number and extent of the churches under their care, and the inconvenience of the present mode of government by one Synod, Resolved, That this Synod will establish out of its own body three or more subordinate Synods, out of which shall be composed a General Assembly, Synod or Council, agreeably to a system hereafter to be adopted. — 1786, p. 517. b. The Synod divided and the General Assembly constituted. Resolved unanimously, That this Synod be divided, and it is hereby divided, into four Synods, agreeably to an act made and provided for that purpose in the sessions of Synod in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty -six; and that this division shall commence on the dissolution of the present Synod. Resolved, That the first meeting of the General Assembly, to be con- stituted out of the above said four Synods, be held, and it is hereby appointed to be held, on the third Thursday of May, one thousand seven hundred and eighty -nine, in the Second Presbyterian Church in the city of Philadelphia, at eleven o'clock a.m.; and that Dr. Wither- spoon, or, in his absence. Dr. Rogers, open the General Assembly with a sermon, and preside till a Moderator be chosen. — 1788, pp. 547, 548. II. ADOPTION, ETC., OF THE STANDAEDS. I. THE ADOPTING ACTS OF 1729 AND EXPLANA TOR Y A CTS. 1. The Overture laid over for a year. There being an overture presented to the Synod in writing, having reference to the subscribing to the Confession of Faith, etc. , the Synod, judging this to be a very important affair, unanimously concluded to defer the consideration of it till the next Synod, withal recommending it to the membere of each Presbytery present to give timeous notice thereof to the absent members. — 1728, p. 91. ADOPTION OF THE STANDARDS. 8 2. The Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly adopted. a. Act relating to Subscription. The committee brought in an overture upon the affair of the Confes- sion, which was agreed upon in Juec verba : Although the Synod do not chaim or pretend to any authority of imposing our faith upon other men's consciences, but do profess our just dissatisfaction with and abhorrence of such impositions, and do utterly disclaim all legislative power and authority in the Church, being willing to receive one another as Christ has received us to the glory of God, and admit to fellowship in sacred ordinances all such as we have grounds to believe Christ will at last admit to the kingdom of heaven, yet we are undoubtedly obliged to take care that the faith once delivered to the saints be kept pure and uncorrupt among us, and so handed down to our posterity. And do therefore agree that all the ministers of this Synod, or that shall hereafter be admitted into this Synod, shall declare their agreement in and approbation of the Confession of Faith, with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at Westmin- ster, as being, in all the essential and necessary articles, good forms of sound words and systems of Christian doctrine, and do also adopt the said Confession and Catechisms as the confession of our faith. And we do also agree, that all the Presbyteries within our bounds shall always take care not to admit any candidate for the ministry into the exercise of the sacred function, but what declares his agreement in opinion with all the essential and necessary articles of said Confession, cither by subscribing the said Confession of Faith and Catechisms, or by a verbal declaration of their assent thereto, as such minister or candidate shall think best. And in case any minister of this Synod, or any candidate for the minis- try, shall have any scruple with respect to any article or articles of said Confession or Catechisms, he shall at the time of his making said declar- ation declare liis sentiments to the Presbytery or Synod, who shall, notwithstanding, admit him to the exercise of the ministry within our bounds, and to ministerial connnunion, if the Synod or Presbytery shall judge his scruple or mistake to be only about articles not essential and necessary in doctrine, worship or government. But if the Synod or Presbytery shall judge such ministers or candidates erroneous in essential and necessary articles of faith, the Synod or Presbytery shall declare them uncapable of conmmnion with them. And the Synod do solemnly agree that none of us will traduce or use any opprobrious term of those that differ from us in these extra-essential and not necessary points of doc- trine, but treat them with the same friendship, kindness and brotlierly love, as if they had not differed from us in such sentiments. — 1729, p94. b. The Adopting Act proper, f On the afternoon of the same day, All the ministers of this Synod now present, except one * that declared himself not prepared, viz.: Masters Jedidiah Andrews, Thomas ('raig- head, John Thomson, James Anderson, John Pierson, Saimul Colston. Joseph Houston, Gilbert Tennent, Adam Boyd, Jonatlian Dickinson, John Bradner, Alexander Hutchinson, Thomas Evans, Hugh Stevenson, * Daniel Elmer, who subscribed the next year.— 1730, p. 97. t See p. 5. 4 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. William Tennent, Hugh Conn, George Gillespie and John Wilson, after proposing all the scruples that any of them had to make against any articles and expressions in the Confession of Faith and Larger and Shoi'ter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, have unanimously agreed in the solution of those scruples, and in declaring the said Confession and Catechisms to be the confession of their faith, excepting only some clauses in the twentieth and twenty -third chapters, concerning which clauses the Synod do unanimously declare that they do not receive those articles in any such sense as to suppose the civil magistrate hath a controlling power over Synods with respect to the exercise of their ministerial authority, or power to persecute any for their religion, or in any sense contrary to the Protestant succession to the throne of Great Britain. The Synod, observing that unanimity, peace and unity which appeared in all their consultations and determinations relating to the affair of the Confession, did unanimously agree in giving thanks to God in solemn prayer and praises. — 1729, p. 95. 3. The "Directory" recommended. The Synod do unanimously acknowledge and declare, that they judge the Directory for Worship, discipline and government of the Church, commonly annexed to the Westminster Confession, to be agreeable in substance to the word of God, and founded thereupon, and therefore do earnestly recommend the same to all their members, to be by them served as near as circumstances will allow and Christian prudence direct.— 1729, p. 95. 4. Intrants and candidates to adopt the Confession in the same manner and as fully as those then present. a. Whereas some pei^sons have been dissatisfied at the manner of wording our last year's agreement about the Confession, etc.; supposing some expressions not sufficiently obligatory upon intrants ; Overtured, That the Synod do now declare that they understand these clauses that respect the admission of intrants or candidates in such a sense as to oblige them to receive and adopt the Confession and Catechisms at their admission in the same manner and as fully as the members of the Synod did that were then present. Which overture was unanimously agreed to by the Synod.— 1730, p. 98. b. Ordered, That the Synod make a particular inquiry during the time of their meeting every year, whether such ministei's as have been received as members since the foregoing meeting of the Synod have adopted, or have been required by the Synod, or by the respective Presbyteries, to adopt the Westminster Confession and Catechisms with the Directory, according to the acts of the Synod made some yeai-s since for that purpose, and that also the report made to the Synod in answer to said inquiry be recorded in our minutes. — 1734, p. 109. 5. To be inscribed in the book of each Presbytery. Ordered, That each Presbytery have the whole Adopting Act inserted in their Presbytery book. — 1735, p. 115. ADOPTION OF THE STANDARDS. 0 6. An act explaining the Adopting Act. An overture of the committee upon the supplication of the people of Paxton and Derry was brought iu and is as followeth: That the Synod do declare, that inasmuch as we understand that many persons of our persuasion, both more lately and formerly, have been ofiended with some expressions or distinctions in the first or preliminary act of our Synod contained in the printed paper, relating to our receiving or adopting the "Westminster Confession and Catechisms, etc. ; That in order to remove said offense, and all jealousies that have arisen or may arise in any of our people's minds on occasion of said distinctions and expressions, the Synod doth declare that the Synod have adopted and still do adhere to the Westminster Confession, Catechisms and Directory, without the lea.st variation or alteration, and Avithout any regard to said distinctions. And we do further declare that this was our meaning and true intent in our first adopting of said Confession, as may particularly appear by our Adopting Act which is as followeth: "All the ministers of the Synod now present (which were eighteen in number, except one that declared himself not prepared), after proposing all the scruples any of them had to make against any articles and expressions in the Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at "Westminster, have unanimously agreed in the solution of these scruples, and in declaring the said Confession and Catechisms to be the confession of their faith, except only some clauses in the twentieth and twenty- third chapters, concerning which clauses the Synod do unanimously declare, that they do not receive these articles in any such sense as to suppose the civil magistrate hath a controlling power over Synods with respect to the exercise of their ministerial authority, or power to perse- cute any for their religion, or in any sense contrary to the Protestant succession to the throne of Great Britain. ' ' And we hope and desire that this our Synodical declaration and explication may satisfy all our people, as to our firm attachment to our good old received doctrines contained in said confession, without the least variation or alteration, and that they Avill lay aside their jealousies that have been entertained through occasion of the above hinted expressions and declarations as groundless. This overture approved nemine contra- dicente. — 1736, p. 126. 7. Mode of adopting the Confession. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia adopt, according to the known and established meaning of the terms, the Westminster Confession of Faith as the confession of their faith, save that every candidate for the gospel ministry is permitted to except against so nuich of the twenty - tliird chapter as gives authority to the civil magistrates in matters of religion. The Presbyterian Church in America considei-s the Churcli of Christ as a spiritual society, entirely distinct from tlie civil government, having a right to regulate their own ecclesiastical policy, independently of the interposition of the magistrate. — 1786, p. 519. 8. The Directory for Worship and Form of Government. The Synod also receives the Directory for public worship and the Form of cluircli government recommended by the Westminster Assembly as in substance agreeable to the institutions of the New Testament. Tliis mode of adoption we use, because we believe the general platform of our 6 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. government to be agreeable to the sacred Scriptures; but we do not believe that God has been pleased so to reveal and enjoin every minute circumstance of ecclesiastic government and discipline as not to leave room for orthodox churches of Christ, in these minutiae, to differ with charity from one another, — 1786, p. 519. 9. Authority of Pardovan's Collections. The rules of our discipline and the form of process in our Church judicatures are contained in Pardovan's (alias Stewart's) Collections, in conjunction with the acts of our own Synod, the power of which, in mattei"s purely ecclesiastical, we consider as equal to the power of any Synod or General Assembly in the world. Our Church judicatures, like those in the Church of Scotland, from which we derive our origin, are Church Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods, to which it is now in contem- plation to add a National and General Assembly. — 1786, p. 519. It was moved and carried. That the Form of Process in Stewart of Pardovan's Collections, be read and considered as a basis of deliberation along with the draught. — 1787, p. 535. //. THE CONSTITUTION OF 1788. 1. The Constitution revised and amended. [Note. — In 1786 the " Book of Discipline and Government" was referred to a com- mittee " to digest such a system as they shall think to be accommodated to the state of the Presbyterian Church in America." The committee consisted of Drs. Wither- spoon, McWhorter, Rodgers, Sproat, Duffield, Alison and Ewing, Mr. Matthew Wilson and Dr. Smith, with Isaac Snowden, Esq., Mr. Robert Taggart and John Pinkerton, Elders.— 1786, p. 525. In 1787, the Synod, preparatory to forming the General Assembly, ordered a thor- ough revision of the standards, altering the articles excepted to in the Adopting Act of 1729, and making such amendments as were found to be necessary. — 1787, p. 539.] 2. Form of Government, Discipline, and Confession of Faith, ratified and adopted. The Synod having fully considered the draught of the Form of Gov- ernment and Discipline, did, on a review of the Avhole, and hereby do ratify and adopt the same, as now altered and amended, as the Constitu- tion of the Presbyterian Church in America, and order the same to be considered and strictly observed as the rule of their proceedings, by all the inferior judicatories belonging to the body. And they order that a correct copy be printed, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, as now altered, be printed in fiiU along with it, as making a part of the Constitution. Resolved, That the true intent and meaning of the above ratification by the Synod is, that the Form of Government and Discipline and the Confession of Faith, as now ratified, is to continue to be our Constitution and the confession of our faith and practice unalterable, unless two- thirds of the Presbyteries under the care of the General Assembly shall propose alterations or amendments, and such alterations or amendments shall be agreed to and enacted by the General Assembly. — 1788, p. 546. 3. Directory for Worship and Catechisms, Larger and Shorter. The Synod having now revised and corrected the draught of a Directory for Worship, did approve and ratify the same, and do hereby appoint the OBLIGATION OF THE STANDARDS. 7 said Directory, as now amended, to be the Directory for the worship of God in the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. They also took into consideration the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and having made a small amendment of the Larger, did approve, and do hereby approve and ratify the said Catechisms, as now agreed on, as the Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in the said United States. And the Synod order that the said Directory and Cate- chisms be printed and bound up in the same volume with the Confession of Faith and the Form of Government and Discipline, and that the whole be considered as the standard of our doctrine, government, disci- pline and worship, agreeably to the resolutions of the Synod at their present sessions. — 1788, p. 547. 4. Assembly enacts part of the Directory. Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Smith, and the Moderator, were appointed a committee to revise the chapter of the draught of the directory, respect- ing the mode of inflicting church censures, and to lay it, as by them revised, before the General Assembly at their first meeting, to be by them considered and finally enacted. — 1788, p. 547. The committee appointed by the late Synod of New York and Phila- delphia, to revise the chapter of the Directory entitled, " Of the mode of inflicting church censures," laid before the Assembly the chapter, as by them revised; which, being considered and amended, was finally enacted, and ordered to be printed and published with the Constitution. —1789, p. 9. III. THE OBLIGATION, ETC., OF THE STANDARDS. 1. The Adopting Acts and their force. [Note. — For the text of the adopting acts and the acts explanatory of them, see pp. 2 and 5.] 2. Use and obligation of the Standards. 1. That, in the opinion of this Assembly, Confessions of Faith, containing formulas of doctrine, and rules for conducting the discipline and worship proper to be maintained in the house of God, are not only recognized as necessary and expedient, but as the character of human nature is continually aiming at innovation, absolutely requisite to the settled peace of the Church, and to the happy and orderly existence of Christian communion. Within the limits of Christendom, few are to be found in the attitude of avowed hostility to Christianity. The name of Christian is claimed by all, and all are ready to profess their belief in the Holy Scriptures, too many reserving to themselves the right of putting upon them what construction they please. In such a state of things, without the aid of Confessions, Christian fellowship can exist only in a very limited degree, and the disorder of the Coriuthiau Church, condemned by the apostle, would be realized: "I am of Paul and I of Apollos. ' ' 2. That, though the Confession of Faith and Standards of our Church are of no original authority, independent of the Scriptures, yet we regard them as a summary of those divine truths which are diffused throughout the sacred volume. They, as a system of doctrines, therefore, cannot be abandoned, in 8 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. our opinion, without an abandonment of the word of God. They form a bond of fellowsliip in the faith of the Gospel, and the General Assem- bly cannot l)ut believe the precious immortals under their care to be more safe in receiving the truth of God's holy word, as exhibited in the standards of our Church, than in being subject to the guidance of any instructor, whoever he may be, who may have confidence enough to set up his own opinions in opposition to the system of doctrines which men of sound learning, full of the Holy Ghost, and mighty in the Scriptures, have devised from the oracles of the living God. It should never be forgotten, that the Church is solemnly cautioned against the danger of being carried about by every wind of doctrine. 3. This Confession of Faith, adopted by our Church, contains a system of doctrines professedly believed by the people and the pastors under the care of the General Assembly, nor can it be traduced by any in the communion of our Church, without subjecting the erring parties to that salutary discipline which hath for its object the maintenance of the peace and puritv of the Church, under the government of her great Master.— 1824, p. 114. 3. Adoption of the Standards in every case required. The committee appointed on an overture resjiecting the consistency of admitting into this Church ministers who manifest a decided hostility to ecclesiastical creeds, confessions, and formularies, make the following report, which was adopted, viz. : 1. That the Constitution, as is Avell known, expressly requires of all candidates for admission, a solemn declaration that they sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures. 2 That the last Assembly, in a report of their committee, to be seen on the minutes, have so explicitly and fully declared the sentiments of this Church in regard to her ecclesiastical standards, and all within her communion who may traduce them, that no fiirther expression of our views on this subject is deemed necessary. — 1825, p. 155. 4. The Catechisms an integral part of the Standards of the Church. a. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 5, viz.: " On subscribing the Confession of Faith," made the following report, which was unanimously adopted, viz. : That, in their judgment, any further legislation on the subject by the Assembly would be unnecessary and inexpedient. They consider the formula contained in our book, and the rule adopted by the Assembly in 1830 — viz. : " That, in their judgment, every licentiate coming by certifi- cate to any Presbytery, in connection with the General Assembly, fi'oni any poi'tion of a corresponding ecclesiastical body, should be required to answer in the affirmative, the constitutional questions directed by chapter fourteenth of our Form of Government, to be put to our candidates before they are licensed; and that in like manner every ordained minister of the Gospel, commg from any church in correspondence with the General Assembly by certificate of dismission and recommendation, shoidd be required to answer affirmatively the first seven questions dn-ected by chapter fifteenth of our Form of Government, to be put to one of our own licentiates when about to be ordained to the sacred office" (p. 287, 1830) — sufficiently explicit; and would earnestly OBLIOATION OF THE STANDARDS. 9 recommend these to the attention of the Presbyteries under the care of the Assembly. b. As to the question submitted to them, " AVhether the Catechisms, Larger and Sliorter, are to be considered as a part of the Standards of our Church, and are comprehended in the words. Confession of Faith of this Church ?" the committee feel no hesitation in answering that ques- tion in the affirmative. It docs not appear that any douljts on that sub- ject have ever been entertained until very recently. The committee find in the minutes of the old Synod, at the union of the Synod of Philadel- phia with the Synod of New York, in 1758, that the first article of the Plan of Union contains the following words (Digest 1820, p. 118), viz. : ' ' Both Synods, having always approved and received tlie Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms as an orthodox and excellent system of Christian doctrine founded on the word of God, we do still receive tlie same as the Confession of our Faith; and also the plan of worship, government and discipline, contained in the AVestmin- ster Directory, strictly enjoining it on all our members and probationers for the ministry that they preach and teach according to the form of sound words in said Confession and Catechisms, and avoid and oppose all error contrary thereto." In the recital of the manner in which a Presbytery Avas received by the Synod of New York, 1763, we have the following record, which is contained in the Assendjly's Digest, p. 50: * ' It was agreed to grant their request, provided that they agree to adopt our Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and engage to observe the Directory as a plan of worship, discipline and government, according to the agreement of this Synod. ' ' In 1788, in the Adopting Act of the Confession, as entered in the Digest, p. 124, the Catechisms ai-e distinctly mentioned as a part of our standards. ' ' They also took into consideration the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and having made a small amendment of the Larger, did approve, and do hereby approve and ratify the said Cate- chisms as now agreed on, as the Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in the said United States. And the Synod order that the said Directory and Catechisms be printed and bound up in the same volume with the Confession of Faith and the Form of Government and Discipline; and that the whole be considered as the standard of our doctrine, govern- ment, discipline and worship, agreeably to the resolutions of the Synod at their present sessions" — one of which resolutions was (p. 123), " that the Form of Government and Discipline, and the Confession of Faith, as now ratified, is to continue to be our constitution and the confession of our faith and practice unalterably, unless two-thirds of the Presbyteries under the care of the General Assembly shall ]n-opose alterations or amendments, and such alterations or amendments shall be agreed to and enacted by the General Assembly." Accordingly, in the Directory for the administration of baptism, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly are mentioned in connection with the Confession of Faith, as adopted by this Church, and are to be recommended as containing a summary of the principles of our holy religit)n, taught in the Scriptures of the Old and Now Testaments. The committee therefore recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolution, viz. : Resolved, by the Assembly, that in receiving and adopting the Confession of Faith, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the 10 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. Holy Scriptures, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly of Divines arc included, and do constitute an integral part of the standards of this Church. — 1832, p. 372. 5. Adoption of the Confession includes the Catechisms. When ministers and other officers are ordained in the Presbyterian Church, and give an affirmative answer to the question: Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of this Church as containing the system of doctrines taught in the Holy Scriptures ? are such ministers and officers to be understood as embracing and assenting to the doctrines, principles, precepts and statements contained in the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, in the same unqualified sense in which they are understood to embrace and assent to the doctrines, princii:)les, precepts and state- ments contained in other parts of the Confession of Faith ? The committee recommend that the question be ausw^ered in the affirmative, and the recommendation was adopted. — 1848, p. 18, O. S. 6. Ministers who cannot adopt the Standards, not to be received. On an overture from the Presb}i;ery of Bethel relative to a Union with the Independent Presbyterian Church, the Assembly answers, " The privilege claimed by the Independent ministers, of holding and teaching doctrines not in harmony with the Confession of Faith, is a privilege, which, even if harmless in this particular case, might be abused as a precedent, and lead in other quarters and in other relations to serious mischief. The Assembly expresses the desire that these minis- ters may soon be able to embrace our standards, without reservation, and in that case the Presbytery of Bethel is hereby authorized to ratify the Union, without further application to this body; but in the event that the Independent ministers and churches cannot relinquish their peculiari- ties, w'ith a good conscience, this Assembly wall cherish them in the bonds of a Christian love, but it cannot see its way clear to embrace them in the same Denomination." — 1857, p. 42, O. S. 7. The "Heidelberg Catechism" approved. The resolutions reported by the Committee on the Heidelberg Cate- chism were adopted, as follows, viz. : 1. Resolved, That this General Assembly recognizes, in the Heidelberg Catechism, a valuable Scriptural compendium of Christian doctrine and duty. 2. Resolved, That if any churches desire to employ the Heidelberg Catechism in the instruction of their children, they may do so with the approbation of this Assembly. 3. Resolved, That this Assembly cordially rejoices at the continued and increasing evidences of agreement and union, among those whose svnibols maintain in common the faith once delivered to the saints. — 1870, p. 120. 8. The Standards subordinate to and in harmony with the Word of God. The grounds for the insertion in this title [Constitution] of the words " Standards subordinate to the Word of God," are as follows: The Presbyterian Church acknowledges and maintains: 1. That " all the books of the Old and New Testaments are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life" (Confession of OBLIGATION OF THE STANDARDS. 11 Faith, Chap, i, Sec. 2); and " that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of fiiith and manners" (Form of Government, Chap, i, Sec. 7). 2. That all Church power, whether exercised by the body in general, or in the way of representation by delegated authority, is only minis- terial and declarative; that is to my, that no Church judicatory ought to pretend to make laws to bind the conscience in virtue of their own authority, and that all their decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God (Form of Government, Chap, i. Sec. 7). 3. That " all Synods or Councils since the apostles' times, whether general or particular, may err and many have erred; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith and practice, but to be used as a help in both " (Confession of Faith, Chap, xxxi. Sec. 13). 4. That " the supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits are to ))e examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit, speaking in the Scrijiture. " These principles set forth clearly the fact that the Holy Scriptures in their entirety have been and are held by this Church to be the only and infallible rule of religious faith and practice. This Christian Church requires its standards of doctrine and government to contain as essential and necessary articles only those things which are " either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessaiy consequences may be deduced from Scripture" (Confession of Faith, Chap, i. Sec. 6). In matters which are non-essential, and which may be " ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence," it is the law of the Church, that in their ordering the ' ' general rides of the Word are always to be observed" (Confession of Faith, Chap, i. Sec. 6). Along with this insistence upon the unique supremacy of the Holy Scriptures there is in the Standards the acknowledgment of human fallibility. Christian Churches and their judicatories, being composed of fallible men, may err. This admission of liability to error, however, is not to be used as if it lessened the authority of the doctrinal and govern- mental Standards of the Church over those who have voluntarily accepted them. Far otherwise! It is simply the declaration by the Church of its dependence upon the Divine Author of the Scri])tures, for the guidance of His Spirit in the interpretation of His Word and in the formulation and ap})lication of its Standards. This Church holds not only to the Word of God as the supreme and infallible rule of faith and practice, but further, that its Confession of Faith contains the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures (Form of Government, Chap, xiv. Sec. 1), and that its government, disci))line and worship are agree- able to and founded upon the Scriptures (Form of Government, Chap, viii. Sec. 1; Book of Discipline, Sees. 3 and 4; Confession of Faith, Chap, xxi. Sec. 1). The Holy Scriptures are acknowledged as alike the source and sanction in all matters of faith and practice. In view of these statements the following resolutions arc offered for adoption : Resolved, 1, That this Assembly, in directing the insertion in the title to the Constitution of the words " Standards subordinate to the Word of God," is to be understood as setting forth the relation of the Confeasion of Faith and the other Standards of the Church to the Word of God iia their sole source and sanction. 12 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. Resolved, 2. That this Assembly draws the attention of the judicato- ries and members of the Church to the declarations of the Standards above quoted, which set forth in explicit terms the belief of the Church, that all the Standards are founded upon and in accordance with the Holy Scriptures.— 1896, pp. 168, 169. IV. THE AMENDMENTS OF THE STANDARDS. 1. Method of amendments. The General Assembly of 1887 appointed a Committee on " The mode of etfccting changes in the Constitution of the Church," consisting of Miniders — William Henry Roberts, D. D. , Chairman, James T. Leftwich, D.D. ; and Ruling Elders — Hon. William Strong and Hon. Robert N. Willson. This Committee w^as increased in the General As- sembly of 1890 by the addition of the following members: Mijiisters — Everard Kemi:)shall, D.D., Henry J. Van Dyke, D.D. , Francis L. Patton, D.D. , Herrick Johnson, D.D. , and Robert M. Patterson, D.D. ; and Riding Elders — George Junkin, Henry B. Sayler and Henry Day. This Committee reported to that Assembly \_3Rnutes, pp. 62-64] an overture containing an amendment to the Form of Government, being Chapter xxiii. Of Amendments. This chapter was adopted by the Presby- teries, and formally declared by the Moderator of the Assembly of 1891, to be a part of the Constitution of the Church. See for the text of the chapter in the proper place in the Form of Government, and also in the same place the law enacted by the Assembly of 1891, with reference to the mode of action upon the returns of the Presbyteries to overtures from the Assembly. See also, Adopting Act of 1788, p. 6. 2. List of amendments. The following list of amendments to the Standards of the Church is given here for information. The subject matter of each amendment will be found in other parts of this Digest under the proper head. {!) The Confession of Faith, adopted 1729, amended 1788 and 1887. 1887, p. 98. — Chap, xxiv. Sec. iv, the last clause stricken out. [Note. — The intent was declared to be " To remove any obstacle which may have existed to the marrying of a deceased wife's sister.] (2) The Form of Government, adopted 1788, amended 1805 and 1821. 1803, p. 282.— The Rev. Drs. Blair, Tennent and Green, the Rev. Messrs. Irwin, Milledoler, Potts, Linn and Janeway, were ap])ointed a Committee to report alterations in the Constitution. 1805, p. 333. — Chap, viii (now ix), Sec. i (now ii); Chap, x (now xi), Sees, i, ii; Chap, xi (now xii), Sec. vi; Chap, xii (now xiii), Sec. ii; Chap, xiv, Sec. i; Chap, xiv (now xv). Sees, i, ii, iii, iv, v; Chap. XV (now xvi). 1819, p. 700. — Chap, xi (now xii). Sec. ii — the ratio of representa- tion was altered. 1820, p. 737. — A Committee appointed 1816, "To revise the Forms of Government and Process," made its liual re})ort, which was adopted by the Assembly, and sent to the Pre.4iyterios as an overture (p. 739). The Committee consisted of John B. Romeyu, D.D., A. Alexander, D.D., S. Miller, D.D., and E. Nott, D.D. ADOPTION OF THE STANDARDS. 13 1821, p. 9. — " The whole of the proposed amendments sent down by the last Assembly to the Presbyteries ratified and declared to be a part of the Constitution." (•5) Amendments Fomn of Government since Reunion. 1871, p. 593— Chap, x, See. ii; 1894, p. 176— Sec. viii. 1881, p. 523— Chap, xi, Sec. i; 1881, p. 523— Sec. iv; 1885, p. 637. 1826, p. 168— Chap, xii. Sec. ii; 1885, p. 630— Sec. ii; 1885, p. 637— Sec. iv. 1891, p. 142 — Chap, xii. Sec. vi, stricken out. 1892, p. 172 — Ciiap. xii. Sec. iv, new, adopted. 1875, p. 521 — Chap, xiii. Sec, viii, added; 1886, p. 108 — amended. 1891, p. 139 — Chap, xxiii, " Of Amendments," added. {Jf) The Book of Discipline, adopted 1884-, amended 1885 to 1894.. In 1878, Minutes, p. 70, in answer to certain overtures, the Com- mittee on the Polity of the Church recommended, that a Committee of six ministers and five elders be appointed to consider whether any changes, amendments or additions should be made in our present Form of Government and Book of Discipline, and if so, what; to report to the next Assembly. The recommendation was adopted, and the Com- mittee appointed: M/mte7>— Elijah R. Craven, D.D., Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D., Alexander T. McGill, D.D., LL.D., William E. Moore, D.D., Nathaniel West, D.D., Robert W. Patterson, D.D., Francis L. Patton, D.D., LL.D. Elders — Hon. William Strong, LL.D., Hon. Joseph Allison, LL.D., Hon. Samuel M. Breckeuridge, LL.D., Hon. Samuel M. Moore, LL.D., Hon. John T. Nixon, LL.D.— p. 119. The Committee made report in 1879 {Minutes, pp. 550, 551), and was continued. Also 1880, pp. 34, 35; 1881, pp. 527, 528. This report was recommitted with instructions (pp. 573, 574). The revision of the Form of Government was withdrawn from the Committee. The following action was taken with reference to the final report of the Special Committee on the Revision of the Form of Government and Book of Discipline: Resolved, That the consideration of the report of the Committee on the Revision of the Form of Government and Book of Discipline be postponed until the next Assembly, and that the printed report be sent down to the Presbyteries for their consideration and examination, and that the Stated Clerk be instructed to send a copy to every minister and church Session. — 1882, p. 52. In 1883 {Minutes, p. 685), it was Resolved, That the proposed revision of the Book of Discipline, and of Chap, x of tlie Directory for AVorship, be overtured to the Presby- teries for their adoption as a part of the Constitution of the Church, in place of the existing Book of Discipline and the existing Chap, x of the Directory for Worship. 1884 {MimUes, p. 27) — The Special Committee on the Answers of the Presbyteries to the Overtures on the Book of Discipline, reported their adoption by a vote of 131 affirmatives to 36 negatives. The Moderator then made a formal declaration that the Revised Book 14 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. of Discipline with the revision of Chap, x of the Directory for Worship, have been adopted, and are now a part of the Constitution of the Church. —1884, p. 81. For the Revised Book as adopted in 1884, see Minutes, pp. 658-673. Effect of the adoption of the revised Discipline on cases pending. The following paper was adopted with reference to the Revised Book of Discipline: " The General Assembly does herel)y declare that no process heretofore commenced should abate by reason of the adoption of the Revised Book of Discipline, and all judicatories before which such process is now pend- ing are hereby advised to issue and determine such cases in accordance with the mode of procedure and under the provisions of the Revised Book of Discipline."— 1884, p. 111. 1885. — Chap, i, Sec. v, was adopted, as found below. — p. 601. Chap, iv, Sec. xviii, was amended, so as to read as below. — p. 601. Chap, iv. Sec. xxvi, was substituted, so as to read as below. — p. 601. Chap, vi. Sec. xlvi, was amended by striking out Acting Elder. — p. 601. Chap, viii. Sec. Ixv, was omitted, and numbers following changed. — p. 602. Chap, ix. Sec. iii, sub -Sec. Ixxxiii, was changed so as to read as Sec. Ixxxiv below. — p. 602. Chap, xii. Sec. cxii, was amended, so as to read as below. — p. 602. Chap, xiii, Sec. cxviii, on Judicial Commissions, was added. — p. 638. 1894. — Chap, xiii. Sec. cxviii, was amended, and Sees, cxix and cxx were added. — p. 176. 1895. — Chap, xiv, on Differences between Judicatories, was added, —p. 108. (5) Directory for Worship, adoptted 178S-89, amended 188^.-1886. 1884, p. 31. — Chap, x (now xi), re\nsed and adopted. 1886, p. 107. — Chap, vi adopted, and the numbers of all succeeding sections made higher by one. 1886, p. 107. — Chap, vi (now vii). Sec. v, amended. III. PUBLICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. 1. Committee to supervise publication, 1788. Ordered, That Dr. Duffield, Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Green, be a committee to superintend tlie printing and publishing the above said Confession of Faith and Catechisms, with the Form of Government and Discipline and the Directory for the Worship of God, as now adopted and ratified by the Synod, as the Constitution of the Presby- terian Church in the United States of America, and that they divide the several parts into chapters and sections properly numbered. — 1788, p. 547. 2. Committee authorized to publish. The committee appointed to superintend the printing and publishing of tlie Constitution, etc., was ordered to call on ]Mr. Bradford, the PUBLICATION OF THE CONSTITITIOX. 15 printer, whom they employed to print said Constitution, and to inquire of him the reasons why tlie publication has been so long delayed. — 1781), p. (5. Resolved, That the Constitution be printed at the expense of the Gen- eral Assembly; and that the committee, or a majority of them, enter into an agreement witli Mr. Bradford; and that, on the best terms they can, they have a number of copies, not less than a thousand, nor greater than fifteen hundred, printed and bound in such a manner as may best promote the sale; and that the committee draw, for the price of printing and binding, on the Treasurer of the Assembly, who is hereby ordered to pay it out of the present moneys in the funds. And the Assembly earnestly recommend it to the different Presbyteries, to pay particular attention to have the fund reimbursed out of the sale of the book. — 1789, p. 13. 3. Committee of 1792. 1. Edition with proof-texts added. . a. The committee appointed to consider the expediency of a new impression of the Confession of Faith, Form of Government and Discipline of this Church, reported .... that another impression appeared expedient, in w^hich, if the Scripture proofs were inserted at length, it would become more acceptable, and might be of greater utility to the churches; and proposed that a committee be appointed properly to select and arrange the Scripture texts to be adduced in supi)ort of the articles in the Confession of Faith, Form of Government and Discipline, and prepare the same to be laid before the next General Assembly. Resolved, That Dr. Robert Smith, and Messrs. Mitchell and Grier, be a committee to carry the above into execution. — 1792, p. 58, b. A letter was received and read from Mr. Mitchell, one of the members of a committee appointed by the Assembly of 1792, to revise and prepare for publication an edition of the Confession of Faith, Cate- chisms, and Form of Government and Discipline of this Church, informing this Assembly that considerable progress had been made in the business, but that it was still incomplete. Whereupon the business was recommitted, and the Moderator (the Rev. James Latta) added to the committee in the place of the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, deceased, and they wei'e directed to report to the Assembly in 1794. — 1793, p. 66. C. The committee appointed to prepare the Scripture proofs in sup- port of the doctrines of the Confession of Faith, the Catechisms, etc. , of the Presbyterian Church, submitted their report, which was read, examined, and approved as a specimen of the work. Whereupon Dr. Green, Messrs. John B. Smith, James Boyd, AVilliam M. Tcnnent, Nathaniel Irwin and Andrew Hunter, were appointed a connnittee to comj)are the proofs prepared by said committee, and now reported to the General Assembly, with the proofs annexed to the Westminster Confes- sion of Faith, Catechisms and Directory; to revise the whole, prepare it for the press, to agree with the printer for its publication, and to super- intend the printing and vending of the same. — 1794, p. 88. 2. Authority of the notes. — The text alone contains the Constitution. [Note.— The "Notes" referred to arc not found in the constitution as revised in 1820. For the history concerning them see Digest, 1886, pp. 52-54.] 16 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. 4. Unauthorized editions discountenanced. Resolved, That the Rev. Drs. Blair, Teiment, aud Green, the Rev. Messrs. Irwin, ^lilledoler. Potts, Liuu and Janeway, be a committee to take into consideration the expediency of publishing a new edition of the Confession of Faith, etc., of this Church; to consider whether any, and if any, what alterations ought to be made in the said Confession of Faith, etc. , to make such preparatory arrangements on this subject as they shall judge proper, and to report to next Assembly. Whkreas, This Assembly have been informed, that one or more unauthorized editions of the Confession of Faith, and the Form of Gov- ernment and Discipline of this Church, have been published within a short period. Resolved, That the Assembly cannot recognize as accurate, or recom- mend to the churches under their care, any edition of the said Confession of Faith, published since that which was printed by Robert Aitken, in the year 1797, under the direction of the General Assembly. And the Assembly would further declare to the churches in their communion, that no edition of the said Confession of Faith ought, in future, to be purchased or encouraged by them, except such as may be published by the authority of the Assembly. — 1803, p. 282. 5. Committee on circulation. Resolved, That Mr. Hotchkin, Drs. Blatchford and Romeyn, Messrs. Potts, Patterson, John H. Rice, Drs. Blythe, Hall, Thompson and Mr. Kemper, be a committee to report some plan for more extensively circu- lating the Confession of Faith and the Book of Discipline of our Church.— 1816, p. 613. 6. Presbyteries and churches to stimulate circulation. The committee appointed to inquire whether some plan cannot be devised for the wider circulation of the Confession of Faith, and of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, reported, and their report being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz. : 1. That it be strictly enjoined on all the Presbyteries under the Gen- eral Assembly, to endeavor, by such means as upon careful examination shall to them appear best, to promote the diffusion and wider circulation of the Confession of Faith, and Book of Discipline of the Presbyterian Church. 2. That it be recommended to the congregations in our connection to take measures to su])ply their own poor with the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Book of Discipline of our Church. 7. Committee of supervision of 1821. Drs. Blatchford, M'Dowell and Wilson, and Messrs. Herron and William AVilliams, were ajipointed a conunittee to determine upon the j)lau of printing a new edition of the Confession of Faith, and Constitu- tion of the Church. — 1821, p. 9. 8. Committees of supervision appointed from the Synods. The committee appointed to determine upon tlie plan of printing a new edition of the Confession of Faith and Constitution of the Church, presented a report, which was accepted; whereupon the Assembly Resolved, 1. That the Rev. Dr. Ely be appointed a committee to pro- PUBLICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. 17 cure in the name of the Trustees of the General Assembly, the privilege of a copyright for the publishing of the Confession of Faith, and Constitution of the Church; and that he be charged with seeing tluit every part of the law concerning the securing said right be fully complied with. 2. That any printer so disposed, may print any number of copies of said book, as he shall tliink proper, subject to the following restrictions: 3. That to secure authentic copies of so important a publication three ministers of each of the Synods of our Church be designated as a com- mittee in their respective bounds, whose duty it shall be to form contracts for the payment of the premium hereinafter mentioned, and carefully to examine the proof sheets of said book. Their signatures shall be regarded as necessary certificates of authenticity. 4. That each printer of said book, for the privilege of printing, shall pay the sum of three cents per copy, to the Treasurer of the General Assembly; to be equally divided between the missionary funds belonging to this Assembly, and the funds of the Theological Seminary at Prince- ton. 5. That the committee of the Synod of Philadelphia be directed to have the book printed as speedily as possible. The Assembly then proceeded to appoint the following committees in their respective Synods, to act in conformity with the preceding resolu- tions, viz.— 1821, p. 18. 9. Committees responsible for accuracy. Resolved, That the members of these several committees, respectively, shall be considered as responsible to the Church for the accuracy of the editions which may be printed under their superintendeney. — 1821, p. 18. 10. Board of Publication to print and sell. Resolved, That the permission heretofore granted by the Assembly to publish the Confession of Faith in contravention of the copyright, be, and the same is, hereby revoked. Resolved, That the Presbyterian Board of Publication is hereby directed to take the charge, oversight, and agency of printing and selling the authorized copy of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.— 1839, p. 177, O. S. 11. Synodical committees abolished. Resolved, That the standing committees to supervise the publication of the Constitution, within the bounds of the several Synods, be, and the same are, hereby abolished. — 1839, ]). 177, O. S. 12. Permanent committee of supervision appointed. Resolved, That the Stated and Permanent Clerks be a committee to supervise the pul>lication of any and all editions of the Crmstitution hereafter issued by the Board of Publicaticm, and also of the Rules for Judicatories.— 1886, p. 113. Resolved, 1. That the Permanent Committee on Editions of the Constitu- tion be enlarged by the addition, ex-officio, of the Rev. E. R, Craven, D.D., LL.D. Resolved, 2. That no change of the text of any of the several Standards of Doctrine, Government, Discipline and Worshij), included 18 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. in the Constitution, shall hereafter be made except after report to the General Assembly, and due constitutional procedure. — 1891, p. 37. 13. Attestation by the committee of supervision. The Permanent Committee appointed to supervise all editions of the Constitution, having carefully examined this edition, herewith state that the text has been carefully compared with those of the editions of 1789, 1797, 1815, 1821, 1885 and 1888, the edition of 1789 being regarded as the Princeps, and also with the texts of the amendments as they appear in the Minutes of the General Asseml^ly. In their judgment, tills edition contains what may be regarded as the authoritative text of the Standards of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. The proof -texts are those approved by the Assembly of 1894, and have been carefully edited. The Index has been greatly enlarged, and it is believed will prove a decided help in consulting the work. [Edition of 1896.] Wm. H. Roberts, Wm. E. Moore, E. R. Craven. 14. Standard copy of the Shorter Catechism. Resolved, That the Assembly approve the revised copy of the Shorter Catechism with the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Creed, presented by the Board of Publication, and hereby adopt the same as the standard edition of our Church. — 1872, p. 22. [Note. — See Report of the Committee on Proof-texts, 1894, p. 24.] 15. Report on corrections in punctuation, etc. The Special Committee on a New Edition of the Constitution pre- sented its Report, which was accepted, and adopted, and is as follows: The Permanent Committee, consisting of the Stated and Permanent Clerks, appointed to supervise the editions of the Constitution of the Church, would respectfully report to the General Assembly of 1891 that a new edition of the Constitution has been prepared under the super- vision of the Committee, and published by the Board of Publication and Sabbath -school Work. Great care has been taken in the preparation of this edition, and it is believed to be more accurate than any preceding issue. The text has been carefully compared with the editions of 1789, 1797, 1815, 1885 and 1888, the edition of 1789 being regarded as the Princeps, and also with the texts of the several amendments as they appear in the Minutes of the General As.sembly. In the judgment of the Committee this edition contains what may be regarded as the authoritative text of the Standards of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. The proof-texts have been carefully com- pared with those contained in the edition of 1797. The Index has been enlarged, and it is believed will prove a decided help in consulting the work. The Committee thankfully acknowledge the faithful, painstaking services and valuable a.ssistance rendered in the preparation and publica- tion of this edition by the Rev. Elijah" R. Craven, D.D. , LL.D. As a result of the work done by him and your Committee, the following restorations of the true text of the Constitution have been made. PUBLICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. 19 The principal emendations of the text of the Constitution are as follows : Confession. 1. The title of Chapter iii is altered from " Of God's Eternal Decrees " to " Of God's Eternal Decree.'" 2. Chapter vii, 3 — " offered " changed to " offereth." 3. Chapter xi, 3 — the punctuation altered so as to read: " Yet, inasmuch as He was given by the Father for them; and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead; and, both freely," etc. 4. Chapter xiii, 1 — a colon (:) after "dwelling in them:" and a semi-colon (;) after " weakened and mortified;". 5. Chapter xv, 6 — a semi-colon (;) after " the pardon thereof;". 6. Chapter xxi, 6 — "into" is altered to "unto" in the phrase ' ' either tied tmto. ' ' 7. Chapter xxiii, 4 — the article "the" is omitted in the first clause before ' ' people " so as to read : " It is the duty of people. ' ' 8. Chapter xxix, 2 — " one " changed to " once " in the clause: " a commemoration of the once ofTering up of himself." (This change is made in accordance with the American Princeps. The British editions, so far as they have been examined, all read ' ' one. ' ' ) Larger Catechism. 9. Answer 113 — altering "the" to "His" in the clause: "using His titles, attributes," etc. 10. Answer 113 (near end) — substituting "wise" for "ways" in the clause: " or any ivise opposing," etc. 11. Answer 120 — inserting " day " in the clause: " the seventh day is the Sabbath," etc. 12. Answer 135 (near end) — substituting "forbearing" for " for- bearance. ' ' 13. Answer 139 (near end) — substituting semi-colon (;) for comma (,) after " stage -plays. " 14. Answer 142 — substituting " depredation " for " depopulations." (The word employed by the Westminster divines was " depopulations," and it was appropriately used in thickly settled Britain. In this coun- try, however, which was sparsely settled, the word "depredation" appears in the Princeps, and, beyond doubt, was the term designed by the Synod. The change to "depopulations" was made subsequent to the year 1842, doubtless to bring the Catechism into conformity with the original Westminster. ) 15. Question 164 — inserting " in his church " after " instituted." 1(3. Answer 172 (near middle) — substituting "desires" for "desir- ous " in the clause: " unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ." 17. Answer 175 — substituting "relapses" for "relapse." Shorter Catechism. 18. Answer 19 — the reading of the American Princeps, restored .so that the third clause shall read: " and so made liable to all the miseries 0/ this life." (There are three forms of this answer: (1) The American Princeps, 20 HISTORICAL DOCUMKNTS, jis above, which was continued in all editions until 1842. (2) The Westminster and Scotch, adopted in the N. S. edition of 1850, and introduced into the editions of the Presbyterian Board after 1872 — " and so made liable to all miseries in this life. (3) A form introduced subsequent to 1842, and which seems to have been an attempted compro- mise between the American and Westminster forms — " and so made liable to all the miseries in this life.") 19. The words " End of the Catechism" restored after the Creed. (These words appear in the American Priuceps, and in all editions previous to those of 1821.) Form of Government. 20. Chapter viii, 1 — last line, " or in " substituted for " and " in the clause : " in opinion or in practice. ' ' 21. Chapter xiv, 7 — in Question 1, sul)stitutiug " the" for " and" in clauses: " the word of God, the only infallible rule." 22. Chapter xxii, 1 — substituting " their " for " the " in the clause: ' ' for their commissioners to attend to their duty. ' ' The Committee has also prepared a summary, setting forth in brief the history of the Standards of the Church, and this has been published on page 4 of the new edition. Your Committee would recommend the passage and adoption of the folloAving resolutions : Resolved, 1. That the Permanent Committee on Editions of the Con- stitution be enlarged by the addition, ex-officio, of the Rev. E. R. Craven, D.D., LL.D. Resolved, 2. That no change of the text of any of the several Stand- ards of Doctrine, Government, Discipline and Worship, included in the Constitution, shall hereafter be made except after report to the General Assembly, and due constitutional procedure. Respectfully submitted, Wm. H. Roberts, Wm. E. Moore. —1891, pp. 34-37. 16. Title-page of the Constitution changed. The Committee on the Constitution respectfully reports that a new edition of the Constitution has been issued under its direction, by the Board of Publication; that said edition contains the revised proof -texts reported to and approved by the General Assembly of 1894, and also acts of the Assembly of a general administrative character, as directed by the same Assembly. The Committee draw particular attention to the title-page of the next edition, which will read: " The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., being its Standards, subordinate to the Word of God, viz. , The Confession of P^iith, the Larger and Sliorter Catechisms, the Form of (Jovcrnment, and the Directory for the Worship of God," etc. — 189G, p. 1(58. — 10t7U, p. 1\>p. 2:W, 231): 1750, pp. 240, 241, 243; 1756, p. 272; 1757, p. 279, and Baird's J>ige^t, pp. (i09- appre- hensions and exercises their souls are comforted, notwithstanding all their 30 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. past guilt, and rejoice in God through Jesus Christ; when they hate and bewail their sins of heart and life, delight in the laws of God without exception, reverentially and diligently attend his ordinances, become humble and self-denied, and make it the business of their lives to please aud glorify God and to do good to their fellow-men — this is to be acknowledged as a gracious work of God, even though it should be attended Avith unusual bodily commotions or some more exceptionable circumstances, by means of infirmity, temptations or remaining corrup- tions; and wherever religious appearances are attended with the good effects above mentioned, we desii-e to rejoice in and thank God for them. But, on the other hand, when persons seeming to be under a religious concern, imagine that they have visions of the human nature of Jesus Christ, or hear voices, or see external lights, or have fainting and con- vulsion-like fits, and on the account of these judge themselves to be truly converted; though they have not the Scriptural characters of a work of God above described, we believe such persons are under a dangerous delusion; and we testify our utter disapprobation of such a delusion, wherever it attends any religious appearances, in any Church or time. Now as both Synods are agreed in their sentiments concerning the nature of a work of grace, and declare their desire and purpose to promote it, different judgments respecting particular matters of fact ought not to prevent their union; especially as many of the present members have en- tered into the ministry since the time of the aforesaid religious appearances. Upon the whole, as the design of our union is the advancement of the Mediator's kingdom, and as the wise and faithful discharge of the ministerial function is the principal appointed means for that glorious end, we judge that this is a proper occasion to manifest our sincere intention unitedly to exert ourselves to fulfill the ministry we have received of the Lord Jesus. Accordingly, we unanimously declare our serious and fixed resolution, by divine aid, to take heed to ourselves that our hearts be upright, our discourse edifying, and our lives exemplary for purity and godliness; to take heed to our doctrine, that it be not only orthodox, but evangelical and spiritual, tending to awaken the secure to a suitable con- cern for their salvation, and to instruct and encourage sincere Christians, thus commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God; to cultivate peace and harmony among ourselves, and strengthen each other's hands in promoting the knowledge of divine truth, and diffusing the savor of piety among our people. Finally, we earnestly recommend it to all under our care, that instead of indulging a contentious disposition, they would love each other with a pure heart fervently, as brethren Avho profess subjection to the same Lord, adhere to the same faith, worship and government, and entertain the same hope of glory. And we desire that they would improve the present union for their mutual edification, combine to strengthen the com- mon interests of religion, and go hand in hand in the path of life; which we pray the God of all grace would please to effect, for Christ's sake. Amen. The Synod agree, that all former differences and disputes are laid aside and buried; and that no future inquiry or vote shall be proposed in this Synod concerning these things; but if any member seek a Synodical inquiry or declaration about any of the matters of our past differences, it shall be deemed a censurable breach of this agreement, and be refused, and he be rebuked accordingly. — 1758, pp. 285, 288. SEPARATIONS AND REUNIONS. 31 11. THE SEPARATION OF 1837. 1. The excluding act of 1837. [Sec Baird's Digest, rev. ed., pp. 715-77U; and Minutes, l.s;37, pp. 419^88. The plan of Union of 1801, with the Congregational Churches, was abrogated — 1837, pp. 420-422. By the operation of the abrogation of the Plan of Union of 1801, the Synod of the Western Reserve was declared to be no longer a part of the Presbj^terian Church in the United States of America. — 1837, p. 440. The Synods of Utica, Geneva and Genesee, which were formed and attached to this body under and in execution of said " Plan of Union," were declared to be out of the ecclesiastical connection of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and not in form or in fact an integral portion of said Church.— 1837, p. 444.] 2. The Division of the Church. Tivu General Assemblies organized. [See Baird's Digest, rev. ed., pp. 770-784 ; and Minutes, 1838, pp. 3, 7, 19 0 S Also .¥;«h/c,s-, 1S3S, PI,. G35-645, N. S. Thence lortli until isdii the two Assemblies met as independent bodies. For the relations of tiie two Assemblies prior to reunion see Digest, 1886, pp 57 58 • and Minutes, 1849, pp. 174, 175 ; 1850, p. 306, N. S. ; 1850, p. 467, 0. S.] TIL THE REUNION OF 1869. 1. Initiation of correspondence between the Assemblies. a. In the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in session at Columbus, Ohio, the matter of a frater- nal correspondence by commissioners, with the General Asseml)ly of the Presbyterian Church (New School), in session at Cincinnati, Ohio, being duly considered, is decided as follows: This Assembly, having considered certain overtures sent to it by a few of the Presbyteries under its care, proposing that steps should be taken by it towards an organic union between this Church and the Church under the care of the Presbyterian General Assembly (New School) ; and having determined against the course proposed in said overtures, has also been informed that the other General Assembly has, about the same time, come to a simihir couchision on similar overtures laid before it \)\ a certain number of its own Presbyteries. Of its own motion, this General Assembly, considering the time to have come for it to take the initiative in securing a better understanding of the relations which it judges are proper to be maintained between the two General Assemblies, hereby proposes that there shall be a stated, annual, and friendly interchange of Commissioners between the two General As.semblies; each body sending to the other one minister and one ruling ekler, as Commis.sioners, vear by year; the said Commissioners to enjoy such privileges, in each body to which they are sent, as are common to all those now received by this body from other Christian denominations. The Moderator of this Assembly will communicate this Deliverance to the Moderator of the other Assembly, to be laid before it with our Christian salutations.— 1862, pp. 633, 634, O. S. [This action was communicated to the Assembly, N. S., of 1863, whose response was as follows.] b. The Committee, to whom was referred the communication from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, that met at Columbus, Ohio, in May, 1862, addressed to this General Assembly, and proposing " a .stated, annual, and friendlv interchange of Commissioners between the two General Assemblies," recommend the adoption of the following resolutions: 32 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. Remlved, 1. That this Assembly, with heartfelt pleasure and Christian salutatious, acoojit the proposition thus made, hoping and praying, that it may result " in securing a better understanding of the relations," which, in the judgment of this Assembly, " are proper to be maintained between the two Assemblies." 2. That, in accordance with the suggestion of the Moderator of the Assembly that met at Columbus, Ohio, in May, 1862, that this inter- change of Commissioners should commence at the earliest practical)le period, the Rev. Robert W. Patterson, D.D. , and the Hon. William II. Brown, Principals, and the Rev. Arthur Swazey and Mr. Oliver H. Lee, Alternates, all of the Presbytery of Chicago, be appointed Commissioners, to represent this General Assembly in the General Assembly now in session at Peoria, 111. 3. That it be suggested that future General Assemblies of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church in the United States hereafter designate each other respectively by the places in which their sessions are appointed to be held. 4. That a certified copy of this action be at once transmitted to the Moderator of the General Assembly now in session at Peoria, 111., and that the Commissioners appointed be requested to repair to that body, and express to them the fraternal and Christian regards of this General Assembly.— 1863, p. 230, K S. 2. Action of the Assemblies looking to reunion— Committee appointed. a. Overture of the Old School Assembly. The Committee of Bills and Overtures report Overture No. 10, on the subject of the reunion of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church, from the Presbyteries of Leavenworth, Muncie, New Lisbon, Madison, Erie and Oxford. These Presbyteries ask the Assembly to take measures at this Session to secure, at an eai'ly day, the organic union of the two bodies whose General Assemblies are now in session in this city. The Committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions: Rexolved, 1. That this Assembly expresses its fraternal affection for the other branch of the Presbyterian Church, and its earnest desire for reunion at the earliest time consistent with agreement in doctrine, order and polity, on the basis of our common Standards, and the prevalence of mutual confidence and love which are necessary to a happy union, and to the permanent peace and pros})crity of the united Church. Rexolvcd, 2. That it be recommended to all our churches and church courts, and to all our ministers, ruling elders, and connnunicants, to cherish fraternal feelings, to cultivate Chi'istian intercourse, in the wor- ship of God and in the promotion of the cause of Christ, and to avoid all needless controversies and competitions adapted to perpetuate division and strife. Rcsoh'cd, 3. That a Committee of nine ministers and six ruling elders be appointed, provided that a similar Committee shall be appointed by the other Assembly now in session in this city, for the purpose of con- ferring in regard to the desirableness and practicability of reunion, and if, after conference and inijuirv, such reunion shall seem to be desirable and practicable, to suggest suitable measures for its accomplishment, and report to the next General Assembly. — 1860, p. 44, O. S. SEPARATIONS AND REUNIONS. 33 b. Response of the N. S. Assembly. The Committee on the Polity of the Church reported on several over- tures relating to Reunion with the Other Branch of the Presbyterian Church, The report was unanimously adopted, and is as follows: The Committee on the Polity of the Churcli report overtures, num- bered 5 to 16, on the subject of the Reunion of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church: from the Presbyteries of New York, 3d, and New York," 4th, Newark, Dubuque, Greencastle, Alton, Steuben, Athens, Monroe, Keokuk, Long Island, Trumbull and San Jose. All these Presbyteries, with different degrees of urgency, recommend to this Assembly to initiate, or to respond to, proposals looking to an entire Reunion of the churches represented by the two General Assemblies now in session in the city of St. Louis. The General Assembly now in session at the Second Presbyterian Church of this city lias also adopted resolutions appointing a Committee to confer with a similar Committee of our own Church in regard to the desirableness and practicability of such Reunion. Your Committee recommend to this Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions: Resolved, That this Assembly tender to the Assembly representing the Other Branch of the Presbyterian Church, its cordial Christian salutations and fellowship, and the expression of its earnest wish for Reunion, on the basis of our common Standards, received in a common spirit. Resolved, That a Committee of fifteen, nine of whom shall be minis- ters of the Gospel, and six ruling elders, be appointed to confer on this subject, in the recess of the Assemblies, with the Committee to be appointed by the other General Assembly, and to report the results to the next General Assembly. Resolved, That we enjoin upon this Committee, and upon all our ministers and church members to abstain from whatever may hinder a true Christian fellowship, and to cherish and cultivate those feelings and purposes which look to the peace and prosperity of Zion, the edifying of the body of Christ, and the complete union of all believers, especially of those Avho live in the same land, and have the same history, and the same Standards of Doctrine and Polity. Remlved, That a copy of these resolutions, with the names of our Committee, be sent to the other General Assembly now in session in this city.— 1866, pp. 273, 274, N. S. C. Committees on Reunion, 18G6. 1. Old School. Ministers— J. M. Krebs, D.D., of the Svnod of New York, C. C. Beatty, D.D., of the Synod of Wheeling, J. T. Backus, D.D., of the Synod of Albany, P. D. Gurley, D.D., of the Synod of Baltimore, J. G. Moufort, D.D., of the Synod of Cincinnati, AV. D. Howard, D.D., of the Synod of Pittsburg, W. E. Schenck, D.D., of the Synod of Philadelphia, Villeroy D. Reed, D.D., of the Synod of New Jersey, F. T. Brown, D.D., of the Synod of Chicago. Rulinc/ Elders — James M. Ray, of the Synod of Northern Indiana, Robert McKniglit, of the Synod of Allegheny, Samuel Galloway, of the Synod of Ohio, H. K. Clarke, of the Synod of Sandusky, George P. Strong, of the Synod of Missouri, Ormond Beatty, of the Synod of Kentucky. — 1866, p. 48, O. S. 3 34 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. 2. Neio School. Mbmier>< — Thonicos Brainerd, D.D. , Chairman; "William Adams, D.D., Edwin F. Hatfield, D.D., Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., Philemon H. Fowler, D.D., James B. Shaw, D.D., Henry L. Hitchcock, D.D., Robert W. Patterson, D. D., and Pleury A. Nelson, D.D,, with Ruling Elders — Joseph Allison, LL.D., Henry W, Williams, LL,D,, and Messrs, Trnman P. Handy, Edward A. Lambert, Robert W. Steele and William H. Brown,— 1866, p. 278, N. S, [The joint Committees thus constituted reported to the Assemblies of 1867.] 3. Terms of Reunion of the Assemblies of 1867 and 1868. [The terms of reunion proposed by the Joint Committee on Reunion appointed in 1866, and continued by the Assemblies of 1867 and 1868, were sent down to the Presbyteries by both the Old and the New School Assemblies. Of the Old School Presbjrteries, only 110 sent up answers, and these indicated " an vnisettled and fluctuating judgment, probably without a parallel in the history of our Church." Of the New School Presbyteries, 100 were in the affirmative, and 4 in the negative.] [Note. — See for the entire history of this subject, with the protest in the Old School Assembly. 1869, of Dr. E. P. Humphrey and others, and the answer to the protest, by Dr. W. G.T. Shedd and others. —Digest of 1886, pp. 70-90.] 4. General Assemblies of 1869 at New York. A new Joint Committee cqypointed. a. [On the first day of the session.] On motion of Dr. Musgrave, the following was unanimously adopted: Resolved, That a Committee of Conference, consisting of five minis- ters and five ruling elders, be appointed to confer with a similar Com- mittee, if appointed by the other General Assembly now in session in this city, on the subject of the Reunion of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church; to report during the present sessions, and at as early a day as practicable, what further action, if any, should be taken on the subject. The Moderator appointed as said Committee: Ministers — George W. Musgrave, D.D., A. G. Hall, D.D., L. H. Atwater, D.D., Willis Lord, D.D., and Henry R. Wilson, D.D. Ruling Elders — Robert Carter, J. C. Grier, Charles D. Drake, Henry Day and William M. Francis.— 1869, p. 890, O. S. b. Resolved, That a Committee of five ministers and five elders be appointed to-morrow morning by the Moderator, to confer with any like Committee of the Assembly of the Other Branch, on the subject of Reunion. Ministers — AVilliam Adams, D.D., Robert W. Patterson, D.D., Samuel W. Fisher, D.D., LL.D., Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., James B. Shaw, D.D. Ruling Elders — Hon. William Strong, Hon. Daniel Haines, Hon. William E. Dodge, Hon. Jacob S. Farrand, Hon. John L. Knight.— 1869, pp. 252, 257, N. S. 5. The Report of the Joint Committee presented in both Assemblies, 1869. The Committee of Conference appointed by the two General Assem- blies has attended to the duty assigned to it; and after a very free interchange of \news, with prayer to Almighty God for His guidance, is SEPARATIONS AND REUNIONS. 35 unanimous in recomnien(liii<^f to the A.ss^cniblies for their consideration, and, if they see fit, their adoption, the accompanying three papers, to wit: 1. Plan of Reunion of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; 2. Concurrent Declarations of the General Assemblies of 1869; and 3. Recommendation of a Day of Prayer. >< I. Plan of Reunion of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Believing that the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom would be promoted by the healing of our divisions, and that the two bodies bear- ing the same name, having the same Constitution, and each recognizing the other as a sound and orthodox body according to the principles of the Confession common to both, cannot be justified by any but the most imperative reasons in maintaining separate and, in some respects, rival organizations; we are now clearly of the opinion that the reunion of those bodies ought, as soon as the necessary steps can be taken, to be accomplished, upon the basis hereinafter set forth: 1. The Presbyterian Churches in the United States of America, name- ly, that whose General Assembly convened in the Brick Church in the city of New York, on the 20th day of May, 1869, and that whose General Assembly met in the Church of the Covenant in the said city, on the same day, shall be reunited as one Church, under the name and style of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, pos- sessing all the legal and corporate rights and powers pertaining to the Church previous to the division in 1838, and all the legal and corporate rights and powex's which the separate Churches now possess. 2. The Reunion shall l)e effected on the doctrinal and ecclesiastical basis of our common Standards; the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments shall be acknowledged to be the inspired Woi'd of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice; the Confession of Faith shall continue to be sincerely received and adopted as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and the Government and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church in the United States shall be approved as c(mtainiug the principles and rules of our polity. 3. Each of tlie said Assemblies shall submit the foregoing basis to its Presbyteries, which shall be recpiired to nieet on or before the 15th day of October, 1869, to express their a]>])roval or disapproval of the same, by a categorical answer to the following (juestion: Do you approve of the reunion of the two bodies now claiming the name and rights of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, on the following basis, namely : ' ' The reunion shall be effected on the doctrinal and ecclesiastical basis of our connnon Standards; the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments shall be acknowledged to be the inspired Word of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and prac- tice; the Confession of Faitli shall continue to be sincerely received and adopted as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scrip- tures; and the Government aniiartcr-('('iitury Aiuiiversary Reunion Fund. Of tiie Committee of thirty api)ointi'd for tlie raising of this Fund, Rev. W. L. McEwan, D.D., was the Chairman, and Rev. W. H. Roberts, D.D., Treasurer. Thf» sum raised was about S384, 000, and was used mainly in licpiidating the debts of the Boards of Home and Foreign Missions. — See Minutes, 1895, pp.97, 105. 119, and 1896, pp. 108-113.] jJV^Ui. ^\ ?» CS;Uxv>.A^W., 44 CONFESSION OF FAITH, CHAP. I. PART II. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAPTER I. OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE. I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and pro\'idence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable ; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation ; therefore it pleased tlie Lord , at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church ; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing : which maketli the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God's revealing His will unto His people being now ceased. II. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these: OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Oenesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Numbers. Deuteronomy. Joshua. Judges. Ruth. I Samuel. II SamueL I Kings. II Kings. I Chronicles. II Chronicles. Ezra. Nehemiah. Esther. Job. Psalms. Proverbs. Ecclesiastes. The Song of Songs. Isaiah. Jeremiah. Lamentations. Ezekiel. Daniel. Hosea. Joel. Amos.' Obadiah. Jonah. Micah. Nahum. Hahakkuk. Zophaniah. Haggai. Zechariah. Malachi. OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. The Gospels according to Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. The Acts of the Apostles. Paul's Epistles to the Romans. Corinthians, I. Corinthians, II. Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. Thessalonians, I. Thessalonians, IL To Timotliv, I. To Timotiiy, II. To Titus. To Philemon. The Epistle to the Hebrews. The Epistle of James. Tlie tirst and second Epis- tles of Peter. The first, second and third Epistles (if .John. The Epistle of Jude. The Revelation. All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life. OP THE HOLY SCRIPTURE. 45 1. Deliverance on the so-called Higher Criticism. The Special Committee to whom certain overtures were referred on the so-called " Higher Criticism " presented their report, which was adopted, and is as follows: Overtures from the Presbyteries of Ebenezer, Jersey City, Louisville, Morris and Orange, and St. Louis, requesting the Assembly to make a deliverance by which pastors and teachers should be cautioned against the false teaching which is commonly known by the name of the " Higher Criticism," having been referred to this Committee, we hereby respectfully report the following deliverance : The General Assembly feels constrained to express itself clearly and decidedly on the rationalistic treatment of the Holy Scriptures by Protestant teachers in Europe whose works are introduced into our country, and whose evil influence is felt in our Church. Our Confession of Faith (Chap, i, Sec. ii), after giving the names of the bocjks of the Old and New Testaments, adds, " all which are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life." The denial of the authenticity or truthfulness of the Holy Scriptures is a denial of their inspiration; and any teaching that suggests such denial should be not only carefully avoided, but studiously repelled. The Assembly would not discourage the full use of all light in critical study; nor does it assume that any erroneous teaching is welcomed or offered within the bounds of the Church ; but it would warn all pastors and teachers of the danger to young and inexperienced minds in the free use of crude theories and improved si)eculations on the part of religious instructors, and would remind them of the paramount importance of sustaining in positive doctrine the authenticity, integrity, truthfulness and inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, against the unsanctified learning by which an unbe- lieving world, through nominally Christian channels, assaults the Church of God. The Assembly would also remind the Presbyteries of their special responsibility as guardians of the faith, and that, in view of the appre- hensions excited throughout the Church by the rationalistic handling of the Word of God, it is incumbent upon them to see to it that the appro- priate constitutional action be taken if at any time it should become manifest that any minister of our Church was promulgating theories of dangerous tendency or contra-confessioual doctrine concerning the Holy Scriptures.— 1883, pp. 631, 632. 2. The inspired Word, as it came from God, is without error. Overture from (lie Pres])ytery of Chester, and overture from the Presby- tery of Genesee, asking the General Assembly, in view of certain i)ubli- cations during the ptist year, to make a deliverance concerning subscrip- tion to the Standards of the Church which our ministers and elders make at their ordination. The Connnittee recommend the following: The General Assembly would remind all under its care that it is a fun- damental doctrine that the Old and New Testaments are the inspired and infallible Word of God. Our Church holds that the ins])ired Word, as it came from God, is without error. The assertion of the contrary cannot but sliake the confidence of the people in the sacred books. All wlio enter ottice in our Church solcnmly profess to receive them as the only infallible rule of faith and practice. If they change 46 CONFESSION OF FAITH, CHAP. 1, SECT. II. their belief on this point, Christian honor demands that they should withdraw from our ministry. They have no right to use the pulpit or the chair of the professor for the dissemination of their errors until they are dealt with by the slow process of discipline. But if any do so act, their Presbytery should speedily interpose, and deal with them for violation of ordination vows. The vow taken at the beginning is obliga- tory until the party taking it is honorably and properly released. The General Assembly enjoins upon all ministers, elders and Presbyteries, to be faithful to the duty here imposed.— 1892, pp. 179, 180. 3. Case of the Rev. Charles A. Briggs, D.D. a. Preliminary Note. [January 20, 1891, the Rev. Charles A. Briggs, D.D., LL.D., a member of the Pres- bytery of New York, delivered an inaugural address on the occasion of his induction as Professor of Biblical Theology in Union Theological Seminary. Tliis address was brought to the attention of the Presbytery of New York. A Committee of Investiga- tion was appointed April 13, 1891, and on its report a Committee of Prosecution was appointed May 11, isOl. Charges and specifications were duly tabled, citations were issued to the parties and the case was heard at a meeting of the Presbytery held November 4, 1891. At this meeting the accused appeared and presented his objections to the suffi- ciency of the charges and specifications in form and legal effect. The Presbytery then entered on its record its decision and final judgment, dismiss- ing the case in the following words : "Resolved, That the Presbytery of New York, having listened to the paper of the Rev. Charles A. Briggs, D.D., in the case of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America against him as to the sufficiency of the charges and specifications in form and legal effect ; and, without approving of the positions stated in his Inaugural Address, at the same time desiring earnestly the peace and quiet of the Church, and in view of the declarations nia